Media Release: Another call for investment in violence prevention after sickening CBD assault

The Sammy D Foundation has expressed deep concern following a coward punch in Adelaide’s CBD that has left 18-year-old Beau Brownbill in a serious condition in hospital.

CEO Jannine Jackson said the incident is another confronting reminder that youth violence continues to cause devastating lifelong harm, and that prevention must be prioritised before more young people and families are impacted.

“Our hearts are with Beau and his family,” Ms Jackson said.

“No young person should go out for the night and end up in hospital because of an act of violence. And no family should have to face the uncertainty and fear that follows something like this.”

Ms Jackson said incidents like this are not isolated.

“We have been here before. We know the impact a single punch can have,” she said.

“One decision in a heated moment can change the course of multiple lives. The physical and emotional consequences can last far longer than the incident itself.”

Founded in 2008 following the coward punch killing of 17-year-old Sam Davis, the Sammy D Foundation exists to prevent other families from receiving the call that their child has harmed by violence.

Independent evaluation of Sammy D Foundation education programs shows that after participating:

• 85 per cent of students agree violence is never the answer
• 73 per cent feel confident de-escalating conflict
• Long-term partner schools have recorded up to an 82 per cent reduction in violent incidents

“This is not about awareness alone. It is about behaviour change,” Ms Jackson said.

“We can reduce violence. We can shift attitudes. We can equip young people with the skills to pause, walk away and de-escalate before someone gets hurt.”

However, Ms Jackson warned that the Foundation is currently operating at significantly reduced capacity due to funding constraints, limiting the number of schools and communities it can reach.

“There was a point where we were not certain our doors would remain open into 2026,” she said.

“That means fewer schools receiving prevention education and fewer young people being given the tools that we know make a difference.”

Ms Jackson said prevention services cannot continue to operate without sustainable government investment.

“We cannot keep responding after the damage is done,” she said.

“The Government must step up and invest in primary prevention before more lives are permanently impacted by senseless violence.”

The Foundation is urging schools and sporting clubs to prioritise violence prevention education in 2026 and is calling on state and federal leaders to commit to long-term funding for proven, evidence-based programs.

“We know what works,” Ms Jackson said. “The question is whether we are willing to invest in it.”

 For more information, please contact:
Aimee Mitchell – Fundraising and Marketing Manager
0421 445 173 | aimee@sammyd.org.au
Jannine Jackson, CEO, Sammy D Foundation, available for comment