Farewell from Mike Wilson OAM

A Note of thanks as I retire as CEO of JDRF Australia

“After two decades as CEO of JDRF Australia, the time has come for me to step down and pass the baton to the next leader who will continue this organisation’s incredible journey. It’s with a happy heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I write this note, reflecting on what has been a remarkable, enjoyable, and rewarding chapter in my life.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our entire community—advocates, volunteers, researchers, donors, and most importantly the individuals and families living with type 1 diabetes. It is your courage, your resilience, and your commitment that have inspired and motivated all of us at JDRF to work tirelessly towards a world without type 1 diabetes.

To our dedicated team of staff and board members, both past and present, I grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you. Your passion, expertise, and dedication have been and remain the foundation of JDRF’s progress. Whether it was launching groundbreaking research initiatives, advocating for policy change, raising awareness and funds, or engaging with the T1D community, it is your collective effort that made it all possible.

I also want to extend my deepest thanks to our partners and collaborators. Our successes are shared, and the strides we’ve made would not have been possible without your support and aligned vision. The partnerships we’ve built, and will continue, are instrumental in moving us closer, more quickly, towards our ultimate goals.

As I retire from this role, I do so with the utmost confidence in the future of JDRF Australia. I know that with the commencement of Sydney Yovic as CEO the organisation is in extremely capable hands, and I am excited to see the next chapter unfold. The fight against type 1 diabetes is not yet over, and with the continued determination of the incredible T1D community and this wonderful team, I have no doubt that we will see even greater and faster advances in the years to come.

Thank you, once again, for the privilege of being part of this extraordinary organisation – it has been the honour of a lifetime. I look forward to watching and supporting the ongoing work of JDRF Australia from a new perspective, with sincere pride and unwavering hope.”

With thanks and regards,

Mike Wilson OAM