FAQs for members
Q: What are you called now?
A: Australian Diabetes Council
Q: Diabetes Australia-NSW was the third diabetes charity to be formed in the world and has been in operation for over 70 years. Why change such a well known, long established identity?
A: We have always listened to our members, staff and external stakeholders such as health professionals, educators, sponsors and research partners. Through this, we became aware that our name and identity no longer demonstrated our purpose as an independent charity working to support everyone affected by diabetes.
We needed to make a change – to place ourselves in a position to have an even greater positive impact on the wellbeing of people living with and at risk of, diabetes.
Q: Your new name seems to indicate a group of bodies. Who are they?
A: We are one body working independently of, yet collaboratively with, others. We reach out to all key stakeholders who are focused on building a better life for people living with and at risk of diabetes – members, health professionals, researchers, food manufacturers, government – to create a loud and powerful voice for action – a shared voice for diabetes. For example, in Diabetes Awareness week 2010, we worked with Kidney Health Australia and the Australian Medical Association.
Q: Will your service provision be expanding beyond NSW?
A: Our organisation, while based in NSW, will continue to offer support to all people living with or at risk of diabetes.
Q: Does this mean you’re no longer part of Diabetes Australia Ltd?
A: We have not been a member of Diabetes Australia Limited since 29 May 2009.
Q: Will this affect my ability to order subsidised supplies through the NDSS?
A: No, the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and our role in administering it to registrants living in NSW will remain the same, as will the benefits you receive.
Q: Are you still a member based organisation?
A: Yes, we are still very much a member based organisation, acting for all people living with and at risk of diabetes, including their family and carers. We are here to support you.
Q: Is my existing membership with Diabetes Australia-NSW still current or do I have to renew immediately with Australian Diabetes Council?
A: You are now a member of Australian Diabetes Council and receive the same benefits as you always have.
Q: Will you still offer the same programs and services?
A: Yes
Q: Will there be any changes to our member magazines?
A: Our member magazines including Diabetes Connect (our main publication), Jelly-Bean Scene (for children under 12), You Said What? (for teens), Invigorate (for those at risk of diabetes) and Diabetes Essentials (for health professionals), have all received a new look to meet our new brand and also ensure they are as up to date as possible.
All magazines will continue to provide you with the same valuable advice, information and support – if not more – that they have done for many years.
Q: So what will this change really mean for me as a member – what benefits can I expect to see?
A: As diabetes evolves, it’s important we continue to demonstrate our evolution to ensure we continue to support the needs of people living or at risk of diabetes.
We will positively challenge the diabetes community to manage their diabetes in a way that has the most positive impact on them and their family and friends. We will listen to their needs from an emotional and practical perspective and support them with information and programs to best manage their diabetes.
We then ensure we fulfil our role as educators, whether through programs or literature we design and deliver ourselves – with other diabetes associations in Australia such as ADS and ADEA, or indeed other sources of great education and information from diabetes organisations around the world.
Australian Diabetes Council will continue to play a key advocacy role in 2 main areas, discrimination in all aspects of life and lobbying local, state and federal governments. Each year we will contribute monies to research towards a cure and as importantly research into improved lifestyles for all people living with and at risk of diabetes.
Q: How do I contact you now?
A: You will still be able to reach us through our old number: 1300 136 588
To enable all people to reach us easily no matter where they live, we now also have a simpler, easier to remember number, which will connect you directly with Australian Diabetes Council no matter where you are in Australia when you make the call. That number is:
1300-DIABETES (1300-342-238)
In addition, our stationery, membership forms and fundraising receipts now bear an international contact number for ease of interaction with overseas audiences.
Q: 1300-DIABETES - 1300-342-238 – the number of letters doesn’t match the number of numbers?
A: You will find that you can reach us either way – by dialing the full string of numbers that match the letters in the word “diabetes”.
Q: How can I reach you if I am travelling overseas?
A: Simple – we have a direct access overseas number: +61 2 9552 9900 .
Q: What about your website address – is this changing?
A: It will take you some time to get used to our new name in the beginning, that’s okay. Our new website - australiandiabetescouncil.com - will appear automatically whenever you search for or directly type our existing web address - diabetesnsw.com.au – into your browser.
Q: Will you be changing your website content?
A: From Monday 12 July, our main website now has a fresh new look and feel, plus some changes to the layout to make it easier for you to find the information you want.
Q: What will you be doing with all of your “old brand” print resources – are you just going to throw them away? If so, isn’t that a poor use of the donor dollar?
A: We are currently re-designing all resources as they run out of stock and until that time, we are using exisiting resources branded to be Australian Diabetes Council.
Q: How are you funded now?
A: Same as before - Australian Diabetes Council is a charity funded by members and donations from the general public.
Q: If I want to make a payment or donation, who do I make the cheque out to now?
A: All payments and donations made to either Australian Diabetes Council. Payments to Diabetes Australia-New South Wales will be accepted.
Q: How will I know where to find you when I come to visit?
A: Our office locations have not changed – simply our signage. A simple, sturdy, double-sided A-frame sign has been developed for each office to place directly outside the main entrance, welcoming you to Australian Diabetes Council (formerly Diabetes Australia-NSW). You won’t be able to miss us!
Q: You’re a charity – how can you justify spending donor money on rebranding?
A: The sole reason for our rebrand has been to enable us to better act on your behalf. We have taken great care to ensure prudent financial management of this change.