For years, Susan (Sue) Alberti AC has had three main dreams. Three dreams she has been instrumental in assisting. Two are now reality; to see her beloved Bulldogs win a premiership and for women to play AFL. Only one remains —to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Susan is a lady who is never wearied. Among multiple roles, she is the Chairman of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation and the Co-founder and Managing Director of the DANSU Group.

Susan and her late husband Angelo, established the DANSU Group as an industrial and commercial builder and developer of industrial estates and business parks approximately 45 years ago. Susan’s business success allowed her to devote more time to her private passion of philanthropy.

After losing both her husband and daughter in tragic circumstances, and in a short period of time, Susan began looking to make sure that no other families had to experience the loss that she had.

Following advice from her late daughter Danielle, a type 1 diabetes sufferer, Susan established the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation with the aim of curing type 1 diabetes. In 30 years, Sue has been responsible for raising in excess of $200 million toward medical research.

Through her charity work, Susan has also been responsible for establishing multiple research wings and units, including the Susan Alberti Complications, the JDRF Danielle Alberti Memorial Centre for Diabetes Complications, and the Susan and Angelo Alberti Diabetes Discovery Wing to undertake research.

Outside of this work, Susan, a passionate Western Bulldogs supporter, joined the board of the Western Bulldogs Football Club in 2004. She retired from the Board in 2016 after serving 3 years as Vice President. ©

Susan’s passion for AFL extended to the newly formed AFLW league, and her involvement helped to clear a path for women to be involved in the game. She is currently the national ambassador for the women’s AFLW league.

In 1997, she received her AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for her contribution towards the cause of diabetes research. On Australia Day in 2007, Susan was awarded her AO (Officer of the Order of Australia). 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 2016, Susan was presented a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) award. To add to her accolades, Susan was announced as the recipient of the 2018 Victorian of the Year.

Susan was appointed to the ACNC Advisory Board (Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission) in August 2017.

2017 also saw Susan awarded the AIS Award for leadership, for her vision and influence in driving the launch of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition, and Melburnian of the Year, the city’s highest accolade, celebrating significant contributions in sustainability, community, multiculturalism and strengthening Melbourne’s profile. She was also named Melburnian of the Year 2017 and was the recipient of the 2018 Victorian of the Year. In 2018, to encourage more females to be activate and employed in the Sports sector, Susan donated $1m to the Victoria University to establish the Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair, Australia’s first women in sport research post. Susan will also be the esteemed recipient of the Toastmasters International District 73 Community and Leadership Award during the 2019 Toastmaster International District 73 Conference.

In 2020, Sue was appointed the new Patron of Tradeswomen Australia, as a direct result of having spent 45 years in the building industry and being the only female registered builder during that time.