Alex McKinnon hopes to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and achieve their best, despite unimaginable challenges and setbacks. Alex will join us on stage at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on the 12th of May as our Hunter Disability Expo Ambassador.
Alex McKinnon was 22, playing professional rugby with the Newcastle Knights, when he suffered a horrific spinal cord injury on the field. Confronted by the inability to walk, use his hands, or perform normal daily activities, Alex was suddenly facing unimaginable challenges. Now a loving father of three beautiful daughters, a student studying Psychological Science at the University of Newcastle and a contributor for Fox Sports’ NRL coverage, Alex made a commitment to break the ‘why me?’ mentality and make the most of his situation.
Alex grew up in Aberdeen, New South Wales. He left his home town at the age of 14 to attend St Gregory’s College Campbelltown with a dream of playing professional Rugby League. Alex was selected in every New South Wales and Australian representative team throughout his junior years, which culminated in his selection as captain of the Australian Junior Kangaroos in 2012.
In 2014 at the age of 22, and with 49 NRL games experience, Alex suffered a spinal cord Injury from a lifting tackle while playing professional rugby league for the Newcastle Knights in Melbourne.
After enduring an extended period in intensive care and hospital, Alex was classified as a quadriplegic. Confronted by the inability to walk, use his hands, or perform normal daily activities, Alex was suddenly facing unimaginable challenges. With the world watching, Alex made a commitment to break the ‘why me?’ mentality and make the most of his situation.
Now focusing on rehab, education and reinventing himself, Alex continually challenges himself to get out of his comfort zone, resist being governed by the uncontrollable and is motivated to be the best he can possibly be.
Hear more of Alex’s inspiring story of hardship and recovery at the My Future, My Choice Hunter Disability Expo. By maintaining a positive outlook and nurturing his motivation for personal and professional development, Alex has a passion for change management, leadership and helping others achieve their best.
My Future, My Choice presents an opportunity for people with disability to control how they live now and plan for the future. Connecting thousands of people with hundreds of product and service providers, the expo presents a range of informative and interactive presentations.
The Hunter Disability Expo inspires people living with disability, family members and carers. Over 150 exhibitors present medical, health and support services, long term care options, and a variety of financial, travel, lifestyle, assistive equipment & technology, and sport options for people of all abilities. During the two days, there will be a program of insightful topics from guest speakers, entertainment for all ages, live stage performances, a coffee van, and plenty of seating to socialise and chat. Doors open for free entry to the massive two-day event from 9:00am to 3:00pm on 12 and 13 May 2023. Register your group to skip the entry queues. Check out the Expo Guide for an Exhibitor Listing, schedule of stage events and parking/transport options as we get closer to the dates.