Advisory Committee Members

Lawrie O'Shea

Lawrie O’Shea is a plumber and founding Board member of the Asbestos Information & Support Service. He is the President and Secretary of AISS and was motivated to action after his wife Barbara died from asbestos induced mesothelioma through contact with his work overalls. Lawrie is committed that a positive must come from Barbara’s death and through AISS he helps other victims of asbestos disease, and advocates asbestos awareness in the hope of saving lives.

Fiona Williams

Fiona Williams is a founding Board member of the Asbestos Information & Support Service and holds the position of Treasurer. In 2001 her father died from mesothelioma, and in the hope to prevent further pain to others she joined Lawrie in the formation of AISS. Fiona is an accountant with experience both here and in the United Kingdom.

Dr Jonathan Burdon

Dr Jonathan Burdon graduated in medicine from the University of Melbourne in 1971 and trained in respiratory medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He has a particular interest and extensive experience in chronic airways disease, occupational lung disorders and the interface between medicine and the law. He has a broad publication list and is a co-author of the 2006 guidelines introduced by the Victorian WorkCover Authority to more fairly assess impairment in persons suffering from occupational asthma.

Bette Phillips

Bette is the Family Support Services Coordinator for Work-related Grief Support. She has been working in the area of loss and grief for 25 years, with particular focus on those bereaved by a work related death for the past 10 years.

Steve Rocco

Steve started his apprenticeship in 1976. Since that time he has worked in a range of areas in the plumbing industry, including OH&S representative and positions within a supervisory/management capacity. Steve has first hand experience working with asbestos, and has been involved in asbestos removal in the roofing industry. In 2007 he completed an Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, and in 2008 accepted the role as OH&S Officer with the Plumbers Union. He is a member of AISS, the Hazardous Materials Consultative Group for Melbourne Health and advisor to the Asbestos Management Group for the Austin Hospital.

Wayne Bruton - Executive Officer

Prior to joining AISS, Wayne worked on population health analysis issues at another non for profit organisation where epidemiology was his specialty. Wayne has more than 10 years experience in management level and continues to strive further though education and dedication to current roles. Before becoming the Executive Officer of AISS, Wayne worked in many primary and secondary health care roles in both rural and urban settings. Wayne has also worked in education, recruitment and case management roles. Wayne has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing), a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) and a Masters in Public Health.