The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) mourns the sudden and unexpected recent passing of Nick Rushworth.
Nick was an extraordinary advocate, leader and colleague, widely respected across the disability sector. As Executive Officer of Brain Injury Australia from 2008 until his passing, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Australians with brain injury, their families and communities. His advocacy was marked by integrity, intelligence and deep humanity.
Nick’s contribution was strongly shaped by his own lived experience. In 1996, he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury following a bicycle accident. He went on to become a powerful voice for inclusion, rights and justice.
Before joining Brain Injury Australia, Nick worked with the Northern Territory Government to help establish the Office of Disability. He also had a distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting, including as a producer with the Nine Network’s Sunday program and ABC Radio National. His work received major recognition, including a Silver World Medal at the 2003 New York Festival, a National Press Club Award and a TV Week Logie Award.
Nick’s leadership extended across many advisory and consumer roles in trauma, rehabilitation, research and disability policy. In recent years, he also played a key role in strengthening brain injury practice within the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Nick served on the AFDO Board from our inception in late 2003 until his resignation in 2023, as the nominee of Brain Injury Australia, one of AFDO’s founding member organisations. Over two decades, he provided principled governance and steadfast commitment to the disability representative movement.
Nick’s passing is an immense loss. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the change he helped create.
AFDO extends our deepest condolences to Nick’s partner Reina, his children Mady and Blake, and to all our colleagues at Brain Injury Australia.
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