John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week is Brain Injury Awareness Week, which highlights the hidden disability and the impact of brain injury on our society. Over half a million Australians have acquired a brain injury, most commonly from car accidents, falls, strokes, violence, work and sporting incidents. Brain injuries can cause mobility problems, sensory loss, fatigue, speech difficulties and problems with thinking skills and behavioural changes.

The Royal Rehabilitation Centre in my electorate of Bennelong provides top-level services through its Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit. Last week I was delighted to visit the centre to donate two table tennis tables to its Return2Sport program through the generosity of Hyundai. Tomorrow the unit will be inducting seven new heroes to the Brain Injury Wall of Fame. These are inspiring individuals who have returned to the workforce after crippling injuries and who offer great motivation to other patients at the unit. I congratulate Mario Bianco, Kate Boyd, Jason Donnelly, Jason Farrawell, Tish Peiris, Matthew Powney and David Todd on their strength and drive. Congratulations also go to their families and friends for their endless support. I also commend Dr Clayton King and all the staff at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre for their dedication to improving the lives of their patients.