Our Purpose
Brainwave Australia exists to support children living with brain injuries and illnesses, and the families who care for them, giving guidance for what's to come, the strength to move forward, and care all the way though.
The Need
On average, 10 children a day are diagnosed with a brain injury or illness in Australia - that’s 3,000 families each year thrust into crisis.
Many face emotional and financial stress, isolation, the sudden loss of income when a parent becomes a full-time carer, sibling guilt, and the relentless challenge of navigating complex health and disability systems - all while trying to care for a seriously unwell child and keep their family together.
Founded on Love
In 1994, a mother’s love for her son - diagnosed with a brain tumour - sparked the creation of Brainwave Australia.
Over thirty years later, Brainwave Australia remains the only national charity dedicated to holistically supporting children with brain disorders and their families. We partner closely with every major paediatric hospital in Australia to ensure no family faces this journey alone.
How We Help
Equipment & Therapy Funding: We fund vital therapies and critical equipment that many families can't access alone - such as physio, speech therapy and healthcare equipment that enable children to be discharged home.
Hospital Assistance: From emergency accommodation near hospitals to 'Catch a Break' coffee vouchers and Bear Essential packs filled with comfort and care items for unexpected hospital stays.
Why Ride for the Kids Matters
Today, Brainwave supports over 1,600 families nationwide to ride the wave of childhood brain disorders with personalised, connection-focused care.
With more families approaching Brainwave Australia each week and registrations doubling over the last three years, we need your support to continue enabling children with brain disorders, and their families, to live their best lives.
All proceeds from Ride for the Kids go directly to Brainwave Australia - ensuring every kilometre and every dollar you raise translates into real, life-changing support for families.
As demand grows, your participation is more vital than ever.
Ready to Ride?
Learn More About Brainwave
Visit our Brainwave Australia website to explore volunteer opportunities, read our annual report, or discover other ways to help.
Ride for the Kids is Proudly Supported by Our Partners
Learn More about Becoming a Supporting Partner
Together, We Ride.
Join the Ride for the Kids community online and show us how you're riding this October! Whether it's your first kilometre, a team ride, a silly socks ride, or a scenic route - share the journey with our hashtags:
#TogetherWeRide #RideForTheKids
