A milestone celebration at Government House in Adelaide has marked 20 years of tireless advocacy by the Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia (ADSSA). Hosted by South Australian governor, Frances Adamson and her husband Rod Bunten, the event honoured ADSSA’s two decades of support for South Australians affected by asbestos and dust-related diseases — and the community that has rallied behind the cause.
ADSSA President Peter Photakis, through the organisation’s Secretary, spoke to a group of supporters, health professionals, and government representatives about ADSSA’s journey and its ongoing commitment to the community at the event on Sunday, June 16.
“It is a great honour to join you tonight as we mark 20 years of service, advocacy, and support,” Photakis said in a speech delivered by ADSSA’s Secretary.
“ADSSA was founded with a clear purpose, to support those suffering from asbestos-related and dust diseases, to raise awareness, and to advocate for safer environments.”
Since its founding, the non-for-profit organisation has supported hundreds of South Australians living with mesothelioma, asbestosis, silicosis, and other dust-related conditions.
The President said those affected are “more than patients” — they are workers, parents, and neighbours, often exposed simply by going to work or renovating their homes.
The anniversary event honoured the volunteers, legal and medical partners, and community members who have supported the organisation’s mission.
Special thanks were given to the ADSSA Board, past and present, for their ongoing leadership and care, as well as to the Patrons and Ambassadors of ADSSA.
Notable guests included Premier Peter Malinauskas, Andrea Michaels MP, Connie Bonaros MLC, and Steve Georganas MP.
The President also thanked key partners such as ASSEA, ADDRI, SafeWork SA, and the South Australian Government for their strong support in raising awareness and improving safety across the state.
June 16: A date with double meaning
For Photakis, June 16 holds a special double meaning.
“16th June 2005 is when ADSSA started. And 16th of June 1957 is when I came to Australia with 900 young Greek women called the Begona Brides,” he told Neos Kosmos.
Photakis was only eight years old when he traveled on a ship carrying 962 Greek passengers. About 900 of them “were single Greek women” who came to Australia to marry men they had only seen in photos—or sometimes hadn’t seen at all.
The president of ADSSA is dedicated to preserving their stories.
His book, ” From Sianna to Adelaide With The Begona Brides Through The Eyes of an 8-year-old,” shares these memories and is currently under review by Professor Tammy before going to print.
Once finalised, Photakis plans to launch the book in Melbourne.
A mission to protect lives
Peter Photakis was a pioneer in asbestos awareness education in South Australia.
While teaching building construction in Vocational Education and Training (VET), he recognised the urgent need to educate young people about asbestos risks.”If they happened to become involved in renovations, they had to take precautions and that’s why I introduced it because I wanted to save lives.”
“Any house built before 1990 — two out of three homes — have got asbestos in them,” he noted.
As the “first instructor” in South Australia to introduce asbestos awareness in schools, he approached the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to include asbestos training across all doorway programs.
His efforts led to asbestos education being adopted in 62 schools across the state.
Photakis’s dedication led to an invitation from the then-President of ADSSA to join the board.
Over the years, he was elected President, a role in which he continues to lead with commitment and passion.
“I get a lot of phone calls every week wanting to know details … They ring me, asking me questions about certain things and responsibilities they should take if they are renovating.”
“I’m there for their needs.”
With 50 years of teaching experience, Photakis stays in touch with many former students who often thank him for the training he gave them.
“They are now taking my advice and protecting their health. I feel honoured that they have understood the training I gave them.”
ADSSA: From awareness to action
ADSSA is one of the few organisations-if not the only one- in South Australia with a dedicated social worker who specialises in asbestos and dust-related diseases.
The human side of these illnesses is central to the organisation’s work, and each year, they host a national Memorial Day in November to honour those affected.
ADSSA is especially proud to have the only dedicated memorial park in Australia for people who have died from these diseases.
The park, located in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, was established by the late Jack Watkins, ADSSA’s founding president, in 2005.
It is named in his honour and features commemorative pavers purchased by families to remember their loved ones. There are now over 80 pavers in place.
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield has been a strong supporter of the initiative.
Mayor Claire Boan, an ADSSA ambassador, and Councillor Carol Martin, a board member of the group, have both played key roles.
ADSSA also delivers educational presentations and training on asbestos and silica awareness.
Looking ahead, the organisation plans to expand its outreach and education programs.
With the recent addition of a principal environmental scientist to the board, ADSSA aims to strengthen its connections with national bodies.
There have also been discussions on how to strengthen connections for training and educating people in Greece, where many buildings and materials still contain asbestos.
“Two wishes in life”
Despite progress over the past 20 years, the ADSSA president warned that the danger remains very real.
“Asbestos, despite its ban in 2003, still poses a risk in countless homes and workplaces,” he said.
“We now face a new and alarming threat, silicosis affecting younger workers exposed to engineered stone and silica dust. These diseases are entirely preventable, and we must act.”
Photakis told Neos Kosmos he has “two wishes in life for ADSSA.”
“One is to remove all asbestos” from schools, as those built before 1990 still contain it.
“The other is to find a cure for mesothelioma,” one of the deadliest cancers caused by asbestos exposure worldwide.
He stressed the need for sponsorship to support research.
“I believe every illness has a cure—it’s just a matter of research and finding the cure.”
