The Marsh Foundation - Background:
On October 12th 2002, Bali was rocked by terrorist bombs that killed 202 people and left hundreds of
others injured. At the time, Dr. David Marsh and his wife Clair were there holidaying and amongst
the first Australian medicos on the scene.
Working closely with local emergency crews and hospitals to save lives and identify victims, they
witnessed firsthand the issues facing Balinese health services, specifically a lack of medical
equipment and supplies.
Upon their return to Australia they had the vision of collecting any leftover medical supplies and
unwanted serviceable equipment, with the idea of sending them overseas where they would be
gratefully received and was urgently required.
This is a very pragmatic course of action as under Australian law, medical equipment is often
considered obsolete and surplus after upgrades occur and many useful supplies cannot be used
once opened or when close to their expiry date.
Since 2003, the Marsh Foundation has sent 38 forty foot containers of medical equipment with an
estimated value of over $10 million, to help stock and upgrade Indonesian hospitals, community
health centres and orphanages. Containers are filled to capacity with a variety of much needed
goods including hospital beds, radiology equipment, wheelchairs, walking frames, new non-
perishable medical supplies and much more including two fully fitted ambulances. They have also
overseen the provision of training and instructional support to the recipients to ultimately make them
self-sufficient and sustainable.
Recycling Surplus Medical Equipment Saves on Landfill
Apart from the practical benefits of medical equipment going to needy recipients, there is also a
strong 'green' element in the collection and redistribution of these supplies. Through donation by the
Marsh Foundation, the amount of goods saved from landfill to date is over 2,500 cubic metres, or
enough to fill the entire MCG.
Marsh Foundation Efforts/Achievements
Tsunami, Medan, Indonesia, December 2004
After the Tsunami, David and Clair Marsh headed a team that went to Medan, Indonesia and in 8
days did health checks on over 2,000 children and adults including vaccinating against measles and
chicken pox (with donated triple antigen vaccine). They also ran a medical clinic for the victims of
the Aceh disaster.
In conjunction with the Victorian Ambulance Service, two new fully fitted out ambulances were
donated to Bali with accredited ambulance officers sent over to train the locals. If further education
was needed, the ambulance service also offered their ongoing assistance and made themselves
available for further training.
After the Black Saturday bushfires, the Marsh Foundation sent a rapid response team to assist
those who had lost everything. The foundation brought pallets of drinking water to the region with
David Marsh acting as an emergency GP, giving general health checks and replacing prescriptions
for those who had lost them.
Following the Chilean earthquake the Marsh Foundation was approached by the Consul General of
Chile and in April 2010 sent 2 forty foot containers containing 200 beds and other much needed
medical supplies.
As a direct response to a huge Indonesian volcanic eruption and the subsequent dust and ash
cloud, in October 2010, 30,000 surgical masks donated by the Epworth Hospital, were sent to
affected areas. The Marsh Foundation's wonderful Sragen connections also managed to source the
air freight at no cost from Garuda Airlines.
Identifying and targeting needs of impoverished children, particularly in education, is an ongoing
focus of the Marsh Foundation. We continue to support an orphanage in Ubud helping 30 children
attend school and providing accommodation for 40 handicapped children.
Recognition
For their efforts and work in Bali, in 2003 the Marsh's were each awarded with an O.A.M and named
Victorians of the Year by the Herald-Sun. The Indonesian Government also awarded them the
Ksatria Aditya Medal in gratitude for rendering outstanding services in the health field.
In 2010 they were acknowledged by Australian Ambassador to Chile with for their assistance in
providing Chile with medical supplies following the devastating 2010 earthquake and also given the
honor of being appointed Ambassadors to the Indonesian region of Sragen.
Future Activity
In order to increase the amount of discarded medical supplies we can send, there are plans to
establish branches of the Marsh Foundation in each Australia state. If oyu have contacts or
thoughts on how to assist with this, please get in touch with Clair Marsh.
With donations coming in consistently, we currently have 3 forty foot containers packed with medical
goods and almost ready for donation. We are looking for suitable locations to send them to with
potential destinations that include New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji, East Timor or
Afghanistan.
We also intend to set up depots in these countries to store goods once shipped to ensure quicker
delivery of items for any future medical needs. If you have contacts in these locations that would
help facilitate transport please let the Marsh Foundation know.
Shipping Costs:
While medical supplies are donated, sending the filled containers overseas, costs around $5,000,
which is paid for through fundraising activities and membership contributions.
Marsh Foundation Wish List
- Securing an office/warehouse in inner city Melbourne.
- Further corporate support to assist with running and shipping costs
- Increase in hospital donation network.
- Increase in membership.
- Further fundraising events and opportunities.
- Increase in our available volunteer network.
- Create a program of grants locally and nationally to assist us in achieving our goals
You Can Help Us By:
- Becoming a member and getting your friends and work colleges to join, volunteer or attend events. Membership starts at as little as $10.
- Volunteering to drive cars and trucks to collect goods, to be available for packing either at the Marsh Foundation office or at the Tullamarine warehouse. Any assistance gratefully received.
Membership
Annual membership renewals will be from 30th January with those joining in November or
December, having their membership carry over to the next year.
Key Points of the Marsh Foundation
- Recycles and re-uses medical supplies and equipment, rather than sending it to landfill.
- Medical supplies and equipment are given to the needy and sent to where it is most needed, in Australia and overseas.
- When equipment is donated, follow up training and maintenance is given to health services in order to ensure it continues to be useful and to fill a need in the long term.
