News

It has been another busy few months at ADRI. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting new people, talking about potential future activities and funding, and collaboratively working with our community and supporters to advance ongoing projects. And something tells us the next few months are going to be just as busy!

A Successful Grant Season

We are thrilled to announce that our team has successfully secured two new grants via the Dust Diseases Board (DDB), allowing us to progress two crucial projects.

The Support Organisation Funding Grant will enable ADRI to expand our vital, and much needed, Mesothelioma Support Service by one full-time specialist Registered Nurse. This will directly increase the number of people we can reach, support, educate and care for. Additionally, we will be working on an educational platform which will inform and guide lung nurses on the nuance and specialties needed for mesothelioma care.

We’ve been working on an exciting research project involving Manuka extract – specifically through the manuka leaves. This preliminary success will now progress to a pre-clinical trial examining the impact and benefits of the Manuka compound (Study of Leptospermum polygalifolium extract in mesothelioma or the ‘Honey Project’).

If successful, this will provide a natural option for the treatment of Mesothelioma and the team is now being assembled to drive the project further. We will share all the details of this exciting project in the next newsletter.

Read more about our current research projects here.

Sally Sitou MP Visits ADRI

Ms Sally Sitou MP

On the 15th June, ADRI welcomed Ms Sally Sitou MP for a meet and greet and tour of our facility. The newly elected Federal Member for Reid, Ms Sitou’s inspiring story captured the country’s attention as the hardworking daughter of Chinese parents, who fulfilled her dream to represent her community in Federal Parliament.

Her time as a doctoral researcher at the University of Sydney Business School provided first-hand insight into how investment in education and research changes lives. She understood the importance of our work at ADRI – and the continued risks of asbestos to the community at large. We thank Ms Sitou for her support and advocacy.

Kicking Goals for Asbestos Research

In a wonderful display of community and corporate team spirit, ADRI is grateful to the sponsorship partnership support of A-League Football Club the Western Sydney Wanderers (WSW) and Turner Freeman.

Following 30 goals scored by the team during the season – and $500 per goal donated by Turner Freeman – a cheque of $15,000 was presented to ADRI on the 26th July.

As A/Professor Sonja Klebe said,

“Our future role will be to develop treatment for mesothelioma before it gets to the invasive and essentially, incurable stage.”

To assist in achieving this, the support of WSW and Turner Freeman goes directly where it is needed most – our laboratories.

Biaggio Signorelli Foundation Cheque Presentation at Admiralty House

The Signorelli Foundation has been a committed supporter of our work since ADRI was formed in 2009. In recognition of their ongoing generosity and support, a private morning tea was held at Admiralty House on the 17th June hosted by ADRI Patrons Their Excellencies The Governor-General of Australia David Hurley and Mrs Hurley.

Attended by the Signorelli family, as well as the ADRI CEO and Chair, the Signorelli Foundation presented our organisation with a cheque for $100,000. This support goes directly to the work of our researchers’ ongoing mission to find new and innovative ways to cure mesothelioma!

Save the Date: Carers Day Lunch, Friday, 21st October 2022

In thanks and acknowledgment, ADRI is delighted to invite all carers – past and present – to our Mesothelioma Support Service Carers Day Lunch.

We will enjoy the uplifting power of music with our special guest Mark Fleming, a Registered Music Therapist.

Lunch details:

Date: Friday, 21st October 2022
Venue: Revesby Workers’ Club
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm
RSVP: support@addri.org.au

There is no cost to attend and we encourage you to bring a friend along with you. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a lovely event.

EPP Well Living Group

Support Coordinators Jocelyn and Pam hosted the EPP Support Group on the 25th August at Briars Sports Club in Concord. We really appreciate the effort people made to come from all around NSW to re-connect as a group, share their stories and to receive support, advice and updates. Thank you to all who attended.

EPP Support Group at Briars Sports Club

City2Surf

After a break of two years, it was wonderful to see the ADRI team back in action on the 14th August. Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, strolled or donated to support our cause to Make Meso History!

City2Surf ADRI team

The Lung Foundation Australia Scholarship 2022

A huge congratulations to Ms Sarita Prabhakaran MD, a joint ADRI and Flinders University PhD student, who was the recipient of the Lung Foundation Australia Tony Britton Memorial PhD Scholarship.

Lung Foundation Australia Scholarship 2022

The Research Grants and Award Program invests in Australia’s best and brightest lung health researchers; and enables Sarita to continue her research work into improving the outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

Vale Matthew Soeberg

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Matthew Soeberg. Mathew was a much-loved and valued member of ADRI. As an absestos-related epidemiology researcher, he contributed to numerous projects over many years. We will all miss his thoughtful contributions and kind, steadying presence. Our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends at this time.

This is Sandie’s Story