Become a Breakthrough T1D advocate

We help connect Breakthrough T1D advocates with federal MPs and Senators across Australia

How it works

For over two decades, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) advocates have been educating federal Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators about type 1 diabetes (T1D). This has transformed how Governments understand and invest in T1D and changed what life with T1D looks like in Australia.

As an advocate, you might do things like email and meet with your local MP to tell them your T1D story and how it affects your everyday life, attend events with other Breakthrough T1D advocates, and help us raise awareness of what our community needs (like technology and therapy access, research funding, and more!).

We want to make sure that the voice of the T1D community is projected into Parliament House and every electorate in the country. The relationships that Breakthrough T1D advocates build with politicians means that T1D is top-of-mind when decisions are made about health policy and research investment.

20 years of advocacy successes

Hundreds of Breakthrough T1D advocates at Australian Parliament House

Breakthrough T1D advocacy activity from the past year includes:

437 meetings held with MPs and Senators
139 letters sent to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Hon Mark Butler MP
Over 80% of Federal electorates in the country with a dedicate advocate, educating them about life with T1D

Steve Georganas and Louise Miller-Frost standing with Breakthrough T1D advocates at a One Walk event.

We have been part of the Breakthrough T1D advocate program since my son, Lawrence, was 4. Not only has he been able to build confidence to talk about his condition and educate leaders about T1D, but he has also been able to grow up as part of a family of inspiring T1D warriors around Australia. One day we hope to be able to say we were part of the movement that turned type 1 into type none.

–Mel, Breakthrough T1D advocate

Working alongside passionate advocates reminds me that every step we take together creates lasting change. My role is to listen, support, and guide advocates to amplify their voices, knowing that the strength of collaboration can move mountains and inspire hope. I’m deeply grateful for the work I do because it allows me to make a difference and to be part of something bigger!

–Mel Eveille, Breakthrough T1D Senior Manager, Government Relations and Advocacy

Use your voice to make a difference for the type 1 diabetes community

We help connect Breakthrough T1D advocates with federal MPs and Senators across Australia

Breakthrough T1D advocacy activity from the past year includes:

Become an advocate