The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O'Connor today encouraged Tasmanians to BANG ON A BEANIE AND GIVE A DAMN to show support for Brain Injury Awareness Week 13 - 19 August 2012.

Ms O'Connor congratulated Headway Rebuilding Lives and the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania's (BIAT) ongoing work in supporting the many Tasmanians who live with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

"More than 1.6 million Australians, and around 2500 Tasmanians suffer a brain injury each year, yet very few people are aware of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and the significant impact it can have on someone's life," Ms O'Connor said.

The key theme for Brain Injury Awareness Week 2012 is sports-related brain injury, including concussion and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

"A concussion is not just a bump on the head, it's actually a mild form of traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain functions."

Ms O'Connor said repeated concussions were serious and increased the chance of developing degenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease.

For more information about the BANG ON A BEANIE campaign, visitwww.bangonabeanie.com.au