Helping injured Victorians remain independent

Published date: 04 Apr 2023

Community-led programs that boost the confidence and independence of Victorians living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) will benefit from a series of grants thanks to the Victorian Government and TAC.

Each year, thousands of Victorians become TAC clients as a result of road accidents and many have their lives permanently changed due to their injury, with road trauma a common cause of ABIs.

Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Danny Pearson said grants of up to $50,000 supported innovative, community-led projects that improve the lives and independence of people with ABIs, spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other life-altering injuries like blindness and amputations.

Not-for-profit Heads Together for ABI, has received a grant for its new Cook.Chat.Eat cooking classes, teaching young adults with an ABI how to prepare a meal from start to finish, including how to read a recipe, do the shopping, invite guests and set a table.

Connecting and supporting young people and families impacted by an ABI, the grant will help develop and deliver the new program at the group’s Footscray headquarters.

Heads Together for ABI is one of five community-based groups to receive a grant to assist with programs that help make a positive change in the lives of Victorians with disabilities.

Other recipients of the Small Grants Program are:

• Brain Injury Matters – Building relationships post brain injury
• Australian Federation of Disability Organisations – Disability Confident Communities
• Stonnington City Council – Accessible Mobility Maps
• Youth Disability Advocacy Service – Disability Pride Starts Here

Having independence and autonomy plays an important role in a person’s recovery following a serious injury on our roads, with the TAC focused on supporting programs that help clients get their lives back on track.

Last financial year, 3,795 people suffered catastrophic or severe injuries requiring ongoing support and 113 of those were ABIs.

Quote attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Danny Pearson

“Many Victorians know the joy that comes from preparing a meal to share with loved ones, and these classes will help young adults with an acquired brain injury experience that satisfaction.”

“It’s about learning skills in a safe and supported environment and providing confidence to take on new challenges.”

Quote attributable to Heads Together for ABI Managing Director Kate Heine

“We are so proud of Cook.Chat.Eat. The young adults in our community have been critical in the development and design of the program and will continue to give us their feedback as we deliver and further develop the program."

From left: Debbie Elderfield - Jessica's Mother, Kate Heine - Heads Together for ABIs, Managing Director and Founder, Kayla Summers - Heads Together for ABIs, Young Adult Program Manager, Jessica Elderfield - Cook.Chat.Eat Participant, Hon. Danny Pearson - Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Sarah Carter - Mayor, City of Maribyrnong, Jimmy Baker, Cook.Chat.Eat Participant and Joe Calafiore - CEO, Transport Accident Commission.

Download Hi-Res9 people standing looking to camera in a kitchen.