Sunshine Coast ex-councillor John Connolly shares life in wheelchair

Ex-Wallabies coach and Sunshine Coast councillor John Connolly is in the mind game of his life as he reveals how things changed after he broke his neck in a freak accident.

Former Sunshine Coast councillor and Wallabies coach John Connolly fell 2m at his father’s home just over a year ago. He broke his neck, has no feeling below his chest and is now in a wheelchair. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Former Wallabies coach and Sunshine Coast councillor John Connolly is in the mind game of his life as he strives for positivity after he broke his neck.

More than a year after he fell 2m at his father’s home in Brisbane, in August 2021, Mr Connolly has no feeling below his chest.

His shoulder and arm were also shattered in the fall from a drop-off in the yard, after he leant on a post that gave way.

“I went over head first and landed on my head,” he said.

Former Sunshine Coast councillor and Wallabies coach John Connolly fell 2m at his father’s house just over a year ago. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“It bloody hurts, I give you the tip.

“Breaking your neck, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Former Sunshine Coast councillor and Wallabies coach John Connolly spent more than nine months in hospital following the fall. Picture: Contributed

Hours of surgery and more than nine months in the hospital followed.

Mr Connolly coyly reveals he is “over 65”, saying he had a good life prior to the accident.

He is an Australia and Queensland rugby icon, having coached more than 200 Queensland Reds games and led the Wallabies to the 2007 World Cup.

He also spent years coaching in Europe.

John Connolly during Queensland Reds training. Picture: Darren England.

Now as a wheelchair user, he said his life had changed irrevocably for him and his loved ones.

“The hard thing is it puts pressure on your whole support group, your family and friends,” he said.

Mr Connolly said he was “lucky” he had the support of his wife, Joanne, his siblings and his three sons.

The former councillor, who served from 2016 to 2020, said one of the biggest challenges around his disability was keeping a positive mindset for both the short and long-term.

“You can’t spend any time looking in the rear-vision mirror,” Mr Connolly said.

John Connolly says “looking in the rear vision mirror” is pointless. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He also said that being more than 65 meant he wasn’t eligible for the NDIS, but because the fall occurred at someone else’s home he could claim insurance.

The former councillor said for those aged over 65 who become disabled following an incident in their own home, their future was particularly bleak because there was no insurance available to them.

“There’s very little money (for them),” he said.

“They’re buggered, and the stress on the family unit if that happens is vast.

“Spinal injuries are incredibly labour-intensive.”

Mr Connolly said he was fortunate that life had been good to him.

“I’m beyond belief there’s a gap between the NDIS and the aged care, it’s bewildering,” he said.

“That gap has to be filled and the quickest way is to allow over 65s into the NDIS.”

It is this campaign, plus other fundraisers, that helps Mr Connolly maintain his mindset as he comes to terms with his disability.

“Do the best you can today and tomorrow will look after itself,” he said.