Pollie Pedal 2007
What
For the past nine years, a group of politicians, sportspeople and community representatives have made a long distance bike ride to raise money for charity.
The tenth annual Pollie Pedal will begin in Brisbane on April 15 and will raise money for breast cancer research at Westmead Hospital’s Millennium Research Institute. About 14, 000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and with your support we can boost funds to leading researchers studying the causes and treatments of this disease.
Over the past nine years, Pollie Pedallers have ridden 10,000km to raise almost one million dollars for organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Ronald McDonald House, Youth Insearch, the Paralympic Games as well as medical research into childhood leukaemia and diabetes. Thanks to our sponsors, Pollie Pedal 2006 raised a record $320,000 for diabetes research.
Who
A number of Federal Ministers will join in the ride as well as MPs, local mayors, sportspeople and members of local communities. Past participants include Mark Vaile, Tony Abbott, Kevin Andrews, Jim Lloyd, Sussan Ley, Pat Farmer, John Anderson, Jackie Kelly, Phil Barresi, Luke Hartsuyker, Louise Markus, Julie Owens and Senator Guy Barnett.
When
Pollie Pedal 2007 will begin in Brisbane on the 15 April.
Where
The ride will cover more than 1150 KM from Brisbane to Sydney. The ride will pass through Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Urunga, Port Macquarie, Forster, Karuah, Central Coast, Windsor, Penrith and Westmead.
The Route
Brisbane - Sydney - 1151 kilometres over 10 days
| Day |
Date |
Route |
Distance (kms) |
| 1 |
15/4/07 |
Brisbane – Burleigh Heads |
105 |
| 2 |
16/4/07 |
Burleigh Heads – Lismore |
135 |
| 3 |
17/4/07 |
Lismore – Grafton via Casino |
135 |
| 4 |
18/4/07 |
Grafton – Urunga |
129 |
| 5 |
19/4/07 |
Urunga – Port Macquarie via Macksville – Kempsey |
130 |
| 6 |
20/4/07 |
Port Macquarie – Forster |
108 |
| 7 |
21/4/07 |
Forster – Karuah |
108 |
| 8 |
22/4/07 |
Karuah – Wyong |
115 |
| 9 |
23/4/07 |
Wyong – Richmond |
128 |
| 10 |
24/4/07 |
Richmond – Westmead via Penrith |
58 |
Who are we raising money for?
The Millennium Foundation
The Millennium Foundation is one of the major fundraising bodies supporting medical research and health care facilities at Westmead Hospital Campus.
Founded in 1995, the Foundation has become the most influential fundraising body in the Sydney West Area Health Service. It funds two major institutions within this Area Health Service, the Westmead Millennium Institute and Westmead Hospital
The Westmead Millennium Institute (WMI) is one of the largest and most successful medical research institutes in Australia with more than 400 staff researching a wide range of health disorders affecting adults and children. The work of the institute spans the entire research spectrum from initial discovery to the development and clinical trial of new treatments such as pancreatic islet cell transplantation to cure Type 1 Diabetes.
The Foundation receives no government funding relying heavily on the generosity of the community and committed staff to raise funds to find the cures that will save lives.
Breast Cancer Research at Westmead Millennium Institute
There are more than 10,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in Australia. Whilst great advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, it is still the most common cause of cancer death in Australian women.
The Breast Cancer Research Group at Westmead Millennium Institute is one of the most progressive in Australia and concentrates on the molecular and cellular basis of cancer.
The group is investigating the role of oestrogen and progesterone in the development of the normal breast and in breast cancer. These hormones are fundamental regulators of normal cell growth and differentiation, and are also crucial to the development and progression of breast cancer. The group has previously identified a change in expression of two forms of the progesterone receptor, PRA and PRB, in cancer. The group is now focusing on identifying the cellular consequences of this change.
In 200X, the group established the NSW Breast Cancer Tissue Bank based at Westmead Millennium Institute. This tissue bank is an Australian first that allows cancer researchers across NSW to apply their scientific knowledge directly to real patient data. It will expand the knowledge of how and why breast cancer develops, and can fast track the creation of better diagnostics and individualised treatment regimes.
The money raised through the 2007 Pollie Pedal charity bike ride will help these researchers continue their important work.
Contact Details
Kylie Strudwick
The Millennium Foundation Ltd
PH: (02) 9845 6289
FAX: (02) 2 9687 0956
Sponsorship Form for the Millennium Foundation (PDF 98 Kb)
NEPEAN MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
We are also aiming to raise $50 000 for the Nepean Medical Research Foundation to fund a diabetes research officer for one year to manage new and existing diabetes research projects. The Foundation was formally established by The University of Sydney in November 2001. The purpose of the Foundation is to foster growth of medical research with the knowledge that “Today’s Research is Tomorrow’s Treatment”.
In total there are over 100 staff (and this number is growing) currently involved in many areas of medical research at Nepean Hospital including:
1. Coronary disease
2. Leukemia, Lymphoma and other forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases
3. Diabetes and Thyroid disease
4. Depression and other areas of mental health
5. Critical care
6. Drug and Alcohol dependency
7. Paediatric research
8. Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Diabetes Research Program, Nepean Hospital
Clinical Associate Professor N Wah Cheung
University of Sydney
Nepean Hospital services a population of about 300,000 people, of whom it is estimated that 14,000 have diabetes. In addition, every year 200-250 women have gestational diabetes (GDM), which is a temporary form of diabetes occurring during pregnancy. GDM increases the risk of complications during the pregnancy, in particular problems arising from having a large baby, such as stillbirth and damage to the baby’s shoulder at the time of birth. Additionally, if poorly controlled, there may be an increased risk of the child developing diabetes later in life. For the mother, there is a high likelihood of subsequently developing Type 2 diabetes as well.
Much of our research focuses on issues relating to gestational diabetes. Our research has already shown that in the women with GDM seen at Nepean Hospital, around 7% have GDM, and that risk factors for GDM are common. Up to 45% of the women have developed either diabetes or borderline diabetes within 5 years. We have conducted surveys which have shown that many of these women have unhealthy lifestyles after pregnancy which increases their risk of future diabetes. Some of these research studies have been published in major international diabetes journals. One of our current research goals is to develop an intervention program to reduce the progression to diabetes. Additionally, we hope to investigate the role of dietary factors, such as glycaemic index, in the control of gestational diabetes.
The pregnancies of women who had diabetes before falling pregnant are at even greater risk than those with GDM. For these pregnancies, there is a high risk of stillbirth and the development of deformities. We are currently planning research which looks at how best to control the diabetes in these pregnant women, with the goal of improving their pregnancy outcomes.
Outside of pregnancy we have a particular interest in preventing diabetes in disadvantaged people who are at high risk. One of our current research projects is looking at how to improve the lifestyle of people with disabilities at Cherrywood Village for the Disabled, to reduce their risk for diabetes.
Much of work deals specifically with the local population, and therefore may be beneficial to the people of Penrith, but our findings can be extrapolated to the wider Australian community. However, most of our research is performed without any specific funding, or relies on short-term grants, and much is achieved by staff in their own time.
Money raised by Warringah residents will support Pioneer Clubhouse
Pioneer Clubhouse
Pioneer Clubhouse is an innovative psychosocial rehabilitation day program for adults who currently have or have experienced mental illness. Based on the International Clubhouse standards, Pioneer Clubhouse was established at its present site in Quirk Road Balgowlah in 1994 it is under the auspices of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW with a voluntary management committee (formerly the Manly Warringah Pittwater Mental Health Taskforce). The service is based on a philosophy of “ownership” and empowerment with “work” as the tool for recovery
Aims of Pioneer Clubhouse
“Pioneer Clubhouse provides an ongoing safe, supportive, respectful community in which people living with a mental illness can realise their individual goals, maximise their community integration and enhance their quality of life.”
Membership
Pioneer Clubhouse has more than 600 members with about 40 members attending daily and an active membership of 193 (members to whom we have provided service to at least once in the past 90 days). Members come mostly from the local government areas of Manly, Warringah and Pittwater but Pioneer Clubhouse also has members from Rozelle, Gladesville, Ryde, Glebe and further afield.
Background of the Clubhouse Model and Pioneer Clubhouse
Pioneer Clubhouse is the first programme based on the Clubhouse model (also known as the Fountain House model) of psychosocial rehabilitation in NSW for people with a mental illness. Pioneer clubhouse is one of 14 in a growing network of Australian clubhouses and one of approximately 400 worldwide. The concept of meaningful work as a fundamentally therapeutic process is central to the Clubhouse model. The first Clubhouse started almost 60 years ago in New York.
Pioneer Clubhouse began operating as a pilot project in November 1994 with $50,000 to fund the employment of 2 staff, rent of premises was provided free by Manly Council and all operational costs. This made it only possible to operate 3 shortened days per week. After the first 12 months of operation the programme underwent a rigorous review by the Northern Sydney Area Health Service. Funding for the following year more than doubled ($115,000) but remained a one-off commitment. Pioneer Clubhouse started full-time operations employing three staff and needing to fundraise around $11,000 to meet operational cost short falls. After the second year the State Health Minister, Dr Andrew Refshauge made a commitment to grant the Clubhouse 3 years funding.
As well as continual fundraising to meet needs not covered by State funding such as a vehicle and equipment for programme expansion, Pioneer Clubhouse applied for Federal funding bodies to establish an Employment Programme. It also applied for funding from non-government avenues. In May 1997 it was successful in obtaining a one-off seeding grant of $35,000 from the Mercy Foundation. With this grant Pioneer Clubhouse employed a new staff member and began seeking employment opportunities for its membership. One such opportunity is through the Transitional Employment Programme (TEP) where Clubhouse staff approach local business and “acquire” a position. The position then belongs to the Clubhouse and the Clubhouse as a whole has a responsibility to perform the duties of the position. A staff member learns the work then trains the relevant members of the Clubhouse, who undertake the work, usually on a part-time basis. The employer is guaranteed that staff will be there every day and those undertaking the work enjoy award wages and conditions.
Description of Pioneer Clubhouse
Membership of Pioneer Clubhouse is open to any person living with or recovering from a mental illness and is free and for life. This means that due to the fluctuating nature of mental illness, members can return to clubhouse at any time. The model is based on members’ voluntary work in the clubhouse. This provides a work environment without pressure and gives members the opportunity to contribute to their community.
Pioneer Clubhouse operates as a pre-vocational programme between the hours of 9am and 5pm. All the programme activities are performed by members and staff working together. All activity is important and necessary for the operation of the Clubhouse; real and valued involvement rather than mere diversion as with many traditional services. Through working together side by side staff awareness of members vocational and social potential is increased. This is essential in deciding upon appropriate employment placements.
The day to day Clubhouse activities give members the confidence to attempt their own jobs or work placements. Members are involved in all aspects of the running of the Clubhouse; decision making is shared by everyone. There are no staff only areas or staff only duties. Staff and members work alongside each other in a spirit of partnership.
Pioneer Clubhouse has five staff positions at present and operates five days and one evening and one Saturday a fortnight. It is intended that eventually the clubhouse will be open 365 days a year. This will include celebrating all holidays on the actual day they are observed and a social/recreational programme on weekends. This approach assists in breaking isolation experiences for our members. It also engages and supports members who are now working full-time and have been identified with continued support needs by the Clubhouse as essential to their ongoing success at work.
Three work units operate in the Clubhouse day programme including:-
- Communications and Technology Unit – involving orientation of new members, giving tours of the Clubhouse, outreach calls and visits to members, public speaking, reception duties, daily finance, statistics, recording incoming mail, filing, production of monthly newsletter using a graphics programme on computer, writing letters requesting donations, the writing of correspondence, secretarial duties, mailing etc.
- Restaurant and Maintenance Unit – service of nutritious and affordable lunch time meals by the kitchen crew – for up to 25 people including menu planning, purchasing, preparation, serving, budgeting etc and operation of a café – making cappuccinos, milkshakes, snacks etc for members, serving and accounting, planning, planting and maintenance of garden, lawns, herbs and vegetables, furniture upkeep, paving, painting regular building maintenance needs.
- Employment and Education Unit – supporting and working with members to progress ultimately to open employment (Pioneer Clubhouse is a Job Network provider, job search support, assistance in all aspects of job applications), support in transitional and independent employment. In contrast to Sheltered Workshops, members work on maintaining and improving their Clubhouse and the skills they need to gain employment.
There is an extensive social program and other activities of the clubhouse include fundraising, planning and chairing meetings, workshops and conferences.
As well as developing specific skills, members develop generic skills needed for open employment; ability to work as part of a team, take instructions, work around others, responsibility, being on time, and developing a work tolerance.
The normal day to day clubhouse activities are not only personally rewarding for members, but over a period of time give members the self-confidence to attempt their own job or work placements.
How Will Your Donations Help
Donations collected from Warringah residents will help fund a new kitchen for members of the Pioneer Clubhouse. The current kitchen is more than 30 years old and the existing stove was made in the 1960s. The kitchen is used five days a week to prepare lunch for about 40 members. Please help to build a new kitchen for the clubhouse by making a much needed donation. We aim to raise $25 000.
Pioneer Clubhouse Sponsorship Form (PDF 548 Kb)
Pollie Pedal Sponsors
The Pollie Pedal charity bike ride would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors who have kindly donated to support breast cancer research at Westmead Millennium Institute and diabetes research at Nepean Hospital. Everyone involved in Pollie Pedal is grateful for the support of:
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