Dr Ashley Ng has been awarded the 2023 Diabetes Victoria Outstanding Contribution Award – Lived Experience, for her contribution to improve the lives of Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
Presented on World Diabetes Day, the award recognises Ashley’s immense support of the Victorian diabetes community. This includes, over 10 years volunteering on diabetes camps and support groups with children and young adults, and active advocacy as a member on committees and councils.
“Having an award that specifically acknowledges contributions from people with lived experience highlights the recognition of the value that we bring to improving education and care for the diabetes community. The past recipients are such inspirational role models, it’s an absolute honour to join them,” Ashley said.
The award aligns with Diabetes Victoria’s mission to, support, empower, and campaign for all Victorians affected by diabetes and is awarded to someone with lived experience.
Ashley recognised early on in her advocacy journey that sharing her own stories and experience is a powerful tool in empowering people in their own diabetes management and care.
“Living with diabetes is hard work. There are so many aspects of living with such a demanding condition that others don’t understand. People also don’t experience diabetes the same way, so it’s so important to get the diversity of voices to meet their needs, otherwise change and impact won’t happen,” she said.
Ashley’s advocacy and passion have influenced her career. Her PhD focused on the development of a mHealth program to support young adults with type 1 diabetes during life transitions. She is currently a Project Manager – Consumer and Community Involvement at MCHRI and Monash Partners, where she is working to develop a digital knowledge hub to increase the adoption of consumer and community involvement in health research across Australia.
Read more about Diabetes Victoria and the award.
For more information: info.mchri@monash.edu
