Philanthropist Susan Alberti AC Named Melburnian of the Year

High profile philanthropist, fundraiser, businesswoman and football fanatic Dr Susan Alberti AC has been crowned the 2017 Melburnian of the Year.

Alberti, who co-founded the DANSU group with her late husband Angelo 45 years ago, was honoured as chair of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation for her lifelong work to help find a cure for diabetes.

The award recognises and rewards an individual who has made an outstanding achievement in their field, while significantly contributing to the Melbourne and greater Victorian community.

She said it was a “great honour” to be recognised by the Melbourne Awards committee.

“My commitment to drive better treatment, prevention and a cure for Type 1 diabetes is in memory of my daughter Danielle who died a premature death to the chronic disease, as well as the 140,000 other Australians who suffer from it,” Alberti said.

“I intend to use the next 12 months as Melburnian of the Year as a platform to raise awareness and support for Type 1 diabetes, including our wonderful, world-class research community located in Melbourne who are working hard toward a cure.”

Among her many achievements Alberti, who is also an advisory board member for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, founded the Walk for the Cure around Albert Park Lake, which to date has raised more than $40 million towards diabetes research.

In 1997, she received a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution towards the cause of diabetes research.

She was later awarded an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) on Australia Day in 2007 and in 2016, was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

Alberti is also a known footy fanatic and in 2004 became a board member of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, before becoming vice president in 2012.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC, who made the latest announcement on Saturday at the annual Melbourne Awards Gala Ceremony at the Town Hall, congratulated Alberti on receiving the city’s highest accolade.

“It gives me great pleasure to name Susan the 2017 Melburnian of the Year after a lifetime of tireless work in service to our community,” Doyle said.

“Not only has Susan raised millions of dollars for diabetes research but she has given generations of young diabetes sufferers hope that a cure may one day be found.

“Her commitment to her community and greater Melbourne has made her an inspiration and her legacy will be felt for many decades to come.”

The 2017 Melbourne Awards also celebrated the contribution of eight corporations and community organisations that have had an impact on Melbourne’s success.

The independent judging panel for the 2017 Melbourne Awards included 40 business and community leaders across a range of industry sectors.

To see the full list of winners visit the Melbourne Awards website.