Diabetes WA - Our History

Our History

Diabetes WA was founded on 18 August 1965, largely due to the efforts of the Walker and Harle families.

When their three and a half year-old son was diagnosed with diabetes in 1961, Ken and Betty Walker were desperate to learn whatever they could about the condition. They searched far and wide for information and local support but to no avail.

In July 1965, Ken visited the Melbourne headquarters of the Diabetes Federation of Australia to ask them for assistance in setting up an association in Western Australia - and he found that Reg Harle had made a similar request six months earlier.

Upon Ken's return to Perth, he contacted Reg and, together, they began to plan for what would become the birth of Diabetes WA.

The first meeting of the Diabetic Association of WA, now Diabetes WA, was held on 18 August 1965. Over 100 people attended the meeting held in the McNess Hall in Pier Street, Perth. Reg Harle was sworn in as President, Arthur Williams as Secretary and Murray Gardiner and Ken Walker as joint Treasurers.

The West Australian
newspaper reported on the formation of the Diabetic Association of WA in 1965

The early years saw the development of many activities and facilities, including lectures and socials, advocacy, raffles and children's camps. The Diabetic Journal (now Diabetes Matters) was made available to members for only 20 cents.

Recognition of the increasing relevance of Diabetes WA within the community meant several regional satellite offices were created and in 1991 a property at 48 Wickham Street, East Perth was built - which served as the offices for the Association up until August 2006.

Now, with a staff count of over 50 people, Diabetes WA has two office locations in Subiaco and Belmont and we continue to increase our offering to the West Australian diabetes community.

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