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Diabetes WA was founded on the 18th August 1965 largely due to the efforts of the Walker and Harle families. Ken Walker initially became involved when his son, only three and a half years old, was diagnosed with diabetes in 1961. Ken saw no reason why the general community should not be able to assist doctors in caring for people with diabetes as they already did in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Taking the opportunity offered by a trip to Victoria in July 1965, Ken visited the Melbourne headquarters of the Diabetes Federation of Australia. It was here he asked the federation for assistance in setting up an association in WA - and found that Reg Harle had made a similar request six months earlier.

Upon Ken's return to Perth, he tracked Reg down and the two men jointly contacted the Diabetes Federation in Melbourne to request a guest speaker to attend a meeting in Perth. Dr Hal Briedhal was already in WA and agreed to be that guest speaker along with Dr John Calder.

Placing a notice in the West Australian newspaper, the first meeting was held in the McNess Hall in Pier Street, Perth, with some 100 people in attendance. It was here that the Diabetes Association of WA was born with Reg Harle as President, Arthur Williams as Secretary and Murray Gardiner and Ken Walker as joint Treasurers.

The early years saw the development of many activities and facilities, including lectures and socials, advocacy, raffles and childrens camps. The Diabetic Journal (now "dialog") 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. The continued growth also meant that in 1991 a property at 48 Wickham Street, East Perth was built - which served as the offices for the Association up until August 2006.

With a current staff count of over 30, Diabetes WA now resides at Level 3/322 Hay Street, Subiaco and 172 Campbell Street, Belmont. Whilst locations and staff may have changed over the years, no one can dispute the dedication of the team at Diabetes WA who continue to provide the highest quality of care, support and education to people living with diabetes.

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By making a donation online today, you will be helping us to ensure that our vital services are continued into the future.

Coming Soon

You can now purchase products in-store, at both of Diabetes WA’s facilities in Subiaco & Belmont and soon you will be able to also order online - coming Summer 2010!