Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples community groups and support 

Living with diabetes can be tough. But having a good support network can make it so much easier.  

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diabetes Unit connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes to a range of community groups and programs. It’s about finding the right support when you need it most.  

Diabetes yarning community workshop 

This community-based program is a two-hour interactive workshop delivered face-to-face or via Zoom. It opens up the conversation about health before colonisation, how the body works, what happens in the body with diabetes, and strategies to manage the condition. The workshop helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to understand diabetes so they can take preventative action and support those in their community living with diabetes. 

During the workshop, people are introduced to Feltman®, a life-sized man made of felt that shows how the body is affected by diabetes. This education tool was developed by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and Diabetes Victoria. 

We’re always looking for better ways to support  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes. Right now, our team are working on a series of new online education modules to be launched soon. 

To find out more about our current events and programs, see our events calendar.

Type 2 diabetes yarning online group 

We know that living with diabetes can be hard. Many people don’t see the mental and emotional toll of constant daily management, doctor’s appointments, complications and even just navigating the health system.  

We’re here for you. 

This private Facebook page is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with type 2 diabetes. It’s a safe and comfortable online space to share your story, knowledge and wisdom with others, and find support in managing type 2 diabetes.  

The program follows the diabetes journey of several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander volunteers on film. The volunteers share their experience on a wide range of issues, including their diabetes diagnosis, physical activity, healthy eating, family support and more. The volunteers are also available to yarn with people online. 

Melissa Stubbings from the Buruberongal Clan of the Darug Nation has kindly shared her diabetes journey with the group. Watch the video to hear Melissa’s story, and feel free to share it with friends and family. 

Join the Facebook page 

Community events 

Diabetes Australia takes part in many community events across the country to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s a great chance for us to connect with communities, share information about our programs, services and resources, and capture the impact this health condition has on people living with diabetes and their families. 

Our friendly and passionate staff chat with people about how diabetes affects them, and how we can help to improve knowledge and health within community. 

If you’re holding a community event, and you’d like us to come along, please contact us.  

Find out what other events and education programs we offer. 

National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) 

Did you know that if you have diabetes and hold a Medicare card, you’re eligible for benefits through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)? 

The NDSS has been around for many years and was established to help people living with all types of diabetes to get access to education programs, as well as subsidies on some diabetes products no matter where in Australia they live. 

We encourage you to register with the NDSS because this helps them decide where funds for diabetes programs are needed most. The more people that are known to be living with diabetes in an area, the more funding is allocated to that area. 

If you’d like to register, your doctor or health worker can help you complete an NDSS registration form. 

For more information, visit www.ndss.com.au