QLD

$10,000 Donation for Griffith University Researchers

On 22 September 2008, Marshal Shaw, Eastern States Manager presented a cheque for $10,000 by way of a donation to Julie Cochrane,  Clinical  Manager of the National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research at the Eskitis Institute, Griffith University,  for further research into  cellular treatments in the repair  of spinal cord injuries.

PBF has been interested in the research at the Eskitis Institute and the work of former Queenslander of the Year, Professor Mackay-Sim since he and his team began exploring the uses of olfactory ensheathing cells in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.  PBF have provided over $70,000 financial assistance to this research.

Late last year Professor Mackay-Sim and his research team completed Phase 1 of a clinical trial that involved the transplantation of a patient's own cells into the damaged spinal cord.  The effects of the transplantation were monitored over three years and involved six volunteers.  Three patients were injected with olfactory ensheathing cells while the other three acted as controls.  There was no evidence of any complications in the trial with one of the patients experiencing a measurable increase in touch sensitivity below the level of injury.

The findings were published in the international neurobiology journal Brain available at: http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/¹

The Eskitis Institute has been recognised for research excellence within Griffith University.

For more information go to The National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research:

http://www.griffith.edu.au/science/national-centre-adult-stem-cell-research/

SAFETY AUSTRALIA WIDE

PBF's senior presenter, Paul O'Brien has been travelling Australia promoting Safety as a Core Life Value to the mining community.  Major Drilling has a Community Partnership with PBF and as such, their staff have benefited by receiving regular health and safety awareness presentations, even in the most remote regions of Australia.  Major Drilling generously donated a much needed laptop to PBF which is a valuable aide for Paul's presentations.  PBF takes this opportunity to thank Major Drilling for their most generous donation.  Special thanks to Peter Cameron at Major Drilling for his support and enthusiasm of the PBF Injury Prevention Program.

COMMUNITY ROAD SAFETY PRESENTATIONS

September was a busy month for PBF.  Three of our presenters, Tony South, Dennis Greensill and Dani Clarke held 15 Safety presentations to a number of schools in the Mackay area including Chelona, Home Bush and Mackay State Schools.  These presentations were made possible by the kind referral of Sandvik Mining, who has a Community Partnership with PBF.  The 3 wheelies alerted the youngsters to the fact they are responsible for their own attitude and behaviour with regard to all aspects of their life, physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial and not to ‘cop-out' and in the worst case scenario end up with a broken neck or back resulting in quadriplegia or paraplegia.

Whilst in Mackay, our 3 presenters used the mini bus services of the Mackay and District Spinal Injury Association (MDSIA).  The services for wheelchair transport is limited in Mackay and surrounding districts and after using this valuable service with the capability of being able to carry up to 5 wheelchairs in a comfortable and secure manner, PBF agreed to sponsor the MDSIA mini bus $10,000 over two years.