The Evolution of the Event
The Brain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW) event continues to evolve, and based on the feedback received the 2022 rendition was our most successful yet.
Held on August 15 at U City and again hosted by ABC presenter Emma Rebellato, we had an inspiring and informative morning listening to a range of great speakers.
This year the event was designed to place the full focus on people with lived experience of brain injury.
First up was singer-songwriter and actor Johnny Ruffo, who made the journey from Sydney to speak to the crowd. Johnny has battled brain cancer since 2017, with the surgery to remove the initial tumour leaving him with an acquired brain injury.
There were few dry eyes in the room as Johnny spoke honestly and powerfully about how he is managing the challenges of living with a brain injury and his efforts to move forward in life with positivity and hope.
Next was our panel discussion with Graham Cannell, Lauren Spear and her sister Courtney, and Luke Mann all sharing important insights from their respective journeys.
Brain Injury SA’s Embrace Life After Brain Injury Award was the presented to Sophie Clelland, who was a very worthy recipient for her amazing achievements.
A closing address from Minister for Human Services, the Honourable Nat Cook rounded off what was an incredible morning.