Over the past few months, the ASSBI Committee has been building on the momentum created through our Strategic Plan. Now that we have implemented the majority of key actions outlined in the plan, we are turning our attention to how we continue to grow as an organisation while remaining true to our mission and values.
One important milestone currently underway is the finalisation of ASSBI's charity status. This will strengthen our capacity to accept donations and support future initiatives that benefit our members and the broader brain impairment community.
We have also been reviewing our current subcommittee structure to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our members and aligns with ASSBI's strategic priorities. As part of this process, we have been reflecting on the purpose and activities associated with each subcommittee, with the aim of identifying opportunities to strengthen our impact.
I am particularly pleased with the progress of our Lived Experience subcommittee, which has developed a set of plain-language Terms of Reference that highlight the purpose, scope, and membership of the group, as well as the various ways lived experience members can contribute. These terms are currently undergoing final review and revision. This work reflects ASSBI's ongoing commitment to ensuring that lived experience remains central to our activities and decision-making.
Another area of focus has been increasing ASSBI's visibility. We know there are many clinicians, researchers, students, people with lived experience, and families who may not yet be aware of ASSBI or the support, resources, and professional connections we can offer. We are exploring new ways to reach these audiences and strengthen our engagement across Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere.
Supporting our student members also remains a priority. Our Student Representatives are developing a series of short videos introducing our Committee and highlighting the benefits of becoming involved with ASSBI, and we look forward to sharing these with you soon. We are also considering new approaches to student engagement, recognising that traditional event formats come with many barriers and do not always suit today's students. We are grateful to Nicci Grace for her ongoing oversight and support of our student initiatives.
Looking ahead, ASSBI is proud to be sponsoring the International Sports Concussion Conference (ISCC 2026), to be held in Melbourne from 7–9 September. With the conference coinciding with the first NFL game to be played in Australia, it presents a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of concussion and brain health while introducing more people to ASSBI and our work. Thank you to Josh Faulkner for representing ASSBI on the ISCC organising committee and helping to strengthen this important partnership.
As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement with ASSBI. Our organisation continues to thrive because of the commitment, expertise, and generosity of our members, and I look forward to sharing further updates as these initiatives continue to develop.
Barbra Zupan, President, ASSBI
