BIM AGMs

AGM Tuesday 14 November 2023

It was a fantastic turnout for the Annual General Meeting at Ross House. The outcome of the election of our executive committee were:

– Chairperson: Brent Alford
– Vice President: Col Birkenshire
– Secretary: Virginia Giddings
– Treasurer: Roger Astell

Nia Giddings was our MC for the morning and kept everything running smoothly. Brent gave the opening speech and highlighted the growth in the peer group program. We now have over 10 peer groups, including eight across metropolitan Melbourne, two online, and two in regional Victoria.

Another highlight of the year has been the co-designed research with the University of Melbourne to objectively understand the impact of peer groups on people’s lives. This research included interviewing peer group members.

The relationships workshop was another exciting project where members were actively involved in all stages of the project. BIM received funding from the Transport Accident Commission to develop three workshops on relationships. In partnership with Monash University, we co-designed workshops on family, friends, and intimate relationships. These workshops have been piloted with five peer groups with people with an ABI facilitating these workshops.

Roger opened his report sharing his own story of his brain injury from a motorbike accident. Prior to his brain injury, Roger had a career in finance and managed a team of people. We appreciate the breadth of knowledge Roger brings to this role. After our 5th annual for the 12 months ending 30th June 2023, we held $480,095 in our account. DFFH, AMIDA, and SARU Funding Improved, however, this will be absorbed by increased staff and rising costs. Grants received from the TAC and to fund the Gisborne group enabled us to cover our costs without depleting our core cash. Operating expenses increased by 13% from last year due to donations made by BIM to ASWABI and Bendigo Groups. Due to the growth in the peer groups project, particularly in the regional areas, BIM has seen a rise in room hire and travel-related expenses.

The highlight of the day was the guest speech from Shaun Smith, a former AFL player who has had over 8 concussions, and an advocate for change in concussion protocols in the AFL. In his speech, Shaun told us about his own struggles with anger and binge drinking. Shaun shared his own journey to managing his ABI and how he has surrounded himself with good people to support his recovery. It was such a warm feeling in the room to be surrounded by peers who have a shared story.

It was fun to catch up with members across Melbourne and meet people for the first time in person. As a person with lived experience of ABI, I felt the connection in the room.

Speakers in order of appearance – 0:00 – opening Brent Alford BIM president Nia Giddings BIM Secretary 0:06:00 – Scott Jefferies BIM member – reading his poem “a mission necessary” 0:17:14 – Roger Astell BIM treasurer – treasurer report 0:33:46 -Shaun Smith (ex AFL great) guest speaker – Concussion

Link to ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023