From CDE of the Year to nation's Nurse of the Year: Helen Lamech recognised for transforming diabetes care

ADEA congratulates Helen Lamech, the 2025 Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year, on being named Australia's Nurse of the Year at the 2026 HESTA Nursing and Midwifery Awards in mid-May.

Based at Healthy Living NT in Alice Springs, Ms Lamech has been recognised "for transforming diabetes care across Alice Springs and Central Australia through a community-led model that connects families, builds cultural safety, and ensures no one lives with diabetes alone".

With more than 30 years of nursing experience in the NT, including the past decade in diabetes education, she has improved access to care and outcomes for more than 2,000 people facing significant social, geographical, and cultural barriers.

Her work includes developing a peer-mentored network of more than 100 families, establishing the region's first nurse-led type 1 diabetes clinic, mentoring diabetes educators, and upskilling health professionals across the NT.

These initiatives have contributed to improved safety, reduced hospital admissions, and stronger long-term outcomes.

CDE Helen Lamech with her Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year 2025 award. Photo: Supplied

A recognition grounded in relationships and community

Reflecting on the award, Ms Lamech said "it means so much because it comes from people and communities who have been part of my journey and understand the work that goes into improving health outcomes".

"It's a real reminder that the relationships we build and the care we give truly matter," she said.

"To know that friends and colleagues I've worked alongside and known for years took the time to nominate me is incredibly humbling," she said.

She said she felt "incredibly grateful and proud, not just for myself, but for what it represents for nursing and diabetes education in the Northern Territory and Healthy Living NT".

Building trust and empowering people to live well with diabetes

Ms Lamech said her approach centres on building trust and meeting people where they are.

"I've worked hard to advocate for better access to diabetes education, especially for families who might otherwise miss out," she said.

"Building strong relationships and trust within the community has always been at the heart of what I do."

Ms Lamech is particularly passionate about empowering people and fostering connection so people living with diabetes can realise that the condition "doesn't have to stop them from living the life they want".

"I love seeing people grow in confidence as they learn to understand their diabetes and take control of their own health," she said.

"I'm especially passionate about supporting people with diabetes technology and education, because I've seen firsthand how life-changing the right tools and knowledge can be.

"Building relationships with people and families over time is probably the most rewarding part of my work — being there to support them through challenges and celebrate their wins."

Addressing gaps in support and the risks of misinformation

She also highlighted the challenges many people face navigating diabetes without consistent support and reliable information.

"When there isn't that ongoing support or familiar health professionals walking alongside them, many people are left trying to manage diabetes on their own," she said.

"At the same time, there is so much information available online and through social media, and unfortunately not all of it is evidence-based or safe.

"People can easily latch onto misinformation because they are looking for answers and support. This can lead to confusion, frustration and sometimes unsafe management decisions."

She said that is why consistent access to trusted education, evidence-based information and long-term support is incredibly important.

“It really comes back to building strong, connected healthcare teams and communities so people feel supported rather than trying to navigate it all alone," she said.

Helen Lamech (second from right), visibly emotional, receives the Jan Baldwin National CDE of the Year award on the Gold Coast in August 2025. She was joined by ADEA President Ann Bush, Jan Baldwin’s nephew Dean Adams, and Kevin Lim of Eli Lilly Australia and New Zealand. Photo: Daryl Charles.

Continuing to strengthen diabetes care

Looking ahead, Ms Lamech plans to continue building on her work in the NT.

"What's next for me is finishing my nurse practitioner studies—almost there. I'm really looking forward to completing that next step so I can have an even greater impact and support more people living with diabetes across the Northern Territory," she said.

"Ultimately, it's about building on what I'm already doing and continuing to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes."

For those considering a career in diabetes education and care, she said "it's an incredibly rewarding career if you enjoy building relationships with people".

Ms Lamech's national recognition highlights the significant contribution of CDEs and diabetes health professionals in improving access, equity, and outcomes, particularly in regional and remote communities.

ADEA congratulates Ms Lamech on this outstanding achievement and her continued leadership in diabetes education and care.