Having close ties and my family growing up in Baryulgil, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of asbestos exposure on our community. Many of my family members and friends were diagnosed with cancer and other severe health issues due to asbestos effects from the James Hardie Mines. The pain and fear I have seen are deeply ingrained in my memory, making me abundantly aware of the dangers asbestos poses to our health and well-being.

Today, it is with a similar sense of urgency and concern that I bring attention to the confirmed presence of asbestos-containing materials at Blakehurst High School in New South Wales, Australia. This issue has recently been covered by 7News, alarming both parents and students who deserve a safe and healthy environment for learning. Both my children attend this High School is what is at the forefront of my concerns.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and exposure can lead to life-threatening diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. In Australia, approximately 4,000 deaths annually are attributed to past asbestos exposure, reflecting just how critical and urgent this issue is.

Blakehurst High School houses hundreds of young students and committed teaching staff, all of whom are at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers present in the aging infrastructure. We cannot afford to wait until it is too late and people start suffering from irreversible health conditions.

It has been reported by students that there is asbestos located in a grass area near the science block they have claimed testing has been done, it has been stated by students that this has been covered by mesh panels and bark. So far there has been testing on the structure but environmental testing needs to be addressed as soon as possible. 

I am calling on the Department of Education and local authorities to take immediate action to assess the extent of the asbestos threat and implement necessary remediation measures. This includes hiring certified industrial hygienists to conduct thorough inspections and ensure the school is safe from any harmful exposure.

Furthermore, transparent communication with the community about these findings and ongoing updates are crucial. Parents and guardians have the right to be informed about the safety measures being implemented so that they can make knowledge-based decisions regarding their children’s education.

We must prioritise the health and safety of our children and educators at Blakehurst High School and set a standard of no compromise when it comes to asbestos safety.

Please sign this petition to urge immediate action on addressing the asbestos concerns at Blakehurst High School, ensuring that no more lives are put at risk. Together, we can create a safer environment for future generations.