Each year Diabetes Australia presents the Kellion Victory Medal to those who have lived with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years or more. The 50-year medal is silver, the 60-year medal is gold, and a 70-year award usually takes the form of an inscribed silver salver. The award also includes a certificate.
A further addition to the Kellion Victory Medals Scheme is the Kellion Carer’s Award. Having diabetes affects the whole family. The carer plays a major role in assisting a person with diabetes to live a full and satisfying lifestyle; the Kellion Carer’s Award recognises many years of love, dedication and support.
Background
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.
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. His father was dismayed by the lack of research into diabetes and its complications and decided to set up the Kellion Diabetes Foundation. For many years this foundation was the only private source of funding for diabetes research in Australia.
The Kellion Diabetes Foundation has donated well in excess of $1 million towards diabetes research. 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).The Kellion Victory Medal honours both father Claude and son John, and is a lasting tribute to their name.
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Who is Eligible?
All Australians who have had diabetes for 50 years or more are eligible for a Kellion Award. These people may have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Contact your local Diabetes Australia state or territory diabetes organisation for more information on eligibility for a Kellion Carer’s Award.
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How do You Apply?
Diabetes Australia encourages doctors, other healthcare professionals, and Diabetes Associations and support groups to nominate likely recipients.
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Application Form
Contact your local Diabetes Australia state or territory diabetes organisation for a Kellion Victory Medal Application Form. The form must be completed in full and submitted to the Diabetes Australia state or territory office for processing together with substantiating information. Substantiating information is not always easy to obtain and proposers are asked to assist by providing copies of records such as date of diagnosis or initial hospital admission where possible.
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