Vicki Hamilton, Author at GARDS

New treatment for Aussies living with asbestos-related cancer

June 23, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

23rd June 2021 the Federal Government announced that a new immunotherapy drug has been added to the PBS – what wonderful news for mesothelioma sufferers – a new edition in the tool kit to fight mesothelioma. Please see link below for all the info on this terrific news

https://8d96ce19-680b-456d-8080-fc8bc639c64a.filesusr.com/ugd/9204e2_b43533b9ab5b4f94a82256ff5ec42cf5.pdf

Chisholm TAFE VET Apprentices Asbestos & Silica Awareness Sessions May 2021

May 15, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

#asbestos #silica 12th May saw ACV/GARDS conducting an asbestos and silica awareness session to 140 Frankston Chisholm TAFE VET apprentices – 70 students in the morning and 70 students in the afternoon – there were some terrific questions by the VET students and much information was shared between the students and ourselves and their trade teachers – we wish all of them all the best in their chosen trade into the future and they are now much more asbestos and silica aware – pictured here in these photos are some of those VET students

Mr Fluffy campaigner James Wallner has passed away

May 8, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

8th May 2021 – It is with a heavy heart that we farewell James Wallner who passed away last night – he was a fighter and took this issue to the line. May James RIP knowing that he has helped others who may come into the future from this disaster to help them and their families – a truly inspirational person. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-08/asbestos-campaigner-james-wallner-dies-aged-54/100126042

James Wallner Successful Compensation Fund for Mr Fluffy Victims

May 7, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

This week 6th May 2021 we got the good news that James Wallner, mesothelioma sufferer, who contracted his disease as a child living in a Mr Fluffy house had been successful in getting a compensation fund set up for Mr Fluffy victims. This was the communique from the Government to announce the compensation fund this week

SUPPORT FOR CANBERRANS WITH ASBESTOS RELATED ILLNESS

The Australian Government recognises the suffering of Canberrans who have developed an asbestos related illness after living in a Mr Fluffy home.

The Government will contribute up to $8 million towards the establishment an Australian Capital Territory Asbestos Disease Assistance Scheme, to provide support for these Canberrans.

Minister Hunt and Senator Seselja voiced their appreciation for the tireless advocacy by Canberran Mr James Wallner, his family and friends, on behalf of those suffering illness after living in a Mr Fluffy home.

“The Commonwealth’s contribution of up to $8 million will help establish the Scheme, providing support to Canberrans who have been impacted by debilitating and deadly asbestos related illness,” Minister Hunt said.

“I have been deeply moved by the suffering of those who have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses, through the simple act of living in their home,” Minister Hunt concluded.

“As a Canberran, I have worked closely with my colleagues in government on this issue, and I am proud to announce the Commonwealth’s funding to establish the Scheme. It’s the right thing to do,” Senator Seselja said.

“I have heard the heartbreaking stories of Canberrans who have suffered greatly as a result of living in a Mr Fluffy home. I hope that in some small way this Scheme can ease the burden they and their loved ones face,” Senator Seselja concluded.

Following the proposal from the ACT Government, the Commonwealth has worked in close cooperation with Chief Minister Barr and his officials on preparations to establish the scheme. The ACT Government will administer the Scheme and announce eligibility details and parameters of the Scheme as they are finalised.

What wonderful news for James and a campaign well worth fighting for – to all who helped James it was a great outcome and you should all be congratulated on the achievement – Pic of James below with BF

Asbestos & Silica Awareness Geelong TAFE Apprentice Painting & Deco March 2021

March 22, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

#asbestos #asbestosawareness #Silica #silicaawareness – Today 22nd March ACV/GARDS did a virtual presentation to TAFE apprentice Painter & Decorators at The Gordon, Geelong campus. It was really great to catch up with their teacher Paul Webb and really good to be able to get to more apprentices and make them asbestos & silica aware – We hope they got a lot out of the session and they can take this info forward into the future in their chosen profession. They now know what are trusted sites to empower them to make the right decisions in their jobs. We wish them the very best for the future 🤞

Gippsland TAFE Newborough Campus Apprentice Painting & Decorating March 2021

March 9, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

3rd March 2021 We were delighted to attend in person at TAFE Gippsland – Newborough campus to give a session to 35 apprentice Painter and Decorators on asbestos and silica awareness. The group were very enthusiastic and asked many questions – it was great to have so much interaction through out the session – of course social distancing was adhered to in the auditorium but it was good to be able to be there in person and delivery our info bags and show samples – thank you to Davin for arranging it – ACV/GARDS will be going back in a few months all being well and no COVID lock downs to deliver the session to other trades. We now have moreapprentices asbestos and silica aware 👍😎

Calling All Meso Sufferers & Carers PBAC Consultation 2021

January 18, 2021 By Vicki Hamilton

PBAC consultation calling all mesothelioma sufferers and carers alike – ACV/GARDS encourages you to participate if you can offer anything from your experiences – Medicines subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme must be assessed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and found to be good value (clinically and cost effective).

In March, PBAC will assess a combination medicine called nivolumab (Opdivo®) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy®) for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). They are a type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors. PBAC is considering listing them on the PBS for (1) patients with MPM who have not received therapy for MPM before (1st line treatment), and (2) patients with MPM who have received chemotherapy for MPM and the MPM has continued to get worse (2nd line treatment).

PBAC has a lot of data from trials as well as economic evidence, but your input can help them learn more, especially about accessing treatment, what having treatment is like, what matters most in terms of quality of life, and other needs. Your experience can help them better understand the value of a treatment. You can submit your input online (no later than 10 February) at this site: https://www1.health.gov.au/…/PBAC_online_submission_form

Happy New Year To You All in 2021

December 31, 2020 By Vicki Hamilton

To All our Members and Supporters – Have a wonderful New Year and most importantly a safe one – Our Office will be closed until the Thursday 14th January 2021 If you require support or assistance of any kind over this time please call Vicki on 0407274173 or email gards@wideband.net.au – Hope to see you all sometime in 2021