This National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) Diabetes Australia is highlighting the urgent need to address high rates of diabetes in Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more than three times as likely to live with diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians, and rates of type 2 diabetes in central Australia are the highest in the world.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the organisation was working tirelessly to address this concerning reality through initiatives including face-to-face workshops, upskilling Health Workers and Practitioners, and increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce, as well as investing in community programs and services.

“Reconciliation, and acknowledging the past injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have endured, is a key part of how we build a healthier future,” Ms Cain said.

The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week, Now More Than Ever #NRW2024, was felt at a National Gathering of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff which was held on Gadigal country in Glebe earlier this month.

Diabetes Australia Elder Advocate Grace Ward said these gatherings are valuable learning opportunities.

“Uncle Allen Madden from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council provided a Welcome to Country, and the team discussed services and initiatives that are helping to address the urgent need for diabetes prevention and support services among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Ward said.

“Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

“Reconciliation is an opportunity for every Australian,” Ms Ward said.