Media Release

Dialysis volunteer receives Australia Day Honour

29 January 2008 

Anita Narduzzo, President of The Royal Melbourne Hospital Dialysis Support Group, has been awarded an Order of Australia medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours. Anita, a kidney transplant recipient, was honoured for service to community health, particularly through the activities of the RMH Dialysis Support Group. Her family, particularly father-in-law Pino Narduzzo who nominated her, are pleased as punch about the award, and her customers at the family business Pino's Fine Produce in Prahran Market are equally effusive in their praise.

Anita Narduzzo receives a congratulatory hug and a kiss from husband John and father-in law Pino at the family's shop at Prahran Market.

Mr Narduzzo, who is also celebrating 50 years in business this year, himself received an OAM in 2004 for his services to the Italian community.

Anita is a little overwhelmed by all the praise and attention, but is proud to have received the medal.

Anita, her husband John and extended family established the RMH Dialysis Support Group in 2000 after she and brother-in-law Joe Urbino received kidney transplants within a few months of each other in 1999, ending many years of dependence on dialysis.

The group run a number of events each year to specifically raise money for items which provide patients with some comfort during long hours on dialysis.

"I know what it's like to be on dialysis (for nine years), and I wanted to do something to help others still on dialysis," Anita said.

"Christmas packs for patients including rugs, back scratchers, hand and body moisturisers, and a new television system and headphones for the enjoyment of patients while dialysing at the Broadmeadows satellite centre are just two projects we have undertaken."

Melbourne Health Chief Executive Linda Sorrell congratulated Anita, saying: "It is a fitting acknowledgement of your outstanding work in establishing the RMH Dialysis Support Group, and providing ongoing comfort to dialysis patients both at the hospital and the wider North West Dialysis Service network.

"Your understanding of the patients’ needs, beyond simply medical treatment and equipment, has resulted in a very special volunteer effort, and your award is richly deserved. "

The group’s next fundraising event is a Glamour & Gallop Luncheon at Mornington Racecourse on 13 February. Details: http://www.rmhdialysis.org.au

Media contact: Petrina Dakin - 0439 031 894