MEDIA ALERT
Asbestos Commemoration Ceremony Friday 27 November
Friday 27 November at 10am
ADSVIC’s Annual Commemoration Ceremony - BWM Edge Theatre, Federation
Square.
Victorian Governor Professor David de Kretser AC will deliver the keynote address.
Secretary Victorian Branch of the CFMEU, Martin Kingham will also speak while
families and friends will give a touching remembrance of loved ones that highlights
the grief, loss and sense of betrayal that is often felt with this disease.
The Geelong Trade and Labour Council and the Victorian Trade Union combined
choirs with Mick Thomas –formerly of Weddings, Parties, Anything, will also
perform songs from Dust; a musical story of the impact of asbestos on our society. A
BBQ on the Yarra Bank will follow the event – all welcome.
During Asbestos Awareness Week, ADSVIC invites the public to learn more about
the dangers of domestic asbestos. It also urges the State Government to promote
education campaigns to warn Victorians that asbestos remains in around 400,000
houses and dwellings built before 1987.
Every year nearly 800 Australians die from mesothelioma – a deadly cancer caused by
exposure to asbestos fibre. Another 1800 Australians are diagnosed with cancers and
asbestosis, debilitating illnesses.
DIY home renovators are largely unaware that kitchens, bathrooms floors, eaves and
garden sheds contain asbestos as it was used in up to 20 different locations and
applications in suburban homes around the nation. The dust released when cut or
sawn is known to have tragic consequences.
The public deserves to be as informed about asbestos as they are about breast cancer,
skin cancer, HIV(AIDS), alcohol abuse and the danger of tobacco. Millions of dollars
of public monies are already spent on health education campaigns. A few dollars per
person on asbestos education now, will save millions in 20 – 40 years time.
For further information:
Tim Tolhurst
Executive Officer
Asbestos Disease Society of Victoria (ADSVIC) Mobile 0466 113 749
NEWS 
