JDRF supporter and leading researcher recognised with Order of Australia

Today, we are excited to announce that two important members of the JDRF community have been appointed members of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List.

Helen Maxwell-Wright

We’re proud to be celebrating Helen Maxwell-Wright, Chair of our Victorian State Leadership Group and major supporter of type 1 diabetes research, for her dedication to improving the health and well-being outcomes of others. For over 10 years, Helen has dedicated herself to helping us achieve fundraising and advocacy goals. Helen’s leadership has made a significant impact on improving lives for the type 1 diabetes community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Helen on receiving this well-deserved and hard-earned honour. You can read more about Helen and her achievements here.

Professor Patrick Toby Coates

Additionally, Professor Patrick Toby Coates, whose important research on islet transplantation is funded by JDRF, was recognised for his distinguished service to renal medicine, professional medical organisations and tertiary education. Toby leads a team of researchers at the Adelaide Medical School Centre for Clinical and Experimental Transplantation, which seeks innovative treatment and potential cures for type 1 diabetes.

Professor Coates’ recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List is a credit to the calibre of type 1 diabetes researchers we have in Australia. We thank him for his ongoing work toward finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. You can read more about Professor Coates and his research here.