Jason lives a life full of twists, turns, and new opportunities. He won his first trotting race at Redcliffe at just 16, before he could even drive a car, and went on to work as a croupier when Brisbane Casino first opened. He later joined the army, built a career as a mortgage broker, and worked in community development. Along the way, he’s also been heavily involved in rugby league, spending countless hours on and off the field. Each role has added another layer to his story, showing his drive to keep moving forward and embrace change. “I’ve had a very varied life,” Jason says. “I’ve gone from rugby playing rugby league for Australia, in the Defence Force to now doing ballet for brain injury.” 

After years of different careers and adventures, Jason’s life changed dramatically in 2017 when he was involved in a serious car accident. “I broke my back and neck, spent seven months at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and walked out as a brain injury survivor.” 

Starting again 

Recovery was a long road. Jason describes it as going “back to toddler stages, learning to walk and talk again in your 40s.” He found strength in connection. “That’s how I discovered Synapse. Talking to other people with a brain injury makes you feel less alone.” 

Eight years on, Jason continues to improve and finds joy in his progress. “My right side is a long way from 100%, but I shouldn’t complain. In hospital they didn’t think it would work at all. If I’m progressing then I’m happy. To move a mountain, you have to start by moving small rocks. A baby doesn’t just all of a sudden start to walk, they have to progress.” 

New directions 

Today, Jason works as a farmer and is setting up animal-assisted therapy. He also works as a casino dealer and helps maintain properties. “Yes, I understand how lucky I am to have my property and animals,” he says. “That fills my bucket big time.” He’s also passionate about helping others. Jason shares his story through events, presentations and hospital visits, including a special moment at the NIISQ/QBIC Roadshow in Toowoomba. “The pinnacle in the video was meeting the paramedic from Lifeflight who saved my life. I found out when I met him they had to pull into Toowoomba Hospital for more blood. That was the pinnacle for me.” 

A messages of hope 

Jason knows first-hand that recovery can feel overwhelming, but he is committed to giving hope to others. “Don’t give up. Just keep pressing on. Like if you hit a big wall, no, it’s only an obstacle. It’s only a stepping stone, it’s only a hurdle, not a brick wall. You may not do it today. Go away, come back, do it tomorrow. And tomorrow you’ll get it to work.”  

“If I can provide hope for other survivors, then it’s a must for me. The brain is plastic, it can change, rewire, and keep improving if you keep working. At first, I couldn’t even run with my mum at parkrun. Today, every step I take is proof the brain can rewire and recovery never stops.” 

His message is simple, but powerful: things will improve, just be patient and persistent. 

“I’m lucky to live. You need to have hope. As long as you contend that there will be a tomorrow like you need to accept that you didn’t achieve what you want to do today. But that doesn’t mean give up. Keep moving on.”