Ten Thousand Reasons For Respect

SYDNEY - Jan. 26, 2023 - PRLog -- 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 (AEC) 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 AEC is focused on educating DIYers, homeowners, renovators and tradies about the dangers of asbestos, emphasising retaining licensed professionals to undertake assessments, testing and removal of the deadly fibre used in over 3000 Australian building and decorator products that still lurk in 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 (ACMs) remaining in homes built or renovated before1990, and commercial properties built before 2004, it's vital DIYers, homeowners, renovators and tradies are educated to respect asbestos.

Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia and AEC said, "ARHCA's generous donation will enable us to continue our work to reduce the incidences of asbestos exposure and to prevent asbestos-related diseases through education and free resources, helping Australians to 'Respect Asbestos', to ultimately save lives.

"While ACMs remain hidden in one-third of Australian homes, the significance of our work to the ongoing health of Australians, cannot be overstated," she said.

Bret Baker JP, Asbestos & HAZMAT Removal Contractors Association President 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 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 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 2017 and website funding in 2020, the 2021 and 2022 National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigns (AAM) were conducted wholly pro-bono with budgets under $500.

"These funds provided by AHRCA are invaluable and will enable us to continue educating Australians about the hidden dangers of Asbestos to prevent asbestos-related diseases".

"Our 2021 AAM was awarded two coveted Golden Target Awards at the 2022 Public Relations Institute of Australia's annual awards in December recognising excellence in the Pro-Bono and Low-Cost categories.

"To continue to keep http://www.asbestosawareness.com.au live and our annual AAM running, stainable funding is required; we hope these awards and AHRCA's generosity inspires others to support our life-saving work," she said.

November 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Australia's longest-running, multi-award-winning annual National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign.