Brain Injury Awareness Week 2026: Stronger Together

Join us for Brain Injury Awareness Week 2026 as we come together under the theme Stronger Together — building a stronger brain injury community through shared experiences, connection and support.

This free event will bring together people living with brain injury, families, carers, health professionals, researchers and the broader community to learn, connect and celebrate the strength of our community.

Whether you attend in person or join us online, we invite you to be part of an inspiring day of education, lived experience and meaningful conversation.

Event Details

Event Program

Keynote Presentation: The Stroke Boot Camp

Our keynote speaker, Associate Professor Brenton Hordacre, will present on The Stroke Boot Camp — a high-intensity, group-based rehabilitation program delivering three hours of task-specific practice each day, five days per week, over five weeks.

Brenton will discuss the research underpinning the Stroke Boot Camp and share findings from the program’s randomised controlled trial, which demonstrated significant improvements in arm function, even many years after stroke.

Associate Professor Brenton Hordacre

Keynote Speaker

Associate Professor Brenton Hordacre is interested in helping people live happier and healthier lives after stroke, brain injury, and other neurological conditions. He is interested in innovations that improve rehabilitation and can be rapidly translated to clinical practice. His work has had impact. Discoveries include demonstration of a critical period of brain recovery in the first weeks after stroke, new treatments for post stroke depression, and demonstrating significant recovery with intensive practice in people with chronic stroke. These contributions have been recognised with several national and international awards, including the Young Tall Poppy of Science Award and Brain Foundation Elizabeth Penfold Simpson Prize. In July 2026, Associate Professor Hordacre was appointed Chair of Rehabilitation and Brain Health in Ageing at Flinders University. The role is responsible for research activities in the Department of Rehabilitation, Aged and Palliative Care at Flinders Hospital.

Lived Experience Story: Stevan Stankovic

Following morning tea, Stevan Stankovic, founder of Be Remarkable Disability Services, will share his powerful lived experience following two brain aneurysms and the journey that inspired him to establish his own disability support service.

Stevan Stankovic

Lived Experience Story

Stevan Stankovic is the founder of Be Remarkable Disability Services and someone who truly understands the importance of resilience, hope, and finding strength through life’s challenges. His journey has been shaped by a number of significant health battles from a young age, each one teaching him the value of perseverance and the importance of supporting others through difficult times.
At 10 years old, Stevan underwent heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart. Only months later, he survived a serious accident after going through a glass door and suffering life threatening injuries. Years later, in 2020, he experienced two unexpected brain aneurysm ruptures, followed by a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis less than a year later. In 2022, he was then diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery.

Alongside the physical challenges, Stevan also experienced periods of intense anxiety and panic attacks, which became some of the hardest battles to overcome. Through faith, determination, and the unwavering support of family and friends, he slowly rebuilt his confidence and found a renewed sense of purpose.

These experiences inspired Stevan to create Be Remarkable Disability Services, with the goal of helping others feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Brain Injury SA’s Peer Support Program and Lived Experience Panel

Frances Coleman, Physiotherapy Discipline Lead at Brain Injury SA and coordinator of our Peer Support Program, will explore the impact of peer support in recovery and community connection.

Frances will then facilitate a lived experience panel featuring Brain Injury SA peer mentors, who will share their personal experiences of living with acquired brain injury and the value of connecting with others who understand the journey.

Bringing the ABI Community Together

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with organisations from across the brain injury community that provide valuable services, supports and resources for people living with acquired brain injury, their families and carers.

Embrace Life After Brain Injury Award

The day will conclude with the presentation of the Embrace Life After Brain Injury Award, proudly presented by our Presenting Partner, the Lifetime Support Authority. The award recognises individuals who embody resilience, determination and a positive approach to life after brain injury.

Pictured: 2025 Embrace Life After Brain Injury Award Winner – Paul Bovington. Proudly presented by Rick Howe, former Chief Executive of Lifetime Support Authority, BIAW event’s presenting partner.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our sincere thanks to the organisations whose support has made it possible for us to offer this free community event:

Presenting Partner: Lifetime Support Authority

Major Event Partner: Livability Care Australia

Silver Sponsors: Help at Home and Beneficent

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