Cranbourne mother Mairi-Anne Macartney has been announced as a finalist in the Carer of the Year category for the 2012 Sweet Talk Awards.By Bridget Cook
EVER since her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, Mairi-Anne Macartney has worked tirelessly to better the lives of those affected by the disease.
That is why the Cranbourne mother has been announced as a finalist in the Carer of the Year category for the 2012 Sweet Talk Awards.
The national awards program celebrates the successes and achievements of everyday Australians affected by diabetes.
The Casey community is now being urged to vote for Ms Macartney in the awards, with voting closing this Monday 6 August.
Ms Macartney has been a tireless crusader for diabetes since her daughter was diagnosed.
When she discovered that there was no local support group for families, she started her own through Diabetes Victoria, which now has 64 registered families.
The group’s value has been recognised by Health Australia with a grant to help raise support, set up a website for sharing information and a library to help families.
Ms Macartney also started a 19-week campaign with the help of the media to reinstate Carers Allowance for families of children over 10 with type one diabetes.
She has also met and discussed issues with the Federal Health Minister regarding the care of children while at day care, kindergarten and school.
“Currently teachers and carers have little medical training if any in type one diabetes,” Ms Macartney said.
“Training should be mandatory, as it is for asthma and anaphylaxis.
“I want to get this sorted out so that my child always has the support she needs and doesn’t have to worry about costs.
“I won’t stop until I get the care in place that my daughter and other kids deserve.”
As a finalist in the Sweet Talk Awards, Ms Macartney has the chance to win a trophy and a $1000 voucher for an experience of a lifetime courtesy of RedBalloon.
Entertainer Marcia Hines and celebrity chef Peter Howard, who both have diabetes themselves, were two of the judges for this year’s award.
Ms Hines encouraged all members of the public to jump online and vote for this year’s finalists.
“I was honoured to be one of the judges for this year’s awards,” she said.
“Though judging was tough as there were so many incredibly inspirational stories.”
Mr Howard said a diagnosis of diabetes was challenging to face and so many nominees have overcome a range of obstacles to achieve their dreams.
“Mairi-Anne’s story is just one of many and we encourage people to get online, get inspired and vote for those they feel deserves a Sweet Talk Award,” he said.
Ms Macartney’s story is online and open for public voting at www.sweettalkdiabetes.com.au.
Voting closes on 6 August with winners to be announced on 8 October.
