RED NOSE DAY 2009

On June 26 I was out and about in East Victoria Park to help the Red Nose Day fundraising efforts for Kensington-based charity SIDS and Kids.

I am pleased to report that local people were extraordinarily generous.

I can assure locals that all the money raised will go to a good cause. 

SIDS and Kids WA will spend the money it receives on:

-       research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome;

-       providing information to parents; and

-       bereavement care, support and counselling to those who have experienced the tragedy of stillbirth or instant death.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE BREAKFAST

A couple of weeks ago, in my role as patron of the charity, I organised a breakfast meeting for Parliamentary representatives in Canberra.

SIDS and Kids WA used the opportunity to talk about their successful ‘Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Aboriginal Communities’ program.

The meeting was well attended by members and senators from all sides.

As a result of the event SIDS and Kids WA have been invited to submit a proposal to the Minister for Health and Ageing for a national roll-out of this program.

There is still a great deal of work to be done.  Rates of SIDS and stillbirths in Australia are still too high. I hope to be part of the efforts to help this cause over the coming months.