Our history

Formed in 1960, the Association started as a public meeting of people with paraplegia and quadriplegia to advocate for their needs.

Originally formed as the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Welfare Association, the Spinal Injuries Association began to provide advocacy, information and informal peer support to people with spinal cord injuries.

Over the years, the Association has grown to become Queensland’s peak body for people with a spinal cord injury. Having been around for as long as we have, the Association is widely respected for its specialist knowledge of the needs of people with a spinal cord injury.

In the early days, we provided services such as advocacy, healthcare and lifestyle advice, and personal assistance. Our services continued to grow to include support networks for members, employment assistance and peer support to assist people and their families with the transition from the hospital environment to home and to the community.

As we approach our 50th birthday, we remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with a spinal cord injury. We do this by providing our members and clients the choice of a wide range of high quality, specialised services.

Recent milestones and achievements

2000 – 2001

  • Educational and training package developed for doctors and health professionals on post-polio with Queensland Health.
  • Association wins Community Award in the State Disability Access Week awards.
  • Association wins the Community category of the Human Rights Medal and Awards in 2001.
  • SEAT presenter Wayne Leo wins Energex Volunteer Hero Award in 2001.
  • SEAT presenter Mark Farrell wins Suncorp Metway Young Queensland of the Year in 2001.

2002 – 2003

  • Spinal Disability Resource Kit developed and distributed to the community and Association members.
  • The Association goes online with its first website being developed.
  • SEAT tours Central Queensland mining towns.

2004 – 2005

  • Governor of Queensland Ms Quentin Bryce AO becomes Patron of the Association.
  • SEAT visits its one millionth student.
  • Peer Support program is introduced.
  • Change of name from Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of Queensland to the Spinal Injuries Association.
  • SEAT releases “Consequences” DVD.

2006 – 2007

  • Inaugural Classic Wallabies Luncheon.
  • SEAT celebrates 20 years of sharing vital safety and injury prevention messages with Queensland school students.
  • SEAT receives the Community Organisation Award during Disability Action Week.

2008

  • Peer Support Coordinator, Peter Harre, wins a finalist spot for the Pride of Australia Medal.
  • SEAT presenter Tim Falhaber wins Queensland Young Volunteer Award.
  • SEAT releases “Nobody’s Bulletproof” DVD.
  • Quality Assurance accreditation was gained to meet the Disability Services Act and funding requirements.
  • Inaugural Gala Fundraising Dinner launched during Spinal Injuries Awareness.
  • Governor of Queensland Ms Penelope Wensley AO becomes Patron of the Association.
  • Community Linking Program is introduced.