Andrew's accident happened on Australia Day, 2010, and his story was documented by 1233's Aaron Kearney and the Breakfast team in an award-winning audio documentary.
Celebrating at his place in Hawks Nest with a group of mates, 23-year-old Andrew leaned too far over a balcony and fell onto a concrete driveway, breaking his back.
When he was told he'd never walk again it was a big adjustment from an active lifestyle that included bikes, skateboards, surfing and soccer.
Flying through rehab in only six months, Andrew was soon back home with his supportive family, and has not only adjusted to his new lfestyle but embraced it in the most positive way.
Now he's using his experience to help prevent other young people suffering similar life-changing injuries.
"I was interested in getting out to schools," Andrew tells Aaron in their latest catch-up. (listen to attached audio)
For the last 12 months Andrew has been working with the Paraquad organisation to develop a spinal-cord injury awareness program called Mind Your Back.
"We want to get out to schools, have a chat to the students, fill them in on wheelchairs, fill them in on spinal-cord injuries, and drive home that message of prevention," Andrew explains.
"We don't need this happening.
"In the Hunter Region we have the highest amount of spinal cord injuries in the State and it's ages 15 to 24, so it's all these young blokes and ladies.
"They don't have to be in this position."
As well as Andrew, the project will include speakers who injured their spine in other types of accidents.
"The most common are motor vehicles, water accidents, falls and sporting injuries," Andrew says.
"It's to show what can happen and the far greater effects than just me being in a wheelchair."
Mind Your Back's first school visit will be tomorrow, Wednesday October 9, at Francis Greenway High School at Beresfield, and other schools are booked in each week until the end of the year.
"We're really excited to get it happening, especially get that first one under the belt," Andrew says.
Mind Your Back aims to provide education about spinal cord injury and prevention and includes an interactive website, resources, activities, presentation, fact sheets, personal stories and teacher's kit. You can find details here.
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