ASBESTOS MEMORIAL DAY BREAKFAST AT JACK WATKINS PARK
REMEMBERING FAMILIES DEVASTATED BY ASBESTOS

25 November 2011

Asbestos Memorial Day Breakfast at Jack Watkins Park, Kilburn, 7.30 am and Memorial Service, Pitman Park, Salisbury, 10.30 am
Friday 25 November 2011

A memorial service this morning will remember those who have lost their lives to asbestos-related disease.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles - who is also the chair of the SA Asbestos Coalition - says asbestos disease has left a dreadful legacy for many families.

"South Australia has the world's highest per capita incidence of asbestos disease such as mesothelioma, for which there is no cure."

"We must remain vigilant against the threat of people being exposed to remnant asbestos as it means many more victims will emerge over the coming generations."

"For people suffering from mesothelioma, they live a life of suffering and pain, and often struggle to get proper compensation for their work related illness."

Ms Giles says this morning's two ceremonies, one on the site of the old Islington Rail Yards and the other in Salisbury commemorate all who have died from exposure to asbestos and allows their families and workmates to remember and honour them.

"We will be forever vigilant about the dangers of asbestos related disease."

"There is still much work to do.  People are still being exposed to asbestos through home renovation, local Government is turning a blind eye to their responsibility in building approvals and dumping, and asbestos is still widely used in our region in India and South East Asia."

"On this day the victims and their families remind us to keep up our commitment and keep working to protect the community from exposure to asbestos."

The Asbestos Coalition in SA is a group of organisations and individuals who work together to create a world where no one is exposed to this deadly substance and to fight for decent compensation for those who have suffered from exposure.