Our History
Sporting Wheelies has been creating opportunities through sport since the 1960s. What began as a small sports club within the Paraplegics Welfare Association – now Spinal Life Australia – quickly grew into a driving force for disability sport across the state.
In 1977, the organisation became a registered charity as the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Sport Association of Queensland. Programs soon expanded to welcome people with a broader range of disabilities, including people with vision impairment, and the name Sporting Wheelies was adopted to reflect this growing and inclusive community.
Today, Sporting Wheelies continues to champion the power of sport, recreation and active living for people with disability. In 2024, Sporting Wheelies officially transitioned back to become part of Spinal Life Australia, strengthening a shared commitment to inclusion, independence and opportunity.
Sporting Wheelies is proudly recognised as a leader in disability sport and healthy activity, working alongside organisations including Disability Sports Australia and Paralympics Australia to help more people get involved, stay active and achieve their goals.
Our Leadership
Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies, Dane Cross is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for people with disability to participate, compete and thrive.
With more than 20 years of experience across community sport, recreation, youth development and accessibility, Dane brings a strong understanding of the impact sport and connection can have on people’s lives. He also leads the Access and Inclusion team at Spinal Life Australia, using both professional expertise and lived experience to help shape more inclusive communities.
Driven, approachable and community focused, Dane is committed to growing opportunities for people with disability – in sport and beyond.
Meet our Board
As Sporting Wheelies is part of Spinal Life Australia, the organisation’s future direction is guided by the Spinal Life Australia Board.
Day-to-day operations are led by Chief Operating Officer Dane Cross alongside the rest of the Executive Management Team.
Membership
Spinal Life Australia is a member-based organisation committed to representing, supporting and advocating for people with disability.
Members have the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation by voting at the Annual General Meeting and participating in advocacy activities that support greater inclusion and opportunity.
Annual Report
Find out more about Sporting Wheelies, our impact and achievements in Spinal Life Australia’s Annual Reports.
Work With Us
At Sporting Wheelies, every day is an opportunity to make a real difference through sport, recreation and rehabilitation.
We offer a range of rewarding career opportunities across sport, fitness, events, community programs and support services.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you require support during the application or interview process, including assistance with accessibility, language or cultural considerations, please contact our team – we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for every applicant.
Student Placements
Sporting Wheelies is proud to support university students through practical placements, research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Working alongside universities across Queensland, students gain valuable real-world experience while contributing to programs that support people with disability to stay active, connected and involved in sport and recreation.