TWA Patron
HonLLD (Monash University), HonDUniv (Victoria University)
Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD)
Chair of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation

Susan (Sue) Marie Alberti is the co-founder and Managing Director of the DANSU Group and Chairman of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation. Susan Alberti AC is one of Australia’s pre-eminent philanthropists, having raised in excess of $200 million for medical research and other charitable causes over her successful business career.

Susan and her late husband Angelo established DANSU Group as an industrial and commercial builder and developer of industrial estates and business parks approximately 45 years ago. DANSU Group successfully completed substantial commercial, industrial, and property development projects especially in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs including Hallam, Dandenong, and surrounding districts.

Most of these were design and construct projects undertaken on behalf of a significant number of Australian and international companies. Each project was different, with unique combinations of space, facilities and staff amenities. DANSU Group has been acknowledged as one of Melbourne’s most capable commercial and industrial builders. Susan’s business success allowed her to devote more time to her private passion for philanthropy.

For 30 years the Susan Alberti Gala Ball has raised valuable funds (in excess of $6m) toward medical research including finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Locally Susan Alberti’s contribution to the cause of type 1 diabetes research has been acknowledged widely.

The Susan and Angelo Alberti Diabetes Discovery Wing has been established at the International Diabetes Institute of Monash University in Caulfield to undertake epidemiological diagnosis and research. The Susan Alberti Complications Unit at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Parkville was opened in March 2000.

Susan Alberti was also responsible for establishing the JDRF Danielle Alberti Memorial Centre for Diabetes Complications in 2002. The Danielle Alberti Memorial Centre for Diabetes Complications, at the Baker Research Institute, was opened in October 2002.

Her community contributions extend far beyond diabetes research and support.

In 2004 Susan became a Board Member of the Western Bulldogs Football Club. For the past thirteen seasons, Susan Alberti has been the Patron of the Western Bulldogs Football Club and founding co-chair of the Western Bulldogs Forever Foundation. In 2012 she became Vice President of the Club. Susan Alberti has been a finalist in the Australian of the Year Award on two occasions.

In 1997 she received her AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for her contribution towards the cause of diabetes research.

Susan was awarded her AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) on Australia Day in 2007. This was in recognition of her long and outstanding contribution to major medical research institutions, particularly as a philanthropist, fundraiser and advocate for type 1 diabetes care and research.

In 2013 Sue resigned from her positions with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation after devoting nearly 32 years of her life to JDRF in Australia and internationally and rose to the position of National President in Australia. She was also a member of the International Board of Directors for nine years, International Board of Chancellors and International Patron for JDRF. Susan was awarded the JDRF International Volunteer of the Year 2003, this is the first time this honour has been bestowed on an individual outside of the United States in its 45 year history.

On Australia Day 2016, Susan was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) Award in recognition of her eminent service to the community, particularly through philanthropic and fundraising support for a range of medical research, education and to young women as a role model and mentor.

Susan Alberti’s story is an inspiration to many. She is regularly invited to speak about her career and passion for medical research, football and making a difference.

She is married to Colin North OAM.

 

Dr Susan Alberti AC HonLLD (Monash University), HonDUniv (Victoria University), FAICD
February 2020

  • Member of Order of Australia Medal awarded in 1997 for services to the community and diabetes generally. AM award.
  • Finalist in Australian of the Year, 1997 & 2009 (Victoria).
  • Managing Director of Dansu Group and associated companies.
  • Chairman of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation.
  • Former National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia
  • Former Member of the International Board of Chancellors Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International based in New York.
  • Former member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Board – the first Australian ever elected to this position in the history of the organisation.
  • Former Chairperson of the International Affiliates of JDRF International.
  • Life Governor of the Walter and Eliza Hall Research Institute Melbourne, Australia.
  • Life Governor of International Diabetes Institute.
  • Life Governor of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia.
  • Patron of the AFL Western Bulldogs Football Club.
  • Medical Wing dedicated in Susan Alberti’s honour, at the International Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Chairperson Melbourne Dinner Committee for 30 years.
  • Chairperson Gown of the Year, Melbourne for 18 years.
  • Founded the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Australia in 1992. First walk in Melbourne and Sydney, 1994. Since raised over $40 million. Now in all states of Australia, including regional
    and country centres.
  • Negotiated rented premises for the JDRF National Office in Sydney, Australia.
  • Negotiated rented premises for the JDRF Melbourne Office, and paid first two years rental in advance.
  • A major donor to JDRF and Diabetes Australia (Victoria).
  • Former Chair of St. Vincent’s Medical Institute of Research.
  • Director of the Western Bulldogs Forever Foundation.
  • Foundation Trustee of the Western Bulldogs Society Limited.
  • Former Director, Gold Age Pty Ltd.
  • Foundation Chairman St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, between 2004 – 2016.
  • JDRF International Volunteer of the Year, 2003.
  • Research Australia “Thank You” Day Award, 2004.
  • Rotary Club – Paul Harris Fellow Award, 2004.
  • Board Member of the Western Bulldogs Football Club from 2004 – 2016.
  • Patron of the International Diabetes Institute.
  • Board Member of the Australian Centre for Health Research, 2006.
  • Graduate of Doctor of Laws honoris causa of Monash University, 2006.
  • Member of the Advisory Group for the Australian Community Centre for Diabetes in alliance with Victoria University, Western Health, and International Diabetes Institute, 2006.
  • Awarded an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) on January 26, 2007.
  • In September 2008, Susan was awarded the prestigious 2008 AFL Football Woman of the Year Award.
  • In October 2008, Susan accepted the invitation to become the International Patron for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Board and retired 28 November 2013.
  • In 2008, Susan became a Director of Victoria University Foundation.
  • Finalist 2009, Victorian Senior Australian of the Year.
  • Retired Director of The Click Foundation (Epilepsy).
  • Susan became a Member of the Australia Day Committee (Victoria) in 2010.
  • Susan is also an Australia Day Ambassador (Victoria).
  •  In September 2011, Susan became a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
  •  In 2011, Susan was also appointed a Director of the Western Health Foundation.
  •  In September 2012, Susan was awarded the Life Education Australia 2012 Gold Harold Humanitarian Award.
  • In 2012, Susan was elected Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club – Retired 2016.
  • In September 2013, Susan accepted the invitation to become (Alma Mater) Patron of Siena College Camberwell.
  • In October 2013, Susan was a finalist in the Financial Review and Westpac Group – 100 Women of Influence Awards, 2013.
  • Susan was awarded the Research Australia – Macquarie Group Foundation Great Australian Philanthropy Award in November 2013.
  • Susan is Governor of the Siena Philanthropic Society.
  • On 13 February 2014, Susan was appointed Chairman of the Victoria University Foundation.
  • In 2014, Susan was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in a ceremony at the Windsor Hotel.
  • In May 2014, Susan was appointed by the Minister for Health, Hon Peter Dutton MP, as a member of the National Diabetes Strategy Advisory Group.
  • In April 2015, Susan was appointed President of the Footscray VFL Club.
  • In April 2015, Susan was also appointed number one ticket holder for the Coburg Cricket Club Women’s Team.
  • In May 2015, Susan became an honorary Patron of Australia’s leading Indigenous health research institute, Menzies School of Health Research.
  • In May 2015, Susan was also appointed number one ticket holder at the St Kilda Sharks Women’s Football Club.
  • Retired Director of the National Australia Day Council appointed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott MP, 2015-2018.
  • In August 2015, Susan also had the AFL Victoria Victorian Football League (VWFL) Premiership Cup named and awarded in her honour.
  • In October 2015, Susan had the Western Bulldogs Football Club Women’s Team Best & Fairest Award named in her honour.
  • Former Chair of the DANII Foundation, serving between 2015 – 2017.
  • In 2015, Susan also accepted an invitation to be Patron of the Mt Eliza Football Club.
  • On Australia Day 2016, Susan was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) Award in recognition for her eminent service to the community, particularly through philanthropic and fundraising support for a range of medical research, education, and sporting organisations, as an advocate for improved health care services for the disadvantaged, and to young women as a role model and mentor.
  • Susan was appointed Director of the AFL National Women’s League Advisory Group in April 2016.
  • Graduate of Doctor honoris causa of Victoria University in 2016, in recognition of her outstanding service to the Community through her philanthropy and advocacy for medical
    research, education and Sport, especially her leadership in promoting women’s sport, her work as a role model, and mentor for young women and for her contribution to Victoria
    University as Chair of the Victoria University Foundation.
  • On August 2016, Susan became an Ambassador of “White Dove”. The Bridge of Hope initiative was developed specifically to assist young women in and exiting State Care.
  • Susan was also featured on ABC Australia Story ‘A League of Their Own’, which aired on 29 August 2016.
  • On November 16, Susan accepted the role of Oncology Massage Limited Patron. Oncology Massage safely addresses the needs of a cancer patient, with specialised therapists who
    understand the science, pay close attention to the physical, emotional and psychological needs of the client during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, survivorship, or palliative care.
  • In February 2017, Susan’s MAICD status was elevated to Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors.
  • In 2017, Susan has accepted a position as an Advisory Board Member of Enterprise Victoria.
  • In 2017, Susan also became Co-Patron of the SVI Foundation.
  • In February 2017, Susan also accepted the role as Patron of SALT – Sport & Life Training, a not-for-profit health promotion organisation.
  • In April 2017, Susan became Old Scotch Football Club Number One ticket’ holder for season 2017.
  • In May 2017, Susan accepted the invitation to be Patron of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria.
  • In July 2017, the AFL Fans Association was pleased to welcome prominent businesswoman and former Western Bulldogs Vice-President Dr. Susan Alberti AC as its first female official
    patron.
  • In July 2017, Susan accepted an invitation to be Patron of the Old Scotch Football Club.
  • In August 2017, Susan was appointed as a part-time general member of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Advisory Board for a period of three years.
  • On 1 October 2017, Susan was appointed Chair, Australia Day Committee (Victoria) for a term of two years.
  • In October 2017, Susan accepted the honour of being the AFL Women Masters Patron.
  • Presently, Susan is also the Heathcote Dementia Village fundraising campaign ambassador.
  • In October 2017, Susan received the ‘Person of Sporting Influence 2017’ Award during the prestigious Australian Women’s Health, 2017, Women in Sports Awards evening.
  • On 31 October 2017, Richard Goyder AO launched Susan’s biography, ‘The Footy Lady’.
  • On 18 November 2017, Susan was crowned 2017 Melburnian of the Year.
  • In December 2017, Susan accepted the honour of being Frankston Football Club’s Number 1 ticket holder.
  • In December 2017, Susan also accepted the role of Victorian Ambassador of the Bridging the Gap Foundation, for Indigenous Health and Education.
  •  On 12 December 2018, Susan was presented with the Leadership Award for her vision and influence in driving the launch of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition during 2017’s
    AIS Sport Performance Awards.
  • On 9 May 2018, Susan was honoured to receive the InStyle and Audi Women of Style 2018 ‘The Irrepressible Force’ Award.
  • On 12 June 2018, Susan became the Parks and Leisure Australia Ambassador.
  • On 27 June 2018, Susan became an ‘Honour a Woman’ Ambassador.
  • On 2 July 2018, Susan was announced as 2018’s Victorian of the Year. Susan received the Victoria Day Council Award for Community and Public Service.
  • In November 2018, was elected as a Director of Volunteering Australia and has since become Deputy Chair.
  • In November 2018, Susan was integral in establishing The Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair – with VU’s Professor Clare Hanlon taking the inaugural position.
  • Susan was recently nominated in the “The 50 Most Influential Aussie Women in Sport” in the Herald Sun Sunday edition on 20 January 2019.
  • On 21 February 2019, Susan was awarded the prestigious 2018 Victorian State Government Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award.
  • On 18 May 2019, Susan was awarded the Toastmaster International Communication and Leadership Award for Outstanding Service to their Community, State, and Industry through
    Communication and Leadership.
  •  In June 2019, Susan became Victoria Day Council Trustee.
  • In February 2020, Susan became Brisbane Lions AFC Patron for the Lions Legacy Project.