Nhulunbuy man Gerald Buckle has been awarded a Kellion Victory Medal, marking 50 years of living with diabetes, at a ceremony alongside family and supporters in Darwin. 

Diagnosed at Gove District Hospital aged 14 in 1976 during a case of rheumatic fever, Mr Buckle becomes just the third person from the Northern Territory (NT) to receive a Kellion Victory Medal, and the first Territorian to receive a Kellion living with type 2 diabetes.  

Mr Buckle was presented his award by Diabetes Australia’s Chief Health Officer Brett Fenton at Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin on Friday (9 October, 2026).  

With family ties across Arnhem Land in the NT, Mr Buckle said his award was for all mob living with diabetes, calling for a stronger approach to address diabetes.  

“I’m walking around seeing all my country men, who used to be fit, strong Aboriginal people, now they’re walking around with one leg, walkers. That’s what it [diabetes] has done to my people,” said Mr Buckle.   

“I want to see the fight get stronger – I’m talking about you guys here – the doctors, and those searching for better treatments for our mob.” 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain congratulated Mr Buckle, echoing his calls for greater support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes.  

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to show remarkable resilience in responding to diabetes, despite experiencing significantly higher rates of diabetes and pre-diabetes than other Australians,” Ms Cain said.  

“Diabetes Australia is committed to supporting locally led solutions and healthier futures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have long demonstrated strength, leadership and resilience in driving positive health outcomes, and our role is to support and amplify these efforts. 

“Mr Buckle’s remarkable achievement is a powerful reminder of what is possible through perseverance and community leadership. It is now on all of us to listen, act, and work alongside communities to improve support, reduce barriers, and create more equitable access to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” 

Senior Research Fellow and Endocrinologist at Menzies School of Health Research Dr Matthew Hare said Mr Buckle had overcome significant difficulties in managing his diabetes while living in remote NT. 

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote Australia face significant challenges in managing diabetes due to persistent social, economic and health system inequities,” he said.  

“Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is known to be a rapidly progressive condition with high risk of complications, making Mr Buckle’s achievement very significant. 

“Mr Buckle has shown that – with the right support and personal determination – it’s possible to live a fulfilling and long life with youth-onset type 2 diabetes.  

“It’s up to us now to listen to his call for more support and work with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve care delivery, address social inequities and achieve better health outcomes.”  

Kellion Victory Medals recognise everyday Australians who have lived long lives with type 1 or 2 diabetes for at least 50 years, and are presented annually across Australia.  

Hobart and Sydney have already hosted Kellion Victory Medal ceremonies, with Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne to host ceremonies over the coming month.  

About Kellion Victory Medals 

In 1984, Diabetes Australia responded to a proposal by Dr Alan Stocks to recognise and commemorate Australians for having survived with diabetes for 50, 60 and 70 years or more. In view of his outstanding contribution towards diabetes in Australia, the late Mr Claude Kellion AM was invited to have his name associated with the scheme, to which he graciously consented. 

The Kellion Victory Medal honours both father Claude and son John, and is a lasting tribute to their name. Before his death, Claude Kellion also established a Chair in Diabetes at the University of Sydney which was filled by Professor John Turtle (it is now occupied by Dennis Yue). 

Mr Kellion made an outstanding contribution towards diabetes in Australia following the untimely death of his son, John in September 1972. At just 38 years of age, John died as a result of complications of diabetes. Dismayed by the lack of research into diabetes and its complications, Claude Kellion decided to set up the Kellion Diabetes Foundation with the aim of funding research and education into diabetes.