Media enquiries: Lyn Curtis, Ph: 0411 019 924, lcurtis@diabetesvic.org.au
Thursday 19 November 2009
Remarkable people celebrate living with diabetes,
assistance from their carers and the discovery of insulin
Who:
News Editors/Health /Medical journalists/Pic Editors
What:
Kellion Victory Medal Award Ceremony
When:
10am Friday 20 November 2009
Where
The Yarra Room Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne
This year’s ceremony will feature ten 50, nine 60 and two 70 year recipients to
be awarded the Kellion Victory medals for their perseverance of living well with
diabetes.
A 70 year Award will be presented to 86 year old Shirley Hawkins who was
diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Easter 1939 when she was 16 years old. She
is grateful for the discovery of insulin in 1923, although effective diabetes
management was still its early stages, Shirley has been on the same type of
insulin for the past 70 years and sees no reason to change. She is doing well
with her constant and observant carer with whom she has travelled the world
extensively.
Background
The Kellion Victory medal was named in honour of the late Mr Claude Kellion AM,
a Sydney businessman who established a foundation to promote diabetes
research after his son died at age 38 from diabetes complications. More than 800
people have received Kellion Victory Medals in Australia to date.
Diabetes Australia – Vic is the peak consumer body representing people with
diabetes in Victoria and providing vital information and support to the community
about diabetes.
Key speaker
John Court – a physician who had an ongoing role in the education of children
with diabetes since 1958. John administered acute admissions to the Royal
Children’s Hospital and he was a founder of diabetes camps in Victoria.
NEWS 
