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Home » Services » Peer Support

Peer Support Program

Spinal Life Australia is there to support you!

Peer Support is available nationwide through our helpline or in-person sessions available in Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, and Townsville. Connect with us today at 1300 774 625.

We understand acquiring Spinal Cord Damage is a life-changing experience. It’s something that affects every part of life from the physical to the mental, social, and economic, with the journey back to independence often being a challenging one. That’s why we have a Peer Support team. A group of passionate individuals who have lived experience with a Spinal Cord Injury and are there to support you and your family.

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What can Peer Support help with?

  • Understand and manage your Spinal Cord Injury/Damage, through 1:1 appointments or family peer support sessions
  • Learn new ways to adapt and problem solve
  • Identify vocational and career opportunities
  • Discover various opportunities for social and sporting connections and physical fitness activities
  • Learn how to reduce risk and improve safety and wellbeing

We provide practical, non-clinical and non-judgmental advice. From managing your mental and physical health, achieving independence, maintaining relationships and more. Our Peer Support team pride themselves on providing honest and helpful advice, with no question being too personal or off limits.

To book a session with one of our Peer Support Officers, just click the ‘enquire now’ button and complete the form.

Find a Community Peer Support group near you
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Where do we offer Peer Support?

  • Available across Queensland and Perth
Enquire Now

Download our brochure

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Meet our Peer Support Team

The Queensland Peer Support team

kate hammon

Katie Hammond

col mackereth

Col Mackereth

Tim McCallum

katie buckman peer support officer

Katie Buckman

Hailey Rickards

Hailey Rickards

The Western Australia Peer Support team

Lee Thompson

Lee Thompson

Rollo Craib

Rollo Craib

Phone: 1300 774 625

Address: 109 Logan Road, Woolloongabba 4102

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kate hammon

Katie Hammond

Katie’s passion for fitness and mental health means she’s constantly pushing her boundaries by trying something different or learning something new every day.

Katie says she’s motivated by keeping a positive attitude and educating herself.

When she’s not spending time with her three daughters and husband Jimmy, Katie uses her experiences to help guide others with newly acquired injury.

Katie often works with patients of the Spinal Injuries Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital to share advice on life after injury.

In Katie’s own words:

“I give everything a go and never let my disability define who I am or what I’m capable of.

“It’s important to stay positive and push the boundaries of what you’re capable of and I want to inspire others to adopt that same philosophy.”

col mackereth

Col Mackereth

Col is passionate about supporting people with a newly sustained spinal cord injury, by sharing his own lived experiences. Col understands this journey all too well, after spending 11 months in the Spinal Injuries Unit when he sustained quadriplegia at 18 years old. Since then, Col strived for full independence and displayed a willingness to explore new adventures and take on new challenges. From being a public servant to a goat farmer, and a maths tutor, Col has worked in both rural communities and inner cities.

Now, Col is a Peer Support Officer and visits the Spinal Injuries Unit to share his own story and provide support and guidance to those at the start of their journey to independence.

In Col’s own words:

“I am privileged to be able to help people to rebuild their lives after something as catastrophic as a spinal cord injury.

I believe that the only thing that anyone has total control over is the way you think – it’s your current thoughts that determine your future.”

Tim McCallum

When singer and entertainer Tim first sustained quadriplegia in a diving accident, the doctors told him he would never sing again like he used to.

With determination and plenty of practice, Tim now sings better and louder than ever and went on to gain nation-wide attention during his show-stopping performance on The Voice in 2015.

In Tim’s own words:

“One of the most important things I’ve learnt about living with a spinal cord injury is that you can’t do everything on your own and you need to not be afraid of asking for help sometimes.

“Accessing Peer Support and being able to use the advice and guidance of people with lived experience is an invaluable way to learn to accept your injury and plan your goals and look to the future ahead.”

katie buckman peer support officer

Katie Buckman

Katie is passionate about helping others reach their full potential and sharing her lived experiences. Katie knows from her own experience how important a peer support officer was following her injury 13 years ago, and wanted to be able to provide that knowledge and assistance to others.

When Katie is not studying and helping others, she loves keeping active and spending time with her husband and 2 children – either exploring her local parks or hitting the beach with the assistance of her freedom trak or beach matting. She swimming 2-3 times a week and getting out and about as much as possible.  Katie loves  NRL and attends every Brisbane Broncos match at Suncorp stadium.  

“Having heard other people experiences help me get through some tough times and I would like to help others do the same.”  

“persisting through obstacles will help you overcome anything and allow you to live the best life possible. “

Hailey Rickards

Hailey Rickards

Hailey has never let Spina Bifida define her or limit what she’s capable of. She’s always embraced life with a fearless spirit, taking on new challenges and chasing her passions.

Born in Townsville, Hailey moved to Brisbane with her family at the age of 8. She thrived in school, enjoying swimming club, kids’ club, and making lifelong friends at Spina Bifida Camps. She started using a wheelchair when she was 10, but that never slowed her down.

From skiing and indoor skydiving to swimming with dolphins, Hailey’s adventurous spirit has always shone through. She loves spending time with family and friends, playing with her dog Chubba, and exploring her creative side through acting, singing, and her growing sewing business. Right now, she’s working towards getting her driver’s license—one more step toward independence.

In Hailey’s own words:
“I’ve never let Spina Bifida stop me from doing what I love. Life is about pushing boundaries, trying new things, and making the most of every opportunity.”

Lee Thompson

Lee Thompson

Lee brings more than 18 years of lived experience to his role, offering meaningful support to people adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. He is passionate about helping others build confidence, regain independence, and move forward with a sense of purpose and possibility.

Before joining the Spinal Life Australia team in Perth, Lee’s work involved supporting people looking to start their own businesses. His work involved guiding clients through essential processes such as business planning, cash flow management, legal obligations, and taxation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Management.

In his current role as a Peer Support Officer, Lee draws on both his professional and personal experience to support others through their recovery. He understands the challenges of adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury and is committed to making that journey a little easier for others by sharing practical advice and lived insight.

Outside of work, Lee enjoys exploring the open road. He’s a keen motorbike rider and regularly takes his Can-Am Spyder out for long rides. He also loves off-road adventures in his Can-Am Maverick X3 and travelling with his caravan to remote spots like Monkey Mia and Denmark.

“I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained over nearly two decades of living with a spinal cord injury. Peer support can make a real difference and I’m proud to be part of that.”

Rollo Craib

Rollo Craib

With a strong connection to rural Western Australia and a background in agriculture and transport, Rollo brings a down-to-earth, practical approach to his role as a Peer Support Officer. He is passionate about encouraging others to reconnect with their communities and embrace new opportunities after a spinal cord injury.

Before joining Spinal Life Australia, Rollo spent years driving road trains across WA and working in the agricultural industry, where he built a deep understanding of regional life and its unique challenges. He has also been a guest speaker, sharing his story to promote injury prevention.

What drives him in his peer support work is the chance to help others regain confidence and explore life beyond injury. Whether it’s encouraging someone to try a new activity or simply being there to talk, Rollo is committed to supporting people as they find their own way forward.

Outside of work, Rollo stays active through adaptive mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. He also enjoys woodworking and often builds and sells handmade furniture.

“For me, it’s all about helping people get back out there. Trying new things, reconnecting with the community, and not being afraid to give life a go again.”