The 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.
Our Beginnings
The Lane Cove Cockatoos Wheelchair Basketball Club was founded in 2025 by Paralympian Gerry Hewson. He saw a gap in the sporting landscape of the lower north shore where there were no organised wheelchair sports.
With the support of Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT, and the opening of the Galuwa Recreation Centre, the Cockatoos were able to quickly establish themselves as a truly community-based club with a focus on opportunities for disabled and able-bodied players.
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 look forward to being a part of every week.
Our Goals
Develop wheelchair basketball locally, with a strong focus on juniors and women
Create inclusive opportunities for both disabled and able-bodied players to train and play
Build competitive pathways within NSW, including the establishment of local competitions
Support players to progress from grassroots participation through to national competition
Gerry Hewson OAM
Club founder Gerry Hewson is one of Australia’s most respected wheelchair basketball figures, with decades of experience as both a player and coach.
As a player, Gerry represented Australia at four Paralympic Games, including winning gold in Atlanta in 1996.
He later coached the Australian women’s national team, the Gliders, to Paralympic silver and bronze medals, while also helping develop the next generation of Australian players.
Through his long involvement with Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT, Gerry has helped grow wheelchair basketball across Sydney and regional NSW, and remains passionate about creating opportunities for players at every level.
Our Home
The Galuwa Recreation Centre is home to the Cockatoos and provides a modern, fully accessible base for our training and development.
Located in Lane Cove and servicing Sydney’s lower north shore, the brand new facility includes full wheelchair access: lift access from the car park, accessible toilets and change areas, and disabled parking.
Galuwa gives players of all ages and experience levels a welcoming place to train, learn new skills, stay active and be part of the local wheelchair basketball community.
Contact the Cockatoos
Interested in playing, sponsoring, or supporting us?
Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.