Our Advisers play a vital role in guiding Diabetes Australia’s Board and Management to achieve our Ambitious Goals, curing diabetes, preventing its onset, reducing complications, and lessening the financial burden on individuals and the health system.
 
By combining professional expertise with lived experience, Advisers ensure strategic decisions and research priorities address the needs of all Australians impacted by or at risk of diabetes. Their insights help translate community perspectives into actionable solutions, driving innovation and impact that is authentic, inclusive, and aligned with our purpose: to eliminate the impact of diabetes on Australians.

Community Advisory Council

Research Steering Committee

Kellion Advisory Council

Health Professional Advisory Council

Community Advisory Council

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) provides a formal consultation and advisory mechanism that strengthens engagement between Diabetes Australia’s Board and Management and a diverse group of people with deep lived‑experience insight. The CAC helps inform strategy, guide plans, and shape actions to ensure Diabetes Australia’s impact is grounded in the real experiences of people living with diabetes. Engagement includes all types of diabetes, with recognition of the different ages, stages and life circumstances of those living with, at risk of or caring for those living with diabetes.

Yvonne Appleby

Yvonne Appleby has lived with type 2 diabetes since 2011 and became involved with Diabetes Australia immediately following her diagnosis. Through education programs and ongoing engagement, she developed a strong foundation of knowledge and a passion for supporting others navigating similar journeys.

Yvonne has served as a community awareness speaker, ambassador, consumer representative, and Community Advisory Council member. Her advocacy focuses on early detection, improved diagnosis, and raising awareness through shared lived experience. Yvonne believes that connection and understanding can ease the burden of diabetes and help people feel supported at every stage of their journey. 

Emma Bond

Emma Bond has lived with Type 1 diabetes since being diagnosed at age 11 in 2013. She became involved with Diabetes Australia through the DiaBuddies Youth Leadership Program in 2024, where she connected with families affected by Type 1 diabetes and supported young people living with it. 
 
As a Diabuddies mentor, Emma has attended several community events, helping to provide information, encouragement, and her own personal experience to children with Type 1 diabetes and their families. Growing up in regional Australia, Emma brings a strong rural and remote perspective to her advocacy. She is particularly passionate about advocating for greater support and access to medical services and events for all people, but especially teens and young adults, living with Type 1 in regional and rural Australia.

Emma believes that advocacy helps create community, awareness, and empowerment—providing safe spaces to help remind others that they are never alone in their diabetes journey, no matter where they live.

Jenna Cantamessa

Jenna Cantamessa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 19, an experience that initially felt isolating and overwhelming. Seeking connection, Jenna created the Instagram community @typeonevibes in 2017, which was a huge step to opening the door to support, friendship, and advocacy on a global scale. 

Jenna represented Australia in the International Diabetes Federation’s Young Leaders in Diabetes program, where she connected with advocates from around the world united by shared purpose. Through her work with Diabetes Australia, community committees, and fundraising initiatives, Jenna continues to amplify lived experience and advocate for access, awareness, and connection across the diabetes community. 

Saradhi Motamarri

Saradhi Motamarri is an active advocate and Community Advisory Council member with Diabetes Australia, drawing on lived experience with type 2 diabetes to contribute meaningfully to strategy, consultation, and public engagement initiatives. Through participation in national forums, conferences, and regular consultation sessions, Saradhi works to elevate real-world challenges faced by people living with diabetes. 

Beyond advisory roles, Saradhi engages the wider community through radio broadcasts, social media, and public discussions, with a strong focus on culturally informed care, lifestyle impacts, and prevention. Saradhi’s advocacy is guided by a commitment to improving quality of life and supporting meaningful, practical change for individuals and communities. 

Caitlin Rogers

Caitlin Rogers has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 22 years. Her diagnosis followed an unexpected hospital visit in childhood, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey shaped by resilience, advocacy, and community connection.

As Chair of the Community Advisory Council, Caitlin brings lived experience to the centre of decision-making. She is deeply committed to reducing stigma, improving access to quality care, and ensuring people living with diabetes feel supported, understood, and empowered. Above all, Caitlin is driven by a belief that no one should feel alone, and that real voices are essential in shaping meaningful change.

Caroline Thomas

Born in Hobart, Caroline has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 27 years. She first connected with Diabetes Australia in 2007 after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, driven by a desire to share the belief that diabetes should never limit what is possible. 

Caroline went on to co-create the DARE (DiAbetics Reaching Extremes) program, leading young people with type 1 diabetes on expeditions across Australia and internationally. With a strong focus on older people living with diabetes, Caroline advocates for policies, services, and resources shaped by lived experience. Caroline believes diabetes policies, services and resources will have the most impact if they’re informed by people with lived experience.  

Leon Tribe

Leon Tribe is a Sydney-based diabetes advocate, researcher, and communicator dedicated to strengthening diabetes education and evidence-based care. With a background spanning information technology, physics, and strategy, Leon brings a multidisciplinary lens to advocacy and medical science communication.

His contributions include roles on the Diabetes Australia Community Advisory Council, the Australasian Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy Collaborative Community Engagement Panel, #dedoc° voice, Diabetes Australia Voice programs, and the board of Insulin for Life. A published author and regular conference speaker, Leon is driven by a commitment to counter misinformation and ensure people living with diabetes, and those who care for them, have access to trusted, and accurate information.