News

A year of progress and hope

From our team to you, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season.  Thank you for your commitment and support of our mission which is more urgent than ever.

Asbestos remains a real and present danger for Australians as it exists in one in three homes, and there are over 6 million tonnes of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in our built environment. The shocking discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch across parks, schools and hospitals unfortunately showcased this.

And then there is the increasing occurrence of silicosis, with an estimated 600,000 workers at risk of exposure across a number of industries.  Our collective efforts, driven by government, unions and policy makers, culminated in the nationwide ban of engineered stone on 1 July 2024.  This decisive action will save countless lives and protect future generations from the devastating effects of another deadly dust.

Despite a ban on both asbestos and engineered stone, we cannot and will not rest.  We head into 2025 with unwavering commitment to drive change and deliver real health solutions for people suffering a dust disease everywhere.

Our work in 2023/24

Our focus, Our patients

Dust Diseases Diaries: Real Lives, Real Stories of Asbestos & Beyond

20 incredible episodes were published this year bringing stories from patients and carers, oncologists, advocates, lawyers and nurses to the airwaves – and our 2025 podcast program promises to be just as powerful. Listen here.

Our Mesothelioma and Silicosis Support Nurse Service continues to grow

“The support that ADDRI have given to me and my whole family has been pivotal in my treatment and the ongoing management of this disease.”  Warren Rankin, Mesothelioma patient

Our team of compassionate specialist nurses provide expert guidance, emotional support and practical assistance to patients and their families. Through phone calls, emails and in-person meetings, we connect people with information, resources and a supportive community.

This has a huge impact on people navigating their disease journey. During the 23/24 financial year, we provided support to over 300 patients and families, with over 1,400 episodes of care.

Our service is free and confidential – and we are here to help.

NSW Government partnership announced

We welcomed the Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Workplace Health and Safety to ADDRI in May, to announce $5m to ADDRI for silicosis research and patient care. The Government is committed to delivering scientific research into better diagnosis and treatment for those suffering silicosis, coupled with delivering the best patient support and education.

We are excited to share new programs made possible with this funding throughout 2025.

With thanks to our Patrons

We are thrilled to announce that Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has accepted the role of Patron of ADDRI, bringing her esteemed leadership and dedication to health, social justice and advocacy to our mission.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Former Governor-General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (retd) and Mrs Linda Hurley whose support and guidance as Patrons was invaluable and deeply appreciated.

And with continued thanks to Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson, for their ongoing and committed support of our work.

Read more about our Patrons here.

The Commonwealth Mesothelioma Alliance launches

Four committed hearts, one united mission: Mesothelioma UK, ADDRI and the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation have joined to create a pathway of mesothelioma expertise, clinical trials, nurse education and research projects between Australia and the UK.   The Alliance and ADDRI welcomed Professor Dean Fennell to Australia in August and discussions are underway for UK clinical trials to be available in Australia.  In October, a team of Australia’s leading Mesothelioma nurse specialists travelled to the UK to work closely with the 35 strong Mesothelioma UK nurse team.

Announcement of the Alliance

In July, we had the privilege of being invited by the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, to discuss the Alliance at his office in Parliament House, Canberra. Also present were the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister responsible for the Asbestos and Silica Eradication Agency, and Sally Sitou MP.

International training program rolls out in Lao PDR and Vietnam

This year we sent a specialist team to deliver crucial health training in Lao PDR and Vietnam.

Driven by our WHO Collaborating Centre work and supported by The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) and Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, the team delivered clinical training to local health professionals to improve the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases and build in-country capacity to manage the ongoing diagnosis of these diseases. Participants engaged in masterclasses covering radiology, pathology, oncology, and epidemiology.

We are now working on another ambitious education program for 2025 with Cambodia, Malaysia and South American countries our focus.

You can read more about the training program here.

Driving advancements in asbestos diagnosis in Colombia

This year, our team of experts made significant progress in the global fight against asbestos-related diseases. We participated in the inaugural Asbestos in Colombia Conference, working closely with local stakeholders to better understand the country’s specific challenges. As part of our efforts, we are developing essential clinical guidelines to improve the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases in Colombia.