YVONNE Judge knows all too well the effect asbestos-related disease can have on a family.
Two years ago her husband, Graham, died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, and she admits she is still “getting over” his death.
With this in mind, the Kingston resident is happy to know the State Government has dedicated $533,000 in funding during three years to the Queensland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Society (QARDSS).
“I dare say we are getting that way, that the government needs to give funding, as more and more people are coming down with mesothelioma and are looking for help,” she said.
The funding, through Queensland Health, will enable the society to employ a full-time social worker and two support workers to help people affected by Asbestos-related diseases.
Mrs Judge is a member of the QARDSS and sometimes attends their seminars, but admits Graham's death is still too emotionally taxing for her to get completely involved.'
She is however passionate about warning people against the effects of asbestos, even if the time in contact with it is short.
State Member for Waterford, Evan Moorhead, said the QARDSS was outstanding at advocating on behalf of asbestos sufferers.
“The tragedy of asbestos and mesothelioma is that ordinary working people contract this disease as a result of trying to put bread on the table for their families,” he said.
The rate of Queenslanders diagnosed with mesothelioma has almost tripled in the past two decades.
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