Trisha was associated with Deakin for nearly 25 years; in 2007 she became the inaugural Chair in Nursing in the Barwon Health-Deakin University Partnership. A distinguished diabetes expert, Trisha held external key roles with the International Diabetes Federation – where she was former Vice-President – Diabetes Australia, the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and Diabetes Victoria, where she was a Board Director. Trisha was acknowledged as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for her contributions to diabetes and nursing and was admitted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2014 for her exceptional work towards improving the lives of people with diabetes. In 2017, Trisha was inducted into Sigma’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
In July this year, Trisha was conferred the title of Emeritus Professor by Deakin University, in acknowledgement of her significant contribution to the Faculty of Health and her distinguished service to the University over many years.
Throughout her stellar career, Trisha demonstrated great vision, innovation, leadership and research excellence. She was a humble, thoughtful, kind, generous, caring and respectful person who will also be fondly remembered for her love of shoes, matching handbags, and elegant clothing. Trisha especially loved talking about her dog and her llamas, and she had a keen interest in her garden. She will be greatly missed.