Ministerial Statement

Sachse, Mr N.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:11): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: It is with great sadness that I rise today to note the passing of former Australian Rules footballer and disability advocate Neil Sachse. Neil Sachse was undoubtedly a champion footballer. He played 94 games for the legendary North Adelaide team in the early 1970s that won back-to-back premierships and in 1972 defeated Carlton to claim the title of Champions of Australia. He played five times for South Australia, including a best-on-ground performance against Western Australia at Football Park in 1974.

Fearless, brave and ambitious, Neil always wanted to push himself, wanting to go above and beyond, so he made the move to the VFL. In 1975, Mr Sachse was the Footscray Bulldogs' key recruit, but his VFL career lasted only two matches. After colliding with an opponent, Sachse was left a quadriplegic, something that shocked his teammates and the code. The collision broke Sachse's spine. Injuries of this severity do not happen often, but they did that fateful day. That was 45 years ago.

A husband, a father to two young children, Neil had a long life ahead him. The injury never slowed him down. These injuries are often devastating and overwhelming for those directly affected, as well as their family and friends. At the time of this injury, doctors told Neil there would never be a cure for spinal injury in his lifetime. Neil committed his life to raising awareness of disability and spinal injury. His foundation raised millions of dollars for research and education, and he was tireless in his efforts.

In 1994, Neil established what is known as the Neil Sachse Foundation to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Serving as its CEO, Neil was its driving force, fundraising over many years millions of dollars that gave great comfort and hope to the over 10,000 spinal cord injury sufferers in Australia. Many of us often applaud the bravery of our Australian Rules football heroes for how they play the game. However, that bravery comes with risks every time these men and women cross the white line. This was the case with Neil where a seemingly innocuous clash in an Australian Rules match in Victoria changed his life forever.

Neil was larger than life, with a strong personality that impressed everyone he came into contact with. Neil never stopped working, and his determination to improve the lives of those living with spinal cord injury was truly inspirational. The greatness of Neil Sachse was not what a great footballer he was—which he undeniably was—his greatness came in the way in which Neil refused to let his spinal cord injury define him, and the way he dealt with his situation continues to impact on the lives of others to this day.

We have lost a great man, and we are also worse off for his passing. Neil has created a lasting legacy, and he and his family should be very proud. His tireless work for spinal cord research will ensure he will be remembered for more than just being a champion footballer. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Neil's wife, Janyne, his sons Ben and Sam and their families.

Vale, Neil Sachse.