Advocates Our Advocates speak up for people living with diabetes as passionate volunteers. They use their own experience to help drive change, whether that鈥檚 shaping programs, sharing stories, or ensuring real voices are heard in decisions that matter. They鈥檙e experts in what it鈥檚 like to live with diabetes every day, powerful voices making a real difference. Community Advocates Our Community Advocates speak up for people living with diabetes. They use their own experience to help drive change. Youth Advocates鈥� Our Youth Advocates are young people aged between 18 and 30 years, who step up to make a difference for others living with diabetes. Want to become a 芒果直播 Advocate? We are looking for passionate people to join our movement across Australia. Whether you are deeply rooted in your community or ready to spark change as a young leader, there is a place for you here. Be part of the Blue Circle Collective Change begins with connection. 鈥婮oin a network of voices driving change for diabetes in Australia. Speak up, connect, and help shape a stronger future together.鈥� Apply now Community Advocates Our Community Advocates speak up for people living with diabetes. They use their own experience to help drive change. Yvonne Appleby Yvonne Appleby has lived with type 2 diabetes since 2011 and became involved with 芒果直播 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, and consumer representative. 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. Monique Cambrey-Young Living with type 1 diabetes since age 11 has shaped every part of Monique’s life, giving her a deep understanding of the realities of managing a chronic condition. As an occupational therapist, she values seeing the whole person, not just the diagnosis, and is passionate about supporting people to engage in the activities, roles, and relationships that bring meaning to their lives. Monique has supported children and young people with diabetes through mentoring and camp involvement and has built strong connections across the diabetes community. She advocates for equal access to diabetes technology and care, better education for health professionals on type 1 diabetes, and greater recognition of the psychosocial impact of living with the condition. Through sharing her story, Monique hopes to challenge stigma and help others living with diabetes feel heard, supported, and empowered to live fully. Lauren Cusack As Health Promotion & Communications Manager at PDC Health Hub, Lauren brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the heart of diabetes advocacy. Living with type 1 diabetes and having a mother with the same condition, Lauren is deeply embedded in the diabetes community both professionally and through volunteer roles as a PDC Collective member and WA Lions Diabetes Club Secretary. Passionate about the power of connection, Lauren strives to create inclusive, supportive spaces where everyone feels seen and heard. From peer support to shaping programs that reflect real needs, her work is driven by one core belief: community changes lives. James Griffiths James Griffiths is a proud Wangaaypuwan man, born in Cobar, NSW, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 19 years of age. With little information or support at diagnosis, he didn’t fully grasp the risks of unmanaged diabetes, and within a few years, he faced severe complications, including becoming legally blind, developing renal failure, and undergoing dialysis. In 2008, James received a kidney and pancreas transplant, an experience he describes as being given a second chance at life. Since then, James has made it his mission to make a positive difference, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who often miss out on timely care due to distance and limited access to services. He advocates for earlier access to information and support, better diabetes education, reduced stigma around insulin use, and improved care for people in rural and remote areas. Now, a father and grandfather, James shares his story to help others avoid the trauma he experienced and to make better, more informed choices about their health. Dr Amira Howari Dr Amira Howari is a globally recognised senior clinical optometrist, keynote speaker, and media commentator who is transforming diabetes and eye care through education, innovation, and advocacy. With over 32 years of lived experience with type 1 diabetes, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work as a passionate 芒果直播 Ambassador.鈥� Dr Howari holds multiple leadership roles, including board director of the Primary Care Diabetes Society of Australia (PCDSA), member of the Diabetes and Endocrine Network at the Agency for Clinical Innovation (NSW Health), guest speaker and clinical supervisor at the University of New South Wales, and former Optometry Australia Board Councillor (NSW/ACT). Her career spans corporate, independent, and pharmaceutical sectors, where she has served as a Professional Affairs Associate and led Clinical Professional Affairs with ophthalmology groups across NSW/ACT. She also founded the optometry PEACE conference, promoting collaboration and excellence in eye care. Amira regularly speaks on national and international platforms, sharing insights that empower health professionals and uplift the diabetes community. Dominic Speranza Dominic Speranza is a Chartered Accountant and Director of Client Services in the Business Advisory Division at Nexia Sydney. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 21 while completing his Bachelor of Business at UTS, Dominic has lived with the condition for over 35 years.鈥� Despite early challenges, he has maintained excellent diabetes management, aided by regular exercise, healthy eating, and transitioning to an insulin pump in 2020. A passionate Advocate and 芒果直播 Ambassador, Dominic shares his story to reduce stigma, educate others, and support the diabetes community through public speaking, mentoring, and media engagement. Kate Wildermuth Kate Wildermuth is a clinician in radiation oncology, public health professional, television presenter, and proud parent of a lively toddler. A grand finalist on My Kitchen Rules, Kate blends her love of cooking with a deep commitment to health and wellness. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 40, she turned her passion into purpose by creating budget-friendly, flavour-packed recipes that prove diabetes doesn鈥檛 mean compromise. As an advocate for living well, Kate inspires others to embrace energy, nourishment, and joy. Youth Advocates Our Youth Advocates are young people aged between 18 and 30 years, who step up to make a difference for others living with diabetes. Vicky Kavasilas Vicky Kavasilas has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was a baby, having been diagnosed at just 14 months old in 2001. Growing up alongside rapidly evolving diabetes technology, Vicky鈥檚 journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the progress made in care, education, and support. Now a young adult, Vicky is passionate about sharing her lived experience to support and empower the next generation. She believes understanding where diabetes care has come from is key to appreciating where it鈥檚 going. Through storytelling and connection, Vicky is dedicated to helping build a stronger, more informed, and united diabetes community. Sebastian Harris Sebastian Harris is a university student and researcher in ancient history and archaeology, as well as a passionate Advocate for the diabetes community. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Year 8, he faced a period of denial before embracing his diagnosis and learning everything he could alongside his family. Now a 芒果直播 Advocate and co-host of the Life on the Level podcast, Sebastian shares his journey to remind others they are not alone. His guiding motto, 鈥淵ou are not a diabetic, you have diabetes鈥�, reflects his belief in identity beyond diagnosis. Through advocacy and education, he empowers others to navigate the highs and lows of diabetes with resilience and self-awareness. Lucy Woods Lucy Woods is a passionate Advocate, content creator, and diabetes communicator who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age six. After years of navigating burnout, she found empowerment through diabetes technology, which was a turning point that shaped her commitment to supporting others. Lucy is especially focused on helping adolescents and young adults manage the mental and emotional aspects of living with diabetes. Through her platform, The Sweeter Life of Lucy, she shares relatable content, Advocates for access to tech, and makes diabetes information easier to understand. Her mission is simple: to be the kind of T1D bestie she wished she had growing up.
