This is the story of Biaggio Signorelli, a young migrant from Italy who arrived in Pyrmont, NSW, in the mid-1950s. From humble beginnings, Biaggio went on to found the iconic Doltone House Group – making a significant impact on Sydney's hospitality scene.  In October 2007 at the age of 70, a seemingly minor cough revealed a devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Biaggio passed away just eight months after his diagnosis.

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of Biaggio's illness on his family and his son Paul, who served as his primary caregiver during his final months. We're joined by Joanne Wade from Slater and Gordon Lawyers, who played a pivotal role as the acting lawyer on behalf of Biaggio Signorelli. As Head of Asbestos and Dust Diseases, Joanne shares her perspective on managing the legal claim and reflects on her personal motivation drawn from her father's own battle with asbestos-related disease.

Biaggio's dying wish was to prevent others from suffering the same fate, leading to the establishment of the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation. To date, the foundation has generously donated over $1 million to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), continuing Biaggio's legacy of advocacy and support.

This episode explores the resilience, determination, and enduring impact of Biaggio Signorelli's remarkable journey – the impact on his family, the lawyer who represented him and his legacy. 

You can read more about the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation here:  

https://www.biaggiosignorelli.org.au/

You can read more about Joanne Wade, Head of Asbestos and Dust Diseases at Slater and Gordon Lawyers here: 

https://www.slatergordon.com.au/people/joanne-wade

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au