Jason
Peer Support Officer
Date of injury: April 2002
Age at time of injury: 28 years
Level of injury: C4/C5
Jason sustained a spinal cord injury whilst jumping up for the ball in a game of Aussie Rules Football. Jason had a young family and used that for inspiration to get through the toughest time in his life. Jason found it hard when he first got home but changed his life around when he coached his football team to a premiership and has never looked back since. Jason went on to play wheelchair sports (powerchair football) and was the President for 9 years, as well as obtaining a Diploma in Community Services. Jason has never stopped living his life any different then he used to before his injury, including going camping, fishing, travelling, playing sport, concerts, spending time with family and friends. Jason now works with PBF and shares his experiences with those on the spinal ward to give them hope and let them know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Ebonny
Peer Support Officer
Date of Injury: October 2017
Age at time: 28 years
Level of Injury: T5 Complete
Ebonny sustained a spinal cord injury after losing consciousness while riding her motorbike. She’s lucky to even be alive and views her life now as a second chance to keep experiencing it. Of course it’s been a hard road, initially taking her around 3-4 years to regain her independence.
She’s now living independently in her own home, enjoys live music events, camping and mountain biking and is proud to work with PBF to use her lived experience to give back to the community that supported her. She’s passionate about helping others going through something similar to also find and live their best lives.
Lachlan Cousins
Peer Support Officer
Date of injury: 24/10/2013
Age at time of injury: 17
level: C4/5
Lachlan sustained a spinal cord injury on his last of Year 12, the day before he graduated.
Whilst celebrating with friends at the beach he dove into the water and hit his head. He then spent the next year in hospital supported by the team at PBF Australia.
With the support of family and friends, he has been able to live a fulfilling life filled with travel, concerts, festivals, learning to drive, employment and completing a diploma of counselling.
He is passionate about using his own lived experience to build the capacity of others and encouraging others to continue living.