Gold Coast Spinal are passionate facilitators of disability solutions for people with small or complex needs.
With extensive disability experience, we help navigate the often overwhelming maze of disability options offering information gained through our own journeys and experience of the life with disability.
Our Team
Ross Manning
Ross Manning, Founder of Gold Coast Spinal, acquired a high level spinal cord injury (SCI) through a motor vehicle accident in 2011.
Spending 19 months at Princess Alexandra Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit in Brisbane, Ross experienced and saw many moments that motivated him to help others competing against SCI.
Post Hospital Ross obtained a Diploma of Community Services which then led to completion of Bachelor of Social Work.
Our Team
Dr. Chithrani Palipana
Dr. Palipana is a qualified counselor, a case manager, a disability advocate, and an extremely dedicated mother. In 2010 her life changed forever when her medical student son was involved in a car accident, leaving him paralysed from the chest down. From that moment onward she made the decision to support him to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.
Dr. Palipana triumphantly made headlines as he is the first registered quadriplegic doctor in Queensland, awarded the Medal of the Order in 2019 and now works for Queensland Health.
Dr. Palipana's lived experience has inspired and broadened her understanding of disabilities and the disability sector. She is continuing on her journey towards becoming a rehabilitation counselor and has a genuine interest in supporting people with disabilities to gain independence and achieve their life goals.
