What’s happening?
Mackay heroes and businesses are banding together for the ‘Ride in Shorts for Leah’ national auction. The initiative honours Leah Smith, who tragically died from mesothelioma on 22 August 2024, just eight months after diagnosis.
The auction features over 40 high-value prizes, including 27 stallion stud services and items like fuel vouchers, horse transport, and holiday getaways. It runs from 8:00 am AEST on 15 June to 8:00 am AEST on 6 July 2025, with all funds supporting Advocacy Australia’s Asbestos Education Committee.
Leah’s husband, Philip Smith, explained: “Every year, around 4,000 Australians die from avoidable asbestos-related diseases because they fail to take the warnings about disturbing asbestos seriously.”
“With one of Leah’s final wishes being to generate awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the hideous diseases associated with exposure to the fibres, including mesothelioma that took our Leah’s life; we’re doing everything in our power to honour our promise to Leah to help save lives,” he said.
“With no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, my mission now is to continue championing this lifesaving awareness cause in honour of my wife.”
Why it matters?
Asbestos still lurks in 1-in-3 Australian homes, posing a silent threat during renovations or maintenance. Leah’s story highlights the deadly consequences of inhaling asbestos fibres, especially for children. By raising funds for the National Asbestos Awareness campaign, the auction supports critical education to prevent more deaths like Leah’s.
Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia and the Asbestos Education Committee, emphasised: “The dedication to honouring Leah through Phillip’s Ride in Shorts for Leah initiatives has been remarkable in raising a massive $18,381 to date and generating extensive awareness about the dangers of asbestos to help save lives.”
“We’re deeply grateful to Phillip, his family, their supporters and the sponsors of every raffle and auction item for their dedication to helping continue Leah’s legacy of increasing awareness of deadly asbestos.”
“Asbestos isn’t just in fibro sheeting. There are more than 3,000 building and decorator products that contain asbestos, and if disturbed during renovations, demolition or maintenance, these materials pose a serious health risk to whoever is present or nearby, including children,” Ms Collins said.
Local Impact
Local horse breeders and businesses across Mackay and Clermont have donated generously. Stephanie Wood, Kath Clark, Brett and Rebecca Johnstone, Mark Oswald, Toni Dann, Synergy Performance, and companies like Clermont Veterinary Boarding Kennels and Petstock, Chrystle & Co, BMC Rural, BCF Mackay, Belyando Mitre 10, and Bling n Speed contributed significant prizes. Their donations show a united community determined to prevent asbestos tragedies.
By the Numbers
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4,000 Australians die from avoidable asbestos-related diseases, underscoring the urgent need for awareness.
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Over $18,000 raised through the Ride in Shorts for Leah initiative, reflecting strong community support.
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~$42,000 total value worth of 40+ auction items, including 27 stallion stud services donated by breeders nationwide, each worth up to $2,000.
Zoom In
Auction items include stallion stud services for horses like My Shining Ashwood, Highbrow Smart Pep, Drovers Romance, Oaks Redemption, Titanium Blue, and more. Other prizes are a $1,000 Ampol fuel voucher, horse transport vouchers worth $1,000 each, a $1,730 outdoor lifestyle package, a $440 Airlie Beach getaway, and a $340 1770 getaway.
Leah’s story began when, as a toddler, she inhaled asbestos fibres while her parents built their home in Gympie using asbestos-laden materials. She helped them on site, unknowingly exposed to the deadly fibres. Leah fell ill in late 2023, initially diagnosed with pneumonia. On 21 December 2023, tests revealed malignant mesothelioma. Despite immunotherapy, Leah passed away on 22 August 2024, just eight months and one day after diagnosis.
Known for riding horses in shorts and a T-shirt, Leah inspired the ‘Ride in Shorts for Leah’ initiative to raise lifesaving awareness.
Zoom Out
Advocacy Australia’s Asbestos Education Committee will receive all funds to support the National Asbestos Awareness Month campaign each November. The campaign educates Australians about asbestos safety, encouraging them to visit asbestosawareness.com.au to learn how to identify and manage asbestos risks.
What to look for next?
Final bids for the auction close at 8:00 am AEST on 6 July 2025. Australians can also donate directly via the Ride in Shorts for Leah mycause page at mycause.com.au/ride-in-shorts, with donations of $2 or more fully tax-deductible.
The Asbestos Education Committee urges all Australians to prioritise safety because, as Clare Collins said, “It’s not worth the risk!”
