Appeal To Support The Work Of Weary Dunlop - New Book Tells Life Story Of Australian Hero

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12th July 2008, 01:02pm - Views: 861





Government Government Minister For Veterans' Affairs 1 image

Government Government Minister For Veterans' Affairs 2 image








Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602 

Telephone 02 6277 7820  Facsimile 02 6273 4140

The Hon Alan Griffin MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs


VA067


Saturday 12 July 2008 


APPEAL TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF WEARY DUNLOP

New book tells life story of Australian hero


The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today launched a new book on the life of a great

Australian and appealed to the nation to support the work of the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical

Research Foundation.


The Foundation was established in 1985 to carry on the work of Australian war surgeon Sir

Edward Dunlop.  Affectionately known as ‘Weary’, he is renowned and admired for his

leadership while a prisoner of war of the Japanese during World War II.  His name and deeds

have become synonymous with compassion, courage, steadfastness and hope.


The book, Weary, An Australian Hero by Foundation chairman Dino De Marchi and Melbourne

author Robert Hillman, is a brief biography of Sir Edward and is written for young students.


Representing the Prime Minister at the launch of the 2008 Weary Dunlop Appeal, Mr Griffin said

the not-for-profit organisation had supported the health and wellbeing of veterans for more than

a quarter of a century, but volunteers and public donations were essential to its continuation.


“The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life for veterans and their dependants through

medical research and the promotion of the personal qualities and standards of excellence that

Weary Dunlop came to represent.


“The vital work of the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation exists purely through

the goodwill of volunteers and donations.  I urge Australians to contribute to the Appeal by

assisting in fund-raising, buying a lapel pin or by making a donation,” Mr Griffin said.


Mr De Marchi said the Foundation granted funds to worthy medical projects Australia-wide each

year.  “Most recently we have funded research into prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes,

obesity and mental health. This research assists not only the veteran community, but all

Australians,” he said.


The Foundation also hosted the granting of a scholarship by Swinburne University and the City

of Stonnington to Emily Petersen for outstanding achievement.


Anyone able to assist with the two-week appeal from 12-25 July should contact the Foundation

on 03 9387 7833 or info@siredwarddunlop.com.au


Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109


To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email please go to minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe






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