Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month March 2026

March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month in Australia – a time to learn, support survivors, and raise awareness about the impacts of TBI.

Did you know?

• Each year in Australia, over 150,000 people experience a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

• TBIs are a leading cause of hospitalisation and long-term disability for Australians of all ages.

• Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and assaults.

• Symptoms can be physical (headaches, dizziness, fatigue), cognitive (memory or concentration issues), or emotional (mood changes, anxiety, depression).

• Recovery can take weeks, months, or even years, and every brain injury is unique.

• TBIs can affect employment, education, relationships, and independence.

• Early recognition, medical care, and rehabilitation significantly improve outcomes.

• Raising awareness in communities across Australia is essential for prevention, support, and research.

TBI Awareness Month is about educating the public, supporting survivors and families, honouring those affected, and advocating for improved research, prevention, and rehabilitation programs.

If you would like to join us in supporting Australians living with a TBI, please consider getting involved.

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Support TBI Research and Survivors

Help fund vital research into traumatic brain injuries and support Australians living with TBI. Your contribution can help improve treatments, recovery programs, and prevention initiatives.

Donate Now

Every donation makes a difference – thank you for helping those affected by TBI.

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How You Can Help

• Make a donation

• Purchase a Green Awareness Ribbon or NRF Brain Research Socks

• Share the appeal with your family, friends, and networks

Help raise awareness during Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month

• Marketing & Fundraising Materials
  Access all the resources you need to promote your fundraising:

  • Download Poster

  • TBI Awareness Social Tile

  • Fundraising Toolkit

Your support helps drive important research and brings us closer to better outcomes for people impacted by traumatic brain injury.

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Step Up for Brain Injury Research

Show your support for Australians living with traumatic brain injury by wearing it proudly. Our NRF Brain Socks and Green Awareness Ribbon Badge help raise awareness while directly funding critical research, recovery programs, and prevention initiatives.

Every purchase makes a real difference — helping improve lives today and shaping better outcomes for the future.

Shop the NRF Brain Socks and Green Awareness Ribbon Badge now!

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Patient Story: Beyond the Injury - Tyler Fuller

Tyler Fuller was just 19 when he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury after a fall at Middleton on New Year’s Day 2020. He spent 19 days in a coma and underwent life-saving brain surgery, followed by months of intensive rehabilitation.

Tyler’s recovery included multiple surgeries, physiotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological support.

Tyler now uses his experience to raise awareness about the life-changing impacts of TBI and to support others on their recovery journey. He encourages survivors to stay positive and committed to their rehabilitation, emphasizing that while a TBI can be life-changing, resilience and determination can help you reclaim your goals and dreams.

Tyler’s advice to others recovering from TBI:
"Don’t give up with your rehab, recovery, goals, and dreams. Being positive about the injury and recovery is an essential mindset to have while going through this experience. Don’t think poorly of yourself or what the injury might restrict you to do. I look at it as a blessing in disguise, and I hope others who might go through this experience will think the same."

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Patient Story: Life After TBI: Tyler Rutka-Hudson

At just 12 years old, Tyler Rutka-Hudson’s life changed in an instant after a serious road incident while riding his bike in Whyalla. Tyler sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury that led to a stroke, and required urgent neurosurgery followed by intensive hospital care.

When Tyler woke from his coma, he faced immense challenges. He was unable to walk or talk and had to relearn everyday skills many of us take for granted. Through months of rehabilitation, perseverance, and incredible determination, Tyler gradually rebuilt his strength and independence.

Now, Tyler is sharing his story to raise awareness about brain injury and recovery, and to remind young people of the importance of wearing a helmet. His willingness to speak openly is a powerful act of courage, and we thank Tyler for sharing his journey with the NRF community.

Tyler’s experience is a moving example of resilience and a strong reminder of why continued investment in neurosurgical research and care is so vital.

Watch Tyler’s video interview to hear his story in his own words:

Content warning: This video contains discussion of a serious car accident, injury, and medical trauma. Some details may be distressing or triggering for viewers.