Asbestos Awareness & Betty - The Asbestos Education House

Vale Professor Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO 💙

We pay our respects to the life and legacy of Dame Marie Bashir, a trailblazer, a reformer, and a deeply respected Australian who dedicated her life to service, compassion and community.

As New South Wales' first female Governor, Dame Marie broke barriers with quiet strength and unwavering integrity. But it was her lifelong commitment to public health, mental health, education and the wellbeing of young people that defined her extraordinary contribution.

Dame Marie led with humanity. She listened, she cared, and she never lost sight of the people behind the policies - a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest in peace, Dame Marie.

As communities across Queensland respond to flooding caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, residents are being urged to remain alert to a serious, often unseen risk — asbestos.

Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products and can still be found in brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes and farms built or renovated before 1990, as well as many commercial and public buildings constructed before December 2003.

Flood and storm damage can disturb asbestos in walls, ceilings, roofing, tiles, pipes, garages and sheds — releasing deadly fibres that may become airborne as flood-affected areas dry.

🚫 Do not begin clean-up until you understand the risks.
👉 Learn how to identify and manage asbestos safely after floods and storms:
🔗 https://asbestosawareness.com.au/natural-disasters/floods/

Because when it comes to asbestos, it’s not worth the risk.

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Our heartfelt thoughts are with all the communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, especially with our Ride in Shorts for Leah family Steph and Jade who have been personally affected by this natural disaster.

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Once again, we are incredibly grateful to Phil Smith & Ride in Shorts for Leah team & their incredible supporters. Our heartfelt thanks to the Paint Horse Association of Australia for helping Phil to help us to save lives through increasing awareness of the killer asbestos!

Ride in Shorts for Leah & Leah’s beloved husband Phil are on their campaign trail, having a bit of fun on horseback while raising lifesaving awareness of the dangers of asbestos!

💙 ASBESTOS AWARENESS DAY 💙
Honouring courage. Remembering lives. Strengthening our resolve.

In memory of Carol Klintfält OAM, Serafina Salucci OAM & Leah Smith

Today, on Asbestos Awareness Day, we pause as a nation to honour every life lost or forever changed by asbestos-related diseases — and we pay heartfelt tribute to three extraordinary women whose bravery has shaped Australia's understanding of this silent but deadly legacy.

Each turned personal tragedy into purpose. Each used their voice so others might be protected. And together, their stories remind us why awareness matters, why advocacy matters, and why prevention remains our strongest defence.

🌼 Carol Klintfält OAM (1949–2014)
A pioneering force in asbestos education
Diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2006, Carol refused to let her diagnosis silence her. Instead, she channelled her remaining years into fierce advocacy — sharing her story in the media, speaking with communities, supporting other victims, and helping to launch Australia’s first national Asbestos Awareness campaign.

Her tireless work reached millions and continues to save lives. Carol’s compassion, courage and determination remain at the heart of every asbestos safety message delivered today and earned her an Order of Australia.

🌼 Serafina Salucci OAM (1969–2019)
A mother, advocate and national voice of strength
Exposed during childhood renovations, Serafina was diagnosed with mesothelioma at just 37. In the face of unimaginable adversity, she refused to step back from life — she stepped forward. She founded support groups, mobilised communities, and became a powerful advocate for prevention, tirelessly reminding Australians that a single fibre can change a life forever.

Her grace, resilience and unwavering commitment continue to shape asbestos health education across the country and earned her an Order of Australia.

🌼 Leah Smith (1974–2024)
A gentle, loving mother whose story demands action
In 2023, 48-year-old Leah began experiencing breathlessness — leading to a devastating diagnosis: malignant mesothelioma caused by childhood exposure in her family home. Like so many during that era, her parents used asbestos-containing products while building and renovating — never knowing the risk.

Just eight months after her diagnosis, Leah passed away on 22 August 2024, leaving behind her husband Phillip, their two children, and a community heartbroken at the loss of a vibrant, accomplished woman.

Leah’s story is a stark reminder that asbestos exposure — even decades earlier, even in the safety of one’s home — can have fatal consequences.

✨ Their Legacy Lives On

Carol, Serafina and Leah — and the thousands of Australians lost to asbestos-related diseases — are the reason Asbestos Awareness Day exists.

Their stories:
• Illuminate the ongoing danger of asbestos in our homes and communities
• Inspire education, advocacy and reform
• Drive us to protect future generations
• Remind us that every fibre, every exposure, every preventable death matters

We acknowledge the families who live with their heartbreak and loss each day and who, despite their grief, continue to champion awareness and protect others by saving lives through education, vigilance and action.

💙 We remember. We honour. We continue the mission. 💙

Illegal asbestos dumping isn’t just reckless — it’s costly, dangerous, and puts entire communities at risk. 💀

Lismore City Council’s reminder couldn’t be more timely: when homeowners skip licenced asbestos professionals, they can't be sure their asbestos-containing materials aren't illegally dumped as they don’t receive the proper tipping dockets required for safe disposal. That choice can lead to massive fines, environmental contamination, and lifelong health consequences for others.

When it comes to asbestos, there are no shortcuts. Always use licensed asbestos assessors and removalists who follow regulations, provide correct documentation, and protect you, your family, and your community. ✔️🏡

Let’s stop illegal dumping and keep our regions safe.

ASBESTOS DUMPING IS NOT A SHORTCUT
National Asbestos Awareness Week is on. Instead of another safety poster, here is the blunt version.

Think dumping asbestos on a back road is a cheap shortcut?
It is a potential $15,000 bet with other people’s health on the line.

At Wyrallah Road, the minimum charge for asbestos is $60. Around 100 kilos of a typical bathroom load costs roughly $71 to dispose of properly. The minimum fine for illegally dumping asbestos is $15,000, and penalties can reach $1 million.

Council is currently investigating several incidents of illegal dumping, and we have zero tolerance for it. Wrap asbestos in heavy-duty plastic, bring it to the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre, and do not risk your health or your bank account. We would much rather see you at the weighbridge than at the centre of an investigation.

For more information, visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Households/Waste-and-recycling/Hazardous-waste-and-illegal-dumping/Safe-asbestos-removal-and-disposal

Photo: Lismore Council Compliance Officer assessing a dumped pile of asbestos.

This year, three times more Australians will die from an asbestos-related disease than are killed on our roads. 🚫🚗

Over 4,000 Australians lose their lives annually to asbestos-related illnesses — tragedies that are preventable when asbestos is managed safely. 🏠⚠️

Visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au and respect asbestos — it’s not worth the risk. 🙏💛

Avoid danger by knowing what not to do when it comes to this hazardous material The message for Asbestos Awareness Month is know what not to do.