Ian Trewhella

Lore & Background

Ian Trewhella became a quadriplegic in 1961 due to an illness. He worked in the Australian Public Service for 27 years, including 17 years with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. In 1984 he established the Wheelchair Factory in Canberra. He was an advocate for people with disability in Canberra and surrounding regions, serving on boards and committees of many disability-related organisations, and provided advice to health professionals and families on living with quadriplegia. At the 1980 Arnhem Paralympics he won silver medals in the Men's archery short metric round tetraplegic and Men's athletics Pentathlon 1B events. At the 1984 New York/Stoke Mandeville Paralympics he won two silver medals in archery: Men's Double Advanced Metric Round Tetraplegic and Men's Short metric round team 1A–6. He used a variety of aids and strategies to hold the recurve bow and arrow.

Reader's Guide

Ian Trewhella's Paralympic achievements, four silver medals across two Games, demonstrate his adaptability in both archery and athletics. His use of varied aids and strategies to hold the recurve bow highlights the ingenuity required in para-archery. Beyond competition, his 27-year career in the Australian Public Service, including 17 years in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and his founding of the Wheelchair Factory in Canberra, reflect a sustained commitment to public service and disability support. His advocacy through board and committee work, along with advising health professionals and families, contributed to the welfare of people with disabilities in the Canberra region. In 1992 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for volunteer service to people with disabilities in sport, recreation and welfare. His legacy is one of combining athletic excellence with long-term community service and practical support for disabled individuals.

Did You Know?

• He won four Paralympic medals, all silver, across two Games.
• He became a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992.