The Asbestos & HAZMAT Removal Contractors Association (AHRCA) has presented Advocacy Australia with a cheque for $10,000 at the Master Builders Association of NSW to support the invaluable work of the Asbestos Education Committee in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos through their “Respect Asbestos” campaigns, asbestosawareness.com.au, and the annual National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign each November.

The Asbestos Education Committee is focused on educating DIYers, homeowners, renovators and tradies about the dangers of asbestos, with an emphasis of retaining licenced professionals to undertake assessments, testing and the removal of the deadly fibre used in over 3000 Australian building and decorator products which still lurk within one-third of Australian homes.

Annually, over 4,000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases – 265% more than the annual national road toll, and with asbestos-containing materials remaining in residential properties built or renovated prior to 1990, and commercial properties built before 2004,  it’s vital DIYers, homeowners, renovators, tradies and property managers are educated to respect the serious dangers asbestos poses because it’s not worth the risk.

Clare Collins (pictured above), Chair of Advocacy Australia and the Asbestos Education Committee said, “ARHCA’s generous donation will enable us to continue our work to reduce the incidences of asbestos exposure; to prevent asbestos-related diseases through education with easy to understand, essential information to help Australian’s to ‘Respect Asbestos’, and ultimately save lives.

“While asbestos-containing materials remain hidden in one-third of Australian homes, the significance of the work of the Asbestos Education Committee to the ongoing health of Australians, cannot be overstated” she said.

Bret Baker JP, President of the Asbestos & HAZMAT Removal Contractors Association said “AHRCA is delighted to be able to support Advocacy Australia’s Asbestos Education Committee in their valuable work for the community.

“The dedication and passion shown by Clare Collins and Alice Collins inspired AHRCA’s Members to make this contribution at our Annual General Meeting held at the NSW Master Builders Association in December 2022 and we applaud their continued efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of asbestos exposure within the community,” he said.

Ms Collins said “Because campaign funding ceased in December 2017 and website funding concluded in February 2020, the 2021 and 2022 National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigns were conducted wholly pro-bono with budgets under $500.

“The funds provided by AHRCA are invaluable to us as they will enable us to continue our mission to educate Australians about the hidden dangers of Asbestos to prevent asbestos-related diseases”.

“In December 2022, our 2021 Asbestos Awareness Month campaign was awarded two coveted Golden Target Awards at the 2022 Public Relations Institute of Australia’s annual awards recognising excellence in the categories of Pro-Bono and Low Cost (Campaigns under $25,000).

“To continue to keep asbestosawareness.com.au live and the annual Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign running, stainable funding is required and we hope these awards and the generous donation by AHRCA will inspire others to support our life-saving work” she said.

November 2023 will mark the tenth anniversary of Australia’s longest-running, multi-award winning annual National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign which will continue to warn homeowners, renovators and tradies of the dangers of asbestos and direct them to Australia’s leading, most comprehensive, trusted asbestos information source, asbestosawareness.com.au.