WA
Blue Lamington Drive
Every year during National Asbestos Awareness Month, the Blue Lamington Drive has played a significant role in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos through creating forums for community discussion and fundraising to support the Asbestos Awareness campaign and to ensure the website is funded to continue providing essential, free life-saving information to the Australian people.
To host a Blue Lamington Drive during National Asbestos Awareness Month you can register or make a donation through the Blue Lamington Drive MyCause Page.
Every dollar raised will help educate Australians about the dangers of asbestos and provide free resources to the community. Donations $2 or more are fully tax deductible.
Councils
REGISTER NOW!
Councils are the first point of contact with their communities. By participating in the campaign, Councils actively engage with their community to promote awareness of asbestos in and around homes and the dangers to homeowners when asbestos is disturbed. Participation in the campaign can also aid in preventing the dumping of asbestos in communities by raising awareness of the issue through local media and events.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATING COUNCILS INCLUDE
- Awareness of Council taking a leadership role in addressing asbestos issues at a local level.
- Media coverage of Council’s proactive approach to asbestos.
- Inform your constituents about the safe management of asbestos.
- Reduce incidences of unsafe asbestos management practices.
- Reduce incidences of illegal dumping of asbestos products.
- Recognition as being a major contributor to Asbestos Awareness Month on asbestosawareness.com.au.
- Low cost to participate – access to pre-prepared relevant information and images.
- Leverage Council’s brand in line with national media and advertising.
EASE OF USE FOR COUNCIL PARTICIPANTS
To make it easy for Council to participate, all campaign collateral is easily downloadable from the asbestosawareness.com.au website including; posters, flyers, pre-prepared media release templates, multilingual posters and flyers, photographs of asbestos products commonly found in homes, copy and graphics for print and online use, and the Asbestos Awareness website logo which can be utilised in all Council collateral to promote awareness.
For access 
to all Council collateral including media release templates you will need to register your participation. All registered Councils will be eligible to submit an award entry submission.
PAST COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
In 2017 for the second consecutive year 100% of Councils Australia wide participated in the National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign. In 2016, of the 563 councils across Australia, 100% officially registered their participation in Asbestos Awareness Month, the highest number of council participants since the campaign launched in 2012.
Since 2018 when funding ceased, it’s pleasing to see the ongoing support of so many Councils for the National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign in their commitment to better inform their communities about the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.
TESTIMONIALS
“The benefit of Council in participating in this campaign has been the ongoing improvements in the areas of illegal dumping of asbestos as well as the illegal boarding of asbestos into our community. 
This along with the increase in awareness across our community has brought benefits to both our organisation and community as a whole by making our community and work areas safer with the decrease in illegal dumping.” District Council of the Copper Coast, Regional SA
“Nillumbik Shire Council was very pleased to participate in Asbestos Awareness Month. This program has given Council another avenue to engage with our citizens and represents a positive step forward in Council’s role in protecting our community’s wellbeing” Nillumbik Shire Council, Metropolitan Victoria
“As a result of our participation in Asbestos Awareness Month I believe our community has a better understanding of where asbestos can be found and how it should be collected. We as a local government are here to serve our community and ensure their wellbeing. If we can save one life, that’s awesome. If all we can do is tackle illegal dumping of asbestos, then that is great too” Cook Shire Council, Regional QLD
“By running such a campaign the entire council, Councillors and residents and general community are made aware of the dangers of asbestos. Cooma-Monaro Council like many regional centres has the majority of housing which was built with asbestos fibro sheeting. Many renovators of these older houses start a “minor” renovation without any consideration of the materials which they are removing or sanding. Awareness campaigns such as Asbestos Awareness Month bring the information to the forefront of people’s minds so that dangerous activities can be avoided”. Cooma-Monaro Council, Regional NSW
“While Holroyd City Council strives to continually enhance its education programs and improve management of asbestos within our community, participation in Asbestos Awareness Month further challenges and motivates us to think outside the square and come up with new and innovative ways to engage the community about asbestos related issues” Holroyd City Council, Metropolitan NSW
Awards – 2013 Winners
The Bettys – Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign Awards
‘The Betty’s’ were launched in 2013 to recognise the outstanding commitment of registered participants who were actively engaged in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos during Asbestos Awareness Month.
General Award Categories
Best Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigner 2013: Business or Corporate
- Winner: Jim’s Building Inspections Australia
- Highly Commended: Slater & Gordon Lawyers
Best Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigner 2013: Government Department or Organisation
- Winner: Networks NSW
Council Award Categories
Most Innovative Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigner 2013:
- National Winner: Holroyd City Council
Most Active Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigner 2013: Metropolitan Council
- Winner: Holroyd City Council
- Honourable Mentions: Leichhardt Council & Pittwater Council
Most Active Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigner 2013: Regional Council
- Winner: Liverpool Plains Shire Council
- Highly Commended: Cooma Monaro Shire Council
- Commended: Wollongong City Council
- Honourable Mentions: Blue Mountains City Council & Alice Springs Town Council
Participate
Register Now for Asbestos Awareness Month!
Councils, associations, organisations, community groups and government departments are invited to participate in the ‘National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign’. Your participation can be large or small.
Organisations who actively participate in the Asbestos Awareness Campaign will be eligible to enter the Betty Awards which recognise outstanding contributions to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos. Details of the award submission process will be provided to all registrants. For details click here.
Participation can include but is not limited to:
- Distribute media release to promote your organisational support for asbestos awareness (templates are available to registered organisations).
- e-newsletters and newsletters include information about Asbestos Awareness Month
- Feature Asbestos Awareness Banner Tiles and links to asbestosawarness.com.au on your website
- Feature the Asbestos Awareness Logo on all suitable material to promote the website.
- If public health orders permit, hold a Covid Safe ‘Blue Lamington Drive’ morning or afternoon tea as a forum to discuss asbestos awareness with staff and/or guests from external groups.
- Host a ‘Asbestos Awareness Month challenge’ to raise awareness of asbestos in your community.
- Host information sessions for staff and communities.
- Include the Asbestos Awareness Month Email Signature in all outgoing emails.
- Incorporate the radio ads as on-hold music. Use the television ads on public promotional TVs.
- Host a Tradies Breaky– to educate tradies and home handymen about the dangers of asbestos.
- Mention asbestos awareness in the Mayoral column.
- Print and display posters and brochures.
- Promote Asbestos Awareness Month on your Blog, Facebook and Twitter.
- Promote Asbestos Awareness to all relevant groups in your community to engage their support for the campaign including; TAFE, Trade schools, all trades and trades associations relevant to building and renovating and local hardware stores.
- Promote the Asbestos Awareness message on all Council materials distributed to the community including rate notices and newsletters. This can be done simply by including the Asbestos Awareness logo.
- Publish information on your website and intranet sites.
Registered Organisations Receive
- Briefing Notes.
- Asbestos Awareness Month media release template – organisations may add their logo, a quote from Mayor/CEO and distribute to your local or industry related print, radio, online and if relevant, television media.
- Graphics – Asbestos Awareness Logo, website banner tiles, email signature for use in outgoing emails.
- Radio ads – for use in place of “on hold” music for telephone systems.
- Television ads – for use in shop-front displays if relevant.
- Posters and brochures – in both print-ready files and in PDFs.
- Photographs of asbestos products and other relevant images including a diagram of a house.
- Background Copy – 300 and 115 words.
Activities
Community & Media Engagement
National Asbestos Awareness Month provides a number of resources for businesses, organisations, individuals and governments to participate in the campaign to help increase awareness of the dangers of asbestos in a wide variety of communities.
Register now to access a wide range of FREE communication resources.
Blue Lamington Drive
Every year during National Asbestos Awareness Month, the Blue Lamington Drive has played a significant role in raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos through creating forums for community discussion and fundraising to support the Asbestos Awareness campaign and to ensure the website is funded to continue providing essential, free life-saving information to the Australian people.
To host a Blue Lamington Drive during National Asbestos Awareness Month you can register or make a donation through the Blue Lamington Drive MyCause Page.
Every dollar raised will help educate Australians about the dangers of asbestos and provide free resources to the community.
Betty – The Asbestos Awareness & Education House
Since Betty was launched at Circular Quay in Sydney in 2012, every November, Betty the Asbestos Awareness & Education House has toured communities throughout NSW and Australia educating people about where asbestos might be found in and around homes built or renovated prior to 1990, and how they can manage asbestos safely.
After exhibiting at a number of community events, visiting hundreds of communities and travelling more than 65,000 kilometres throughout NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT, ACT and Tasmania, in 2018, following the transfer of oversight of the National Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign from SafeWork NSW to the NSW EPA, funding for Betty’s community education tours and exhibitions has been minimal.
We are currently seeking funding to help further Betty’s vital work in the prevention of asbestos-related diseases.
For information about Betty or to find out how you can help, click here.
Follow Betty’s Adventures
Since 2012, Betty has taken her potentially life-saving message to hundreds of communities in all states and territories except WA. Due to a lack of funding and the current COVID pandemic, Betty’s has been off the road but you can see the impact Betty has had on the communities she’s visited here.
Ambassadors
A number of celebrity ambassadors have committed their support to the campaign including; ‘Australia’s Queen of Renovating’ Cherie Barber, Barry Du Bois, Scott McGregor and Scott Cam. Read about our ambassadors.
Council Participation
Over the years Council participation in the National Asbestos Awareness Month campaign achieved a 100% participation rate with 100% of Councils across Australia officially registering their participation in the campaign achieving a record in Australia for the highest number of council participants in any community health awareness campaign. We are most grateful to all Councils who’ve utilised our resources to educate your communities on safe asbestos management.
For information about how your council can participate click here.
Community Service Announcements
To increase awareness of asbestos you can download our FREE 30 second Community Service Announcement for television and radio which you can share across social media channels. To view the ad click here or to download the radio or television ad click here.
We also have a variety of web banners for online use and print ads available for filler space or company newsletters.
Government Departments
Federal
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA)
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) was established in 2013 to administer the National Strategic Plan. Although the ASEA can provide general assistance and advice relating to asbestos, they do not enforce the law. For regulations governing the safe management of asbestos please contact the relevant authority in the Australian Government or the relevant authority in your state and territory.
Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia has developed a number of publications and resources to provide the community with information resources on safe management practices of asbestos. Regulations and resources are relevant to anyone who may be at risk of coming into contact with asbestos-containing materials either in the workplace, in homes or in the environment.
Learn more: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/asbestos
Australian Government Department of Health
The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a number of publications and resources to provide the community with information resources on safe management practices of asbestos. Regulations and resources are relevant to anyone who may be at risk of coming into contact with asbestos-containing materials either in the workplace, in homes or in the environment.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is the federal authority that manages issues relating to asbestos in the environment. This including asbestos in its natural form (Naturally Occurring Asbestos) and in the form of hazardous waste.
Australian Border Force
The Australian Border Force enforces Work Health and Safety (WHS) and environment laws in all states and territories to prohibit the unauthorised supply, transport, use (including manufacturing) or handling of asbestos.
National Asbestos Exposure Register
The National Asbestos Exposure Register (NAER) records information for members of the community who may have been exposed to asbestos, for their future reference. It is a voluntary, privacy-protected register for anyone who believes they may have been exposed to asbestos – whether at work, in the home or in the community. Data is stored securely and can be accessed by the individual in the future if there is a need to recall the exposure event.
State & Territory
Asbestos regulations can vary from each state and territory. Below are links to the regulators where you can access relevant information.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
- Asbestos NSW
- NSW 1800 ASEBESTOS HOTLINE (1800 272 378)
- SafeWork NSW
- NSW Fair Trading Loose Fill Asbestos Task Force
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Research & Support Organisations
Asbestos Diseases Research Institute
The Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) is a national body located in the Bernie Banton Centre, Concord NSW that conducts research into asbestos-related diseases and provides support services for people affected by asbestos-related diseases in NSW.
Founded in 2009 in response to the increasing incidence of malignant mesothelioma, ADRI is dedicated to tackling the silent and increasing epidemic of asbestos-related diseases.
ADRI’s primary objectives are to:
- improve the diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related disease; and,
- contribute to more effective measures to prevent exposure to asbestos.
In 2021, the ADRI was designated by the World Health Organisation as a Collaborating Centre for the Elimination of Asbestos Related Diseases.
More information about ADRI can be found at adri.org.au
National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD)
The National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD) was established as a national cooperative research centre in 2007 in Perth, Western Australia by the Commonwealth government. NCARD continues as a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recognised Centre of Research Excellence (CRE).
The NCARD’S aim is to enable the best Australian scientists, clinicians and researchers in the field, using the best available modern technology, to work cooperatively to prevent, monitor, treat, and/or cure asbestos cancers in the shortest realistic timeframe.
More information about NCARD can be found at ncard.org.au
The Australian Asbestos Network (AAN) 
The Australian Asbestos Network (AAN) is part of a larger group of researchers comprising medical, epidemiological and public health researchers studying the impacts of asbestos on the community. AAN has developed an online resource to provide the community with information about asbestos; its historical legacy, current impacts on Australian society and the ways in which we can all help to minimise its harmful effects on our health and wellbeing under the leadership of Emeritus Clinical Professor Bill Musk from the University of Western Australia.
More information about AAN can be found at australianasbestosnetwork.org.au
Support Groups Around Australia
For many years a number of groups across Australia have been dedicated to creating community awareness of the dangers of asbestos and providing invaluable support for people affected by asbestos-related diseases. Annually on National Asbestos Awareness Day (the last Friday in November), these groups come together and hold memorial services to remember the many who have lost their lives as a result of asbestos-related diseases.
- National
- The Australian Asbestos Network (AAM) is part of a larger group of researchers comprising medical, epidemiological and public health researchers studying the impacts of asbestos on the community. AAN has developed an online resource to provide the community with information about asbestos; its historical legacy, current impacts on Australian society and the ways in which we can all help to minimise its harmful effects on our health and wellbeing.
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD) is a national cooperative research centre located in WA. The NCARD enables effective cooperative research to prevent, monitor, treat, and/or cure asbestos cancers in the shortest realistic timeframe.
- New South Wales
- Asbestos Diseases Foundation Australia Inc (ADFA)
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) – is a national body based in NSW that conducts research into asbestos-related diseases and supplies support services for people affected by asbestos-related diseases in NSW
- Asbestos Diseases Support Group, Wagga Wagga and District, PO Box 8190 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, T: (02) 6922 3826, E: ingewebster@bigpond.com
- Queensland
- Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia (AMAA) formerly Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Support Group (AMSG) also operates in NSW.
- Asbestos Disease Support Society (ASSS) – also operates nationally
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Asbestos Related Diseases Information
Embedded asbestos fibres irritate lung tissue around them, causing a number of diseases. Asbestos related diseases can take many years to develop. Most diseases will not become apparent for at least 10 years after exposure to asbestos and more commonly 15-20 years. Some diseases, such as mesothelioma may take up to 40 or more years to develop.
Asbestos-Related Disease Statistics
Malignant mesothelioma is the most common of the asbestos-related diseases monitored in Australia. This is because there is a strong causal association between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma. Since 2012, annually approximately 800 cases of newly diagnosed malignant mesothelioma cases have been reported with the annual number of mesothelioma deaths increasing from 416 in 1997 to 724 in 2019.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a cancer arising from the lining (mesothelium) of the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The disease is usually advanced before symptoms appear, making an early diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. The average survival time after diagnosis is only 10-12 months. A small exposure to asbestos can be enough to trigger the cancer, however a relatively small percentage of people exposed to asbestos fibres will eventually develop mesothelioma. There usually is a lag of 20-50 years after the first asbestos exposure before the disease is diagnosed. Each year in Australia, between 700 and 800 people are diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer.
Malignant mesothelioma almost uniquely caused by asbestos exposure was seldom diagnosed until the 1960’s. Since 2006 more than 600 Australians were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each year and experts have estimated that there were at least another 1,350 Australians with lung cancer caused by asbestos. A tragic consequence of highly intensive use of asbestos and its products in Australia in the previous century, it is estimated that these figures will continue to rise in the coming decades.
MM is a disease that develops several years after the first exposure to asbestos fibres. However, the disease is currently also diagnosed in young adults incidentally exposed to asbestos fibres as children. The fact that approximately 1/3 of older Australian homes built or renovated before the mid 1980’s contain asbestos, reinforces the significance of Australians undertaking adequate preventive measures. The prognosis of MM patients is poor and almost all will experience severely debilitating symptoms. MM is only partially responding to the current forms of oncologic therapy and currently there is no curative treatment for the disease. It is therefore critical that we make a substantial investment in medical research to find better means of understanding the specific biology of MM in order to try to achieve better clinical outcomes for people affected by the disease.
Pleural Disease
Inflammation of the outer lining of the lung, the pleura (where asbestos fibres are deposited). The pleura stiffens and thickens widely (diffuse thickening) or in patches (plaques), and can fill with fluid.
Asbestosis
This is scarring of the lungs by inhalation of large quantities of asbestos fibres: the lung becomes inflamed and scarred (stiff) making breathing progressively difficult. Symptoms include tightness in the chest, dry cough, and in the later stages, a bluish tinge to the skin caused by lack of oxygen. Asbestosis is usually seen in former asbestos miners, asbestos manufacturing workers and insulation workers, and usually takes a decade or more to develop.
Lung Cancer
Exposure to asbestos fibres greatly increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they are also a smoker.
Australian Mesothelioma Registry
In August 2020, The Australian Mesothelioma Registry published their Mesothelioma In Australia 2019 Report which reported 724 deaths and 659 Australian’s newly diagnosed with mesothelioma.
It noted of the 1015 patients who completed the voluntary asbestos exposure questionnaire between 2010-2019, 12.2% classified asbestos exposure through occupational exposure alone, with 35.9% classifying non-occupational exposure and 51.9% selected both occupational and non-occupational exposure. It reported that:
- Undertaking home renovations accounted for the possible exposure of 43% of patients
- Living in a house undergoing renovations accounted for the possible exposure of 39% of patients
- Living in a house made of fibro built between 1947 and 1987 accounted for the possible exposure of 10% of patients
- Living in the same home as someone with a job where they were exposed to asbestos and who came home dusty, accounted for the possible exposure of 14% of patients
National Asbestos Exposure Register (NAER)
The National Asbestos Exposure Register (NAER) was established by the Australian Government to record information for members of the community who may have been exposed to asbestos. If you think you may have been exposed, or for more information visit Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
REFERENCES
Australian Mesothelioma Registry Reports
FAQ & Learn More
I am buying an older house. How do I know if it contains asbestos?
One in three homes built or renovated before 1990 will most likely contain asbestos in some form or another. To confirm if asbestos is present you can have your home assessed by a qualified occupational hygienist or licenced asbestos assessor.
Is there a phone number I can call for Asbestos enquires?
If you live in NSW you can call the 1800 Asbestos Hotline (1800 272 378). The hotline was established by SafeWork NSW to provide free advice and guidance on asbestos-related issues and is a central point of contact for all asbestos enquiries in NSW.
If you live in all other states and territories, you can call the relevant authority in your state.
Mr Fluffy & Loose-Fill Asbestos
For information on loose-fill asbestos ceiling insulation material installed by Mr Fluffy during the 1960s and 1970s in some homes in NSW and the ACT, please contact NSW Fair Trading Loose Fill Asbestos Task Force or the ACT Asbestos Task Force.
Are houses with asbestos roofs safe?
If asbestos cement products are in sound condition and not disturbed, they do not pose a significant health risk. Replace roofing that is weathered, structurally unsound and no longer waterproof. A number of people have died or suffered serious injuries after falling through asbestos cement roofs. Never walk on an asbestos cement roof. They are brittle.
Some asbestos products have a low percentage of asbestos and are therefore safe for me to handle. Is that true?
Treat all products containing any amount of asbestos as potentially dangerous if disturbed. A licenced asbestos removalist should remove all asbestos containing material (ACM).
Can I bury asbestos on my property?
No. It is illegal – and poses a health risk. It must be taken to a facility that can lawfully receive asbestos waste.
Where and how do I dispose of asbestos sheeting?
Contact your council or the relevant authority in your state and territory for waste facilities that accept asbestos in your area. They can provide information on transporting and disposing of asbestos waste safely and legally. To locate your closest asbestos disposal facility visit the Asbestos Safety & Eradication Agency’s disposal database.
I am renovating my bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Should I be concerned about asbestos?
Asbestos products were often used in wet areas of older homes, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. If in doubt, have the material tested by a qualified professional and/or removed by a licenced asbestos removalist.
If I am demolishing a fibro shed, what should I do?
In all states and territories (except the ACT) homeowners are permitted to remove a maximum of 10 square metres of bonded asbestos. However, if there is more than 10 square metres of fibro or other asbestos-containing materials you MUST use a licenced asbestos removalist. If there is less than 10 metres, refer to Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: How to safely remove asbestos July 2020.
Where do I find an asbestos removalist, and how can I be sure that they are licenced?
Most states and territories in Australia have an online database of licenced asbestos removalists and occupational hygienists.
- ACT
- Access Canberra provide a database of licenced Asbestos Assessors and Removalists
- NSW
- Asbestos & Hazmat Removal Contractors Association (AHRCA)
- The Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA)
- SafeWork NSW Asbestos and Demolition Licence Holder Database
- NSW residents can also call the 1800 Asbestos Hotline (1800 272 378) for free advice and guidance on asbestos-related issues in NSW.
- NT
- WorkSafe NT provides a database of licenced asbestos removalists
- QLD
- Demolition & Asbestos Industry Association (DAIA
- WorkSafe QLD Licenced Asbestos Removalist Database
- SA
- Government of South Australia list of licenced Asbestos assessors and removalists via asbestos.sa.gov.au
- TAS
- VIC
- WA
- Government of Western Australia does not provide a database of licenced removalists but provides details on how to check a valid licence
Asbestos in Aboriginal Communities Project
Many Aboriginal communities contain fibro houses and buildings and it is essential to provide information regarding health risks, safe behaviours around asbestos containing materials, where it can be found and who to contact.
Aboriginal land is susceptible to illegal dumping of asbestos because it is often located in remote areas or under developed urban parcels of land.
The Asbestos in Aboriginal Communities Project developed a range of resources including a Checklist, Flyer and Poster to help reduce asbestos exposure and illegal dumping. These materials were developed by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities in consultation with NSW Aboriginal Land Council, NSW Aboriginal Housing Office, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal Housing Providers to understand the asbestos issues affecting Aboriginal communities.