Step Back Think was formed in the wake of the horrific injuries sustained by James Macready-Bryan in 2006. James – better known to his mates as MB – was assaulted in the CBD on his 20th birthday on October 13th, 2006. A single punch knocked MB to the ground where his head smashed against the pavement, resulting in catastrophic brain damage from which he will never recover.
In the year after Step Back Think’s formation, Matt McEvoy, 24, and Justin Galligan, 16, died from brain injuries similar to MB’s, in two separate incidences that mirrored the tragic senselessness of MB’s assault.
The sole mission of Step Back Think is to educate people on the catastrophic consequences one punch can have, and from this, reduce levels of street violence.
Over the past three years Step Back Think has garnered support from former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Victorian Premier John Brumby, Eddie McGuire, Neil Mitchell, Steve Bracks and Peter Costello.
We have recently joined forces with Geelong’s Just Think campaign and were psyched to welcome Cats footy players Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly and David Wojcinski to the Step Back Think Board of Directors. Our broadening brood symbolises a new chapter for Step Back Think with fresh opportunities to reach further into the minds of the youth and hopefully affect behaviour that will prevent more young people from losing their lives to street violence.