Johnathan Thurston - Synapse Indigenous Ambassador

Monday, 11th of July, 2011

Johnathan Thurston (JT) - famous halfback for the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys - has agreed to lend his image for use in Synapse’s soon to be released Indigenous awareness poster that will target Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) prevention.

JT's poster will be distributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to community service providers and to other key stakeholders located in the Far North of Queensland.

JT has been recognised with a two-time Dally M Medal and three-time State of Origin Man of the Match. He is a Wally Lewis medallist that also represented Queensland and Australia. He is a hero to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and an inspiration to Indigenous youth.

JT is considered by some to be the "Greatest Origin Half-Back" of all time.

"Synapse sends our sincere thanks to JT in agreeing to become a Synapse Indigenous Ambassador," said Jennifer Cullen, Synapse CEO.

“The young-uns who we provide support to will be thrilled to know that their hero will be a face of Synapse, by JT lending his image to Synapse’s ABI awareness poster he will help us strive to open-up awareness within Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”

Jennifer Cullen, herself a descendant of the Wakka Wakka people of Cherbourg Queensland, has been concerned about the high incidence of Acquired Brain Injury occurring in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for some time.

Indigenous youth (particularly young men in the 15 to 25 year age group) are among the highest risk group and this is the group they wish to target particularly.

“The buzz young people get through the enjoyment of sport is a positive one and JT embodies this well.”

Copies of the poster are available now from Synapse’s Community Response Service team on request. Synapse’s Community Response team responds to hundreds of enquiries each month from families affected by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), from their health therapists and others interested in ABI.  Callers are located Australia wide in metropolitan and regional areas.

To request a poster email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Synapse on ph: 07 3137 7400 (freecall 1800 673 074 if outside Brisbane).

For more information contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it