General information Archives

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

Read the GARDS June 2021 newsletter

May 31, 2021 By Wendy McEwan

We are pleased to share our June 2021 newsletter.

Please click the link below to start reading.

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

Commonwealth takes first steps towards new compensation fund for asbestos victims

April 22, 2021 By Wendy McEwan

When we think of the people who could suffer from exposure to asbestos, we might imagine tradespeople and home renovators. But in Canberra, one man has developed mesothelioma simply because of where he lived – in a house that had been treated with a dangerous form of loose-fill asbestos known as Mr Fluffy.

Unlike the victims of James Hardie products, there’s been no way for Mr Fluffy victims to claim compensation. But that might be about to change.

Watch this report from the 7.30 Report on the ABC.
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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

Donation From CFMEU & DELTA Demolition Crews Dec 2020

December 12, 2020 By Vicki Hamilton

#asbestosawareness #donation – ACV/GARDS would like to thank very much the crews (gals and guys) from Delta Demolition and the CFMEU – Hazelwood Power station – Hazelwood Mine and EBAC for the wonderful monetary donation they made to us a few days ago. We really appreciate the support in helping us with our asbestos sufferers and their families and also the awareness we do in the community – we wish everyone a great Xmas and Happy New Year on all the working sites in the Latrobe Valley. Pictured here are reps from both companies who came to give us this wonderful donation There were two other reps in our office as well as the two in the photo

Asbestos In Victoria – Free Webinar 27th Nov – 1pm

November 16, 2020 By Vicki Hamilton

Asbestos is found in 1 in 3 Australian homes. To support National asbestosawareness week, WorkSafe is hostinga free ‘Asbestos in Victoria’ webinar to raise awareness about the impact
asbestos exposure still has on Victorian lives and the strategies in place to reduce exposure. – ACV/GARDS – Brian Healy will be speaking in this webinar – please support this important message that we are all trying to send the community – Other speakers are Dr Tom John – Peter Mac – Medical Oncologist and researcher into thoracic cancers – Lung and Mesothelioma – Prof Tim Driscoll – Epidemiology and Occupational Medicine – Sydney University – Simone Stevenson – Executive Officer – Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency – It will be a great session – please register at this link https://bit.ly/32kE0Hg