A CRANBOURNE mother who has helped improve the lives of people living with diabetes will grace the cover of this year’s Pakenham and Cranbourne White Pages and Yellow Pages.
Mairi-anne Macartney was selected for the cover under the 2013/14 theme ‘Keeping Our Communities Healthy’, which aimed to recognise the selfless people who go above and beyond to improve the quality of life for locals in their area.
Ms Macartney, whose daughter Tess was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2008, founded south-east Victoria’s first type one diabetes support group for families after realising there were no local support groups.
Her Facebook group, My-T1, keeps families updated on treatment innovations, clinical trials, social events and fundraising.
Providing a personal touch, Ms Macartney answers questions about diabetes online and coordinates social outings for families, including monthly gatherings for Cranbourne families whose children have type one diabetes.
One of Ms Macartney’s greatest achievements was in 2011 when she successfully led a campaign for a national carer’s allowance to be reinstated.
With many families relying on the allowance to purchase medical supplies, her actions have helped hundreds of Victorian families with children affected by diabetes and other conditions.
Ms Macartney said she was thrilled to be selected for the cover.
“I was so excited to find out I would be on the cover of the local phone book, it has been hard to keep it a secret,” she said.
“It is so rewarding to be able to help local families.
“I think my story shows just what people can achieve with some determination and drive.”
White Pages product manager Sarah Simpson said this year’s theme celebrated people committed to improving the health of Australian communities.
“Health is an issue that affects us all and at the centre of good health are the selfless men and women who devote their time to improving others’ quality of life,” she said.
“We are delighted to recognise Mairi-anne’s efforts keeping her community healthy. She is someone who is making a positive impact on health and wellbeing in Pakenham and Cranbourne.”
The books have started to be distributed and will have a larger-sized font, in response to feedback about last year’s book.
