MADDA (formerly Reflections) was founded in 2015 with a clear purpose: to reduce the impact of asbestos-related diseases through education, awareness and support.
Reflections was launched by the then-Governor of Western Australia, Kerry Sanderson.
In September 2025, Reflections was re-launched as Mesothelioma and Dust Diseases Australia (MADDA).
MADDA has grown into a leading organisation dedicated to reducing the risk of asbestos exposure, raising awareness of the ongoing dangers of asbestos and other harmful dusts, and providing specialist support services for those with mesothelioma.
A core focus of our work is on education, especially in the building and construction industry, where asbestos exposure is still a common risk.
MADDA works with the Construction Training Fund (CTF) and Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) to address educational gaps in asbestos.
In 2021, WA became the first state to implement mandatory asbestos training for Certificate II in Construction Pathways.
With the average age of first asbestos exposure being 23 years old, providing the next generation with education and safety practices is a crucial part of our work.
With 1 in 3 Australian homes still containing asbestos, and 4,000 Australians dying from asbestos-related diseases each year, it’s clear that asbestos is not a thing of the past.
MADDA is working with industry, and particularly our industry partners, to drive awareness and increase knowledge of the ongoing dangers of asbestos in our homes, workplaces and the built environment.
We work with Industry leaders and our Industry partners to run awareness campaigns. In partnership with the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agencey (ASSEA), we run biannual campaigns for National Asbestos Awareness Week. Asbestos awareness and education information is also presented at events during the year, the Bunnings Trade Expo and our flagship event, Steeltoes & Stilettoes.
Beyond awareness and education, we’re here to support individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma.
In February 2024, we launched The Hope Companion to help bridge the gap between medical information and accurate, practical guidance for the journey ahead. It is a compendium of booklets designed to support and empower those navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis, with what to expect, and how to find hope for the life still to be lived.
Our Board of Directors brings extensive experience and strong ties to the health, construction and research industries. They generously volunteer their time and expertise to guide us forward.
MADDA's message is also promoted through our Ambassadors, represented by industry leaders and medical professionals. Our impact is further strengthened by our patron Professor Lyn Beazley AO, former Chief Scientist of WA.
As MADDA continues to grow, our focus remains on:
Together, we can create a future where Australians are aware of the dangers of asbestos that still exist, and the potential risks of exposure to harmful dusts.
Reflections was co-founded by the late Barry Knowles and his daughter, Jo Morris. In 2010, Barry was diagnosed with mesothelioma and given just six months to live.
His experience made it clear that more needed to be done to raise awareness of this terminal cancer and provide disease-specific resources for those affected by asbestos exposure. Jo saw firsthand the gaps in education and support, inspiring her to work alongside her father to create Reflections – so others wouldn’t have to face the same challenges alone.
Jo was Managing Director of Reflections until May 2024. Her passion and tenacity laid the foundations for a safer more supportive environment in minimising the impact of asbestos. Among other things, her vision and drive led to the embedding of an asbestos training core unit in the Certificate II pre-apprenticeship course, where it remains a key component today.
Website designed by c4 Digital Agency
