Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

In this very special episode, friends Bruce Wallner and James O’Loghlin catch up to remember Bruce’s younger brother and James’ dear friend James ‘Jum’ Wallner and the community campaign they ran together in the months leading to his passing in May 2021, to secure assistance (financial and medical) for victims of the notorious ‘Mr Fluffy’ homes in the ACT. 

Jum Wallner contracted mesothelioma after growing up in a home sold by the company that became known as 'Mr Fluffy'. The Wallner family was one of more than a thousand families in the ACT that used loose-fill asbestos for insulation.  During this conversation, Bruce recalls how he and his three younger brothers played in the pile of loose-fill asbestos that had been stored in their garage during renovations. Jum was three years old; 50 years later in July 2020 he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

What they then discovered was that if you contracted an asbestos disease from work you were eligible for compensation, however, if you got it from living in a ‘Mr Fluffy’ home – you weren’t.  Jum, with the support of Bruce and James set out to remedy that.  Faced with the unthinkable position of foregoing treatment so as not to leave his family destitute, they galvanised a community campaign to lobby the ACT government and then the Federal Government – in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic – for assistance, not only for Jum, but for any future victims. 

As Bruce and James recall they had never run a community campaign – and it was like playing a game where everyone else knew the rules.  They combined their skills and Jum became the face of the all-consuming ten-month campaign that galvanised media and amassed the support of a broader group of allies. They asked everyone they knew who could help. 

In the last few weeks, as Jum became sicker, and his life expectancy went rapidly from months to weeks to days, Bruce and James continued to update government ministers daily. On 5 May 2021, the ACT and Australian Governments jointly announced an agreement to establish an asbestos diseases support scheme, to be administered by the ACT Government.  Jum passed away two days later at 54 years of age. 

The establishment of this scheme will provide much-needed services and financial support to future victims who contract an asbestos disease due to living in a ‘Mr Fluffy’ home in the ACT.

For Bruce and James, the campaign was initially a way of processing and deferring grief and handling the sense of bitterness at the injustice. Three years after Jum’s passing, they recall the pain and privilege of working together to create something solid that will benefit people in the future – and that serves as a long-lasting legacy to their brother and friend James ‘Jum’ Wallner. 

You can read more about James Wallner and the Loose-Fill Asbestos Disease Support Scheme here.

Visit ADDRI and access support here: https://addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Often, they may not understand what this means, where to start, or what options are available.

In this episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with specialist nurse Jocelyn McLean, the founder of the ADDRI Support Service. With over 20 years of experience in providing pre-and post-operative education and support to thoracic surgery patients, including those diagnosed with mesothelioma, Jocelyn worked closely with Professor Brian McCaughan, a surgeon offering trimodality therapy (TMT), which involves chemotherapy, radical surgery (Extrapleural pneumonectomy EPP), and subsequent radiotherapy. Her firsthand experience with the vulnerability of these patients inspired her in 2014 to establish a service offering both emotional and practical support.

During this conversation, Jocelyn explains the vital role of the ADDRI Support Service. She discusses how specialist nurses help patients and their families navigate the healthcare system, clarify the information they receive, manage the complexities of medical treatments, and provide emotional support through phone, email, and group meetings.

If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, this is a must-listen conversation.

Find out more about the ADDRI Support Service here:

https://addri.org.au/support/getting-support/

Read more about Jocelyn here: https://addri.org.au/addri-farewells-jocelyn-mclean-mesothelioma-support-coordinator/

You can listen to the conversations with the patients Jocelyn has supported: Sandie Foreman, Trevor and Shirley Seaman here:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dust-disease-diaries

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email

[email protected]

Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma may be one of the greatest challenges a person may face. The heavy symptom burden of mesothelioma means that patients are significantly dependant on caregivers and the uncertain prognosis makes it hard to predict how things will go and what the patient will need. 

In this episode, James talks to Shirley Seaman about her experience in caring for her husband Trevor, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021. Shirley shares openly what it was like when Trevor first received the diagnosis of a condition she had never heard of. She describes her extensive efforts to gather any information she could, the impossible loss of her mother in Singapore while she was supporting Trevor through radical surgery, and the lifeline the ADDRI Support service provided.  

Shirley's story of strength, resilience and honesty offers invaluable insights and support for anyone in a similar situation. Don't miss this powerful conversation.

Access resources for carers here: https://addri.org.au/carers/

You can listen to the conversation with Trevor (Shirley’s husband) here:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dust-disease-diaries

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

In this latest episode, James sits down with Professor Deborah Yates – the leading voice on silicosis and dust diseases. Professor Yates is a Respiratory Physician and specialises in thoracic medicine and occupational lung disease.  She was also the first person to diagnose engineered stone silicosis in Australia in 2013. 

Australia's mining legacy has made silicosis a longstanding part of our history. In this extremely insightful conversation, Professor Yates discusses where exposure to silica dust occurs, how this causes disease and why engineered stone is the ‘perfect storm’ for accelerated disease development.  She shares what a diagnosis of silicosis actually means, how it impacts the body (and the mind!), the financial and social impacts and the available treatment and management options.  

This is a must-listen episode to understand what a diagnosis of silicosis means and what to do next. 

Deborah Yates is a Respiratory Physician, most recently in the Department of Thoracic Medicine at the St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and a Conjoint Professor at the University of NSW. She has a longstanding clinical and research interest in obstructive lung disease, including asthma, COPD and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), and also in occupational lung disorders. She has published widely in the field of asthma and occupational lung disease including asbestos-related disorders and occupational asthma.

You can find out more about Professor Deborah Yates here: https://addri.org.au/who-we-are/our-expert-consultants-and-advisors/

For further insights into silicosis and to listen to the  personal journey of Deborah’s patient with silicosis Ken Parker, visit:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dust-disease-diaries

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

If you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of silicosis or is worried about potential exposure, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. To help with that, in this episode we’ve got Jacqueline Hughes, a Partner at Turner Freeman Lawyers in Sydney, who specialises in compensation law, particularly focusing on dust diseases like silicosis.

In our chat with Jacqueline, hosted by James O’Loghlin, we dive into the compensation process specifically tailored for individuals dealing with silicosis. With her wealth of experience and passion, Jacqueline shares how she takes the weight off her clients' shoulders and fights for the best possible outcomes on their behalf.

Jacqueline is dedicated to helping a younger demographic affected by silicosis, many of whom are supporting young families – and this is what drives her to ensure that they receive the support and compensation they deserve.

This conversation is a goldmine for understanding how lawyers navigate compensation claims, how ‘pain and suffering’ is awarded in different states around the country, and how Jacqueline prioritises her clients' needs above all else.

But beyond the legal jargon, what truly shines through is Jacqueline's empathy and determination to tirelessly advocate for her clients. So, if you're seeking insight into the compensation process for silicosis, or just want to be inspired by someone making a real difference, this episode is a must-listen.

Note: On 13 December 2023, the Federal Government committed to a national ban on engineered stone to come into effect 1 July 2024. 

Read more about Jaqueline Hughes here: https://www.turnerfreeman.com.au/team/jacqueline-hughes/

You can listen to the interview with Dr Stephen Kao here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dust-disease-diaries/episodes/A-medical-oncologists-perspective-on-mesothelioma-management-e2ij41j

 You can listen to Armando Gardiman’s episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dust-disease-diaries/episodes/I-will-carry-you--Meet-one-of-the-pioneering-lawyers-of-asbestos-litigation-in-Australia-e2eohma

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

What happens when someone receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma and is referred to an oncologist? In this episode, we delve into the world of mesothelioma management through the lens of Associate Professor Steven Kao. Steven oversees the thoracic oncology clinical service at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, bringing both expertise and compassion to his patients. 

In this conversation with James O’Loghlin, Steven answers the key questions: what happens after diagnosis? What are the different treatment options? Chemotherapy vs Immunotherapy? What is the role of surgery in mesothelioma management? And why is continued research so important? 

Steven’s expertise, compassion and optimism provides a rare insight into an oncologist’s world. Through it all, he reminds us that there is always hope – and that comes in many different forms. 

Associate Professor Steven Kao is a Medical Oncologist with Chris O’Brien Lifehouse where he oversees the thoracic oncology clinical service – particularly the programme of malignant mesothelioma. He completed his PhD at ADDRI and continues to drive key projects through the institute. He has received many awards in recognition of his research. 

You can find out more about Dr Steven Kao here: https://addri.org.au/research/research-team/ and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse here: https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/

For further insights into mesothelioma management and the personal journeys of Steven’s patients, listen to previous interviews with Sandie Foreman and Lisa Hoggard here:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dust-disease-diaries

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

How would it feel to be able to walk and talk – but not at the same time? Or to feel like you are breathing through a wet towel? Ken Parker is 48 years old and this is what it’s like to live with severe engineered silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable, but preventable, work-related lung disease caused by inhaling tiny particles of carcinogenic crystalline silica dust released when cutting engineered stone. 

Ken worked as Stonemason for 20 years. He was very good at his job. And he had no idea that the dust which was everywhere – in the factory, all over his clothes, in his eyes/mouth – was dangerous. 

In this episode, Ken talks to James about how he became a Stonemason, the impact of receiving his diagnosis in 2018 and an official life-expectancy of 5-10 years.  He is now on trial medication to manage his condition in the hope that it will postpone the need for a double lung transplant. 

In this conversation, Ken talks candidly about his diagnosis, the impact it has had on every aspect of his life and his advice to people who think they may have been exposed. His incredibly resilient outlook is an inspiration – as he says: ‘Don’t let it bring you down.’ 

You can watch Ken on the Channel 9 60 minutes episode ‘The Last Gasp’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_hUJmtsucg

On the 03 April 2024, the NSW Government formally committed $5m to ADDRI for critical research into silicosis. You can watch the announcement here.

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

This is the story of Biaggio Signorelli, a young migrant from Italy who arrived in Pyrmont, NSW, in the mid-1950s. From humble beginnings, Biaggio went on to found the iconic Doltone House Group – making a significant impact on Sydney's hospitality scene.  In October 2007 at the age of 70, a seemingly minor cough revealed a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Biaggio passed away just eight months after his diagnosis.

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of Biaggio's illness on his family and his son Paul, who served as his primary caregiver during his final months. We're joined by Joanne Wade from Slater and Gordon Lawyers, who played a pivotal role as the acting lawyer on behalf of Biaggio Signorelli. As Head of Asbestos and Dust Diseases, Joanne shares her perspective on managing the legal claim and reflects on her personal motivation drawn from her father's own battle with asbestos-related disease.

Biaggio's dying wish was to prevent others from suffering the same fate, leading to the establishment of the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation. To date, the foundation has generously donated over $1 million to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), continuing Biaggio's legacy of advocacy and support.

This episode explores the resilience, determination, and enduring impact of Biaggio Signorelli's remarkable journey – the impact on his family, the lawyer who represented him and his legacy. 

You can read more about the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation here:  

https://www.biaggiosignorelli.org.au/

You can read more about Joanne Wade, Head of Asbestos and Dust Diseases at Slater and Gordon Lawyers here: 

https://www.slatergordon.com.au/people/joanne-wade

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

Welcome to Episode 9 of our podcast series. Today, we're diving into the lingering issue of asbestos contamination in Sydney, particularly discussing why the cleanup process seems to be dragging on for so long.   

Since our last episode recorded on the 2nd February discussing the asbestos exposure in Sydney's Rozelle Parklands, the problem has spread all over Sydney with signs of contamination cropping up across many neighborhoods. Many of these affected areas, which are vital community spaces, remain cordoned off. But why is the cleanup effort moving at such a sluggish pace?

Join James as he reconnects with Peter Tighe, the Independent Chair of the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), to address some pressing questions:

·       Who bears the responsibility for the cleanup efforts?

·       How exactly is the cleanup conducted, and what measures ensure safety?

·       Seven weeks have passed since Rozelle Parklands closed its gates to the public, yet only a fraction of the cleanup is complete. Why the delay?

·       Where does the contaminated waste end up?

·       Crucially, once the asbestos is eradicated, can we confidently return to these parks without fearing exposure?

Tune in as we tackle the issues surrounding the asbestos cleanup, and importantly, understanding when our community spaces will be safe again.

To find out more about what the EPA NSW is doing visit their website here: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/community-engagement/updates-on-issues/rozelle-parkland-asbestos-investigation

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Trevor Seaman worked as an apprentice electrician in his hometown of Wagga Wagga. He then spent the next 35 years travelling the world working on various oil rigs and mines. In 2020, Trevor and his wife Shirley returned home to Australia, planning to retire and work on the farm they had purchased in country Victoria, near the Albury-Wodonga border.

Feeling increasingly breathless, but not overly concerned, Trevor decided to seek medical advice and after numerous appointments and tests, Trevor received a call that would change his life. He had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. When his wife Shirley asked him what that was, he simply replied it’s “a death sentence.”

In this raw and inciteful conversation, Trevor opens up to James about what it was like to receive the mesothelioma diagnosis. He walks us through the radical surgery he underwent, the post-surgery complications and mental anguish he suffered. He offers insight into the support he received from his medical team, and how making contact with the ADDRI Support Service was truly life-saving. 

By sharing his story, Trevor aims to offer advice to those who may find themselves in a similar situation – and to share how he has learnt to build a decent quality of life despite the ongoing challenges – finding ways to continue doing the things he loves with this wife. 

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

A clinical overview of the treatment for mesothelioma is available here 

https://adri.org.au/whocc/etoolkit-2021/treatment-of-mesothelioma/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]