4 November 2019
November is Asbestos Awareness Month and Cumberland Council is providing a number of services to increase asbestos awareness, including free information sessions, household inspections and asbestos collections.
“We know the importance of educating residents about the dangers of asbestos, particularly in Cumberland, which makes up a large part of Western Sydney’s fibro belt,” Mayor Steve Christou said.
“We are urging residents living in a home built or renovated before 1987 to attend a free workshop and book an inspection.
“We need the community to work with us. This means safety precautions are taken when dealing with instances of asbestos, which will be discussed at the information sessions.”
The information sessions will be held on Thursday, 21 November at the Merrylands Community Centre from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm and Thursday 28 November at the Auburn Centre for Community from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Earlier this year, Mayor Steve Christou attended an event at the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia in Granville, along with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation working to provide support to people living with asbestos related diseases, family members, carers and friends.
“I cannot express how vital it is to deal with matters of asbestos safely. This is why we have occupational hygienist specialists who conduct free inspections during the month of November,” Mayor Christou said.
“Those participating in the information session will receive a free asbestos removal kit valued at $100. This includes safety gear and all the necessary steps needed to safely remove asbestos sheets under the size of 10sqm.”
Asbestos inspections will be available from Friday 22 November to Saturday 23 November. To be eligible for the 45 minute inspection, your home must be in mostly original condition and built before 1990. To register or organise a collection, call 02 8757 9000.
