Gary Allsop

On April 29th, 1989, while playing Australian Rules Football for Warrandyte in the outer Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Gary Allsop suffered a broken neck in an on-field incident, leaving him a quadriplegic. The accident dramatically altered his life; he could no longer work as a nightclub DJ, had to sell his house, and his marriage ended.

Despite these challenges, Gary focused on impacting others positively by educating thousands of primary and secondary students about life in a wheelchair and the importance of safety in sports. He also extends his outreach to various community groups, delivering talks on overcoming hurdles, coping with adversity, and self-motivation. His speaking engagements have been well-received at institutions and organizations including Melbourne University, AFL Clubs such as St. Kilda, North Melbourne Kangaroos, Carlton, and Richmond, as well as local football clubs, Lions and Rotary Clubs, Riding for the Disabled, and numerous other social and corporate functions.

Gary tailors his presentations to fit the needs of his audience, always embedding a motivational message that encourages resilience and self-motivation. He shares his personal journey, the mental strength required to handle his disability initially and throughout his life, and the humor and friendliness he maintains despite his circumstances. Moreover, he informs his audiences about his continued involvement in varied activities, showcasing that a fulfilling life is possible even with major disabilities.

Prior to his accident, Gary had a seven-year career as a nightclub disc jockey, worked in sales and marketing, and has been an accomplished songwriter, creating music for major sporting events and providing voice-overs for local community radio. Currently, he serves as an Honorary Director and Victorian Chairman of Spinal Cure Australia, where he plays a crucial role in raising awareness and funds for spinal cord research. His significant contributions include organizing a successful fundraiser in May 2003 that raised $80,000 for spinal cord research and playing a pivotal role in securing a $63 million contribution from the Victorian State government for this cause, announced on June 20, 2005. In recognition of his efforts, he received the Tattersalls Award for enterprise and achievement in March 2004.

Gary's exceptional dedication is driven by his personal goal to walk again and regain some semblance of his former life. His presentations are not only informative and uplifting but also a testament to the power of never taking life for granted, as encapsulated in his motto: "Never take things for granted and cherish the precious life that we all have."