SCI Awareness Week 2018

Every day someone in Australia suffers a permanent spinal cord injury. Many understand the importance of safety in the workplace, on the road and the water, but few people make it a priority in their life – until it is too late.

As an extension of PBF’s Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week activities, our Queensland team took part in the inaugural Care Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre; joining over 130 exhibitors showcasing a myriad of new technologies, products, services and support available in the allied health sector.

Darron Shields, PBF QLD Injury Prevention Manager, was invited to speak as part of the Expo Guest Speakers Program, along with 30 other brilliant speakers who all inspired and informed the audience with much needed information, guidance and assistance.

At the PBF stand the team took the opportunity to connect with local PBF members, corporate partners and the general public.  They helped raise awareness of spinal cord injury and the significant impact that it has on the injured person, their family, friends, colleagues and the broader community.

The Care Expo was a first for Queensland, providing unparalleled access to important care and support needs.  PBF was proud to be a part of the event to support and showcase the benefits and value of PBF membership to the greater community.

“Often it is not necessarily about you, but about someone you love and care about, that all of a sudden has a change in their life where they need help and assistance.  That is where the Care Expo can be of enormous help.” Bob Carroll, Managing Director, Australian Events.

In Western Australia, Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week events included a pop-up event at the Royal Perth Hospital. The PBF team set up their “Hear my story” activation on the foot traffic bridge and were joined by representatives from Spinal WA and Neurotrauma Research Program (NRP), to raise awareness of spinal cord injury and the importance of research.