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The Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia (ADSSA) was formed on 16 June 2005 in response to some gaps in service provision for asbestos victims and their families. It was born out of the interest and passion of Kay Tidswell (ADSSA’s CEO), who cared for her partner Russ Fleming, who died of mesothelioma in June 2003.

Our services include:

• ADSSA employs a part time social worker, Penny Jacomos, who provides a counselling service to those suffering asbestos conditions. Penny regularly visits victims at their homes and in hospital. Penny has been employed by ADSSA since its inception and has a great deal of experience in providing counselling services to those suffering asbestos conditions and their families.
• ADSSA holds monthly meetings where victims and their families get together to lend support to each other. At each meeting we invite a guest speaker to give a presentation on something relevant to the victims. Our speakers in the past have included doctors who specialise in asbestos conditions; occupational therapists; counsellors; experts in the removal of asbestos; and government employees. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings that are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month.
• ADSSA distributes a monthly newsletter keeping victims and professionals throughout South Australia up to date with relevant information. We have hundreds on our mailing list.
• ADSSA undertakes educative services for members of the public about the dangers of asbestos. ADSSA, with the help of John Carter, is currently providing free lectures throughout South Australia about asbestos awareness and preventative measures. For further information about asbestos awareness and for preventative measures that can be purchased by a home renovator or businesses, click on Asbestos and You
• ADSSA can assist those suffering asbestos conditions obtain legal advice as many of those suffering asbestos conditions are entitled to claim compensation.
• ADSSA supports the SA Unions Asbestos Coalition, attending regular meetings and providing relevant information.
• ADSSA has provided our opinion to the Government in respect to laws governing people who suffer asbestos conditions.
• ADSSA makes public statements in respect to the plight of victims and also of the dangers of asbestos exposure that still remains today.

ADSSA is a not profit organisation funded through private and public donations. To keep us going, we rely on members of the public to make donations. Therefore, if you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, this would be more than welcome.

ADSSA liaises with other state asbestos support groups, including Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales and provides a 24 hour hour hotline. It also sends out a monthly newsletter.