Update on Lou, Barry Robson (ADFA) award and ADAO Tributes for ADAO's 11th annual Asbestos Awareness Conference.

I have been keeping pretty close to home lately as my immune system, health well being and fatigue needs some TLC (tender loving care) to get stronger.  Weight has been dripping off me - no ounce of fat anywhere - lol not a good way to diet!  We went to Woodend yesterday for an outing - Woodend is about 20 minutes from here - a beautiful country village setting.  We sat outside at the lovely little Austrian cafe Schatzi's, an Austrian word meaning sweetheart or darling, is a café restaurant situated in picturesque Woodend nestled in the heart of the Macedon Ranges.  Sitting outside we ordered green tea for me, latte for Keith and grandma's traditional homemade apple shortcake.  Upon our cake arriving the European wasps started swarming around the food.  They have become a menace in most of Victoria particularly at the moment during Feb and March.  After a lovely sit in the sun and afternoon tea minus the wasps lol I was glad to get back to the car, have a short rest while Keith went to get a few supplies at the local supermarket then home for a short rest and recuperate.

A story in the local paper recently.
HARDWARE stores are running out of traps and baits as European wasps invade Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

On a visit to hardware stores in Sunbury and Kyneton, Leader found limited supplies left to repel the pests.

Pest control company Protech confirmed it had received numerous calls to remove wasp nests, including one property in Gisborne where eight nests were removed.

Manager Muzi Tsolakis said wasps were the worst they have been for several summers.

“They are everywhere.”

“They are a dangerous pest and we recommend that anyone observing wasps coming and going from an area to not try and deal with it themselves.

“Call a professional and get the nest removed.”

Macedon Ranges Council has received several inquiries from residents.

The invasive pest has also been spotted at cafes, restaurants and public events.

Council’s community safety manager Anne-Louise Lindner said to minimise risk residents should pour drinks from cans and bottles into glasses and inspect food before consuming during barbecues and picnics.

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Barry Robson (president ADFA Asbestos Diseases Foundation Australia) today received an well earned award.  Congrats Barry and to Kate being his backbone assistant).  Congratulations to Barry Robson on becoming 2015 Blacktown City Senior Citizen of the Year.

Barry has given a life time commitment to serving the community.  During his working life he helped workers through his involved with the Maritime Union of Australia and he also served as a Councillor on Blacktown City Council.  On retiring he just became more busier through volunteering his time. Barry is the President of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia and is also actively campaigning to retain vital cardiac services at Mt Druitt Hospital.  Barry has been supported by his wonderful wife, Kate, who is also an active volunteer in the community.
Congratulations Barry, a truly worthy recipient of the Award.

 — at Bowman Hall Blacktown.

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This is my Australian tribute page for ADAO's 11th annual asbestos awareness Conference to be held in Washington, DC, April 2015.  Suzanne Howarth​ Mary Heddles​ and Lorraine Langdon Villalba​ are 3 very brave and amazing super Australian Warriors who like me, are living with mesothelioma.  Thank you to ADAO, Marilyn Amento​ and Linda Reinstein​ for helping this wonderful Australian Tribute page come together.