What’s Happening?
Mackay volunteer Phil Smith has won the Queensland New Volunteer Award 2026.
The award was presented by Queensland Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.
The presentation took place at Brisbane City Hall on 15 May.
It formed part of the annual Queensland Volunteering Awards.
Phil was recognised for creating Ride In Shorts For Leah.
The campaign honours his late wife, Leah Smith, who died from an asbestos-related cancer in August 2024.
Leah had been unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibres as a three-year-old.
Her parents were building the family home at the time.
Just 12 weeks after Leah’s death, Phil began sharing their story publicly.
He had no experience or training in awareness campaigning or fundraising.
Ride In Shorts For Leah has since grown from a simple idea into a national asbestos awareness campaign.
Why It Matters?
Phil’s story carries strong health, community and human impact.
His campaign warns Australians about asbestos risks in homes, especially during renovations, maintenance and demolition.
Phil said the award was dedicated to Leah and to every family affected by asbestos-related diseases.
Those diseases include malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
“Leah wanted people to be warned about the dangers of asbestos and how easily exposure can happen when asbestos-containing materials that remain in 1-in-3 Australian homes are disturbed during renovations, maintenance and demolition.
“I made a promise to Leah that I would share our story and if it helps prevent even one family from going through this heartbreak, then everything we’ve done will have been worth it,” Mr Smith said.
“This award doesn’t just acknowledge my efforts. It belongs to Leah, our sons, supporters and volunteers, especially Jade Flack and Stephanie Wood who supported me through the toughest time of my life and continue to support our Ride In Shorts For Leah fundraising and awareness activities.
“The riders, donors and every person who’s helped raise awareness and funds to support asbestos education across the community; this award belongs to them all,” Mr Smith said.
By the Numbers
- Leah died in August 2024, aged 49, just eight months and one day after her diagnosis.
- Since November 2024, Phil has contributed more than 1,200 volunteer hours and helped raise over $47,000.
- Phil’s work has helped generate more than 155 media stories, while more than 4,000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases each year.
Local Impact
Phil’s award places a local volunteer at the centre of a national public health message.
His campaign has helped lift awareness about asbestos risks across Queensland and beyond.
It has also strengthened engagement with asbestosawareness.com.au from Queensland audiences.
That matters because asbestos-containing materials remain in many older homes across Australia.
For local renovators, tradies and families, the message is direct.
Asbestos must be managed safely before renovation, demolition or maintenance work begins.
Zoom In
Ride In Shorts For Leah began with a simple idea.
Phil encouraged horse riders and communities to wear shorts while riding on what would have been Leah’s 50th birthday.
The aim was to start conversations about asbestos awareness and prevention.
The campaign has since expanded across every Australian state and territory.
Clare Collins, Advocacy Australia chair and chair of the Asbestos Education Committee, said Phil’s work reflects the true spirit of volunteering.
“Phil embodies everything volunteering is about – courage, compassion, leadership and service to others.
“What makes Phil’s contribution so remarkable is that his advocacy for asbestos awareness was founded on profound personal loss.
“And yet despite his grief, Phil continues to relive his loss publicly to keep a promise he made to his beloved wife Leah – to protect other Australians from exposure to asbestos fibres that can kill,” she said.
“Through Ride In Shorts For Leah, Phil has not only honoured Leah’s legacy but created a powerful and growing grassroots movement that is helping save lives through awareness and education about asbestos risks,” said Ms Collins.
Zoom Out
Australia formally banned asbestos on 31 December 2003.
However, asbestos-containing materials remain in one third of Australian homes built or renovated before 1990.
Advocacy Australia says more than 4,000 Australians die from an asbestos-related disease each year.
That is three times the national road toll.
Ms Collins said Phil’s work is helping fill a serious awareness gap.
“With asbestos-containing materials remaining in one third of Australian homes built or renovated before 1990, the dedication of Phil Smith and Ride In Shorts For Leah is saving lives.” Ms Collins said.
“We are deeply grateful to the Queensland Volunteering Awards that celebrate the significant contribution volunteers make to their communities across the state, for recognising the outstanding volunteering work of Phil Smith and Ride In Shorts For Leah,” she said.
What To Look For Next?
As National Volunteer Week continues, Phil’s story is likely to keep bringing asbestos safety into public conversation.
Ride In Shorts For Leah has already reached every state and territory, and its message continues to grow through riders, donors, volunteers and families.
Australians can learn more about managing asbestos safely at asbestosawareness.com.au.
