What’s Happening?
Australia is saddling up for a unique and heartfelt campaign to honour the life of Leah Smith, a beloved Mackay mother of two and talented horsewoman who tragically passed away from malignant mesothelioma in August 2024.
Diagnosed just eight months earlier on her 49th birthday, Leah’s battle was tied to childhood exposure to asbestos while her parents unknowingly built their family home with asbestos-laden materials.
To celebrate Leah’s legacy and mark what would have been her 50th birthday, horse lovers across Australia are invited to participate in the “Ride in Shorts for Leah” event from 7–15 December 2024, embracing Leah’s love of riding and raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Why it Matters?
Asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of over 4,000 Australians annually, a figure double the national road toll.
Despite being banned in 2003, asbestos remains hidden in 1-in-3 Australian homes, with many unaware of its risks during renovations or maintenance.
National Asbestos Awareness Week, running alongside the event, aims to educate Australians on recognising and safely managing asbestos to prevent avoidable deaths.
Local Impact
Leah’s story resonates deeply in Mackay, where she was an active member of the horse community.
Her husband, Phillip Smith, hopes to amplify her voice by turning grief into action. Phillip shared, “Everyone needs to stop and assess their premises before renovating or demolishing structures to identify the potential dangers that may lie within.”
Reflecting on Leah’s wishes, Phillip added, “With mesothelioma diagnosed decades after exposure, she wanted to create awareness to help save lives.” The Mackay equestrian community will commemorate Leah’s life with a special ride on 11 December, Leah’s 50th birthday.
By the Numbers
- 4,000 Australians die annually from asbestos-related diseases.
- 1 in 3 homes built before 1990 contains asbestos products.
- Leah passed away 44 years after her exposure and just eight months after her diagnosis.
Zoom In
Leah’s childhood exposure came from innocent moments spent around her family’s home construction, unaware of the lethal fibres she inhaled.
Chair of Advocacy Australia, Clare Collins, explained, “Although banned in 2003, asbestos-containing products were widely used and could still be lurking in homes, farms, and rural properties across Australia.”
She added, “The main message is what NOT to do with asbestos: Don’t cut it, drill it, sand it, or remove it yourself. If it’s disturbed, microscopic fibres can cause deadly diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.”
Zoom Out
Australia once led the world in asbestos consumption, embedding it into over 3,000 building products, from roofing to flooring and fences.
While asbestos is safe when sealed and stable, any disturbance—like during renovations—can release deadly fibres.
National Asbestos Awareness Week urges all Australians to visit asbestosawareness.com.au to learn how to handle asbestos safely and protect lives.
What to Look For Next?
Phillip Smith envisions “Ride in Shorts for Leah” becoming an annual event.
Horse lovers across the country are encouraged to join local rides, upload photos, and donate to support the Asbestos Awareness Campaign.
This year’s donations can be made via www.mycause.com.au/ride-in-shorts.
As Clare Collins emphasised, “Leah’s legacy is vital to all Australians. Through initiatives like Ride in Shorts for Leah, we can raise awareness, honour those lost, and help prevent future tragedies.”
