The Lane Cove Cockatoos are here to build something great for our community. A place where people can play, connect, and be part of a challenging and fun sport.
Whether you’re new to the game or simply looking to support us, we offer everyone the opportunity to learn and get involved.
About Us
The Lane Cove Cockatoos Wheelchair Basketball Club was formed in late 2025 by Paralympian Gerry Hewson who saw a gap in the sporting landscape of the lower north shore, namely no wheelchair sports.
With the endorsement and support of Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT, the Cockatoos have quickly established themselves as a truly community-based club with a focus on creating opportunities for disabled and able-bodied players.
Based at Galuwa Recreation Centre and servicing all of Sydney’s lower north shore, we bring together players of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Our aim is simple: to make the sport accessible, enjoyable, and something people want to be part of week in and week out.
Our Goals
Develop wheelchair basketball locally, with a strong focus on juniors and women
Create inclusive participation opportunities for both disabled and able-bodied players
Provide competitive pathways within NSW, including the establishment of local competitions
Ultimately develop players capable of competing at national and international levels
Gerry Hewson
Gerry Hewson is one of Australia’s most respected figures in wheelchair basketball, with decades of experience as both a player and coach. He represented Australia at four Paralympic Games, including winning gold in 1996.
Following his playing career, Gerry moved into coaching and led the Australian women’s national team, the Gliders, to Paralympic silver and bronze medals. He has also coached at the highest domestic levels and played a key role in developing emerging talent - players who themselves have gone on to represent Australia..
For many years, Gerry has worked with Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT to grow wheelchair basketball across Sydney and regional NSW, contributing to a network that now includes 29 clubs. He remains passionate about building the sport and supporting players at every level, especially with the Cockatoos!
Our Home
The Galuwa Recreation Centre is more than just where we train, it’s the foundation of what we’re building. The centre opened in early 2026 and we’ve been there from day one. It has filled the need for an accessible sport facility in the local community.
With eight multi-sport courts and a strong focus on inclusion and participation, the centre was designed to bring people together through a wide variety of sports. It provides a modern, accessible space where players of all backgrounds can get involved, develop their skills, and be part of a community.
Importantly, the facility has full wheelchair access including lift entry from the carpark, and excellent toilets and change areas, Disabled parking is available next to the lifts.
For the Lane Cove Cockatoos, Galuwa is more than a facility. It’s where new players try wheelchair basketball for the first time, where teams are formed, and where the club continues to grow. As our sport builds locally, this is where it starts.