The Advocate: May 2021 Edition by The Advocate

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THE ADVOCATE 1

BUDGET SPECIAL

ENVIRONMENT

Federal Budget: What do advocacy groups and social impact leaders think of it?

Australia guilty of the world’s largest downgrading of a national marine park

Pages 4-5

Page 10

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA’S NOT-FOR-PROFITS & CHARITIES

$2.50

MAY 2021

PAY IT FORWARD FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

SIMONE FRANCIS ccording to the journal review Sexual Assault, one in five women experiences sexual violence; often a terrifying, humiliating, and traumatic experience that can impact physical and psychological health. Furthermore, the Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN), reveals that in 2019 there were 4,859 recorded victims of sexual assault in Queensland alone, with the overwhelming majority being female. With 75% of sexual assaults never being reported, this statistic is likely to be much higher. Although Queensland crime statistics reveal the numbers of sexual offense cases has risen since 2010, funding for victims is insufficient. The Queensland Government reveal on their website that d that they believe exual violence to be an unacceptable violation of human rights, and that they are “committed to preventing and responding to all forms of sexual violence in our

communities.” However, Di Macleod, Director of the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence (GCCASV) says, “Funding for our Sexual Violence Program is inadequate, and our Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program is the lowest funded program in the state! Why isn’t the state taking responsibility for increasing the core funding for this issue?” Although the Queensland Government has passed on a short-term increase in funding as part of the Federal COVID-19 response, the funding is not sufficient to deal with the current demand and there are serious issues with the short-term funding model. Funding for GCCASV, which expires by the end of 2021, covers the cost to pay counsellors, who in turn offer free counselling sessions to survivors. Belinda, a sexual assault survivor who was provided counselling from GCCASV says, “It would be so devastating for so

many women if the service stopped. I immediately felt so comfortable and safe with my counsellor and the rest of the staff at the centre. I was made to feel so welcome, and was even invited to holiday events like Christmas with other women attending the centre. I went to the centres free yoga and meditation activities, as well as vision board creation days, which really helped me to be able to focus on the positive things in life and move on from my- trauma.” In addition to counselling, GCCASV’s Sexual Violence Program also provides crisis support, practical support through related legal and medical procedures, and therapeutic and educational groups to victims and survivors of recent and/ or past sexual violence. GCCASV’s Women’s Health & Wellbeing Program provides counselling, as well as support and advocacy services to women who have experienced gender-based violence in their

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past and are now safe and post-crisis. Di Macleod says: “We are about to lose $250,000 of our funding. Ms Macleod continues, “We desperately need donations to continue to pay the four counsellors who will lose their jobs. Unfortunately, two wonderful staff have already needed to start looking for other employment due to job insecurity.” GCCASV has recently experienced increased contact and have over thirty victims on a waitlist, which is expected to climb once funding is cut. Ms Macleod hopes that the federal government will contribute further funding to prop up Queensland Domestic and sexual violence services. However, GCCASV need a State Government commitment ASAP to increase core funding long-term. Pay it forward to the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence.

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OUR STORY

The Advocate, founded in 2014, is here to help promote the causes of not-for-profits and charities Australia’s changemakers. We’re passionate journalists writing for positive change.. This is The Advocate’s first digital edition, which will give not-for-profits and charities even more of a platform to tell their powerful stories to readers who care. This edition will be free but will cost $2.50 hereafter to help fund our team of volunteer journalists.

THE ADVOCATE TEAM EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITOR

The following writers are volunteer journalists at The Advocate:

Ryan started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities.

Carol Saffer is an award-winning journalist enthusiastic about creating copy that engages audiences. She is curious by nature, possesses a growth mindset and thrives on new and unusual challenges. Carol has experience as a reporter for various regional Victorian newspapers and writing for Business Day in The Age. Her previous career was in the fashion industry, and she holds post-graduate degrees in business and journalism.

JOURNALIST

Ryan Fritz

Carol Saffer

Simone Francis JOURNALIST

Amelia Costigan JOURNALIST

Pat Callanan JOURNALIST

Benjamin Murdoch

Aussies alarmingly complacent about exercise and heart health Heart Foundation

he Heart Foundation has launched a program to motivate more people to take up regular walking, as new research reveals Australians’ alarmingly high complacency about physical activity and heart health. In a Heart Foundation survey of more than 7,000 Australian adults, two in three (65%) said they know that exercise can lower their risk of heart disease, the nation’s single leading cause of death. Yet concerningly, two-thirds of these people also said that they do not meet Australian physical activity guidelines (30 minutes of moderate physical activity five or more days a week). At the same time, 44% of survey respondents said they have been told by their doctor that they need to be more active. “Our research suggests that while many Australians know that movement is good for their hearts, and they have been advised by their doctor to be more active, they are not acting on this,” said Heart Foundation Group CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly. “Overall, around one in two Australians aged 18 to 64 – that’s almost eight million people – are not active enough for good heart health. This is extremely concerning given physical inactivity is a key risk factor for heart disease, which takes 50 Australian lives each day, or one every 29 minutes.”

To encourage more Australians to get moving, the Heart Foundation has today launched its Personal Walking Plans. In this free, six-week program, participants will receive a walking plan tailored to their current activity levels, as identified during an easy, two-minute sign-up process. Plans will be delivered via weekly emails and texts, which are designed not only to support and motivate participants, but also to deliver information about the many benefits of walking beyond fitness and heart health. “This is a vital component of the Personal Walking Plans, because as our survey shows, simply understanding that physical activity is good for the heart does not equate to getting off the couch,” Professor Kelly said. “Over this six-week journey with us, participants will learn about some of the lesser-known benefits of regular walking, like unwinding at the end of a stressful day; exploring their neighbourhood; becoming stronger and more flexible; and improving their mood.” This is in addition to walking’s other incredible health benefits, Professor Kelly said. “Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of not only heart disease, but also stroke, diabetes, dementia and some cancers. It can also help maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.

“That’s why we often call walking a ‘wonder drug’. If it were a medicine, we would all be taking it daily for longer, healthier, happier lives. “By highlighting the unique and holistic benefits of walking, we are confident of recruiting an enthusiastic new generation to our Heart Foundation Walking family, while also continuing our mission to save Australian lives from heart disease.” The Heart Foundation’s Personal Walking Plans have been developed by the organisation’s experts in physical activity and exercise science, with input from consultants at Exercise and Sports Science Australia. To get started with a free Heart Foundation Personal Walking Plan, visit walking. org.au. Heart Foundation Walking is supported by the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and SportAUS.

Copyright - The Advocate Published by Helping Hands Media Published bi-monthly. Edition 1 Melbourne, Australia. March 2021

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A friendly dog and a good book can improve children’s literacy

Wear red to make an impact for domestic and family violence

CAROL SAFFER

TORY Dogs, an Australian child literacy charity, recently partnered with Dr Claire Stevens, veterinarian, author and dog lover, as an ambassador for its aim to make reading fun for children. Story Dogs Co-founder Janine Sigley said “Claire will be helping Story Dogs raise the profile of what we do and help us to work towards our mission of helping more children become confident lifelong readers.” The program facilitates the engaging idea of a child reading to a dog in a one-on-one setting while at school. In a non-judgmental manner, the child’s focus improves, their literacy skills increase, and their confidence soars. “Dr Stevens is so passionate about dogs and children, making her the perfect ambassador for Story Dogs,” Ms Sigley said. Dr Stevens said the more she learnt about the Story Dogs mission, the more she realised how it aligned with her professionally and personally. “I am an advocate for animal welfare with a deep love of dogs,” Dr Stevens said. “It was an honour to be asked. “The other side of it is I love literature; I’ve written a book, and I’ve studied vet medicine. My education and love of literature was a catapult for my life journey.” She sees encouraging reading in young people as personally meaningful. “I am a mother of two kids, and I am reading with them at home and seeing first-hand the challenges in their confidence

levels and fears around reading,” Dr Stevens said. “It was an honour to be asked. “The other side of it is I love literature; I’ve written a book, and I’ve studied vet medicine. My education and love of literature was a catapult for my life journey.” She is thankful for her life’s opportunities and sees encouraging reading in young people as personally meaningful. “I am a mother of two kids, and I am reading with them at home and seeing first-hand the challenges in their confidence levels and fears around reading,” Dr Stevens said. “It is this personal experience which makes me more in tune with the work that Story Dogs is doing in the schools. Ms Sigley points out that while the focus of the reading session is literacy, the other benefits are self-confidence, increasing socialisation and breaking down fear of dogs, so children become comfortable around canines. “The best feedback I get from teachers is the change in attitude,” Ms Sigley said. “Especially boys who go from being a reluctant, quite fearful reader declaring ‘readings not cool’ to end up saying: ‘No way I’m going to miss Story Dogs day.’ “As soon as you have a child who wants to learn, you can do so much with them.” Pam and Jim Sellwood have first-hand knowledge of these successful outcomes. The Sellwoods, retired dog trainers with two golden retriev-

“It starts with the innocuous jokes, and we need to watch out for the people who are putting other people down, who are not respecting them, who are only thinking about themselves. “We need to recognise and help each other way before the physical, just like the frog who realises way too late that the water is boiling and is unable to jump out to save itself. “It is a slow boil, and if you miss the red flags, someone needs to point it out.” Ms Kaplan describes having the conversation with someone who is in danger as planting the seed. Women in a domestic or family violence relationship with a partner they love or trust want to believe it when they promise it won’t happen again. By planting the seed, it may help to remove the instinct to deny and unblock reality. “I talk about the frog in the water,” Ms Kaplan said. “That is exactly how it is; by the time you get to physical abuse, you have been conditioned to believe that that is appropriate,” she said. “Many domestic violence deaths have made it to the front page of the papers, how many have not? “It’s not about the deaths; it’s about the lead up to those deaths.” It is essential to get a broader community understanding of the widespread nature and consequences of the violence. Margot Hillel OAM, chair of the Impact board said while women and their children are unfortunately at the forefront, it is about parents and grandparents who also suffer the corollaries. “The conversation could also help clear up the mistaken idea of where domestic violence against women families happens,” Ms Hillel said. “It is not confined to a particular socio-economic group nor specific geographic areas,” she said. Before Christmas and Mother’s Day each year, Impact calls on volunteers to help fill their Bags of Love, given to survivors of domestic violence. On the packing days, all Impact’s board members wear red hats or caps to identify them if a volunteer needs assistance.

CAROL SAFFER ED is the colour of love – think Valentine’s Day roses; of luxury – think Christian Louboutin shoes; and of danger – red flags, violence and anger. For the charity Impact, red exemplifies the violence and anger that too many women experience from the people who say they love them. “It is such a contradiction,” Kathy Kaplan, Impact’s founder and president said. This contradiction is just one driver for Impact’s launch of its ers, 12-year-old female Marlee WeaRed4Impact campaign on and Chevy, her eight-year-old Monday, 3 May, the first workson, are part of the Story Dogs ing day of Domestic and Family team. Violence Awareness Month. They have visited Pottsville Impact is an entirely volunPublic School in northern New teer-run charity committed to South Wales on Fridays for the making a difference to Victorian last ten years. women and children fleeing “We have a nice quiet area set extreme violence at home. up outdoors where we sit side by Wearing a touch of red is side with the two dogs on two a conversation starter for the blankets, and each sees a child month, one which Impact feels at the same time,” Mrs Sellwood now is most imperative. says. “In recent times, the public Mrs Sellwood recalls one saw and heard, from our leaders young boy in particular when his down the disrespecting of womteacher described him as ‘I don’t en in particular,” she said. know what he can do; he just sits “With the horrific deaths we there and doesn’t write or talk or witnessed last week, it is more read.’ important than ever. “Marlee is an incredible dog; “We are asking people to she intuitively senses when a help us start [and maintain] this child has a problem,” Mrs Sellconversation by wearing a touch wood said, of red on Monday, or for that “When the child sits down, matter, any day during May. Marlee will put her head in their “Whatever you wear, please lap or her foot on their knee; she take a selfie and post with the knows which a child needs a bit hashtag #WearRed4Impact.” of love.” Ms Kaplan said the reason to When the boy arrived at launch the initiative now just felt the reading time with a book right. he chose to read to Marlee, he While the campaign’s primary immediately hugged the dog objective is the conversation, around her neck. Impact would welcome people “He stumbled with his reading making a tax-deductible donaat first because he was nervous, tion. yet each week he got better and “Remember that the three ended up being a brilliant reader,” deaths that happened last week Mrs Sellwood said. May is Domestic and Family are deaths, [but] how many Mrs Sellwood said she and Jim people live in fear?” Ms Kaplan Violence Awareness Month: experience personal joy when #WearRed4Impact asked. they see the children improving. “The physical violence and “They are more confident, they then murder doesn’t come out of participate in classroom activities nowhere; it develops and grows where they didn’t before, experi- over time,” she said. encing the whole flow-on effect and attitude change is wonderful,” Mrs Sellwood said.

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COMMUNITY

Mission Australia’s response to Federal Budget 2021-22 Mission Australia •

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Disappointing lack of leadership on affordable housing to address the grim shortage of low-cost, affordable housing and rising homelessness. Welcome the Federal Government’s reinstatement of funding for Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) supplementation for homelessness services. Welcome investment in natural disaster recovery. Urge Agency to provide funding to support people on lower incomes who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Welcome Government’s focus on reducing unemployment but disappointed by refusal to increase income support to an adequate level while thousands face financial stress and are on the brink of homelessness. Welcome investment in preventing domestic and family violence. Welcome investment in mental health, yet more must be done to better support the health and wellbeing of young Australians. Welcome childcare package as a good first step.

Homelessness and housing Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, cautioned that the Commonwealth Government’s absence of leadership on measures that are needed at a national level to end homelessness and increase affordable housing will force more people into homelessness. “The essential social infrastructure of social housing has been ignored yet again while the Federal Government continues to heavily invest in other infrastructure. Where is the leadership and innovation which this issue desperately requires? “While we acknowledge the Government’s investment in measures to help support people into home ownership, including single parents through the Family Home Guarantee, these do not go far enough to address the structural problems with housing and homelessness in this country. “The grim shortage of social housing and affordable rentals, high levels of housing stress, punitive rate of JobSeeker and other income support payments and a job market topped up with insecure, short term jobs is triggering a spike in financial distress, housing insecurity and homelessness. “The recent challenges of bushfires, flooding and the pandemic have reinforced that every Australian needs access to safe, stable accommodation so people can work, access education, cnect with their community, look after their wellbeing and live with dignity. One of the most effective things that our Federal Government can do to

ensure people are safely housed and to prevent people becoming homeless is to create the conditions for innovations which will increase the supply of affordable housing options, including social housing. “We call for a housing capital aggregator to enable large scale private investment in affordable housing to help end homelessness. This is an idea generated by The Constellation Project, where private investment can be pooled into affordable housing and unlocked by Federal Government co-investment. “We anticipate that homelessness will rise with the 2021 Census statistics. Yet our Government continues to overlook the needs of at least 116,000 people who are homeless and the thousands more who are on the brink of homelessness while living in severe rental stress amid ongoing pandemic challenges. “There is still no national plan to end homelessness in Australia. We call on the Government to show the necessary leadership to end homelessness by 2030, including a specific target for youth homelessness and homelessness among older people. “With this absence of leadership on social and affordable housing, our Federal Government has sealed the fate of thousands of people on the lowest incomes who will be pushed into homelessness and insecure living conditions. “While the increased ‘in home’ aged care funding will go a long way to help older people stay at home while receiving the care they need, the Federal Government has completely overlooked those without a home. How can you receive home care, if you don’t have a safe, suitable home? “There are 200,000 people on social housing waiting lists in Australia, yet no leadership or innovation from this Budget to address this growing number.” Equal Remuneration Order Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, said: “We are pleased to welcome the Federal Government’s commitment to renew the Federal funding for Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) supplementation for salaries in homelessness services, which was slated to stop in June 2021. “This investment in equal pay for the next two years secures the jobs of up to 500 frontline workers – the majority being women – so they can continue delivering vital services to people facing homelessness at a time of great need and surge in demand. “With JobKeeper now finished, the JobSeeker payment essentially the same as the old Newstart rate and rental moratoria now ended, our staff are bracing for a rise in demand for these vital homelessness services.” Natural disaster recovery Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey,

James Toomey

said: “It is encouraging to see the establishment of the new National Recovery and Resilience Agency. “We urge the new Agency to ensure funding helps people who are most vulnerable to natural disasters, given the effects of climate change disproportionately impact people on low incomes and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. “One of the lessons of recent bushfires, cyclones and flooding is that people experiencing homelessness in disasters and emergency events are greatly impacted by the existing lack of affordable and temporary housing. “Mission Australia recognises that the effects of climate change impact acutely on the most vulnerable members of Australia. “We hope that the new Agency will mitigate impacts of future weather events on people on the lowest incomes by paving the way to build more well-planned, well-designed social housing stock that is not built in high risk natural disaster zones.” Employment and income support Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to reducing unemployment, particularly the extra investment in the care workforce. We recognise its investment in training and skills development measures for people who are unemployed. “However, we remain cautious about how these training opportunities will be administered. They must not become part of a punitive system of mandatory requirements that will punish rather than support those who are unemployed. “This training must also lead to jobs. Currently, there is one job for every seven people seeking work, which no amount of training will remedy. “For those who are reliant on income support payments while they are looking for work, we are not surprised by the Federal Government’s ongoing refusal to increase income support to a permanent, adequate level while thousands of people are struggling with financial stress and are homeless or on the brink of homelessness. “It seems clear now that the Federal Government regards JobSeeker as a

punitive payment rather than a welfare payment designed to protect people from poverty. “Many people who are surviving on income support payments during periods of unemployment are facing enormous anguish and uncertainty. The current JobSeeker rate of around $44 a day is a recipe for disaster for thousands of Australians. It is profoundly inadequate and simply does not help get people back into work. “Mission Australia is one of many advocates calling on the Government to ensure JobSeeker and other related allowances are increased to an adequate rate so people aren’t forced into poverty and homelessness. “People need the certainty they’ll have enough money to regain control of their lives, wellbeing and finances, put food on the table and remain safely housed while accessing essential resources they need to seek and be ready for work.” Domestic and family violence and homelessness Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, said: “At a time when COVID-19 restric-

Social housing ignore

Council to Homeless Persons omelessness Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to scrap a planned $56.7 million cut to homelessness services but lamented another budget and another year without Federal Government action on social housing. The budget includes $124.7 million which reverses the planned cut and securing services for two years. Homelessness Australia Chair Jenny Smith says the sector is pleased the Federal Government through Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston, and Minister for Homelessness Michael Sukkar has listened to the sector, reinstating ERO supplementation funding. “These frontline homelessness and domestic violence services have been funded

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tions and impacts have caused an increase in the frequency and severity of domestic and family violence, we welcome the Government’s investment in preventing and addressing domestic and family violence through a range of measures including emergency accommodation. “With domestic and family violence continuing to be one of the key drivers of homelessness in Australia for women and their children, there still remains an urgent need for investment in more permanent housing options for victim-survivors and their children so that they’re not pushed into homelessness when escaping violent situations. “Women are often faced with homelessness, or needing to relocate hundreds of kilometres away, or staying in a violent household because there are not enough long-term housing options. Put simply, insufficient supply of suitable housing is putting the lives of women and children at risk. “Emergency accommodation provides immediate safety, but there is a severe shortage of permanent safe homes for victim-survivors and their children to prevent and address homelessness when violence occurs. We need creative ways to supply more social and affordable homes as a matter of urgency. “Now more than ever, further investment in community services is also very much needed so the necessary and essential wrap-around, holistic supports are immediately available and accessible for people escaping domestic and family violence.” Youth mental health Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, said: “We are very encouraged to see the Federal Budget’s investment in supporting the mental health of Australians. “While we know that more is needed to establish the mental health infrastructure that Australia sorely needs, we warmly welcome funds going towards a range of measures including more Headspace facilities, suicide prevention programs, digital mental health services and an update to

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the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy. “We hope to see further concerted efforts to address mental health concerns among Australians – especially for the young Australians we work closely with whose mental health has been particularly affected by the events of the past year. Even before COVID-19, the prevalence of mental health concerns among young Australians was profoundly concerning. “The pandemic has added multiple stressors for young people, including uncertainty about their future, social isolation, increasing rates of unemployment and financial distress. “Although a significant amount of funding has been devoted to mental health in response to COVID-19, ongoing need is anticipated and funding must keep up with demand. The estimated investment needed to address the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on Australia’s mental health and contribute to the longer-term task of ongoing national mental health reform is $3.7 billion over four years. “We support the Government’s announcement of further investment in mental health, but note that there are still large gaps in the service system and that even greater investment is needed to match service provision to demand.” Childcare package Mission Australia CEO, James Toomey, said: “The Government’s newly announced childcare package is a very welcome stride towards early childhood education and care reform. “As a founding member of the Goodstart consortium, Mission Australia welcomes the Government’s contribution to giving children the best possible start in life through more affordable access to quality education and care. Affordable early learning also reduces barriers for parents to return to work and is an important contributor toward a more fair and prosperous Australia.”

Five ways you can be more charitable without breaking your budget

me too Foundation

me-too Foundation is registered in Australia as a not-for-profit social enterprise. It is a Melbourne-based organisation that manufactures high-quality personal care items, such as body wash, hand soap and scented candles, and donates 100 percent of the profits back to Australian survivors of domestic violence. “When it comes to being charitable, one of the most prominent misconceptions in Australia is that you have to be rich to support a charity,” me-too Foundation founder and managing director, Andrew Curnow, said. “You can absolutely find ways to give to a cause that is close to your heart, even on a tight budget. In the middle of these exceptional times, many Australians are facing financial strain and are pulling back on their spending to cut costs. While unfortunately charitable donations do fall under the spending category and have felt the pinch of this overall cut in spending, there a number of Aussies who are rolling up their sleeves to give back to the community in other ways,” Curnow said. “If you have felt the weight of COVID-19 on your earnings but you still want to help people who are less fortunate than you there are non-monetary or small monetary things you can do to make a big difference. Giving to charity does not need to require a huge disposable income; there are possibilities for each and every one of us – no matter our current financial situation.” Curnow has shared five ways that you can give to charity without writing a big cheque. Donate your time: “Just being available can be as valuable as a cash donation. For a large proportion of Australian-based charities, they only survive through the efforts and dedication of their volunteers. They need people to help out by being physically present and to volunteer their time. By freeing up time, space and finances in

ed but Budget brings funding certainty to homelessness sector by the Federal Government for the past nine years, and we’re pleased to see that this funding is no longer at risk and will continue for at least two years,” Smith says. “The sector can now get on with the job of supporting people who are without a home, or at risk of homelessness, without the additional worry of having to cut programs or reduce service staff.” “The budget also included a welcome increase to the Homelessness Supplement for residential aged care providers with more than 50% of residents with a longterm history of homelessness, which increases the support provided to a vulnerable group of older Australians,” Smith says. “We also welcome the additional investments into flexible funds for women escaping violence, a new two-year national

partnership agreement with the states to provide a modest increase in funding for service responses to women experiencing sexual, family or domestic violence, and the additional small commitment to crisis accommodation. “There is enormous unmet need for support and accommodation for women fleeing violence, and while the additional funding is a small contribution, it is nonetheless a welcome step. “We hope future investments by the Federal Government contribute to addressing the enormous need for housing affordable to women fleeing violence,” Smith says. The budget provided resources to help single parents and first home buyers purchase homes by lowering deposit requirements, and an expansion the First Home

Community

Super Saver Scheme. “We are disappointed that the Federal Government has again missed an important opportunity to grow the amount of social housing and to increase income support so people can afford to rent,” Smith says. “With rents on the rise and more and more people squeezed out of the rental market, we know that homelessness in our community is increasing, and will continue to increase. “Right now, inadequate income support and skyrocketing rentals are the biggest drivers of homelessness; and addressing these problems sit in the Federal space. “We need the Federal Government to lead a process with the States and Territories, where they all contribute more to increase the supply of social housing”.

other areas of the charity, volunteers can make a significant impact to the charity’s bottom line,” Curnow said. Practice buying in pairs: “Charitable donations don’t have to fall into the monetary or pre-loved category. Rather than giving money or second-hand clothes, you can absolutely donate brand new goods. Next time you’re at the grocery store, consider buying two of any non-perishable foods such as soups or vegetables, toiletries or cleaning products that you are purchasing for your own household, with the intention of donating them to your local charity,” Curnow added. “Buying in pairs for a couple of products will not make a huge indent on your overall cost of shopping cart, but it will make a difference for someone who is in a less fortunate position than you. Two-for-one bargains make the job even easier. Most grocery stores are offering amazing package deals on products at the moment. A quick Google search will turn up the charities in your local area that accept tangible donations, and will distribute them to those who will benefit the most.” Donate your skills According to Curnow, your unique or special skill could be the missing piece of the puzzle in a local charity’s upcoming fundraising event or campaign. Your copywriting skills could script the local radio ad, your cooking skills could contributing to the upcoming cake stall, or your photography skills could create content for their future website launch. “Offering your services pro bono to a charity is a meaningful way you can give back without opening your wallet. Many charities require specialised staff, yet they cannot afford dedicated professionals. Platforms such as Seek, Indeed and Facebook in Australia are commonly used to recruit for these positions, so keep an eye out or drop an expression of interest into the inbox of a charity that you believe you special skills could benefit,” Curnow explained. “Every buyer decision we make has the capacity to make a difference in the world and support individuals who are facing hardship. At me-too Foundation we are currently working with national Australian charity, RizeUp, to support survivors of domestic violence. The work of this national organisation has been instrumental in turning the lives of domestic violence victims around, and educating the wider Australian audience on the devastating domestic violence problem that is sweeping across the country. “In fact, we are aiming to increase our donations to $300,000 next year – all of which we generate through the sale of me-too foundation products, such as body wash, hand wash, hand cream, soap and candles” “Next time you’re looking to purchase personal care items, or any other items for that matter, think about social enterprises like me-foo Foundation that help those who need help,” Curnow added.

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HEALTH

Lifeline welcomes record investment in mental health and suicide prevention

Lifeline

ifeline Australia Chairman, John Brogden, today welcomed the Federal Government’s record investment in mental health and suicide prevention in the 2021-2022 Federal Budget. “The last two years have been extremely stressful times for all Australians, is facing both a once-in-a-century pandemic and a series of natural disasters. With the ongoing mental health impacts of the pandemic likely to continue for years to come, it’s pleasing that the Government has shown an increased commitment to suicide prevention in last night’s Federal Budget and particularly in support of digital support services such as those offered by Lifeline,” Mr Brogden said. Lifeline’s 13 11 14 national suicide prevention and crisis support line has been receiving record numbers of calls over the past year. Lifeline receives a call from an Australian seeking help on average every 30 seconds. “In Lifeline’s 58-year history of providing crisis support and suicide prevention services for all Australians, we have never experienced demand for our services like that seen during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are still receiving over 3,000 calls per day nationally so the Government’s commitment will help us to continue to deal with the record demand we have and continue to face,” Mr Brogden said. In addition, the Government has recognised the ongoing impacts of the Black Summer Bushfires of 2019 by announcing additional funding to manage the increased demand for crisis services. This will assist Lifeline’s 13 HELP Bushfire helpline. Since launch on 14 February 2020, 13 HELP has fielded over 100,000 calls from Australians seeking support in response

to bushfire related trauma. Based on call volume forecasts, overlaid with evidence of disaster-related recovery time courses, Lifeline predicts maintained service usage levels for at least another 12-month period. The steady call demand experienced month on month will continue with a total of 106,000 calls forecast for 13 HELP during the Financial Year 2022. “Lifeline’s dedicated bushfire response helpline has been fundamental in meeting the needs of Australians still experiencing distress associated with the 2019/2020 bushfires and we are glad that we will be able to continue this important service for the next 12 months,” Mr Brogden continued. Mr Brogden also said: “It is particularly pleasing to see the Government focusing on improving outcomes for the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. We welcome the Government’s funding of $16.6 million to Lifeline and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia to establish and evaluate a culturally appropriate 24/7 crisis line governed and delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.” Lifeline also welcomed the increased investment for the critically important provision of Aftercare.

Hope for a cure: Every dollar counts for diabetes research

W Diabetes Victoria

ITH the end of the financial year approaching, Diabetes Victoria is asking for donations to allow the best minds in Victoria to undertake vital diabetes research. “We’ve all had a challenging time since the emergence of COVID-19, but I think one of the most valuable lessons to come from 2020 was the importance of taking care of ourselves. This is particularly important for people living with a chronic condition like diabetes,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO Craig Bennett. “Funding for diabetes research grants can save lives. Last year, Diabetes Victoria contributed $1.5 million to vital research – an outcome of which we are very proud. But until we find a cure, we must continue our efforts.” In the last 100 years, great progress has been made to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. This year we are celebrating 100 years since the medical use of insulin was first discovered, saving millions of lives across the world. Furthermore, significant advancements have been made, and life has become easier for many people living with diabetes. New blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps continue to transform the lives of thousands of Victorians living with diabetes. Despite the relief provided by advances in diabetes management technology, the day-to-day grind of living with diabetes is still a challenge. Diabetes is relentless and for Victorians living with this lifelong condition and their families, there is no break. Research is the key to making advances in the prevention and management of diabetes, and in the search for a cure. “Diabetes research funding is crucial as it provides those committed to improving the lives of people living with diabetes with the means and knowledge to achieve this

end,” Professor David O’Neal, clinician-researcher and a past recipient of grant funding from Diabetes Victoria, said. Professor O’Neal’s team is currently working on a number of promising research studies that are expected to improve the lives of people living with diabetes. He has been working with his team on an artificial pancreas, which consists of an insulin pump connected to a blood glucose monitor that automatically adjusts blood glucose levels. “The devices (artificial pancreas’) themselves are being refined and we have been involved in some of these studies and received consumer feedback. The next generation, which will improve the user experience, should soon be available commercially,” Professor O’Neal said. With one adult in ten projected to develop diabetes worldwide by 2040, there is an ever-growing need for all types of diabetes-related research. The latest data from the National Diabetes Services Scheme reveals that diabetes prevalence continues to grow, with almost 367,000 Victorians currently registered on the scheme. In the last year alone, almost 33,000 Victorians were diagnosed with diabetes – around 90 every day. In addition, Diabetes Victoria estimates that an additional 150,000 Victorians do not know they have type 2 diabetes, and a further 750,000 Victorians have elevated blood glucose levels, which puts them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Please visit diabetesvic.org.au/donate or call 1300 437 386 to support diabetes research. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

Simple steps saves mothers’ an

CAROL STAFFER

ORTY Monash University students recently paid $5 each for the privilege of packing six items into two hundred plastic zip lock bags. A piece of gauze, a plastic sheet, some cotton cord, a bar of soap, pair of gloves and a sharp blade are not just any items. Collectively, they constitute the contents of a Clean Birthing Kit that the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia supplies to pregnant women living in rural communities and low-resource settings worldwide. Harsh Patel, president of TeamMed, a

student-led organisation that provides Monash students with opportunities to experience and contribute to global health, said one of the organisation’s aims is to provide direct engagement. “We put a call out on Facebook to anyone interested in helping end preventable deaths by assembling life-saving, Clean Birth Kits designed to reduce maternal and newborn death in developing countries,” Harsh said. “We enticed the attendees with the opportunity to hear Professor Michelle McIntosh speak about her Inhaled Oxytocin Project plus a bánh mì dinner before the packing began in earnest. “It is our first in-person event since 2019, and it is a sell-out.” TeamMed raised funds to purchase the

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THE ADVOCATE 7

HEALTH

Community pharmacy passes $1 million milestone to make children’s wishes come true

Blooms The Chemist

LOOMS The Chemist stores across the country have raised more than $1 million for Make-A-Wish® Australia through local and national fundraising activities, helping the charity to create unforgettable wishes for children with a critical illness. Having achieved that significant milestone, Blooms The Chemist is now raising further much-needed funds in the lead up to World Wish Day on April 29, with a goal of securing tens of thousands of donations from across its pharmacy stores from sales of exclusive keepsake Make-AWish pins. Blooms The Chemist Karabar’s Retail Manager, Di Dallinger, expressed her gratitude to the local community for their support of the pin drive, seeing the Karabar store sell an average of 45 pins a day throughout April. “The entire team at Blooms The Chemist Karabar have really made it their personal mission to raise as many funds as possible as part of the pin drive in the lead up to World Wish Day. When the pins sold out, our lovely customers have continued to donate via Make-A-Wish merchandise and other regular contributions. It is honestly so heart-warming to see the kindness of the Karabar community and others around the country as they rally behind the fundraising for these incredible children. “With my daughter Bree being seriously ill for most of her life, I understand firsthand how important and life-changing the work that charities like Make-A-Wish do. They truly acknowledge these families’ hardships and struggles by enabling and providing experiences that will be fondly remembered for a lifetime,” Dallinger said.

nd babies’ lives birthing kit items by holding social events and conducting bake sales. “This is an annual event for us, and while the packaging is a series of simple steps, the kits make a big difference to many women and babies,” Harsh said. Nithya Thennakoon, a final year medical student, watched the BKFA video demonstrating how to correctly fold and fit all six objects into the zip lock bag. “The simplicity of it is impressive, and the achievable results are amazing,” Nithya said. Hilary Carruthers, assembly day coordinator at BKFA, said last year had been challenging due to the Covid-19 lockdown curtailing kit assembly events. “Groups like TeamMed were unable to hold social events to raise funds and,

Blooms The Chemist’s CEO, Phil Smith, says the pharmacy network is proud to be a longstanding partner of the inspirational children’s charity, which has been making wishes come true for critically ill children in Australia since 1985. “Blooms The Chemist pharmacists play a critical role in our local communities, so it’s important we use our influence to help support life-changing organisations like Make-A-Wish Australia, a proud partnership we started in 2016. “Blooms The Chemist has helped make unicorns fly, send rockets to the moon and more recently take Vivid to Melbourne, all unforgettable wishes that we have supported through the magnificent $1 million donation milestone – a figure that would not have been possible without the unwavering support and generosity of our local communities and our employees. These efforts have been especially important over the past year with more than 800 kids’ wishes delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Smith. For 35 years, Make-A-Wish Australia has empowered seriously ill children and teenagers across the country with hope and joy, granting more than 10,000 wishes thanks to supporters like Blooms The Chemist. Spanning a five-year partnership, Blooms The Chemist has donated a percentage of its retail profits alongside community fundraising initiatives to the children’s charity. Make-A-Wish Australia CEO, Sally Bateman, says Make-A-Wish Australia’s partnership with Blooms The Chemist has been instrumental in driving community-led donations for the children’s charity for the past five years. “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity, kindness and support that Blooms The Chemist shows to

of course, could not bring their members and volunteers together to do the packing,” Hilary said. “To overcome that hiccup, we created a new initiative called Kits at Home. “We only send out 40 bags to individuals or families who are looking for meaningful connection while practising social distancing. “It is a great event to have to celebrate Mother’s Day or just a morning tea get together.” The six disposable components are essential to support hygienic practices and environments during childbirth. The soap is to wash the birth attendant’s hands and the mother’s perineum, while the plastic Sheet prevents the mother and newborn from coming into contact with the ground or an unclean surface. Birth attendant’s wear gloves to protect themselves and the mother and newborn from infections such as HIV. Some of the gauze wipes clean the

Make-A-Wish. To have raised $1 million through their community fundraising is a testament to the passion of their incredible people across their vast local pharmacy network. Together, we’ll continue to empower sick kids with the hope and joy that only a wish can bring,” Bateman said. Blooms The Chemist network partners with local communities and other businesses to drive incredibly important fundraising events. Since 2016, together they have: • Held more than 100 store fundraisers • Baked thousands of cupcakes and biscuits for numerous bake sales • Organised dozens of raffles and guessing competitions • Dressed up as countless superheroes and childhood career ambitions

mother’s perineum before giving birth, and the remainder clears the newborn baby’s eyes. The sterile blade cuts the umbilical cord and reduces the risk of newborn tetanus and sepsis, and the cord ties finally and cleanly tie the umbilical cord. BKFA has provided 2.4 million clean birth kits to women in need through community outreach programs, supplied to health facilities for use by doctors, midwives and nurses or distributed to traditional birthing attendants.

• Played more than 6,000 holes of golf on annual charity golf days • Answered more than 400 trivia questions • Cooked more than 2,500 sausages and 9kgs of onions over several sausage sizzles “It’s been inspiring to see our volunteers and partners like Blooms The Chemist rally around wishes, despite the challenging nature of the past year. With the unwavering support of our community, we can now safely grant many of the wishes that faced delays due to the impact of COVID,” Bateman said. For more information on the partnership between Blooms The Chemist and Make-A-Wish, visit https://www.bloomsthechemist.com.au/make-a-wish

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COMMUNITY

Australian Advocates Exposing the Dark Trade of Organ Harvesting in China SIMONE FRANCIS

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ith pressure being placed upon China by Australia to deliver facts on the origins of COVID-19, the bilateral relationship between both nations is deteriorating. Although China continues to deny that the corona virus epidemic started in Wuhan, Australia has called for independent investigations into the source of the epidemic.Due to the immense pressure, trade relations between Australia and China have dwindled. However, another darker “trade” is now being exposed through extensive research and investigation. Although condemned, according to a multitude of evidence illegal organ harvesting in China is taking place. In addition to the denial of the viral outbreak, the Chinese Communist Party are dismissing these horrific claims of crimes against humanity. However, an initial eyewitness account from a whistle blower in March 2006 initiated an uncovering of the Chinese multibillion-dollar-a-year industry that is said to support the bloody slaughter of innocent people. The International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC) is a coalition of lawyers, academics, ethicists, medical professionals, researchers and human rights advocates dedicated to ending forced organ harvesting in China. They reveal extensive evidence, from over a decade of investigations, that China is operating a government run industrial program that involves mass murder and the selling of organs. A quote from a political party member on ETAC’s website states how “livers, kidneys, hearts, lungs, and corneas are being cut out from prisoners of conscience and minority groups while they are still alive.” According to ETAC, Falun Gong practitioners are often healthier than the general prison population as they refrain from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. These prisoners of conscience are forcibly subjected to blood tests and organ examinations not given to other prisoners, indicate that they are targeted for organ sourcing. Other non-consenting victims targeted include Uyghurs, Tibetans and House Christians. On February 24th 2021 a ‘Conference on The CCP’s (Chinese Communist Party’s) Forced Organ Harvesting’was held. Professor Wendy Rogers, Professor of Clinical Ethics at Macquarie University, Sydney, and Chair of the International Advisory Committee of ETAC, spoke at the event. She asserted that there is no excuse for wilful ignorance about these transplant-related human rights abuses, as there has been exhaustive examination of the evidence found that China is committing crimes against humanity. The Professor stated, “Information about these abuses is compelling and detailed… [and this crime] has been widely publicised… There is no longer any excuse for any institution or professional involved in transplant

• • •

to claim that they know nothing about forced organ harvesting.” With deliberate, human intervention of irregular data qualities, wider public awareness may be lacking about China’s transplant-related human rights abuses. China has the capability to locate a donor for a recipient within 24 hours, however, there is secrecy about its organ transplant program, and a complete lack of transparency around its hospital activities. A 2019 research article, ‘Analysis of official deceased organ donation data casts doubt on the credibility of China’s organ transplant reform’.” reports that most data held by Chinese governmental agencies on the matter is not available for public inspection. The data that is available for collection has been manufactured and manipulated from the central levels of the Chinese medical bureaucracy. This includes: • •

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Boosting the statistics of voluntary donors and misclassifying nonvoluntary donors as “voluntary” Transcript errors and data falsification, including human-directed manipulation of the Red Cross Society of China’s dataset Transcript errors, and discrepancies with donor numbers involving unsubstantiated growth patterns Data fabrication extending to the provincial level

SOCIETY

LARA SHEARER he women’s support sector swiftly adapted to the throes of remote support, though for organisations like the Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE), it has still been fraught with challenges. In a recent survey conducted by Monash University, the amount of firsttime family violence reports increased by 42 per cent in Victoria and support practioners struggled working remotely, due to COVID-19. Chief Executive Officer of WIRE, Julie Kun said that COVID has only demonstrated how “resilient and strong” women are. “As society was pivoting, women were as well. We hear stories after stories of women who kept themselves and their

Although considerable public awareness may not yet exist, Professor Rogers says, “Institutions and professionals must be aware that forced organ harvesting is occurring in China… [and] they must have the power to act in ways that condemn the CCP for forced organ harvesting. By acting together, professionals and institutions can exert pressure on China… and show that such actions are not tolerated by the rest of the world.” With forced organ harvesting occurring in China, the issue of human tissue trafficking to Australia is also a concern. According to a 2015 inquiry report on the Commonwealth of Australia website, ‘Human Organ Trafficking and Organ Transplant Tourism’, the ‘Real Bodies’ commercial anatomical exhibition raised serious concerns about the source of the preserved bodies and organs, which included pregnant women and foetuses, as well as bodies literally sawn down the middle. The report reveals that some cadavers sourced for the exhibition were reported as “fresh”, with bullet holes in the skulls, and with livers already having been removed for transplant purposes. It was further reported that the proprietors were unable or unwilling to prove that any of the plastinated humans displayed ever gave consent. Professor Rogers‘ recommendations for specific actions and that professionals and institutions (including transplant institutions) should take include:

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Lobbying their members of parliament to ratify the Council of Europe convention against Trafficking in Human Organs Raising public awareness about organ trafficking and the need for transplant solutions Banning transplant doctors from China from attending or presenting at meetings Advising members not to travel to China for any kind of transplant activity Having processes to check all research and educational collaborations with China Refuse to host visiting Chinese transplant doctors Develop and publicise a China transplant policy to facilitate the above measures

As China continues to downplay the concerns of the COVID-19, will they also be able to downplay one of the most controversial sources of illegal organ trafficking, which involves the bloody slaughter of innocent people? For further information about this serious human rights violation visit The International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse

A new age of support in helping wome children safe whilst in lockdown experiencing family violence and really abusive behaviour,” Kun said. Teleconferencing has enabled women to get the support they need remotely, but people have struggled without the in-person connection that they specifically seek from support organisations like WIRE. “For a long time, people haven’t had that face to face response and that can be really important, to really get the sense of that support worker, you really get to see whether they’re understanding or believing you by way of body language,” Kun said. Without the resources to get help remotely, some have not been able to receive the free services that Wire provides. “You have challenges that you don’t

have face to face such as internet dropout or people who don’t have access to the internet. You have homeless people that are experiencing trauma and need to get services but don’t have the devices or the Wi-Fi to do it,” Kun said. WIRE is committed to offering the safest possible services, though during these times it has been out of their control to an extent, as they have not been able to provide their normal safe physical space. “We’ve needed to think about how can we safely contact people and get very personal information through the internet. Do you have a password that is secure or could people who know you easily access your emails? They’re constant conversations that we need to have. “Many services have said that family

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THE ADVOCATE 9

Countries urged to fight hunger not each other

ID organisations, including Save the Children, have called on governments to give a single day’s military spending to fight

hunger. Only 26 hours of global military spending is enough to cover the $US5.5 billion ($AU7.1 billion) needed to help those most at risk. One year since the UN warned of “famines of biblical proportions”, rich donors have funded just 5 per cent of the UN’s $US7.8 billion ($AU10.08 billion) food security appeal for 2021. More than 200 NGOs have published an open letter calling on all governments to urgently increase aid to stop more than 34 million people from being pushed to the brink of starvation this year. The $US5.5 billion ($AU7.1 billion) additional funding recently called for by

the UN WFP and FAO equates to less than 26 hours of the $US1.9 trillion ($AU2.46 trillion) that countries spend each year on defence. Yet, as more and more people go to bed hungry, conflict is increasing. At the end of 2020, the UN estimated 270 million people were either at high risk of, or already facing, acute levels of hunger. Already 174 million people in 58 countries have reached that level and are at risk of dying from malnutrition or lack of food, and this figure is only likely to rise in coming months if nothing is done immediately. Globally, average food prices are now the highest in seven years. Conflict is the biggest driver of global hunger, also exacerbated by climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. From Yemen, to Afghanistan, South Sudan and Northern Nigeria, conflicts and

en in a COVID-19 world violence being committed through cyber stalking and hacking have increased during COVID…. We do have people that do harm through accessing peoples technology without their knowledge and stalking,” Kun said. Remote support has also meant that people who don’t have English as a first language have had an additional barrier with online services as “face to face can be really helpful if you don’t speak English properly,” Kun said. COVID has also caused great delay for some access to the support needed in order for WIRE to help enact important changes for them. “We have people constantly telling us that they can’t access services as easily as they could before… we have longer wait-

ing lists to return phone calls, a constant frustration of people who are wanting information and support and to get it in a timely manner,” Kun said. Despite its drawbacks, Kun can see an ongoing benefit with more options available for people. People with mobility issues have described COVID as “the great leveler”, bridging the gap between those physically able and those less so or not at all. WIRE is the only state-wide free information & referral service for Victorian women, non-binary and gender-diverse people. If you would like support from WIRE, please find their information below: Contact via phone on 1300 134 130 (9am to 5pm Monday – Friday)

violence are forcing millions to the brink of starvation. Many in conflict zones have shared horrifying stories of hunger.

Fayda from Lahj governorate in Yemen says: “When humanitarian workers came to my hut, they thought I had food because smoke was coming from my kitchen. But I was not cooking food for my children – instead I could only give them hot water and herbs, after which they went to sleep hungry. I thought about suicide several times but I did not do it because of my children.” At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Secretary General called for a global ceasefire to address the pandemic but too few leaders have sought to implement it. Global leaders must support durable and sustainable solutions to conflict, and open pathways for humanitarians to access

those in conflict zones to save lives. Amb Ahmed Shehu, Regional Coordinator for the Civil Society Network of Lake Chad Basin said the situation here is really dire. “Seventy per cent of people in this region are farmers but they can’t access their land because of violence, so they can’t produce food,” Shehu said. “These farmers have been providing food for thousands for years – now they have become beggars themselves. “Food production is lost, so jobs are lost, so income is lost, so people cannot buy the food. “Then, we as aid workers cannot safely even get to people to help them. “Some of our members risked the journey to reach starving communities and were abducted – we don’t know where they are. “This has a huge impact on those of us desperate to help.” In the first quarter of 2021, donors have provided just 6.1 per cent of the total $US36 billion ($AU46.55 billion) requested in the UN humanitarian appeals for the year. The military spending figures are based on 2019 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute which estimated global military spending at $US1.9 trillion ($AU2.46 trillion) Save the Children’s CEO, Inger Ashing said we have warned donors over and over again – their inaction is leading to death and despair among children, as we see in countries across the globe every single day. “A pledging conference for Yemen in early March did not even raise half of the funds needed, and that country is at a tipping point,” Ashing said. “It’s painful, because governments have the money. That thousands of children will be dying of hunger and disease in 2021 is a political choice – unless governments radically choose to help save the lives of children.” Additional information: icvanetwork. org/SignOpenLetterFaminePrevention Story source: Save the Children Australia

10 THE ADVOCATE

COMMUNITY

Australian Advocates Exposing the Dark Trade of Organ Harvesting in China SIMONE FRANCIS

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HEALTH

CAROL SAFFER T is not only global charities and governments helping to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the Indian sub-continent. Friends of India Network, tiny by comparison to UNICEF and Save the Children, is a Ballarat-based community group that aims to bring residents of Indian origin and the local community together to contribute to community projects in Ballarat. FIN, as it is known, also has India’s battle with the pandemic at heart. Dr Sanjay Sharma, deputy director of Sessional Clinicians Anaesthesia at Ballarat Health Services and FIN’s founder, is appealing, with folded hands, to the Ballarat and Australian wide communities to help this unprecedented crisis that has befallen India.

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FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG TH FIN aims to raise $90,000 to purchase and ship 30 oxygen concentrators to India. Dr Sharma said that in Ballarat, with a population of 100,000, if everyone donated $1 each, the target would be very quickly achieved. “Our network generally raises funds for the community by accepting donations, holding social functions and running the annual cricket match,” Dr Sharma said. “Due to the restrictions COVID enforced on all activities in 2020 we have been unable to support the Ballarat community in our usual manner. “So as India’s health resources are overwhelmed and overrun, we are turning our attention to India and asking for support.” Dr Sharma and his wife Associate Professor Dr Deepika Monga together with

their two children, moved to Ballarat more than 20 years ago. Sarah Masters, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at Ballarat Health Services said Sanjay and Deepika have been extraordinary supporters of BHS over the years through the Friends of India Network in Ballarat. Deepika and Sanjay have done so much for our Ballarat and Grampians community and they’re now asking for our help,” Ms Masters said. Dr Sharma is calling on the Indian diaspora to contribute and to link with the community to rally around this cause with meaningful contributions. “I lost my mum two months ago from a Covid unrelated cause,” he said.

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THE ADVOCATE 11

extraordinary global health challenges and increase equitable access to lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. The longer it takes to vaccinate everyone in the world, the greater the risk, as new variants have more opportunity to take hold. While this decision means other manufacturers will have the information they need from pharmaceutical corporations— and the legal permission—to help scale up global supply and get more shots into the arms of people everywhere, this won’t happen immediately. For the remaining countries that continue to oppose the WTO waiver, including Australia, European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, Japan, and Brazil, they must drop their objections and put people’s health before pharmaceutical profits, and waive IP on all COVID-19 medical tools, including vaccines. Story Source: msf.org.au

Image: Hakan Nural - unsplash

Australia must take action alongside the US to put lives before profits

ÉDECINS Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) applauds the US Government’s decision to support waiving intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines. Doing so will increase sufficient and timely access to these lifesaving medical tools as COVID-19 continues to ravage countries across the globe. Now, it’s time for Australia to stand on the right side of history and follow suit. “Australia is one of just a handful of countries that has refused to support this landmark proposal. In fact, it has been actively stalling negotiations. This must change,” said Simon Eccleshall, MSF’s Head of Programs. “Our nearest neighbour New Zealand has just announced their support and intention to work actively with partners to

progress the waiver approval, Australia is being left behind at this critical moment.” The decision by the US government is an important step towards global support for a World Trade Organization (WTO) waiver on intellectual property (IP). This could provide countries with new options to address the limitations of existing WTO rules and remove legal uncertainties and barriers that may impede production and supply of COVID-19 medical products in advance. Throughout the seven months of negotiations at the WTO, MSF has been calling for the waiving of IP for all COVID-19 products, including vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. Low-income countries have only received 0.3 per cent of global COVID-19 vaccine supply while Australia has reserved enough doses to protect its entire

population nearly three times over. Shortages of diagnostics, treatments, and other lifesaving medical tools continue to add pressure to countries such as India and Brazil where the surging of COVID-19 cases has pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. The US government’s decision to support the waiving of intellectual property on COVID-19 vaccines during this time of unprecedented global need is very welcome. However, it is crucial that the waiver not just apply to preventative vaccines, but it should also cover other medical tools for COVID-19, including treatments for people who fall ill and diagnostics to help curb the spread, as originally proposed seven months ago. This decision, by the US government, will help address historic and

UNICEF sends three thousand oxygen concentrators to India

NICEF has sent critical lifesaving supplies, including 3,000 oxygen concentrators, diagnostic tests, medical kits, and other equipment to help India in its battle with a deadly wave of COVID-19. Dr. Yasmin Haque, UNICEF Representative in India said COVID-19 is severely overstraining the health system in India. “Urgent action is needed to avert further tragic loss of life,” Dr Haque said. “UNICEF has provided oxygen supplies and other critically needed emergency equipment for immediate response while supporting resilience building against recurrent shocks and stresses. “Indeed, much more is needed as the outbreak continues to spread rapidly.” Along with the oxygen concentrators, UNICEF has supplied more than 500 high flow nasal cannulas and 85 RT-PCR (COVID testing) machines. Additionally, UNICEF is supporting

HINGS GROW “I couldn’t even get there for last rites because of all the travel restrictions. “Now my motherland is in trouble and I feel it’s our moral responsibility to do the best we can to help. “I have heard so many friends, colleagues and teachers dying in the last couple of weeks, and authorities are being forced to create makeshift crematoriums, this is absolutely gut wrenching.” FIN, and many small groups just like it across Australia, have been involved in fundraising for local causes and helping local communities. Dr Sharma said he and his wife and the FIN members, would like to request the friends made over the last 20 years help in this time of crisis.

“I’m proud of my heritage and my roots but equally proud of my adopted home,” Dr Sharma said when interviewed during Ballarat’s Harmony Fest in 2021. “Please come and stand with us to support this grave crisis that has hit our motherland.” FIN is collaborating with SEWA International a registered entirely volunteer-run charity based in Australia who will purchase and handle the shipping of the concentrators. SEWA International will work with the Indian military to ensure the equipment reaches the right people in the area of most need. Donations can be made at https:// tinyurl.com/fin-ballara

onations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/fin-ballarat

Dr Sanjay Sharma and Associate Professor Dr Deepika Monga. Image supplied

12 THE ADVOCATE

ENVIRONMENT

FRRR focus on medium to long term disaster philanthropy policy

CAROL SAFFER NECDOTALY, donations by Australians to support fellow citizens affected by natural disasters are spontaneous and

prolific. With deep pockets and full hearts, people want to help their mates, even if they don’t know them. Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s CEO Natalie Egleton said in March, in the face of successive disasters, the last year has shone a light on the generosity of Australians. “Australians want to lend a hand, even though it’s been tougher than usual for many,” Ms Egleton said. “We hope that this same desire to give will continue in the face of the latest [flooding] disaster as these communities will need support long after the waters have receded.” The Foundation, commonly referred to as FRRR, has backed remote, rural and regional communities across the continent to prepare for and recover from natural disasters since 2006. Ms Egleton said she found it hard to fathom how rural communities could face any more challenges than they have in the past year. “Many places devasted by the recent floods have also been dealing with the impacts of drought, the bushfires, and COVID-19 restrictions,” she said. FRRR’s approach provides support to local community groups and non-profits where there are gaps or rapid responses required immediately after the disaster. However, Ms Egleton said FRRR focuses the majority of funds on the medium-to-long term recovery and future preparedness efforts of rural communities. “Funding medium to long-term recovery ensures that resources are available to help communities beyond the immediate needs that arise during the emergency,” she said. “From our experience, we know disasters have a long-lasting impact – it could take a decade or longer. “As recovery gets underway, communities will have different concerns and needs, meaning that recovery will happen at different rates, depending on the community and local priorities.” William M Paton, author of Philanthropic Grant Making for Disasters, wrote that over a third of private giving is done in less than the first four weeks of a sudden disaster. Two-thirds are donated within two months, while this giving stops almost entirely after five or six months. Ms Egleton notes that America’s Centre for Disaster Philanthropy reports only seven per cent of philanthropic support to disasters globally in 2018 was directed to preparedness, and only one per cent to resilience, risk reduction and mitigation. FRRR has an outreach and engagement framework, employing staff in New South Wales, Victoria, and soon to be in Western Australia.

Australia guilty of world’s largest dow WWF Australia

vast sections of the Coral Sea Marine Park were opened up to commercial fishing in 2018 it was the largest downgrading of a protected area in history, according to a new study. The paper, published in Marine Policy journal, says the downgrading of the Coral Sea Marine Park impacted more than 740,000 square kilometres, three quarters of the park’s total area. It didn’t end there with Australia revealed by the research to be a global hotspot for the downgrading of marine protected areas. Legal changes that temper, reduce, or eliminate protected areas are known as protected area downgrading, downsising, and degasettement (PADDD) events. At least six countries have enacted legal rollbacks to marine protected areas totalling an area of about 1.2 million square kilometres, about the size of South Africa The vast majority occurred in Australia in 2018 when the Federal government wound back protection in more than 1 million square kilometres, 31% of the total Australian Marine Protected Area estate. Much of this area was opened up to industrial-scale fishing operations. There were also upgrades to protection as compensatory offsets in Australia, with increased protection in just over 500,000 square kilometres, or 15%, of the total Australian MPA estate. The end result is that about three quarters of Australia’s marine protected areas are open to fishing. However, a survey last year showed the vast majority are unaware of this, wrongly believing that Australia’s MPA system restricts fishing. Renee Albrecht, currently with Defenders of Wildlife and previously the University of California, Santa Barbara, is lead

Want to help the planet? We’ve come up with 10 simple lifestyle switches you can make this E author of the study and Dr Martin Taylor, conservation scientist with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, is a co-author. Ms Albrecht said the research demonstrates that legal rollbacks to marine protected areas are more widespread than previously known. “Establishing marine protected areas is one of the best strategies for conserving the world’s ocean. While the intent of marine protected areas is to safeguard the ocean and its biodiversity in perpetuity, our research shows widespread evidence of legal rollbacks – especially downgrading – to marine protected areas,” Ms Albrecht said. “These legal changes can undermine the conservation goals of marine protected areas when they newly allow or expand activities that are incompatible with biodiver-

sity protection like mining and commercial fishing.” “Our research shows that future marine conservation efforts will need to focus not only on the establishment of new marine protected areas, but also on the maintenance of existing protections,” she said. The global community has an opportunity to improve the durability of protected areas and increase transparency associated with legal rollbacks through the Convention on Biological Diversity’s post-2020 framework to be agreed in Kunming, China this October. Important meetings are underway to prepare for October. At these gatherings, many countries have expressed their support for the goal of protecting at least 30% of world’s land and ocean by 2030.

Landmark federal court win in possum c Environmental Justice Australia

he full bench of the Federal Court on Monday overturned the landmark judgment on 27 May, 2020, in which logging by state-owned VicForests in habitat areas critical to the vulnerable Greater Glider and critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum was found to contravene federal law. The judgement was overturned on one ground, on the basis that logging has a wide exemption from federal environment law even when conducted in habitat critical to the survival of wildlife facing a high risk of extinction, and in breach of state law. The Full Court dismissed all other 21 grounds of appeal, including those seeking

to overturn factual findings in the original decision. Key findings that stand in the original 444 page-judgment include that logging is permanently destroying habitat critical to the survival of the Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider, is a cause of the decline of important populations necessary for their long-term survival, and that current reserves are inadequate to protect the species from their high risk of extinction. The original judgment also found that logging in the 66 areas subject to the case was in breach of Victorian environment law, and in just 17 of the areas investigated, up to 600 Greater Gliders may have been impacted and killed by the state’s logging

agency. All appeal grounds relating to those findings were dismissed. Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum are applying to keep injunctions in place while they appeal to the High Court, to ensure protections stay in place for the 66 areas subject of the case home to the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum and vulnerable Greater Glider. Logging continues daily in Victoria at sites where Greater Gliders are recorded and in known Leadbeater’s Possum habitat. Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum and their lawyers at Environmental Justice Australia say Monday’s decision indicates many of those logging operations may be unlawful

www.theadvocate.org.au

THE ADVOCATE 13

ENVIRONMENT

wngrading of marine park

Australia’s largest mobile wildlife hospital heads to hotsp Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

Earth Hour to help Australia become a renewables nation. (Image SUPPLIED.) The Australian Government joined the Global Oceans Alliance in February this year which is calling for formal protection of 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. WWF-Australia Head of Oceans Richard Leck welcomes Australia’s membership of the Alliance and the recent commitment to new marine parks in Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling islands. However, he said it’s vital that Australia learns from the past and that the implementation of new marine protected areas is driven by robust scientific integrity, not political expediency. “In 2018, Australia became a global hotspot for the downgrading of marine parks, responsible for the single worst downgrading event the world has ever seen,” Mr Leck said.

“It’s time for the Australian government to start rebuilding our reputation. We call on the Australian Government to further step up its diplomatic, scientific and financial support for the 30×30 target on both oceans and land,” he said.

case overturned under state law, even if they are exempt from federal law. Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum President Steve Meacher said native forest logging continued to threaten critically endangered species. “Logging in native forests is killing threatened species and destroying their critical habitat. Against this background, this morning’s judgment is very disappointing,” he said. “This battle is not yet over. We are actively looking to appeal to the High Court. “The federal government must urgently strengthen environment protections in our forests consistent with the Samuel Review of our national environment laws, and Victoria must expand reserves to prevent both further loss of species heading toward extinction and destruction of their critical

habitat.” Environmental Justice Australia CoCEO Nicola Rivers said they would continue legal action to protect native species. “Despite findings that VicForests’ logging destroyed critical habitat for species at high risk of extinction, has driven decline of the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, and may have killed hundreds of threatened Greater Gliders, the Court decided those operations are exempt from the federal environment laws designed to protect those very species,” she said. “We’ll be working with our client, Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum to appeal to the High Court and apply to keep injunctions in place protecting the critical areas of habitat subject of the case.”

team of leading wildlife veterinarians is taking Matilda, Australia’s largest Mobile Wildlife Hospital to biodiversity hot spots to collaborate with veterinarians, wildlife carers and communities to save native animals. The 22-wheel, 18-tonne facility is owned and operated by the not-for-profit Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and will tour wildlife hotspots in the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and Coffs Coast of New South Wales from today until Friday 21 May. “We’re hitting the road during the quieter winter months when our caseloads are fewer,” said Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation Veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot. “Now is the time to meet and formulate plans with vets, wildlife carers and the general public. Together, we can respond quickly if called to a crisis when the weather warms up, bringing more wildlife out and about.” Starting in Brisbane after taking delivery of a donated prime mover from UD Trucks Australia, as a part of Volvo Group Australia, the fully-equipped veterinary hospital is stopping in Currumbin, Lismore, Grafton and Coffs Harbour, tracking alongside Australia’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and several biodiversity hotspots. The wildlife of these and other regions are being impacted by the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters, urban development, depletion of wildlife corridors, disease, road accidents, feral pest invasions and domestic pet attacks. “No one owns wildlife, but they are under threat, so we all have a collective role to play in helping to protect and save them from the onslaught of threats they face.” said Founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil. “Thanks to some extraordinary support, we have a million-dollar facility to bridge a significant gap in expert treatment, care, equipment and facilities to treat and rehabilitate injured and traumatised wildlife to recovery.” On the road, the veterinary team behind the Wildlife Hospital will be providing advice and resources for general practice vets who want to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in treating native animals. The general public are invited to visit the Mobile Wildlife Hospital.

“Increasingly, community members are presenting injured wildlife in boxes and blankets to our facility, an indicator of the growing concern for their welfare.” said Dr Talbot. The veterinary team are also road-testing a Motorists Wildlife Rescue Kit with practical items and veterinary-endorsed usage guidelines for motorists to assist and transport injured wildlife to the nearest vet or wildlife rescue organisation where it’s safe to do so. The not-for-profit Wildlife Hospital is staffed by a full-time veterinary team led by wildlife expert veterinarian Dr Bree Talbot, and provides full-time veterinary treatment and rehabilitation for native animals, free of charge. They’ve treated over 700 native animals from their Byron Bay base since opening in October 2020, including an influx of animals during the NSW floods. The Wildlife Hospital Tour is proudly sponsored by World Animal Protection, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, UD Trucks Australia and Volvo Group Australia. Story Source: byronbaywildlifehospital.org

14 THE ADVOCATE

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Learn to listen to your heart: Heart Week Heart Foundation of Australia Group CEO, Adjunct Professor John G Kelly AM

n amongst the incessant small demands of modern life, it can be easy to forget the big things. Like having regular health checks. Particularly when we’re not feeling unwell; sometimes even when we are. Ask Jenny McAuliffe. Living on a rural property in WA, Jenny, a former athlete, had been having unusual pains for weeks in her jaw and between her shoulder blades. Despite a family history of heart disease, she was convinced they were just signs of “getting older”. Even when her husband rang the GP who advised her to get to hospital, she insisted they do the 45-minute drive by car. When they arrived she was told she had a heart attack, and prescribed medication. Her story is far from unique. New modelling by the Heart Foundation shows that if all Australians at high risk of heart disease were treated with guideline recommended blood pressure and cholesterol medications, the nation would avoid around 100,000 heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease over the next five years. Viewed another way, that’s an estimated 103,137 separate occasions on which Australians like Jenny will find their lives shockingly, perhaps catastrophically, altered by heart attack or stroke – or who will lose beloved friends or family members to a disease that is eminently avoidable – unless we can get to them first. It’s also a huge opportunity to greatly improve Australians’ quality of life with straightforward, proven interventions that will also save the nation millions of dollars. Another thing people forget: even if

a heart attack or stroke isn’t fatal, it can still trigger profound, sometimes lasting changes. Not all those changes are bad. Some may even be good (I’m thinking of all the Heart Foundation walkers who each week reduce their risk of heart attack and improve their mood and wellbeing by walking in groups or with individual walking plans.) But for others, even the ‘lucky’ ones, heart disease can entail a long, slow recovery that may not always result in a return to the life you lived beforehand, and can include ongoing challenges for you and the people who care for you. In this sense, each heart ‘event’ sends ripples out into the community of family, friends, colleagues and others whose lives intersect with yours. An estimated 1.8 million Australians aged 45 and over are now missing out on medications that could prevent heart attack, stroke or other forms of heart disease, or help them manage existing heart conditions. That’s a lot of ripples. It’s all the more concerning when you consider that many of us have no idea we are even at risk. Yet figures show that upwards of six million Australians have high blood pressure, and that 7.1 million have high cholesterol – both major risks for heart attack and stroke. And these conditions can develop and worsen over time without apparent symptoms. That’s why they’re known as silent killers. And that’s why too many Australians don’t see their doctors until it’s too late. These concerns have only been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic when many Australians with heart disease, or at high risk of developing it, have stayed away from hospitals and skipped or postponed medical appointments. This is despite more than two thirds of Australian adults having

at least three risk factors for the nation’s biggest killer, heart disease, with one person having a stroke or heart attack every four minutes. That is why, as part of Heart Week, we’re urging Australians – particularly those 45 and over, or from 30 if you are an Indigenous Australian; and whether or not you are feeling unwell or have a family history of heart disease – to see your GP for a Heart Health Check. It’s quick, painless and, thanks to a long Heart Foundation campaign, covered by Medicare. Apart from checking your blood pressure, doing a blood test for cholesterol and a diabetes check if needed, your GP will ask about your medical history and the heart health of your immediate family, as well as discussing lifestyle risks such as smoking. Your GP will then use this information to calculate your risk of heart attack or stroke over the next five years. If warranted, your doctor will discuss simple, effective steps you can take to lower your risk, including, in some instances, medications. If Jenny McAuliffe had been on appropriate drugs, she may not have had that first heart attack. Or perhaps the two she has had since. Fortunately, she realised what was happening those next times, and as well as medication has embraced exercise, changed her diet and lost 14 kilos. The Heart Foundation meanwhile is awaiting a government decision later this year on whether Heart Health Checks, introduced as a temporary MBS item in 2019, will be made permanent. The case seems clear. Our modelling shows that treating all high-risk patients with the medications recommended in the clinical guidelines would also bring huge economic benefits – almost $1.8 billion in gross

healthcare savings over five years. Even accounting for the considerable costs of identifying and treating high-risk patients, we would still be $130 million ahead. Not that this is likely to be of primary importance to the millions of Australians who simply want to get on with their lives: work, play, spend time with the people they care for, get some exercise, follow their passions, and all the other big and small moments of a well lived life. Which makes it all the more important that if you are over 45, and don’t have heart disease, get yourself to a GP and ask for a Heart Health Check. Not just for yourself, but for all of us. All up, our modellers predict, getting the necessary medications to the right people at the right time will not only improve our national quality of life dramatically, it will also endow us with an additional 45,000 years lived in good health. That’s a lot of memories.

Where is the government-led domestic violence campaign for children? By Selim Ucar, Youth Street Services Manager at Humanity Matters

he month of May is Domestic Violence and Family Violence Prevention month, which aims to bring light to how the issue continues to impact thousands of people and families across the nation. Tragically, the issue of domestic violence and violence against women in Australia is still making headlines, with last year being the worst on record for domestic, family and sexual violence around Australia. In March, we saw women across the country unite in the March4Justice to bring awareness to the range and volume of attacks women face every day at home, in the workplace, and even in our parliament. And rightly so - our government, society, and business leaders must do more on this critical issue. However, even if each of these parties collaborated and mobilised with this focus today, it wouldn’t be enough if they relied on the same methods that have been leaned on so far. A vital part of our society, who are deeply impacted by domestic violence and are too often overlooked, are

our children. Recent research highlights there are significant and long-term physical and psychological impacts of domestic violence on children, including those who experience family violence were almost three times more likely to experience poor mental health, high blood pressure and problems with sleeping than children who are not exposed to abuse. On top of this, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for children in Australia. These challenges children and young people face as a result of exposure to domestic violence within their homes, can be mitigated and addressed with better care and early intervention. Looking at how the government tackles DV campaigns, we see children in the advertisements and messaging, but these campaigns clearly aim to gain the attention of adults, not children themselves. Where is the investment in educating children about domestic violence, how to reach out for help when times are tough at home, and how to emotionally and

psychologically manage trauma? When the trauma children go through is left unaddressed, we end up seeing them through our streetwork dropped out of school and disconnected with society, full of anger and resentment. Without then addressing this unresolved trauma, pent-up anger and disengagement from education and the broader community, these young people go on to entering their own domestic violence relationships as adults, both as victims and as perpetrators. Most recently, we saw millions of dollars thrown down the drain with a government campaign aimed to educate young people about consent through milkshake-based analogies. Not only was this condescending, confusing, and misleading for any young people genuinely looking for information on this issue, it was also a clear demonstration of how little intention and capability the government has to directly speak with young people about important matters. While we of course don’t want to see these mistakes repeated, we can’t simply give up.

The government must do more, do better, and act now on effectively supporting and communicating with our youth, particularly those in marginalised communities to ensure they have the information and compassion we know is key to becoming healthy, constructive members of our society.

www.theadvocate.org.au

THE ADVOCATE 15

Sports going solar cuts costs, and is climate positive The Australian Conservation Foundation

nstalling solar panels on major sports stadiums and on the roofs of cricket, soccer and AFL head offices could generate around 20,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy – enough to power 2,890 households, new research has found. The research found the installation of solar panels on major stadiums and headquarters would create jobs and prevent 310,000 tonnes of climate pollution over two decades. By going solar these sports could save a combined total of $3.7m annually in the long term. Going solar is good for regional and community clubs too, with a high-level assessment of regional and community clubs across the three sports suggesting there may be 400m² of viable roof space on club facilities that is not yet being used to create clean solar power. Biggest solar opportunities: AFL: Metricon Stadium (Carrara), home of the Gold Coast Suns, has 1647 kilowatts of clean energy potential. Cricket: The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has 1004 kilowatts of clean energy potential. Soccer: The Darwin headquarters of Football NT has 406 kilowatts of clean solar potential. Leaders North Melbourne, St Kilda and Richmond football clubs have all installed substantial 100-kilowatt solar energy systems. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has installed a 99-kilowatt solar energy system to power its water recycling facility. Richmond Football Club is the first AFL club to join the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative. “From the biggest stadium to the smallest clubrooms, Australian sports can work together to become powered by 100% clean energy,” said Australian Conservation Foundation campaigns director Paul Sinclair. “To become pollution free in the next decade, Australians need to work together and get on with the job of making our

country a clean energy superpower. “That includes making Australia’s stadiums and clubrooms renewable-powered and energy efficient. “The solutions to do this are available right here, right now. Moving to clean energy creates jobs, cuts energy costs and gives Australian rivers, forests and wildlife a chance to thrive. “Sports in Australia face a growing threat from climate change. Driven mainly by burning fossil fuels like coal and gas, global warming is drying out sports grounds, disrupting events and increasing health risks for players. “The costs of missing the opportunities before us are huge. More catastrophic bushfires and weather events will destroy homes of people and wildlife. “Extreme and deadly heatwaves will threaten the lives of Australians, including sportspeople and fans at elite and community levels. “At its best Australian sport brings people together to achieve great things. Now is one of those moments when Australia needs its sportspeople and fans to play like a great team. “We believe Australian sports can be powered by 100% clean energy by 2030.” Collingwood footballer Jordan Roughead is concerned about climate change. “We have seen the impact global warming is having on sport, particularly over the last few years. The science says if we don’t change the way we’re living now, future generations are going to suffer. “If we can work as a team and work towards a common goal to protect our climate and our environment, our impact will be significant.” ACF has contracted the Australian Energy Foundation to offer 75 free energy consultations for sports clubs so they can work out a business case for going solar. Sporting organisations can make an expression of interest via the Australian Energy Foundation’s website. The research was conducted by the School of Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) at the University of New South Wales and the Australian PV Institute (APVI).

Boccia Camp gives trio a taste of Tokyo before Paralympics

Paralympics Australia

s if the past year hasn’t been tricky enough, Australian Team boccia player Jamieson Leeson has been balancing her Tokyo preparations with trying to finish high school – 350 kilometres from where she trains. “It has been hard,” said Leeson, who attends Dunedoo Central School in the NSW Central West. “I spent a lot of time at home last year, which was good for my HSC but not great for boccia. But I’ve definitely picked things up this year and I’m looking forward to going to Tokyo.” Leeson was speaking between games at an Australian Team boccia camp at Sydney Olympic Park including her teammates, world No.4 Dan Michel and Leeson’s fellow Paralympic Games first-timer, Spencer Cotie. Among the camp’s aims was to simulate conditions the athletes will face at the Tokyo Games, which start on 24 August. “It’s been very different. Being from a small town, we don’t have a lot of Covid around. So it’s like switching between two lives, coming down to Sydney every second week and training with all the Covid rules and then going back home and living a normal life,” Leeson said. “Being here at Netball Central, it’s really helpful having courts marked out and such a great support network around us. “At home I don’t get a lot of training in, so it’s great to be able to come here and play on a court that’s pretty similar to what we’ll get in Tokyo.” It beats training on a concrete surface as Leeson does in her school hall when she’s at home. Not that she’s complaining.

“I’m at a very small school of 200 from K to 12 and I’ve been the first from my school to do my HSC over two years. Splitting it up like that makes things a little easier. I do school every second week while I’m at home and then I come to Sydney every other week to train. The school’s been really good about it, really helpful.” Cotie is another who’s had to be adaptable amid the changed circumstances. Though he said his training routine had been largely unaffected by the pandemic, the lack of competition had left some guesswork. “It is fantastic to be able to compete against two really good international players,” said Cotie, who has had his eye on Tokyo since winning a silver medal with Michel in the mixed pairs BC3 at the World Boccia Championships England in 2018. “Competing against them lets me know what areas of my game are going well and where I might need to practice more. And it’s pretty good to be able to compete in a simulated competition because I haven’t really done it for about 18 months. It has been really hard to not be able to compete and see where we are at. But I think we are doing everything possible to perform at the highest level. “It’s our first Games [Leeson’s and Cotie’s] and we’re really looking forward to being able to compete and represent Australia at the Games.”

Lifestyle Solutions sign on as major sponsor of the Wheelchair Rugby National

orld Rugby has announced the appointment of international development agency ChildFund as the principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup 2021, playing in 2022, a first in the history of the premier women’s 15s event. Rugby fans will have the opportunity to engage with and support the work of ChildFund Rugby, ChildFund’s dedicated rugby for development unit, via an opt in mechanism to donate when purchasing tickets, with funds raised through the partnership supporting the expansion of rugby for development programmes in Oceania. With a focus on gender equality initiatives, ChildFund works with partners, including Oceania Rugby, to provide vulnerable girls and women with opportunities to learn skills to overcome challenges and be active leaders in their communities. World Rugby Chief Executive Officer

Alan Gilpin said: “We are delighted to be extending our association with ChildFund, this time as principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup 2021. The tournament will showcase rugby’s unstoppable women as they compete at the highest level. “Importantly, it will also generate an incredible legacy by supporting a new generation of female players and leaders in Pacific Island nations through ChildFund’s significant contribution to rugby for development programmes in the Oceania region. Through a ground-breaking partnership at RWC 2019, a record-breaking £2 million was pledged by rugby fans globally to ChildFund, providing more than 25,000 children from disadvantaged communities in Asia with the opportunity to take part in ChildFund’s Pass It Back programme across Asia, teaching

life skills through rugby with the support of Asia Rugby. Funds raised were also used to support local communities in Japan with the rebuilding effort following the devastation caused by Typhoon Hagibis during the tournament. ChildFund Rugby’s development programmes not only promote the right to play in communities where children have little or no access to organised sport, but provide important learning opportunities around leadership, problem-solving, gender equality, relationships, conflict-resolution, and planning for the future. With a strong focus on gender equality, a strategic objective shared by World Rugby, over half of all participants and rugby leadership roles are female, challenging gender stereotypes. ChildFund Alliance Chair Simon Whyte said: “ChildFund is excited to

again be partnering with World Rugby to change children’s lives through sport. “Over 31,000 children and young people have benefitted from their involvement in ChildFund’s rugby for Development programs, which are highly successful in providing critical learning opportunities for children facing significant challenges linked to poverty and inequality. ChildFund Australia CEO Margaret Sheehan said: “Well designed sport for development programs are a proven way to achieve positive social outcomes, such as building resilience, youth leadership and gender equity. “ChildFund is proud and excited to be part of this major global initiative to improve the lives of children and young people as communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19.” For more information, visit www.childfundrugby.org

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORT

16 THE ADVOCATE

RYAN FRITZ

Neale Daniher ‘Plays On’ to fight MND for others

HEN diagnosed with MND the average life expectancy is only 27 months. Remarkably, it’s been 7 years since Neal Daniher, a former AFL player and coach, and now patron of Fight MND was diagnosed with what he calls “The Beast”. MND is a degenerative disease that affects the nerves, motor neurones, that communicate between the brain and the muscles that enable us to move, speak, swallow and breathe. There is currently no cure for MND, however, symptoms can be managed to help improve quality of life and potentially extend life expectancy. This year, Fight MND, which aims to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease, included the words ‘Play On’ on their iconic beanies, which has so far raised almost $50 million for vital research. When faced with adversity we all have the decision to surrender or keep up the fight. We need you to ‘Play On’ and keep fighting alongside us as we take on “The Beast”. “Dad always said that he never believed there was nothing for him to do,” Bec

Daniher, Neal Daniher’s daughter, said in an emotional video on fightmnd.org.au. “That there was a fight ahead of him that he could take on, and he could wrestle back control, and he could make a difference. “He took the philosophy of ‘Let’s play on’, let’s find the opportunity, let’s fight back. MND is affecting Dad. He’s starting to lose his voice, and his ability to be the face of this fight,” Bec added. Every beanie purchased counts. Each dollar raised, no matter how small, is a stepping stone to finding a cure, and with your support, FightMND hopes to continue this momentum and give those diagnosed hope and something to smile about. “MND is a beast. We’re now entering a critical phase of our fight. We need members of our arm to now really step up to take the lead in our fight,” Neale said in the video. Last year, FightMND raised an incredible $11.9 million across the country as part of the annual Big Freeze fundraiser, despite the main event being cancelled due to COVID-19. Around 90 per cent of MND cases are known as sporadic MND, which means that there are no known other cases in

the family. The cause of sporadic MND is unknown. The remaining 10 per cent of cases are familial MND and are caused by an inherited genetic mutation. Every day, two Australians are diagnosed with MND and two die from the disease. There are currently over 2,100 Australians living with MND. “Neale’s fighting for all the people who will get MND and hopefully there will be a treatment and a cure for the disease,” Jan Daniher, Neale’s wife, said. Neale added: “People say to me: Why do you do what you do? It’s not about me, it’s about others.” To purchase a beanie, or to donate, please visit: fightmnd.org.au.