Dr Reid has welcomed two Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) advocates to Parliament House who were a part of a national delegation organised by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Australia.

Umina Beach mother, Rebecca Pym, and daughter, Matilda Pym, who lives with T1DM, were selected as the Robertson Advocates during the JDRF’s Kids in The House visit in Canberra.

The delegation recognised advocates’ dedication to T1DM advocacy and JDRF Australia.

JDRF Kids in The House advocates were treated to a soccer match with politicians, opportunities with media, meetings with Members and Senators, lunch in the Great Hall, and insight into Question Time.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:

“It was a pleasure welcoming Rebecca and Matilda to Parliament House and discussing their advocacy on behalf of all Australians living with Type 1 Diabetes.

“Matilda is an outstanding young lady who is incredibly passionate, and it was inspiring knowing that someone her age has come to Parliament House to lobby politicians about the importance of helping find a cure for the T1DM.

“During the delegation’s visit, the Health Minister, The Hon. Mark Butler MP, announced that the Federal Labor Government would support the next phase of the search for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes through a $50.1 million investment in the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network.

“As a doctor continuing to practise medicine in the emergency department, I know that this funding will go a long way to one day helping find a cure for T1DM.

“Without phenomenal advocates like Matilda and mum, Rebecca, this support from the Australian Government would not be possible, so I thank all the advocates on the Central Coast and across Australia”, Dr Reid said.

Kids in the House is the highlight of JDRF’s advocacy program, where over 100 kids and adults with type 1 diabetes visit Parliament House in Canberra to remind their MP that research is the key to a cure.

It is the culmination of many months of work from advocates who have met their local MP in their electorate, and asked them to promise to remember type 1 diabetes when it comes to supporting and funding medical research.

Kids in the House is an opportunity to reconnect with these MPs and show them why this is so important

JDRF’s Kids in The House delegation took place from Monday 25 – Tuesday 26 November 2024.

For more information, visit: https://jdrf.org.au/

ENDS