Brain damage hanging over drinkers

Thousands of Illawarra residents are putting their brains at risk of major damage according to new scientific research.

As education levels as to the dangers of alcohol continue to plummet it seems more Australians are continuing to drink at an unhealthy rate, putting themselves in danger of receiving long - term brain problems.

According to the statistics from the last three national health surveys, people drinking alcohol at a risky or high level has continued to climb, with estimates putting around 15 percent of men and 12 percent of women in danger of suffering irreversible brain damage.

Launching a nationwide campaign aimed at alerting people to the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, community support group arbias is hoping the "Hangover for Life" program will help bring about a change in community attitudes to alcohol.

"Alcohol related brain damage is absolutely horrific," arbias CEO Sonia Berton said. "Hundreds of thousands of Australians have it and no one is talking about it. That just has to change. Why aren't we being warned? Why aren't we being told?

"It's not a question of how much you have to drink to create permanent brain damage. It's a question of how little."

Recent studies estimate that males drinking six standard drinks a day for 8 years are putting themselves at risk of an alcohol related brain injury while only three drinks a day for women over the same period can also lead to brain damage.

"Without question there are hundreds of thousands of people out there with the damage undiagnosed," arbias' clinical neuropsychologist Martin Jackson said.

"There's a massive lack of knowledge about this topic. People often get brain damage long before they get sick.

"By the time they end up in the health system, often these people have lost their jobs, their families and even their ability to think."

Campaign organisers are urging people in the Illawarra to download the free fact sheets from hangoverforlife.com.

Shellharbour City Council flags flew at half - mast last Monday, honouring the life of treasured community icon, Aunty Mary Davis.

Fighting for Aboriginal equality for over 50 years, Aunty Mary died early Sunday morning in Wollongong Hospital after an 18 - month battle with kidney and heart problems.

Acknowledged as one of the region's most respected leaders, tributes flowed in all week for the 67 " year old Flinders resident as Shellharbour came to terms with the loss of a true local icon.

"Aunty Mary was an incomparable leader," Shellharbour City Council Lord Mayor David Hamilton said. "She was tough, she stood up for what she believed in and was certainly a force to be reckoned with on social, heritage and cultural issues for Aboriginal communities throughout the Illawarra.

"Aunty Mary was and will remain, an icon on our community and I am proud to have known her. She has left an indelible mark on our community and will be sadly missed."

Echoing the Mayor's comments Federal member for Cunningham Sharon Bird and Federal Member for Throsby Jennie George both took time to offer their condolences to both Aunty Mary's family and the region's indigenous community.

"We are both very saddened to learn of the passing of Aunty Mary Davis," Ms George said. "Aunty Mary was a tireless, passionate leader and advocate for indigenous Australians. She will be a great loss to the community.

"We both appreciated very much Aunty Mary's advice, support and wisdom. She will be missed. Aunty Mary was a small lady, but she had a great big heart."