The judges felt that under Trute’sleadership the organisation’s culture has become a benchmark for the non profit sector – a highly commercial intent balanced elegantly with a clear and consistent focus on the mission.

Trute was recognised for her strengths in stakeholder engagement, mentoring and leadership, and business and commercial acumen.

Trute said she was humbled by the award and recognised the high calibre of other award finalists.

“This award shows the market place that Diabetes Australia-Queensland has a robust and transparent business model, and is well equipped to deal with the challenges facing the diabetes community.

“The award also recognises the strong team that I have behind me – a skills-based board and a talented team of staff and volunteers who all support the organisation,” she said.

The judging panel acknowledged Trute’s efforts in building the sustainability of Diabetes Australia-Queensland, strategically growing areas of revenue to reduce a reliance on traditional funding streams, effectively enabling the organisation to grow unbounded.

The panel applauded Trute’s incredible initiative in surveying new opportunities to take Diabetes Australia-Queensland and its cause state-wide through the development of innovative fundraising.

“This is a huge honor and very much an acknowledgement of the extraordinary leadership and vision Michelle has brought to the organisation,” Diabetes Australia-Queensland’s President Rose-Anne Kelso said.

“Under Michelle’s stewardship, the organization has undergone enormous, yet measured change,” she said.