RESIDENTS and workers affected by contamination from Williamtown RAAF Base are invited to share their social and health experiences with researchers from Australian National University.

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The ANU’s National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health is holding focus group discussions for people who have experience of, and views about, PFAS health risks.

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson encouraged people in the Williamtown, Salt Ash and Fullerton Cove communities to take part in the discussions and ensure their experiences were heard.

“We are all fed up with waiting for the Federal Government to release its plan about how those affected by contamination from RAAF Base Williamtown will be given support and options,” Ms Swanson told News Of The Area.

“We must, however, continue to fight to have our stories heard and use every avenue possible to make the Government aware of the situation and its many impacts.”

The PFAS Health Study says it will listen to the experiences of residents and workers in the Williamtown red zone and that this will “shape the direction” of the ANU research team’s next phase of investigations.

“There is still conflicting information in the scientific community about the effects of PFAS on human health,” Ms Swanson said.

“Anything we can do to add to this body of research will be to the benefit of all who are affected.”

According to the ANU’s invitation, the discussions are likely to take between one and two hours, and participants will receive a “[A] small token of our appreciation ($50 EFTPOS voucher)” on completion of the discussion.

If you’d like to take part in one of the focus group discussions, or if you’d like more information about the study, please ring Ms Susan Trevenar on 02 6125 6079 or email pfas.health.study@anu.edu.au.

Ms Swanson said she would return to Canberra in early February and would continue to take the plight of her PFAS-affected constituents to the halls of Parliament House.

By Rachael VAUGHAN