The Asbestos Related Disease Support Society Qld Inc (ARDSSQ) is a not-for-profit organisation which provides support to those affected asbestos related diseases, their families, carers and friends.
The Society was founded in 1992 by the late Mrs Shirley White OAM and since that time ARDSSQ has actively campaigned on behalf of sufferers and their families for adequate compensation and ongoing support.
ARDSSQ also provides information to the community on the dangers of asbestos.
The Society currently has over 35,500 members consisting of sufferers, widows, family members, carers and friends of those who suffer from and who have passed away from an asbestos disease.
Our members also include medical and legal professionals, politicians, unions and other organisations who support those affected by asbestos.
Some members of the Society are those who have been exposed to asbestos but as yet have not been diagnosed with an asbestos disease but who live with the fear of possibly being diagnosed in the future.
The Society has grown significantly since its foundation in 1992.
The Society is run by countless volunteers and two social support workers, funded by Queensland Health. The Society is also supported by legal and medical professlonals who provide their services free of charge as well as Government officials who the Society can consult with on asbestos related issues.
The Society has a management committee consisting of members, union representatives and community volunteers which meets every month.
The Society's current president is Mrs Helen Colbert who joined ARDSSQ in 2003 when her husband, Ray, was diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.
Helen has a extensive background in community service and has volunteered with such organisations as the Australian Red Cross and State Emergency Service.