HOLLYWOOD star Christopher Reeve will visit Australia early next year to be a keynote speaker at a forum on spinal injuries. NSW Premier Bob Carr will tomorrow announce that the Emmy Award-winning actor will fly to Sydney to be a keynote speaker at the Premier's Forum on Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions. Reeve, 50, who is also an author and spinal cord injury research advocate, officially accepted Mr Carr's invitation last week. He is best known for his BAFTA Award-winning portrayal of Superman in the 1978 classic film of the same name. Arrangements for Reeve have been complex as the star's condition makes international travel difficult, with next January's conference due to be his first commercial flight since his accident in 1995. "For the past three months, we have worked with Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute and Qantas who have extensive experience in carrying passengers with special medical needs, to make this trip a reality," Mr Carr said. "But none of this could occur without the strength and the will of this outstanding man." The spinal cord injury conference would be held at the Convention Centre, Darling Harbour over the Australia Day weekend on January 27 and 28, 2003. "Christopher Reeve's experience, bravery and passion are a symbol of hope for all people with paralysis," Mr Carr said. "He is on a mission to bring about change not just for himself but for all people with spinal cord injuries and other central nervous system disorders. "Christopher Reeve will join with some of the most highly regarded researchers, clinicians and practitioners working to improve the quality of life for people suffering paralysis, their families and carers." Up to 800 people with spinal injuries and conditions, carers, practitioners and researchers will attend the forum to share experiences and learn about the latest research and therapies. Mr Carr's office will shortly announce other national and international speakers and contributions from key people in NSW, committed to improving the quality of life for those with spine related injuries. In May 1995, while competing in an equestrian event, Reeve was pitched forward after his horse baulked at a rail jump. Landing head-first, he fractured the uppermost vertebrae in his spine and was instantly paralysed, requiring six months of rehabilitation before he could return to his home in Princeton, New Jersey. Reeve is the father of three children and husband to wife Dana. An inspiration to many, he maintains a rigorous speaking schedule, travelling across the country giving motivational talks to numerous groups, organisations and corporations. In 1999, Reeve became chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF). CRPF, a national, non-profit organisation, supports research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. It also allocates a portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Source www.news.com.au ###