Diabetes Australia Victoria Community Network Conference

Diabetes Australia Victoria hosted the Community Network Conference annual ComNet Conference on 20 October.

The Community Network Program (ComNet) is a network of support groups open to people with diabetes, their families and carers. ComNet aims to assist people with diabetes and associated complications to understand how to live with their chronic illness by providing information and answering concerns in a positive and empowering environment. 

Some members of ComNet have said that their quality of life has improved becauseof the friendships and support they receive from people within their diabetes support group.

The annual ComNet Conference provides the opportunity for group leaders from across Victoria to come together and learn more about diabetes and how to support people with diabetes in the community. The 2010 conference was held at the Jasper Hotel, with 88 delegates in attendance. The key focus of the day was the development and management of a successful community network group.

The Vision Initiative coordinated a stand to provide eye health information and resources to group leaders. In addition, information on how to access resources for their group and how to source local eye health speakers to explain the importance of regular eye examinations for people with diabetes was provided.