“The public hearing is just the beginning”

SUFFERERS of various cancers and autoimmune diseases from the Bellarine Peninsula have a chance to be heard on record as the Senate calls on the community to speak.

The Senate Community Affairs References Committee last week confirmed a local public hearing as part of an inquiry into a possible cancer cluster on the Bellarine continues.

In early 2020, a judicial inquiry was opened to investigate an alarming number of cancer and auto-immune diseases occurring across the region.

The potential cancer cluster was brought to life by a local investigative team, Discovery 3227, founded by Barwon Heads local Ross Harrison.

Mr Harrison who was invited by the Senate to speak said that for the many who have been effected this will be an opportunity to be recognised.

“I think it is disappointing that the public have not had an avenue to express themselves until now,” he said.

“For most people this will be an opportunity to be on record and to tell their story, which I think is really empowering.”

Mr Harrison believes the Barwon Heads cancer cluster has equated to around 350 people who have suffered illness as a result of chemical exposure used in the City of Greater Geelong’s former mosquito spraying program.

“The public hearing is just the beginning,” he said.

“There will be a recommendation to undertake further epidemiological and toxicological studies to assess the damage to people’s DNA that can be traced back to chemicals.”

Senator Sarah Henderson has urged Bellarine Peninsula locals and former residents connected to the investigation to come forward to give evidence.

“This is an opportunity for people effected and those with local knowledge to tell their story,” she said.

“We have heard from a range of experts who have assisted the committee and it is now time to hear from more locals to better understand their personal account.”

Mr Harrison said the public hearing will not bring any closure to those impacted but it will come as a relief as they look towards getting answers.

“It has taken such a long time for this story to come about and a lot of people are experiencing a sense of relief that finally they are being listened to and there is an acknowledgment of community suffering,” he said.

“There is a feeling that something is going to be done and for Discovery 3227 all we wanted to do is provide answers.”

Those interested in registering to give evidence can email the committee for further details at [email protected].