"We consider people fighters and warriors": Empowering people affected by dust diseases in WA.

What support is available in Western Australia for people and families impacted by a dust disease?
A lot — and in this episode, host James O’Loghlin sits down with Melita Markey, CEO of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA), to explore the unique landscape of Western Australia and the history and ongoing legacy of asbestos use in the state.

Founded in 1979, ADSA has been woven into Melita’s life from childhood. Her parents began the fight for the rights of people impacted by asbestos diseases—starting with those who lived or worked in Wittenoom, the town built around one of the world’s largest blue asbestos mines. Melita has since taken the reins to continue the family’s mission to support anyone affected by an asbestos or dust disease.

In this episode you will learn about all the critical support services ADSA provides across WA and beyond. Melita shares deeply personal stories and explains the many ways ADSA supports people affected by asbestos—and now silica—related diseases. Their services include health checks, pastoral care, and guidance through complex medical, legal, and compensation processes, all with a strong focus on empowering patients to advocate for their health and legal rights.

As Melita puts it: “We are not a victim support group; we consider people fighters and warriors.” And when you listen to this conversation, you will see exactly why.

Please note: The views expressed in this episode are the guest’s own.

Melita Markey is the CEO of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA) in Western Australia. She is passionate about saving lives from preventable asbestos-related diseases. In her role as CEO of ADSA, Melita works to deliver public/occupational education, relevant patient services, appropriate compensation and secure dedicated funding for medical research into treatment/cure for mesothelioma and lung cancer. She believes there is still much work to be done to protect future generations from asbestos exposure in their homes and workplace.

Melita is also Chairperson for the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD) and serves on the Board of The Institute for Respiratory Health.

You can find out more about Melita and the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia (ADSA) 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 info@addri.org.au