On the eve of the 2016 AFL grand final between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs, the club had their traditional football-theme meeting to celebrate the occasion. While it was an informal night, members and guests, dressed in the colours of their football team, heard a very moving and inspirational life story from guest speaker, Susan Alberti.
After her first husband died in a car accident and her only daughter died of a diabetes-related illness, Susan devoted her life to building a successful business career and to raising funds for juvenile diabetes research. This culminated in the establishment of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation.
After a lifetime of supporting the Western Bulldogs Football Club, Susan joined the board of the club in 2004 and is now Vice President. She is so proud that her team has reached their first grand final since 1961. Susan is also a strong advocate for women's Australian Rules football and is excited that a national women's competition has been established.
Over the past 20 years, Susan has been recognised for her long and outstanding contribution to major medical research, particularly as a philanthropist, fundraiser and advocate for juvenile diabetes care. In 1997, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and in 2007 she was recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia.
On Australia Day 2016, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for 'eminent service to the community, particularly through philanthropic and fundraising support for a range of medical research, education and sporting organisations, as an advocate for improved health care services for the disadvantaged, and to young women as a role model and mentor'.
The audience all agreed that this was an outstanding presentation from an outstanding person.
Click here to view some pictures of the evening.
