Rugby league titan, Wally Lewis AM will today be joined by a 20-strong delegation of people living with probable CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy- a form of dementia) carers and researchers who will meet with parliamentarians in Canberra to share their experience of CTE.
“You only get one brain,” Mr Lewis said.
“I’m sharing my experience of living with probable CTE and proudly working with the Concussion and CTE Coalition, calling for the Federal Government to fund support services and a national awareness and education program.
“We need to teach the players from the grassroots level to play the game more safely and we need to equip the parents and teachers around them with the confidence and information they need to support our kids. It’s the subconcussion risk that needs to change as much as concussion.
“We have come a long way since back when I played, but I think we still have a long way to go.”
The Concussion and CTE Coalition (Dementia Australia; Brain Foundation; Connecters Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland and Dr Rowena Mobbs, Mater Hospital Sydney) have developed a joint Position Statement and have called for federal support in the May budget.
In a pre-budget submission the Coalition is calling for a national program of support services for people impacted by CTE and a national awareness raising and education program in schools to protect the brains of Australian children.
Carl Cincinnato, Brain Foundation said a national awareness and education program was needed in our schools to increase awareness and understanding about concussion, CTE and brain health.
“Teachers and parents must have access to reliable information and resources, ensuring they feel well-equipped, supported, and confident in making decisions regarding the brain health of Australian children,” Mr Cincinnato said.
