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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-11-09 Daily Xml
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CHILDHOOD CANCER ASSOCIATION

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:12): On Saturday 29 October, it was my pleasure to represent the minister for health at the opening of the refurbished premises of the Childhood Cancer Association at 55 King William Road, opposite the Women's and Children's Hospital. Attended by His Excellency the Governor and Mrs Scarce, a large gathering, including President Chris Hartley and General Manager Cath O'Loughlin, assembled for speeches and ribbon cutting—a happy event at a place that brings support and comfort to people facing an uncertain future.

Established in 1982, the Childhood Cancer Association is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing emotional, practical and—while not receiving any government funding—also financial support to families in need. Each year in South Australia approximately 60 children, ranging from babies through to teenagers, are newly diagnosed with cancer. An average of 12 children relapse from remission and, sadly, about 10 lose their battle with various forms of the disease.

The association relocated from their Stepney premises to North Adelaide in 2001 to be closer to the Women's and Children's Hospital and the families who need their support. The association has developed a strong link to the social workers and paediatric oncology department at the Women's and Children's Hospital. Vast numbers of children on being diagnosed are referred immediately for assistance. Programs have grown, and a purpose-built facility was needed to provide the one-on-one counselling, very necessary in the earlier stages of treatment and beyond, and to provide support for siblings, parents and grandparents.

The association announced in their press release for the event that, over the preceding two weeks, 250 volunteers and 25 businesses had provided 3,200 hours of labour, as well as fixtures and fittings, to complete the major transformation of their offices on the first level. The work could not have happened without the involvement of the Edge Church. It became aware of the need in February this year, and the refurbishment was adopted as their next community project. The Childhood Cancer Association first partnered with the Edge Church in March 2010 for the renovation of their four units at Prospect. The units provide free accommodation for country families while in the city for treatment. In December that year, Edge hosted a Christmas family fair, and will do so again this year.

President Chris Hartley welcomed everyone and introduced the Edge senior pastor, Danny Guglielmucci, and Mrs Sharon Guglielmucci. They told the great story of how the church came to support the Childhood Cancer Association and acknowledged the work of church members, especially Jonathan Fontanarosa, who oversees and coordinates the Edge Church's major community projects which, in the past, have also included renovation at Women's and Children's Hospital.

Edge Church has grown from 30 people attending in 1994 to now over 5,000 people meeting across three sites in South Australia. These people have selflessly given children and families dealing with cancer wonderful surroundings in which to come to grips with the treatment and options and new circumstances they now face—beautiful decor, great new appliances (especially a surprise inclusion of an espresso coffee machine, which I believe will be the focus of operations) and well-appointed work stations and a great boardroom.

On the day of the function, the board table was almost covered by a vast cake made by one of the church members. Church members also served refreshments and played background music for the event. In fact, I left convinced there was not much that the Edge Church could not achieve.

Childhood cancer nationally will be the beneficiary of research undertaken by the Children's Research Institute based in Melbourne. Terry Brown's article in The Advertiser of 8 November this year advised that the Murdoch family made a $10 million donation grant to outfit the Children's Research Institute's new centre. The Pratt Foundation also made a contribution of around $1 million.

The institute rates with the best in the world. Its achievements in the past have included a vaccine against Rotavirus and pioneering the use of Botox to help children with cerebral palsy walk and play. Institute director Professor Terry Dwyer's team also discovered that sleeping babies on their stomach increased the likelihood of SIDS. Its work will now be to help identify causes of childhood cancer.

Another contributor to childhood cancer work is the Little Heroes Foundation, whose products over the past five years, in conjunction with Foodland, have contributed over $2 million to support children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Children with muscular dystrophy will benefit from a new partnership between the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and Little Heroes Foundation. Minister Jennifer Rankine announced last month that $600,000 in funding for new or increased services will be made available to children with muscular dystrophy.

Every time you purchase a Little Heroes product from your local Foodland supermarket, part proceeds go to the foundation's work. Foodland is making a contribution with Menz, a proud South Australian company since 1850. I can personally attest to the fabulous freshness and flavour of the Menz milk bottle. While I do regret that I eat far more of them than I should, it is good to know that part proceeds are going to help childhood cancer.

Time expired.

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