Reception in support of Diabetes Australia in Queensland 2023 Donor Thank You

Diabetes Australia Board Director, Mr Craig Beyers; Group CEO, Ms Justine Cain; staff; donors and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

As Joint Patrons of Diabetes Australia in Queensland, Graeme and I are honoured to welcome you to Government House for this afternoon’s special “Thank You” event.
While next month’s World Diabetes Day will shine a global spotlight on this serious, life-threatening condition, it is important that we also acknowledge and celebrate the incredible progress being made to improve outcomes for those living with all types of diabetes.

In Queensland, this is in no small part due to the tireless efforts of Diabetes Australia, which for more than 50 years now, has been working hard to ensure that people with diabetes receive appropriate care, and trustworthy information, to understand and better manage their condition.

Standing firmly alongside this remarkable organisation are its unwavering champions—the donors, volunteers, advocates, ambassadors, and partners represented by all of you—whose generosity of spirit and significant financial support ensure that Diabetes Australia can remain innovative, can continue to deliver its outstanding services, and fund crucial, life-changing research.

Now, more than ever, your altruistic support is of vital importance.

I am sure you are aware that in this country diabetes is our fastest growing chronic condition.

All three types can insidiously result in other dangerous medical complications.

This not only puts immense pressure on our healthcare system, but also has the capacity to rob ordinary Australians of the chance to live full and healthy lives.

It is through educational events, community partnerships and wonderfully proactive behaviour-changing programs such as Queensland’s own “My Health For Life” that people with diabetes, or those at risk of developing it, can learn more.

I am so pleased to see that at last count, over 28,000 eligible Queenslanders had joined “My Health for Life”—that 68% had trimmed their waistlines, and almost everyone was now determined to focus on improving their future health. What incredible results!

It is vital to spread this message, and to break down the misconceptions people hold, because your work—as part of a wider promotion towards healthier lifestyles—truly has transformative power.

At Government House, Graeme and I are deeply committed to enhancing the health of Queenslanders, and our Wellbeing Bushwalks—in tandem with Health and Wellbeing Queensland—encourage people to get active.

Last year we marked World Diabetes Day with such a walk, and it is a reminder that we all have a role to play in helping keep our loved ones and ourselves healthy, through diet and exercise.

The ultimate goal is to discover a cure, and until that day arrives, we are profoundly grateful for the work being done by Diabetes Australia in Queensland, and for the unwavering dedication and commitment of those who further its objectives. 

Now, it is Graeme and my immense honour to present Group CEO for Diabetes Australia, Ms Justine Cain, with our Certificate of Patronage, and once again say Thank You to you all.