Para Sport Reference Panel

Purpose of the Panel

The Para Sport Reference Panel will provide independent advice, guidance and feedback on matters connected to Para sport and accessibility. Its role is to:

• shape inclusive and future-focused policy positions
• support growth in Para sport participation across Queensland
• ensure the legacy of 2032 extends well beyond athletes to benefit the broader community.

Drawing on their lived experience and expertise, Panel members will:

• advise the Minister and portfolio Chief Executives on emerging issues and ongoing matters related to Para sport and accessibility
• provide feedback on strategies, risks and opportunities for growth and success in Para sport
• highlight challenges facing participation, particularly in regional Queensland
• support the development of networks, partnerships and connections across the Para sport ecosystem
• advise on accessibility and inclusion in government-owned and funded facilities.

Governance across the sport portfolio

The Panel will provide governance and guidance across all areas of the government’s Sport portfolio, including:

• the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games (DSROPG)
• Stadiums Queensland
• Racing Queensland
• the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Panel members

Dane Cross (Panel Lead)

An experienced access consultant, advocate, and Chief Operating Officer at Sporting Wheelies. Dane serves on the Australian Sports Commission’s Disability Sport Advisory Group, contributing to the national Play Well Strategy.

Ella Sabiljak PLY

A dual Paralympian in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, Ella is also a qualified teacher and Paralympics Australia’s Education Officer. She serves on the Paralympics Australia Athlete Commission and is a strong advocate for lasting equity in sport.

Michael Dobbie-Bridges PLY

A celebrated Paralympian in wheelchair tennis and three-time All Australian wheelchair AFL athlete. Michael is the Deputy Director-General, Sport and Racing, at the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games. He has extensive governance and advocacy experience, previously chairing Sporting Wheelies, serving on boards and as a member of Paralympics Australia’s Sports Performance Committee.

Emma Beckman

An academic at the University of Queensland with a master’s in Adapted Physical Activity and a PhD in strength assessment for classification in Para sport. Emma is an internationally accredited Para Athletics classifier and Para Sport High Performance Manager at the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Torita Blake PLY

A two-time Paralympic track athlete, ambassador for the Raise the Bar Academy supporting Indigenous students through athletics, and a member of Paralympics Australia’s First Nations Advisory Group.

Jenny Anderson

An award-winning healthcare leader with almost 50 years' experience with a lifelong commitment to fostering inclusive communities through sport. Jenny has dedicated her career to improving specialist kidney care across regional Queensland. She also serves as President and Head Coach of the Frenchville Rockwheelers Wheelchair Basketball Program, championing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

Building a lasting legacy

Together, these members bring extensive expertise across Paralympic sport, accessibility, policy and advocacy. Their insights will be invaluable as Queensland creates opportunities from grassroots participation through to elite performance and works towards delivering a Paralympic Games that sets a new global benchmark.