‘Diversity makes us stronger’: ADEA Vice President Dr Shannon Lin recognised with the Dietitians Australia 2025 Outstanding Contribution Award

ADEA Vice President and Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE) Dr Shannon Lin has been recognised with the 2025 Outstanding Contribution Award from Dietitians Australia, acknowledging her major and sustained contributions to the dietetics profession at a national level.

Shannon described the recognition as a shared milestone.

‘Being recognised with the Outstanding Contribution Award from Dietitians Australia is a moment I’ll never forget. While it recognises sustained contributions to the profession nationally, it truly reflects the collective energy of countless healthcare professionals who share the same passion and commitment to shaping our future.’

She used the moment to highlight the strength and diversity of the Credentialled Diabetes Educator workforce. ‘As a dual-qualified dietitian and Credentialled Diabetes Educator, I want to use this milestone to spotlight the diversity and impact of our CDE workforce. CDEs are diverse, but that diversity delivers better care.’

Shannon noted that CDEs come from nursing and allied health, including dietetics, pharmacy, psychology, podiatry, exercise physiology and Aboriginal health, bringing complementary strengths across nutrition, technology, medications, foot care, movement and mental health. She also emphasised the broad settings in which CDEs support people living with diabetes, including hospitals, primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, community clinics and aged care.

With close to 20 years of experience as an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and CDE, Shannon has contributed widely to diabetes education across clinical practice, outreach services and higher education. She completed her PhD on health literacy and diabetes education, and her work has supported First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse populations and aged care settings. She also leads diabetes workforce development as Diabetes Course Director at the University of Technology Sydney, and was recognised nationally as the Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year in 2023.

A colleague who has worked closely with Shannon, Dr Giuliana Murfet CDE NP FADEA, shared the following reflection on her contribution:

‘I have had the privilege of working closely with Shannon across numerous projects, resource development initiatives, and national publications in diabetes care. Her leadership is unwavering, her standards are exceptional, and her commitment to improving outcomes for people with diabetes is nothing short of inspiring. Shannon is relentlessly dedicated, consistently supportive, and always goes above and beyond. Not for recognition, but because she genuinely cares about the profession and the community we serve. Her contribution to the CDE workforce is profound, and this award is a truly deserved acknowledgment of her sustained national impact.’

Associate Professor Brett Fenton also shared the following acknowledgement:

‘I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Shannon Lin on receiving one of the highest honours awarded by Dietitians Australia, the Outstanding Contribution Award. This recognises Shannon’s sustained and impactful national leadership, and her exceptional contribution to the fields of diabetes and dietetics. Shannon’s dedication has significantly strengthened and progressed the role of the Credentialled Diabetes Educator, and demonstrates the value of CDEs coming from a range of disciplines. This award should encourage dietitians and other allied health professionals to consider becoming Credentialled Diabetes Educators, knowing that they too can achieve excellence in the field.’

Shannon closed her reflection with appreciation for colleagues across the sector.

‘Thank you to all the clinicians, educators, researchers, advocates and community partners who are part of my journey and make all the work possible. This recognition is ours, shared across a workforce committed to helping people live well with diabetes or at risk.’