We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Dinesh Palipana OAM will be the Ambassador for the 2025 Gold Coast Disability & WorkAbility Expo, taking place on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre. Dr. Palipana brings a powerful voice of lived experience, resilience, and advocacy to this inclusive event for the disability community.
A Trailblazer in Medicine and Advocacy
Dr. Palipana made history as Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical intern and only the second person with quadriplegia to graduate from medical school in Australia. His journey began with a life-altering spinal cord injury sustained in a car accident halfway through medical school. Despite immense challenges, he completed his degree and now serves as an emergency physician at Gold Coast University Hospital. He is also a senior lecturer at Griffith University and co-leads the BioSpine research team, focusing on innovative spinal cord injury rehabilitation techniques.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Palipana is a qualified lawyer and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. He co-founded Doctors with Disabilities Australia and has served as a senior advisor to the Disability Royal Commission. His advocacy work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019 and the title of Queensland Australian of the Year in 2021.
Championing Inclusion at the 2025 Expo
As Ambassador, Dr. Palipana will deliver a keynote address at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 6, sharing insights from his personal and professional journey. His presence underscores the Expo’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to shape their futures through informed choices and access to resources.
The Gold Coast Disability & WorkAbility Expo is a free event connecting thousands of attendees with hundreds of service providers, employers, and advocacy organisations. It offers a platform for people with disabilities to explore opportunities in employment, education, and community engagement.
Join Us in Celebrating Empowerment and Opportunity
Dr. Palipana’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of inclusive practices in all sectors of society. His role as Ambassador brings a unique perspective that will inspire attendees and highlight the Expo’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Dr. Palipana and explore the myriad resources available at the Expo. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative event.