Brain Injury Awareness Week 2026

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This year, for the 2026 National Brain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW), we want to show that brain injury is bigger than you think.

To bring this message to life, we are embarking on an ambitious project to create approximately 6,200 hearts - each representing a person who acquires a brain injury in a single year in Tasmania.

These hearts will be featured in a meaningful and educational art installation at our BIAW launch event, helping to illustrate that 6,200 is not just a number, but real people with real stories. It is important to note that this figure is an estimate based on currently available research. Due to limited data on acquired brain injury incidence in Tasmania, the true number is likely to be higher.

Following the installation, the hearts will be distributed to people living with brain injury through frontline services, including hospitals and rehabilitation centres. Each heart will be accompanied by information and an invitation to connect with local Peer Support Groups.

BIAW will also feature a range of other engaging events, which will be shared as the theme is announced—watch this space!

This is an ambitious undertaking, but we know that together, as a community, we can make it happen. We look forward to marking this meaningful week with you and are sincerely grateful for any contributions to our 6,200 Hearts Project.

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How to get involved  

Make hearts!

  1. If you'd like a pre-cut template, you can purchased pre-cut hearts from 1000 hearts here 
  2. Get creative and make your own hearts from fabric or other textiles
  3. Spread the fun and host a craft session with friends or your colleagues

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Follow the link below to a video on how to sew a felt heart:

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Extra information:  

Size: Please make the hearts a small size -  so fits in the palm of your hand and can easily be fit into your pocket. 

Materials: You can make the heart with anything that’s clean and sturdy. Please do not use any material that easily breaks or degrades such as food or paper. For example: 

  • Upcycle old fabric and use old buttons, lace or ribbons to decorate. 
  • Felt  
  • Ceramic (must be fired)  
  • Wood (must be free of splinters)  

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How to drop off/donate your hearts to BIAT

You can drop off the hearts in person at:

The ABC Building in Hobart

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Alternatively, you can post the hearts to:  

Brain Injury Association of Tasmania 

ABC Building  

1 Liverpool Street  

Hobart, TAS 7000 

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If you would like assistance with dropping off or posting hearts, please call us on 1300 242 827. 

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Spread the word!

Social media: share a photo of your heart/hearts with the hashtag #hearts4braininjurytas and tag us at @biat_org (instagram) @braininjuryassociationoftasmania (facebook)


Donate: to BIAT to help us fund this meaningful project: Donate here

Share your insights or stories: Do you have lived experience of brain injury or are a family member or carer and would like to share your story or insights?

If you are interested in sharing your story, please email us at peersupport@biat.org.au or call us on 1300 242 827

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Previously for Brain Injury Awareness Week

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2025

In 2025 BIAT's theme was Brain Injury ReFramed.

This theme focused on recovery as a personal and evolving journey, encouraging people to share their experiences through creative expression.  B

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 The 2025 launch featured:

  • Screening of Larapinta End-to-End
  • Information session on Understanding Brain Injury and the National Assistance Card
  • Exhibition showcasing creative works that highlighted diversity of recovery journey through art, poetry, music, photography and craft.

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2024

STheme: Strength in Stories  

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In 2024, BIAT highlighted the benefits sharing personal narratives [or stories] to raise awareness as well as foster a greater understanding of brain injury within the Tasmanian community. The event featured a special gallery exhibition and a short film, providing a platform for individuals to share their experiences and insights.

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The Launch Event featured:

  • Gallery Exhibition: “A one-off display of works from the first issue of the Hear My Voice Zine.”
  • Video MOOC Screenings as part of Utas Collaboration: New short videos showcasing people's lived experiences
  • Employ Me Project video interview: We featured the release of an interview with Employ Me participants Andy and Cam
  • Brain Injury Q and A session with Lex Bull

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2023

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  • Peer Support Program Video: a new feature video premiered at the launch event and is available to watch by scrolling down to the player below.
  • National Assistance Card update:
  • Hear My Voice campaign launch: The campaign focused on sharing a variety of insights across the brain injury community in Tasmania, through a range of formats.
  • Celebration of BIAT's 25th Anniversary
  • Morning Tea

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2022

BIAT chose to explore different themes for each day:

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2021

BIAT Launched our expression of interest campaign regarding our National Assistance Card.

Supported by a comprehensive education campaign, the National Assistance Card will help people with brain injury to be more independent and to feel more confident in the community.

You can watch the 2021 National Brain Injury Awareness Week Tasmania Launch Video.

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020

In 2020 BIAT highlighted the reach and impact of brain injury across the community.

Events spanned from Ulverstone to Huonville and focused on a range of issues including family support and female concussion.

The 2020 launch featured:

  • Screening of the Peer Support Program video.
  • Online Q and A session with retired clinical neuropsychologist, Mark Lamont
  • Videos on the lived experience of sporting concussion from the perspective of two young Tasmanian women
  • 11 year old Tasmanian’s ongoing fundraising efforts for BIAT in the community

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Brain Injury Awareness Week 2018

Nick's Story

In 2018, BIAT developed "Nick's Story". A short movie about BIAT life member Nick Baily.

Brain Injury Awareness Week 2017

Ella's Story

During Brain Injury Awareness Week 2017 we introduced you to Ella, a young Tasmanian who has been impacted by brain injury. ‘Ella’s Story’ features sixteen year old Ella and her mum Traci-Jean who talk about their lives after Ella sustained a brain injury playing hockey in 2016.