The ongoing campaign to bring forward a resolution for families affected by the Williamtown PFAS contamination crisis will make its way to Canberra next week.
Newcastle University student and 2NURFM sports journalist Jarrod Sansom will represent the region at the National Youth Summit in the nation's capital this Saturday after winning a story-telling competion from ABC.
Mr Sansom won ABC’s Heywire competition last year when he shared his horrific family story of growing up on a farm in Williamtown that backed onto the RAAF base which, since the 1950s, used fire extinguishers that contained toxic chemicals.
The Summit is opened each year, allowing students to speak about what it is like growing up in different rural areas. Each group of students, along with the winner are given the opportunity to go to Canberra to pitch ways they can help give back to their communities in need.
Jarrod's family home along Cabbage Tree Road is now declared to be in the 'red zone' of Williamtown where the PFAS contamination lies.
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| Affected 'red zone' in Williamtown |
Last week Jarrod met with residents from the area so they could share their tragic family stories. He then spoke with the Williamtown and Surrounds Residents Action Group, Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group and the Salt Ash Community First Group to contribute to his understanding how the contaminated water has negatively impacted residents' lives.
Residents of the area spoke about how the reports of a 52-case 'cancer cluster' that occured along Cabbage Tree Road must be linked. This connection became very real to Jarrod as he was the sixth generation of his family to live on the farm that was now declared to be surrounded by the contaminated water table due to carcinogenic substances entering the town's drainage system.
Jarrod's grandfather, along with three of his siblings all died of stomach cancer. Many of their old neighbours have been infected and fear the same fate.
His family will be tested next week.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington met with Jarrod as they will asist him with his campaign which he will pitch at the National Youth Summit in Canberra.
Ms Swanson commended Jarrod for his commitment to informing young people about the PFAS contamination crisis that swept the country and says local residents are greatful to a young person that cares so much about the ongoing issue.
Jarrod says this oppitunity will give him a voice to do whatever he can do to push forward and defend his family and community who have been affected.
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| Heywire winner Jarrod Sansom and MP Kate Washington Image: News of the area |
