Press Releases and Announcements - 18 November 2011
Asbestos disease awareness week events
Asbestos support groups, unions, lawyers and community
organisations will be involved in range of activities next week to
mark National Asbestos Disease Awareness Week, 21-25
November.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, which represents the victims of
asbestos related diseases, is supporting a number of events in
Victoria and Canberra.
- A new merged support group for victims in Victoria -
Asbestoswise;
- Gippsland Asbestos Related Disease Support group public
education seminar; and
- Launch of the Parliamentary Group on Asbestos Related
Disease at Federal Parliament.
Andrew
Dimsey, the firm's national asbestos practice group leader said
the impact of asbestos would continue to be felt far and wide in
the community for decades to come.
"The activities this week remind us that Australia has a long
history with asbestos and there are many people who may still be
exposed to the deadly dust because it is so prevalent in houses,
public buildings and workplaces," Mr Dimsey said.
"Every day at least two people are diagnosed with mesothelioma -
the asbestos-related fatal cancer and many more are living with
debilitating asbestos-related diseases.
"At events around the country people can learn about how best to
manage the ongoing asbestos risks in the community and can remember
those that have died.
"We also want to improve support to those who are living with
asbestos-related diseases and alert people to their legal rights if
they become sick after exposure to asbestos at work or in
community."
EVENTS
Monday November 21
Launch of Asbestos Awareness Week and of Asbestos Wise, Bella
Union Bar, Victorian Trades Hall Council, Melbourne 6pm.
Tuesday November 22
Maurice Blackburn Principal lawyer Theodora Ahilas will speak to staff at
Clare Holland House palliative care service in ACT and attend the
Lung Foundation's "Shine a light on lung cancer" vigil.
Details; www.lungfoundation.com.au/shinealightonlungcancer
Maurice Blackburn is sponsoring the launch of the new
Parliamentary Group on Asbestos Related Disease (PGARD) at
Parliament House at 7.30pm.
Asbestos in School and public buildings forum - hosted by the
Australian Education Union, Victorian branch. 4.30-6pm.
Wednesday November 23
Maurice Blackburn's Andrew Dimsey will join other speakers to
answer questions about legal rights at a seminar hosted by
Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc. 6.30pm
Newborough.
Friday 25 November 10.15am
11am -12 noon Memorial service - Melbourne BMW Edge, Federation
Square
Lisa Mugg, Asbestoswise committee member who lost her husband
this year to mesothelioma will give a speech and is available for
interview.
Cancer Council launch of Mesothelioma booklet
A BBQ will be provided at the conclusion of the
service
For a full list of Victorian events, click here.
For more information about legal advise concerning asbestos
related diseases, please call 1800 810 812 or visit our asbetos disease page.