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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In early 2020, a judicial inquiry was opened to investigate an alarming number of cancer and auto-immune diseases occurring across the region.<\/p>\n
The potential cancer cluster was brought to life by a local investigative team, Discovery 3227, founded by Barwon Heads local Ross Harrison.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“I think it is disappointing that the public have not had an avenue to express themselves until now,” he said.<\/p>\n
“For most people this will be an opportunity to be on record and to tell their story, which I think is really empowering.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The public hearing is just the beginning,” he said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Senator Sarah Henderson has urged Bellarine Peninsula locals and former residents connected to the investigation to come forward to give evidence.<\/p>\n
“This is an opportunity for people effected and those with local knowledge to tell their story,” she said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“There is a feeling that something is going to be done and for Discovery 3227 all we wanted to do is provide answers.”<\/p>\n
Those interested in registering to give evidence can email the committee for further details at community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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. […]<\/p>\n