Announcements, Featured - August 15, 2025
Hot Wheelies makes history in Mildura
Intereach has made sporting history in Mildura with the launch of Hot Wheelies, the region’s first inclusive wheelchair basketball program.
The six-week, all-abilities program tipped off at the Hothouse Stadium on Sunday 10 August, giving participants the chance to learn the fundamentals of wheelchair basketball, before jumping into the action with match play.
Project Lead and Intereach Local Area Coordinator Program Manager, Rebekah Clifford, said the launch exceeded all expectations.
“We are so happy with the response. We currently have 13 people registered and have had a lot of interest from others attending the stadium,” she said.
“The great thing about our wheelchair basketball program is it’s open to all ages and abilities. Anyone – whether able-bodied or living with disability – can jump in a wheelchair and give it a try.
Rebekah Clifford (pictured back right) - Project Lead and Intereach LAC Program Manager
Hot Wheelies came about after a wheelchair basketball session at the 2024 International Day of People with Disability All-Abilities Sports Day proved a huge hit. Determined to expand on previous successes, Intereach secured a Sport and Recreation Victoria Regional All Abilities Participation Grant to bring the sport to Mildura at no cost to participants.
“The ultimate goal is to make this a permanent fixture in Mildura, and this launch is just the start,” Rebekah said.
Mildura Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee Deputy Chair Steve Pappas, who uses a wheelchair, said it had been a long time coming.
“Before this, you’d have to travel to Adelaide to play wheelchair sports – it just wasn’t viable. Bringing it here for the next generation is amazing,” he said.
“It’s great for your health, great for your mental wellbeing, and the smiles on everyone’s faces say it all.”
Pictured left: Steve (middle) in action at the Hot Wheelies launch.
It was an overwhelming experience for Hot Wheelies People with Disability Ambassador Hannah Hayes, who has been using a wheelchair for more than 16 years after being born with Spina Bifida.
“It’s creating opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved, to feel valued and thrive,” she said.
“Growing up in regional Victoria often meant sitting on the sidelines. This program changes that – it’s visibility, it’s inclusion, it’s belonging.”
Left: Hannah giving some pointers to Joel, a participant.
This initiative is proudly delivered by Intereach in partnership with Mildura Basketball Association, Mildura Rural City Council, Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee, Basketball Victoria, Mallee Sports Assembly, Lime Therapy, Country Care, WeKare and Sunraysia Residential Services.
With access to sports wheelchairs, basketballs, and free transport for registered participants, volunteers and supporters, there’s nothing stopping anyone from joining in.
The program is open to all ages, backgrounds, experience levels and abilities – including Aboriginal and culturally diverse participants – and welcomes able-bodied players too.
Hot Wheelies runs every Sunday until 14 September, from 2pm-5pm at the Hothouse Stadium and will return again early next year with another six sessions planned.
Want to be part of the action? You can register at www.mildurabasketballassociation.com.au/wheelies
For more information, call Rebekah on 1300 488 226 or email rebekah.clifford@intereach.com.au
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