Anti-violence campaigner Liam Knight has urged young Australians to party safely and look after their mates this Australia Day.
A victim of an unprovoked attack at the age of 17, Mr Knight nearly lost his life when a drunk gatecrasher threw a metal pole at his head at a mate's 18th birthday party in early 2013. 
The pole pierced his skull and came out the other side, causing lifelong brain damage which "bunged up" the left side of his body. Named one of the NSW finalists for the Young Australian of the Year, Mr Knight now walks with a cane and is determined to regain his full motor skills. Following the attack, Mr Knight and his family established the White Knight Foundation, which provides assistance to other young victims of violence, and aims to increase awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Mr Knight has teamed up with a Sydney pub, Hotel Palisade, and officially hoisted the hotel's Australian flag at the weekend to increase public awareness about "partying safely".
The hotel director, Greg Walker, said it wanted to "get on the front foot" and lead Sydney's pubs in the anti-violence message.
"Liam is determined to try and make sure that this doesn't happen to anyone else," Mr Walker said. "We serve alcohol, so we have to be responsible. Sydney owners - let's get on the front foot."
Mr Knight said he planned to spend Australia Day partying with friends, and encouraged other young people to celebrate safely.
"Enjoy yourself but look after your mates," he said.
"Everyone wants to go out together and have fun, but it is getting to a point where people are so worried, and parents are worried about their kids, and they shouldn't have to. It's just that 1 per cent that ruins it for everyone else.
"I really hope that as a community we can all change together."
To help support young victims of youth violence, visit thewhiteknightfoundation.com