Everyday someone in Australia suffers a spinal cord injury. From workplace incidences, to road and water accidents or extreme sports, the event of permanent paralysis is always unexpected and frequently preventable. PBF Australia (The Paraplegic Benefit Fund Australia) was established to create greater awareness of these risks, with the aim of reducing the impact and incidence of spinal cord injury in Australia. Founded in 1984 by world-renowned spinal surgeon, the late Sir George Bedbrook, PBF Australia is a thriving Australia-wide, not-for-profit organisation that provides members with much-needed financial support in the event of suffering a traumatic spinal cord injury. For those already living as a quadriplegic or paraplegic we offer peer support programs, lifestyle education and employment opportunities, with the goal of demonstrating that life can and does go on after a spinal cord injury. MEMBERSHIPS PBF offers membership packages to suit all situations, from individuals, families, corporate organisations and sporting groups. Our annual memberships are designed to be accessible for all members of the community. For less than $1 per week for individual membership, PBF members who sustain a traumatic spinal cord injury are eligible to apply for a Member Benefit Payment of $250,000 (refer to PDS for full details). This crucial financial protection can help cover the immediate costs of injury, as well as ongoing living, medical and rehabilitation expenses including modifications to house and car.