Australian Rotary Health Autumn Update 2022

Districts of Australia

THE UPDATE ALL THINGS AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH | AUTUMN 2022 | FREE COPY

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SYMPOSIUM, HEALTHY CHILDREN 0-12

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

ARH RESEARCH FINDINGS

ARH is bringing together some of the leading researchers and clinicians in this mental health age group.

The Rotary Club of Ballina Lifted the Lid on Mental Illness hosting an amazing night with a murder mystery.

Thousands of Life Years Gained from ARH Funded Research by Professor Gregory Snell.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 40 Years of Service – a Significant Milestone for Australian Rotary Health ALTHOUGH COVID-19 prevented a suitable celebration to mark the occasion, we can all be proud of the many achievements over the last 40 years.

Australian Rotary Health (ARH) research highlights are numerous, these are but a few.

PDG Kevin Shadbolt OAM and his wife, Anne.

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THE UPDATE

Australian Rotary Health

The very first research project undertaken by ARH was that of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). At that time approximately 500 babies were lost to SIDS each year in Australia. As a direct result of ARH research the incidence of SIDS was reduced by 80%.

A recent email from Professor Snell congratulating ARH on its 40 years of “amazing support of medical research” drew reference to a project in 2006 that enabled Prof Snell and his team to significantly improve lung transplantation. The knowledge gained not only increased the number of lung transplants possible but has increased the number of kidneys, livers, and more recently, hearts available for transplant.

Prof Snell points out that literally thousands of life years have been gained because of that important research.

Mental Health First Aid is a program in which the guidelines were developed through ARH research that teaches people to recognise symptoms of mental health problems and how to give initial assistance. One million Australians and three million overseas people have completed the training program.

Cool Kids Program is helping children with anxiety and depression problems.

This program is available in over 30 countries and provides assistance to an estimated 10,000 children each year.

The Lights Out Program reducing sleep problems in young children is significantly improving their mental health.

THANK YOU TO CLUBS AND ROTARIANS

The past two years have been challenging for us all. ARH has experienced difficulties because of the pandemic, but thanks to the support of clubs and individual Rotarians the research programs have continued with only minor disruptions. Clubs have continued to conduct some fundraising events during this period and several bequests have been received including the most recent totalling $1.1 million.

A sincere thank you to all clubs and Rotarians for their continued support of ARH. With the new research focus recently announced it is hoped that it will be possible to reduce the incidence of mental illness.

Thank you and remain confident that every cent received will be used for medical research in Australia.

CHANGE OF RESEARCH FOCUS

For some years ARH has focused research on mental health problems

“The past two years have been challenging for us all. ARH has experienced difficulties because of the pandemic, but thanks to the support of clubs and individual Rotarians the research programs have continued with only minor disruptions. Clubs have continued to conduct some fundraising events during this period and several bequests have been received including the most recent totalling $1.1m.” of the under 25 year olds. Following a recommendation from our medical advisors it has been decided to change this focus to the 0–12 year olds. It has been noted that 50% of adults who experience mental illness show symptoms by age 14. It is now thought that early intervention may reduce the incidence of mental health problems in later life. The next round of mental health research grants will focus on this younger age group.

SYMPOSIUM

A symposium planned for late March of this year has been deferred until August. Fortunately, almost all clinicians and researchers previously invited can attend at this later time. Entitled ‘Healthy Children – Bright Futures’ it will be the eleventh symposium conducted by ARH. The symposium will launch the new research focus, provide a forum for researchers to discuss innovative ideas and provide advice where ARH funding can most effectively be employed.

LIFT THE LID WALKS

The Rotary Club of Mooloolaba was the first to conduct a walk that brought mental health to the attention of the public, promoted Rotary and supported research through Australian Rotary Health. Interest in the Lift the Lid Walks

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has grown and this year, 16 clubs will conduct a walk with a further 15 clubs planning to do so in the following year.

Considerable work has been done to document the process to follow when planning a walk. Many steps are required to find a suitable site, meet local government regulations, provide insurance and involve the community.

Local sponsors play an important role and it now seems likely a national sponsor may give support.

The Lift the Lid Walks are proving to be a popular and fun way to engage the community, promote good mental health and support ARH mental health research. Any club interested should contact ARH at admin@arh.org.au or mbuckeri@bigpond.net.au.

AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE

We are slowly learning to live with COVID-19 as vaccinations have given us the much needed protection and greater knowledge of the disease is allowing us to minimise its affects. Rotary clubs are returning to face-to-face meetings, social events are being arranged and fundraising activities being conducted.

At ARH we are looking forward to a new era of research focusing on the 0-12 year olds. We hope clubs and Rotarians will support us in this endeavour and together we can ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’. ARH

AUTUMN 2022

Symposium, Healthy Children – Bright Futures, Improving the Mental Health of 0 – 12 Year Olds

LIFT THE LID HIGHLIGHTS

THE Symposium is bringing together some of the leading researchers and clinicians who specialise in this mental health age group. This is the 11th Symposium convened by Australian Rotary Health and is a highlight of the calendar. It will be held in August in Sydney.

Speakers include Professor Mark Dadds who recently completed a research project funded

by Australian Rotary Health, looking at interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study provides new directions for interventions supporting parents of young children with autism. Brief parenting intervention does demonstrate a broad range of benefits for both children and their parents participating in the program. It was encouraging to receive positive feedback from parents regarding improvements in their wellbeing following participation in our program. Parents reported significant reductions in disruptive behaviour that exceeded initial expectations regarding treatment outcomes.

MOOLOOLABA LIFT THE LID WALK

The Rotary Club of Mooloolaba Queensland hosted a successful Lift the Lid Walk last October. Rotarians across Australia banded together to help Australian Rotary Health Lift the Lid on Mental Illness!. ARH

Another speaker at the Symposium is Professor Caroline Donovan of Griffith University.

Professor Donovan was also funded recently by Australian Rotary Health for her work to improve pre-schoolers transition to school by targeting sleep problems. Professor Donovan reported the sleep program for young children is highly effective in improving the sleep of youngsters. They found that after treatment, the children had fewer sleep problems, had reduced their resistance around going to bed, were less anxious at bedtime, were asleep for longer during the night, and were less sleepy during the day. Sleep problems are a risk factor for a range of other child problems and they found that by treating sleep problems in young children, it didn’t just improve their sleep, but reduced their anxiety and behavioural problems as well. There is some preliminary evidence that this sleep program did not only reduce sleep, anxiety and behaviour problems, but that it also prevented the development of later anxiety and behavioural problems as well. ARH

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THE UPDATE

Australian Rotary Health

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

The Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond NSW Lifted the Lid on Mental Illness hosting an amazing night of fun hats and a murder mystery.

“We had a fun night raising funds for Australian Rotary Health’s mental health research. Members showed their acting talents with a who-dun-it murder mystery. Thanks to PDG Brian Heaton for being our guest speaker and ‘the butler’ in our murder mystery. Lots of laughs and fun. Thanks Karen Stanton and Sue Randel for organising a great evening.”. ARH

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GOLF DAY AT THE KINGSTON HEATH GOLF COURSE

AUTUMN 2022

THE Let’s Golf to Lift the Lid Golf Tournament will raise funds in support of Australian Rotary Health.

Join the Rotary Club of Glenferrie on Tuesday May 24, 2022 for a day of golf, including lunch and a gala dinner, or sponsor a hole and receive widespread exposure for your generous support.

Kingston Heath Golf Course is one of Australia’s premier golf courses. This is an experience not to be missed.

Major sponsor Silver Star Motors is offering a chance to win 3 Mercedes-Benz cars. All you need is a hole in one!

Get your tickets here at: www.events.humanitix.com/rotarygolf2022

Rotarian Handcrafts Hiking Sticks to Raise Funds for ARH – DG Partner Project ROTARIAN and Rural Fire Service Captain, Larry Howard, is handcrafting hiking sticks and donating all the sale proceeds to Australian Rotary Health, as part of the District Governor’s Partner Project.

Initially, Larry handmade these sticks for his grandkids and wife, whilst New South Wales was enduring their second major COVID-19 lockdown in June 2021. His wife, District 9685 Governor Elect Mina Howard, suggested he sell these hiking sticks to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health. Since then, Larry has raised close to $2,000 from his initiative so far.

Larry sources the wood for his hiking sticks from the local fire affected tree branches of the Upper Blue Mountains

region. The beautifully crafted sticks are all unique in shape and size, with some even showing markings of fire.

The sticks are painted, stained and lacquered or oiled, before having para cord wrappings applied to them in a variety of styles and colours. Some of the sticks are further enhanced with hand drawn designs burned in by another local Rural Fire Service member, Kate Jane. All the materials, time and expertise in crafting these hiking sticks

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are donated, such that 100% of all the proceeds can go to Australian Rotary Health.

Alongside his fundraising efforts supporting mental health research, Larry also volunteers at the NSW Rural Fire Service. As the Brigade Captain, he served the communities that were affected by the Black Summer fires in 2019-20. The recovery from those devastating bushfires on top of the stresses from the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health could not hold a higher importance in communities across Australia.

A highlight for Larry whilst undergoing this initiative, was and still is its therapeutic quality.

“From debarking the sticks to designing them, I find it very enjoyable,” Larry said. “Each stick has its own unique value and beauty to them.”

Larry encourages the community to be active and give back to the community, either that be contributing to local fundraising initiatives or volunteering.

If you want to support his initiative or even request a customised hiking stick, you can contact him via his email, larryhoward0704@gmail.com. ARH

THE UPDATE

Australian Rotary Health

OVER $10K DONATED TO MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH – MAUREEN FRY

$50K RAISED FOR AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH – CAROL COFFEY

ARH Vice Chairman Stephen Humphreys recently presented a Gold Companion Award to Maureen Fry at the District Conference. Maureen has donated more than $10,000 to Australian Rotary Health research. We are incredibly grateful for Maureen’s support!

CAROL Coffey, wife of PDG Brian Coffey, decided to raise funds for ARH, as part of her Partner’s Project during Brian’s year as Governor. ARH Vice Chairman Stephen Humphreys was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of East Maitland (NSW) and presented Carol with an Emerald Companion recognition for having raised $50,000 during that year. He also took the opportunity to speak with the club about ARH and its focus on mental health research.

Thank you, Carol, for your amazing work!

ARH RESEARCH FINDINGS

Thousands of Life Years Gained from ARH Funded Research – Professor Gregory Snell FIFTEEN years after Australian Rotary Health (ARH) funded research into a Lung Transplant Program, lead researcher Professor Gregory Snell has told ARH that “literally now thousands of life years have been gained” as a result.

Prof Snell was awarded a Funding Partner Grant in 2005, supported

by ARH and the Rotary Club of Williamstown Victoria and the late Dr Ronnie Goldberg, which showed that a new technique for recovering donated organs after cardiac death could be used for human lung transplantation.

This resulted in a 95% survival rate for patients and the reduction of deaths while on the waiting list from 29% to 3% In a recent letter to Australian Rotary Health, Prof Snell wrote that the “This translation of science to a clinical reality has been incredibly successful.”

“At the Alfred Hospital Melbourne, we have gone on to do 250 such transplants over the last 15 years. The very first patient we did was an ill young mother with a one-year-old child. I’m pleased to say she now enjoys the ups and downs of a 17-year-old child who has had a mum for all this time.”

The work of Prof Snell and his team has also now been rolled out to the rest of Australia, with another 150 transplants in other states. Prof Snell said it makes up 33% of transplants going forward.

“It has been particularly useful in finding extra organs to transplant children. We have presented countless times in international meetings and symposiums, created an international database, written publications, and continue to this day to have plots and plans as to how to use this idea

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to get even more lungs for human transplantation.”

The success of the transplant program in Australia with lung donation, has also resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of kidneys, livers, and – more recently – even hearts available for transplantation.

“We are extremely appreciative of the support from Rotary, and specifically the Rotary Clubs and Dr Ronnie Goldberg.

Literally now thousands of life years have been gained. Thank you.” ARH

AUTUMN 2022

AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH FUNDS PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

HANNAH Suddull – Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis Research PhD Scholar Hannah Suddull from Macquarie University is the recipient of the Australian Rotary Health / Rotary District 9650 ‘Alaine Davidson’ PhD Scholarship. Her research involves analysing biospecimens from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) patients to help medical professionals better support their patients who suffer from MND. Ms Suddull primarily focuses on the biomarkers found in plasma samples of these MND patients, however, she also works with other forms of donated samples, like blood, tissue, hair or skin.

Comparison and analysis of the protein levels in MND patient plasma toward control patients is what Ms Suddull uses in understanding whether or not the patient has MND, what stage of MND they are at, what their prognosis is and the type of MND that they might have.

“This (research) is incredibly helpful, not only for first diagnosis of the patient, but being able to tell what type of motor neurone disease they have and … what type of prognosis that they would have,” said Ms Suddull. “We’ll be able to translate [these findings] into a realworld application to diagnose a person with motor neurone disease.” ARH

In Memory of Ted Atkinson EDWARD Joseph Atkinson who was the Chairman of Australian Rotary Health between 1998-99, passed away in March 2022. He was a licensed Electrician and held degrees in Business Administration as well as Horticulture/Greenkeeping.

As Chairman of ARH he built on the great work of his predecessors. At all times he provided a most professional and meticulous approach to all matters involving the administration and activities.

During his term as Chairman, ARH embarked on its largest campaign to date – the introduction of Mental Illness as the focus of research and a public campaign to reduce the stigma of those suffering from mental illness. Ted led the Fund in its partnership with the Federal Government when funding was secured – not seen before, from the government to run the public awareness campaign.

Ted was awarded the highest honour within Australian Rotary Health, that of Life Membership in 1999 when he retired from the board.

‘Big Ted’ as he was known to all who knew and loved him, was enthusiastic, creative, persuasive and had commitment and drive in everything he did.

m a i r o m e In M LAURIE BARBER OAM

PDG LAURIE BARBER was a member of the ARH board from 2014 to 2016 but also served as District Chairman prior to that appointment. Laurie was a great advocate for ARH supporting all programs, particularly mental health research. Laurie represented District 9650 in NSW and was a valued member of the Port Macquarie area. Laurie passed away in February 2022.

NEVIN HUGHES OAM

GRAHAM BROWN

PDG NEVIN HUGHES from Grenfell NSW passed away in January 2022. He was a director of ARH from 2001 to 2006 and served as District 9700 ARH Chairman prior to that. He was a passionate supporter of Australian Rotary Health, particularly in rural areas of NSW and a loved and long time resident of Grenfell.

PDG GRAHAM BROWN who served as ARH director from WA from 2008 to 2011, passed away in June 2021. Graham represented Western Australian on the board of Australian Rotary Health and was dedicated to our programs and research. Graham was from District 9455.

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THE UPDATE

Australian Rotary Health

PROGRAM NEWS

ARH CONTINUE TO SUPPORT RURAL MEDICAL STUDENTS

NATASHA POLZIN SPONSORED BY: LATE PDG JOE SCORER SCHOLARSHIP

BRIGETTE TRELOAR SPONSORED BY: ROTARY CLUB OF ST PETERS, SA

ABIGAIL SLATER SPONSORED BY: LATE PDG JOE SCORER SCHOLARSHIP

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“I began my medical degree in 2020 when I moved from Western Australia to Canberra, leaving behind my family, friends and support network to pursue my career. I grew up in rural WA and have many fond memories. I also have sad memories of my family travelling 3 hours to Perth to access health care when my brother was diagnosed with epilepsy. This is something that has stuck with me and has influenced my decision to practice in a rural area when I graduate.”

“I grew up on a dairy farm in Meningie, and then later Victor Harbor in a family of 4 children, where I was exposed to numerous family health issues and navigating the health system. From the experiences of significant wait times to get into appointments and often having to travel for appointments, I developed a passion for rural health and any opportunity to help provide equal access to health care across rural Australia.”

“Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to raise a doctor. As Cooma will play a vital role in my medical training, it feels only natural to deeply invest into the Cooma community. My journey into Medicine was shaped by my long-running passion for serving and connecting with people.

Through intentional and consistent involvement, I hope to better understand the lived experiences of my patients and colleagues in Cooma.

In turn, I hope this will also help the community to build trust in me as a medical student.”

AUTUMN 2022

FRIENDS & COMPANIONS WITH ROTARY CLUBS

CUMULATIVE DONATIONS FROM SEPTEMBER 2021 TO MARCH 2022

$50,000

$20,000

$10,000

• Carol Coffey District 9670

• Robert H Gardiner Rotary Club of Blacktown City, NSW

• Ross Kilborn Rotary Club of Mornington, Vic • Maureen Fry Rotary Passport Club of Sylvania Waters, NSW

$5,000

$2,500

$1,000

• Shirley & Arthur Manser Rotary Club of St Peters, SA • Bryan Griffiths Rotary Club of Rochester, Vic • Rotary Club of Hope Island, Qld • Grant Pettigrew Rotary Club of Waratah, NSW • Judith & Stephen Humphreys Rotary Club of Camden, NSW • Bob & Pam Louis Rotary Club of Hornsby, NSW • Betty Kitchener Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington, Vic

• Charles Tran Rotary Club of Glenferrie, Vic

• John B Fairfax No Club, NSW • Marsha Merory Rotary Club of Ivanhoe, Vic • Shirley Pochee Rotary Club of Hunters Hill, NSW • Manoharan Arumanayagam Rotary Club of EastwoodGladesville, NSW • Glenn Tippett Rotary Club of Boronia, Vic • Liz MacKintosh Rotary Club of Parramatta, NSW

EMERALD COMPANIONS

COMPANIONS

RUBY COMPANIONS

DIAMOND FRIENDS

$2,000 PLATINUM FRIENDS

• Tom Flintoff • Rotary Club of Monash, Vic

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GOLD COMPANIONS

SILVER FRIENDS

THE UPDATE

Australian Rotary Health

2022 EVENT CALENDAR Upcoming Australian Rotary Health fundraising events can be found at: www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au/events

May 24 LIFT THE LID CHARITY GOLF DAY & GALA DINNER 2022

Join the Rotary Club of Glenferrie Vic and its proud sponsors for a day of golf at Kingston Heath Golf Course. Silver Star Motors is offering a chance to win 3 Mercedes-Benz cars. All you need is a hole in one!

Get your tickets here at: events.humanitix.com/rotarygolf2022/tickets

Our supporters help us to continue funding research that makes an impact A big shout out to Bob Gardiner who has donated more than $20,000 to Australian Rotary Health research. At the Rotary Club of Blacktown City meeting in February, he was awarded a Ruby Companion Certificate by ARH Vice Chairman Stephen Humphreys for his amazing efforts!

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AUTUMN 2022

May 28-29 BANISH THE BLACK DOG CHARITY RIDE

Join a relaxed cycling tour promoted by the Rotary Club of Townsville Central Qld to raise awareness of mental health issues in our community and to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health mental health research.

Register now here: banishtheblackdog.org.au/

THE ROTARY CLUB OF DEVONPORT (TAS) HOSTED THEIR ‘MEET THE RESEARCHERS NIGHT’ 2ND MAY

Left-to-Right: Daphne Foong, Chairman Kevin Shadbolt, Dr Vincent Ho and Dennis Turner.

October 8-12 HEYSEN TRAIL

Take the chance of a lifetime to trek selected highlights of South Australia’s iconic Heysen trail. Starting in Adelaide, with hosted accommodation for 5 nights fully catered, the 70kms of South Australian landscapes and environments is an unmissable opportunity.

Ja son Pala zollo L aura Grattidg

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RSVP: secretary@rotaryclubofglenelg.com swalsh921@gmail.com

October 16 LIFT THE LID WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – KIPPA-RING NORTH LAKES & PINE RIVERS, QLD

The Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health will get you walking and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF BURNIE (TAS) HOSTED THEIR ‘MEET THE RESEARCHERS NIGHT’ 14TH MAY

Join the event at Lake Eden, Qld: www.liftthelidwalk.com.au/ northlakes

Left-to-Right: Viv Walker, Laura Grattidge, Ken Moore (incoming ARH District Chairman), Jason Palazollo and Lorraine Walker (District 9830 Chair).

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THE UPDATE

Australian Rotary Health

Join the Australian Rotary Health Facebook Group Got an Australian Rotary Health event coming up? Want to share some photos of your fundraising endeavours?

Or simply want to discuss your love of ARH with other like-minded individuals/Rotarians? Join the Australian Rotary Health Supporters group on Facebook!

Head to this link to request to join: facebook.com/groups/1126133817834888

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