On the 15th of August 2023, the C.V.R.I.C Director Bert Candusio was rushed to the Bendigo Base Hospital after suffering from acute chest pain.
Doctors were unable to insert stents into the blocked arteries of the heart due to the degree of blockage, so he was rushed to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where he underwent a 4 hour open-heart surgery operation to conduct a triple heart by-pass. After three weeks of intensive care, Bert returned to begin a long recovery.

We are happy to report that Berts recovery has progressed well over the past 7 months and he is looking forward to being fully on board for this years National Insect Expo in 2024. Again, all the staff and volunteers here at the C.V.R.I.C would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the Surgery Team and Surgeons, Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Alfred Hospital for providing the wonderful care Bert received during his stay.