The Latrobe Valley: Perspectives on Asbestos Issues

The texts of two public addresses by a community advocate, Vicki Hamilton, and former asbestos worker, Geoff Swayn, are profiled in this issue's Voices section. Each articulates, in their own words, the need for continuing efforts to address the health and social impacts of Australia's ongoing asbestos disease epidemic, including the need for healing at the community and societal levels that parallel the needs of affected individuals and families. Their messages are relevant to similarly affected communities and societies internationally, particularly in relation to the need to reinvigorate societal commitment to occupational health and safety in Australia and elsewhere.