The Hunter and Central Coast’s ABI experts for 37+ yrs, assisting people with acquired brain injury.
Operating in the Hunter for the past 37 years, Headstart ABI provides specialised support services for people living with an acquired brain injury.
14/04/2026
What a beautiful day down at Lambton Pool yesterday! ☀️💦
Some made a splash in the water – with Kris bravely taking on the bucket dump (and loving it! 😄) – while others enjoyed a relaxed game of Yahtzee and soaked up the autumn sunshine.
“The water bucket was fun!” – Kris
“It was a perfect autumn day, I love to swim in this weather.” – Ken
Great company, plenty of laughs, and the perfect mix of activity and chill… days like this are what it’s all about! 💙
10/04/2026
Brittney's message is simple but powerful: “Try to look on the positive side and focus on the goals you want to achieve.”
After a serious brain injury at just 14, Britt set her sights on a career in nursing — and never gave up.
Today, she’s proudly working in two nursing roles, helping others every day. As shared in our March NewsLink, Britt's story is an incredible example of determination, resilience and achieving your goals 💙
09/04/2026
What a day! 💙 Colin’s idea to take on “The World’s Greatest Shave” turned into something pretty special yesterday, with so many from the Headstart community getting involved – consumers, CSWs and office staff all stepping up to shave it off, dye it bright… or both!
Jason was “happy to do it for a good cause,” while Colin summed it up best: “I really enjoyed today, and I’ll be ready to do it again next year!”
Together, we raised nearly $200 for a truly worthy cause – raising funds and awareness to help fight cancer and support those going through it. All while having a lot of fun doing it. 🙌
And of course… a very happy birthday to Col! 🎉
08/04/2026
If you’re a carer, family member, or friend of a person with an acquired brain injury, you’ll find a friendly, open space to share experiences and support one another.
📍 Where: Central Leagues Club (8 Bula Street, in the suburb of Charlestown)
🕚 When: First Tuesday of each month, 11:30am
👥 Who: Everyone is welcome! Come for a chat, enjoy refreshments or lunch, and stay as long as you like.
This informal support group that has been meeting locally for more than 37 years welcomes anyone connected with Headstart as well as new attendees.
Kim shares: “Carers need support and a time to share knowledge, which has really helped me in caring for my husband. Having someone in the same shoes as you is incredibly valuable. We want to see the group continue to support others.”
Privacy is always respected — no one is ever expected to share more than they’re comfortable with. If you have any questions, please contact the Headstart office on 4965 4420, and we’ll connect you with one of the group leaders. 💙
07/04/2026
A blast from the not-too-distant past! 🎶
During the COVID years, our Community Education Team (CET) found a fun way to beat the lockdown blues with this little ditty. 😆
It’s a great reminder that no matter the challenge, our CET is always focused on raising awareness and preventing acquired brain injury in the community. 🧠⚠️
We’re so proud of this amazing team—and even more excited to welcome some fantastic new members recently! 👏👏👏
03/04/2026
If you missed Wednesday’s Easter BBQ at Wallsend Pioneers Hall, here’s a little glimpse of all the fun, laughter and great moments we shared! 🥳 🎉 Enjoy your weekend 🐰
02/04/2026
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Easter long weekend! 🐣🌸 Please note our office will be closed on Friday 3 and Monday 6 April. We hope you enjoy the break—and that the Easter Bunny pays you a visit! 🐰😊
31/03/2026
March 2026 NewsLink is here! 🎉
Take a look at what’s been happening at Headstart ABI Services — with stories, updates and insights to keep you in the loop. This edition features inspiring fundraising efforts, returning to work after ABI, our fantastic collaboration with Men’s Shed, and plenty more.
Have a read and see what’s been happening 👇
In this exciting edition: • Fundraising for worthy causes P 6, 8, 18 • Community Education Team news, Pg 4 • Working after brain injury, Pg 17 • Working hard… and working out – Jaisse’s story, Pg 10
30/03/2026
After being given just 6–8 weeks to live following a brain tumour diagnosis, Ariane defied the odds in the most incredible way. Now, her daughter Katelyn’s best friend Lilly is leading the charge as captain of ‘Team Ari’, raising funds and awareness for brain cancer. 🧠
“I feel very loved and appreciative. The team seems to be getting bigger each year!” Ari shares.🩷
Take a moment to check out the story of Team Ari — it’s one that will truly inspire ✨
27/03/2026
Here's something for a "Feel Good Friday!" 💛
Ariane (pictured with her daughter Katelyn) recently visited beautiful Noosa, where she enjoyed a swim using a special beach wheelchair 🌊♿️ What an incredible experience!
The trip was also a chance to cheer on the amazing “Team Ari” in action — raising over $100,000 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation 👏
You can catch their inspiring story in our March NewsLink, out now!
26/03/2026
🎣 Our Recreation Activity yesterday was a beauty — a relaxing day fishing off Valentine Jetty!
They say if it were easy, it’d be called 'catching'… not 'fishing' 😄 But with sunshine, great company, and such a stunning spot, it was a fantastic day all around ☀️🌊
Sometimes it’s not about what you catch, but the moments you share 💙
25/03/2026
“I’m now doing 220kg leg press and 110kg chest, which I’m proud of,” says Jaisse. 💪
The gym is now a huge part of Jaisse’s life — a powerful milestone after a devastating motorcycle crash that saw him relearn basic skills and rebuild his life.
Amazing work, Jaisse — keep it up! 🙌
Stay tuned to read more of his inspiring story in our upcoming NewsLink. ✨
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When it comes to brain injury… we get it! Servicing the Hunter and Central Coast since 1987.
Our difference is our expertise. Headstart is a specialist service supporting the choices and independence of people with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Brain injury is complex and can challenge every aspect of your life - movement, talking, thinking and feeling. Even though every person might be affected differently, we understand brain injury, the barriers and the invisible nature of the injury.
Our Approach:
1. Whatever it takes - we strive to find creative solutions that suit you.
2. Find your strengths - discover your resilience, confidence and "can do’s".
3. Reframe the challenge - sometimes people get stuck, and we help to look at a problem from a different angle.
4. Learning together - believing in trial and error everyday - what works for you, and what may not.
5. Always be growing - getting back on track may seem a far off dream. We join your journey to a place where brain injury doesn't define you, but your achievements and successes do.
6. Create an environment - where you find inspiration to dream more, do more in a way that suits you, your life and choices.