We would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Karen Banton-Smith and Rod Smith over the past eleven years as they have supported sufferers and increased awareness of the ongoing risk of asbestos to the community.
“I founded the Bernie Banton Foundation in June 2009, for only one reason, to uphold what Bernie believed in; to assist people to navigate the difficult journey an asbestos-related disease diagnosis presents; to enable people to have informed choice about specialist dust litigators and medical professionals; to prevent people being exposed to asbestos dust/fibres by creating awareness of mesothelioma asbestos cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases, and to advocate for, and to be the voice of reason for Australian asbestos-related disease sufferers, their carers and loved ones, allied health and care providers, and to the wider community.”
Karen Banton-Smith, Founder of Bernie Banton Foundation
The Reflections Board acknowledges the support Rod and Karen have provided to Reflections since its founding. Since attending our official launch in Perth, Western Australia in November 2015, our organisations have shared a common desire – a future with lives untouched by asbestos.
“Karen Banton, myself and the Bernie Banton Foundation’s Board of Directors would like to thank all those who have supported the Foundation via donating, fundraising and sponsorship over the last eleven years. Without your support, the Foundation could not have provided its’ asbestos-related disease support and patient advocacy services, and asbestos awareness and education it has become widely recognised for across Australia and New Zealand. Every dollar donated, fundraised, sponsored or given in kind has helped and meant a lot – we are truly grateful.”
Rod Smith, Awareness & Support Coordinator at Bernie Banton Foundation
The Bernie Banton Foundation website, now renamed as simply the Bernie Banton website, is being independently continued and maintained by Karen and Rod as a voluntary community service. It remains an invaluable resource which we encourage you to utilise should you have questions about mesothelioma asbestos cancer, other asbestos-related diseases, supportive care options, and asbestos and its’ effect on the community.
We wish both Karen and Rod all the best as the next chapter of their lives begin.
The Reflections Team
Compensation Entitlements for Sufferers of Asbestos-Related disease
Did you know there are compensation entitlements available to sufferers of asbestos-related disease? But there are things they need to know…
Sufferers of asbestos diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural disease are often unaware that they have compensation entitlements and that there are time limits restraining how long they have to commence a claim.
Different countries and indeed each State of Australia have their own specific time limits.
Some States have no time limit while others have extremely strict time limits. For the States with strict time limits, a person is barred from bringing a claim for compensation if they do not commence proceedings within the legally allotted time frame. This means if a sufferer commences proceedings after the relevant time limit expires then they are, in most circumstances, no longer entitled to compensation.
The matter of time limits is complicated particularly where a person has exposure to asbestos in more than one state and/or overseas. It is, for this reason, it is imperative that sufferers of asbestos disease seek legal advice from an expert asbestos lawyer as soon as they are diagnosed with an asbestos disease to ensure their entitlements are protected.
When it comes to people suffering from mesothelioma seeking legal advice as a matter of urgency is imperative, as court proceedings must be commenced in their lifetime to ensure the amount for general damages (also known as pain and suffering) survives for the benefit of their Estate. If proceedings are not commenced within a person’s lifetime their loved ones are under-compensated.
Should you have any questions please contact us and we can ensure you are put in touch with an experienced asbestos lawyer who can provide you with obligation-free advice.
The Reflections Team
You’re not alone – we’re there for you!
As we live through these unprecedented times of social distancing and the uncertainty COVID-19 brings to the community, we want to remind you that you’re not alone.
If you are affected by an asbestos-related disease and would like support and connections, we’re there for you.
MESO MONDAY – join our support network as we meet online each Monday for a coffee and chat.
FACEBOOK PRIVATE GROUP – for mesothelioma sufferers and their families, this is a forum for open discussion and a safe place to encourage and share with one another.
Contact our Support Network Facilitator, Paige on 0481 553 575 for more information.
SUPPORT LINE – chat with someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer practical advice and a listening ear.
Do not hesitate to get in touch if we can help in any way.
Jo Morris speaks with 6PR’s Gareth Parker about the inaugural STEELTOES & STILETTOS
Jo Morris speaks with 6PR’s Gareth Parker about the inaugural Steeltoes & Stilettos to be held 9 March in the heart of Northbridge.
An event bringing the risk of asbestos to the big stage, tradies are dobbed in and sponsored to walk the catwalk with a model on the night. Funds raised by tradies will be used to reduce the impact of asbestos on the community.
Barry Knowles is a medical phenomenon that even doctors can’t explain
Unlocking secrets to Barry’s cancer fight win.
The retired builder has set up the Reflections Through Reality Foundation, to raise funds for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
The foundation is being launched today by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson at a lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Perth, which is a partner on the project.
