Coeliac Australia – Coeliac Awareness Week 2025

The gluten-free diet is not for everyone 

The gluten-free diet is not for everyone and is not a ‘healthier’ way to eat (although the diet can certainly be healthy if managed well). There are nutritional risks associated with following a restrictive diet which must be carefully managed. A gluten-free diet is only recommended for those with coeliac disease or another medical need. 

Do you have an immediate family member with coeliac disease?    

A first degree relative (parent, sibling, child) of someone with coeliac disease has a 10% chance of also having the disease. If one identical twin has coeliac disease there is an approximate 70% chance that the other twin will also have coeliac disease (but they may not necessarily be diagnosed at the same time). Immediate relatives of someone with coeliac disease should always be screened. 

Why early diagnosis matters

Without proper diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet, coeliac disease can lead to severe long-term health complications, including: 

• Osteoporosis & Weak Bones Infertility & Pregnancy Complications Neurological Disorders – such as nerve damage, migraines, and depression

• Increased risk of certain cancers

• Increased risk of developing other Autoimmune conditions or liver disease 

• Getting tested early can prevent years of misdiagnosis and unnecessary suffering.

Did you know? 

If a family member has coeliac disease, your risk increases! First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have a 10% chance of also developing the condition. That’s exactly what happened to Olympic champion Brooke Hanson OLY OAM and her son Billy. 

Brooke was diagnosed with coeliac disease in February 2024 after struggling with fatigue, low iron, bloating, stomach pain, and constipation. After years of searching for answers, a positive blood test and confirmation via endoscopy finally gave her clarity. “Having answers to why I lost the spark in my step has already been a game changer for me,” says Brooke. 

Shortly after her diagnosis, her son Billy—who had suffered from severe gut and bowel issues since birth—was also diagnosed. Despite previous screenings, it wasn’t until Brooke’s diagnosis that the family pushed for further testing, finally getting the answers they needed. Since moving to a gluten-free lifestyle, Billy has been able to toilet independently, a life-changing improvement for his health. 

Now, as a mother-son ambassador team, Brooke and Billy are on a mission to raise awareness about coeliac disease and encourage Australian families to get tested. They hope to inspire more people to check for the gene and undergo serology testing, ensuring earlier diagnoses and better health outcomes for future generations. 

Did you know? 

Brooke B. knows this all too well. When her symptoms started in 2011, she was in Year 12 and struggling just to get through the day. Fatigue, reflux, severe bloating, diarrhea, and brain fog made school and training incredibly difficult. Despite multiple doctor visits and blood tests revealing iron, vitamin D, and B12 deficiencies, no one suspected coeliac disease.

It wasn’t until May 2013—after worsening symptoms and a visit to a gastroenterologist—that Brooke was finally diagnosed. The relief was immense, but the frustration was real: why hadn’t anyone tested for this sooner? Joining Coeliac Australia helped her navigate the gluten-free transition, making the adjustment far easier.

Before her diagnosis, coeliac disease took a toll on her athletic performance. She had been on track to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics in women’s long jump, but her body let her down at the worst possible time. However, after going gluten-free and allowing her body to heal, she returned stronger than ever. Since her diagnosis, Brooke has competed at three Olympic Games (Rio, Tokyo & Paris), she has broken the Australian long jump record twice (currently 7.13m), won two Commonwealth Games silver medals, and competed in five World Championships. 

Living with coeliac disease as a professional athlete has its challenges, but Brooke is proof that it doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving your dreams.”

Did You Know? 

Around 80% of Australians with coeliac disease remain undiagnosed, meaning thousands are living with symptoms they don’t fully understand, putting their long-term health at risk. Early diagnosis is critical, and taking the free online assessment today could be a first step toward understanding whether coeliac disease is affecting you. 

Isaac’s story highlights the importance of early diagnosis for people with coeliac disease and the positive impact it can have on their lives. Diagnosed at age 6, Isaac’s journey began with what was initially thought to be a stomach bug and general fatigue. It was only through a thorough GP, followed by prompt referral to a paediatrician and subsequent blood tests, that coeliac disease was discovered. This early diagnosis allowed Isaac to manage his health, particularly his iron deficiency, and start living a gluten-free life much sooner. 

Did You Know? 

Coeliac disease isn’t just a trend—it’s a serious autoimmune condition that requires a lifelong commitment to avoiding gluten. Unlike gluten sensitivity, even trace amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage in those with coeliac disease. 

Thankfully, navigating a gluten-free lifestyle is made easier with the right resources, and Kim McCosker has been a game-changer in this space. As the founder of 4 Ingredients, one of Australia’s most trusted food brands, Kim has provided simple, delicious, and accessible gluten-free recipes through her books. As a national ambassador for Coeliac Australia, she has helped countless people with coeliac disease find easy alternatives without sacrificing taste or convenience. 

Did You Know? 

You don’t need to have obvious symptoms to have coeliac disease! Some people experience ‘silent’ coeliac disease, where their body is suffering unseen damage—even though they feel completely fine. 

That’s exactly what happened to Melanie Persson. Diagnosed at 22 during a routine check-up, she had no symptoms at the time and didn’t believe she could have coeliac disease. But an endoscopy revealed significant damage to her small intestine, proving she needed to go gluten-free immediately. 

This Coeliac Awareness Week offers opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a Coeliac Australia member, a friend or family member of someone with coeliac disease, or if you or someone you know has symptoms. Every share, donation, and conversation helps bring coeliac disease out of the shadows. Together, we can improve lives, support research, and move towards a cure. There are plenty of ways to get involved: