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Despite the known fact that Wittenoom is responsible for many deaths, there are some who are reluctant to ban tourists from visiting the town. Undeniably,residents who still reside there are feeling financial and emotional strain due to the lack of tourist trade, however when I saw an article in the West Australian Newspaper Wednesday 19th May, titled The Town that Wont Die, I was upset and angered by the comments made by a resident of the town, who stated that he had lived in Wittenoom since 1966 and that to his knowledge,no one had died of mesothelioma during that time.

No one should become complacent, or take comfort in the knowledge that thirty eight years have passed without incidence of mesothelioma in Whittenoom, for it is a known fact that many years may pass between inhalation of asbestos dust and it's deadly legacy of mesothelioma.

I became tragically aware of this, when my husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2001, this as a result of him having lived in Wittenoom for a few short months as a child. Forty five years had passed between his inhalation of asbestos dust and his diagnosis.

I, for one cannot think of Wittenoom without pain. It killed my husband and his father, and many more loved ones will die in years to come, as a result of living there. No one who has witnessed the devastation of this terrible disease and lost loved ones through it could have any empathy for Wittenoom. It is forever tainted with a killer dust that once inhaled remains in the lungs, until without warning it strikes, and there is no hope, no cure, for this terrible disease.

For the residents who wish to remain there, it is their choice. However, to encourage and permit tourists to visit Wittenoom, knowing full well the dangers of asbestos dust inhalation, is as irresponsible as the mining company who created this monster and refused to close operation even after they became aware of its existence.

Wittenoom may well be a scenic place to live for the remaining residents to me it reflects a massive graveyard filled with all the loved ones who have died and a pain in the heart for all who have lost them. I would like to see it wiped off the map forever.

Lorraine Kember

Lorraine Kember is a published Author - Poet and public speaker with a passion for helping others. Her book "Lean on Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes; written from her experience of caring for her dying husband, is highly recommended by the Cancer Council and sought after by both professional and personal bodies Australia wide and over seas.Lorraine has recently published another book. "Tear Drops" A Journey of Grief, Healing and Hope - Told through Poetry.

Lorraine is also an inspirational public speaker and is frequently invited to speak to groups of Palliative Care and Silver Chain volunteers and staff, Nursing volunteers and staff and the general public about care of the terminally ill and the importance of pain management and symptom control to quality of life.

Lorraine also speaks to grief support groups about coping with the anticipatory grief associated with terminal diagnosis and grief experienced after the death of a loved one.

Lorraine is available to speak Nation wide. If you would like her to speak to your group - why not contact her today.