Sepsis survivor and advocate Steve Zimbler knows just how fortunate he is to be alive. While visiting family in Switzerland, Steve became critically unwell after developing sepsis in response to a still unknown infection.
“I can attest to its severity. I had never heard of sepsis before, and I credit my daughter’s quick thinking in finding an emergency medical clinic that ultimately saved my life,” he shared.
Following his recovery, Steve attended a Sepsis Australia Symposium, where he met other survivors and bereaved families. Moved by their stories, he was motivated to raise awareness in his own community. As a member of the Bentmoor Community Men’s Shed and aware of the group’s national reach, Steve saw an opportunity to start meaningful conversations about early recognition and prevention.
Steve recognised that older adults are among the most vulnerable to sepsis. “Many of our members share similar vulnerabilities,” he noted, “making community awareness all the more vital.”
The Men’s Shed shares a community centre with other groups serving older Australians, including U3A Bentleigh and the Moongala Women’s Community House. Steve coordinated a joint event with Sepsis Australia, inviting the organisation to deliver two tailored awareness sessions for members of these groups. The event included a community sausage sizzle with food donations from Woolworths and Bakers Delight, and delicious homemade food generously provided by attendees.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the value of grassroots education and peer-led advocacy.
Driven by a commitment to “spread awareness as far and wide as possible,” Steve emphasised the importance of early recognition and timely medical intervention—and the need to equip community members with the confidence to act quickly, not just for themselves but for family, friends, and neighbours.
To extend the reach beyond the event, Steve enlisted the help of Dirk de Bruyn, a retired filmmaker, university lecturer, and U3A Bentleigh member, to record the session. The presentation is now available on the digital platforms of both the Men’s Shed and U3A for wider community access.
Sepsis Australia extends heartfelt thanks to Steve for his unwavering dedication, to the Bentmoor Men’s Shed for their warm hospitality and support, and to U3A for their collaboration in sharing this vital health information.
[photo of Sepsis Survivor Stephen Zimbler (left) and Louis Ballis, Men’s Shed Guest Speaker Facilitator]
Link to presentation: