Paul Nunnari
Paul Nunnari | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 6, 1973 Auburn, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete, entertainer, disability advocate |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Paralympic athlete, Guinness World Record holder, Australia's Got Talent semi-finalist |
Paul Nunnari (born 6 February 1973 in Auburn, New South Wales) is an Australian athlete specializing in disabled track and field, a Guinness World Record holder, and entertainer.
He competed for Australia in three back-to-back Paralympic Games (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004), as well as at three IPC Paralympic World Championships (Birmingham 1998, Villeneuve d'Ascq 2002, and Assen 2006). At the Sydney 2000 Games, he earned a silver medal in the men's T54 4 × 100m relay.
In 2013, Nunnari broadened his career into performance arts through his appearance on Australia's Got Talent. He is also a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, actively participating in numerous related initiatives.
Early life and education
At the age of 11 in 1984, Paul Nunnari experienced a spinal cord injury due to a car accident, resulting in wheelchair use. During his primary education at St Paul's Primary School in Camden, accessibility modifications such as ramps were introduced to support his mobility. He attended secondary school at John Terry Catholic High School located in Rosemeadow. Between 1993 and 1994, Nunnari was enrolled at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he was awarded the Australian Institute of Sport Disability Scholarship with distinction.
Paralympic Games
Nunnari took part in three editions of the Paralympic Games: Atlanta in 1996, Sydney in 2000, and Athens in 2004.
| Event | Round | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Men's 100 m T53 | Heat 2 | 6th |
| Heat 4 | 5th | |
| Men's 200 m T53 | Heat 4 | 6th |
| Men's 800 m T53 | Heat 4 | 6th |
| Men's Marathon T52-53 | Final Round | 48th |
| Event | Round | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Marathon T54 | Final Round | 19th |
| Men's 4 × 400 m T54 | Heat 2 | 1st |
| Final Round | 2nd | Silver medalist |
| Men's 4 × 100 m T54 | Heat 2 | 2nd |
| Final Round | 2nd | Silver medalist |
| Men's 800 m T54 | Heat 2 | 8th |
| Men's 1500 m T54 | Heat 1 | 7th |
| Heat 2 | 9th | |
| Men's 5000 m T54 | Heat 1 | 6th |
| Heat 2 | 12th |
IPC Athletics World Championships
Nunnari represented Australia at three IPC Athletics World Championships held in Birmingham (1998), Villeneuve d'Ascq (2002), and Assen (2006).
| Event | Round | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Men's 100 m T55 | Heat 3 | Bronze (3rd) |
| Final Round | 5th place | |
| Men's 800 m T55 | Heat 2 | 5th place |
| Men's 1500 m T55 | Heat 2 | 7th place |
| Men's Marathon T55 | Final Round | 38th place |
| Event | Round | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Heat 3 | 6th place | |
| Heat1 | 10th place | |
| Heat2 | 6th place | |
| Final Round | 10th place | |
| Heat1 | 6th place | |
| Final Round | 12th place | |
| Heat1 | 3rd place | |
| Heat2 | 2nd place | |
| Final Round | 9999 | |
| Final Round | 11th place |
| Event | Round | Position |
|---|
Wheelchair Racing
Paul Nunnari took part in Alaska’s Sadler's Midnight Sun Race on five occasions, securing victory three times. In competitive events relevant to the business sphere, he claimed first place in the Masters division and achieved top overall rankings in GIO Insurance's Oz Day 10k wheelchair road race during both 2024 and 2025.
| Year | Event | Category | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | GIO Insurance's Oz Day 10k | Masters | 1st |
| 2024 | GIO Insurance's Oz Day 10k | Men's | 5th |
| 2024 | GIO Insurance's Oz Day 10k | Overall | 7th |
| 2025 | GIO Insurance's Oz Day 10k | Masters Men's | 1st |
Additional Competitions
Since his secondary school years, Paul Nunnari has been an active competitor in both national and international wheelchair racing and swimming contests.
In December 1988, he earned second place in the Boys 17 and over 50m freestyle wheelchair category at the Times Sport Pacific School Games, recording a time of 47.28 seconds. By 1993, he was competing in endurance events such as the NSW and Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon, demonstrating his prowess in long-distance wheelchair racing. In April 1994, he triumphed in the Men's 200 metre wheelchair T3/4 final at the A.C.T. and District National Sports Competitions with a time of 30.76 seconds. That August, representing Australia at The Glory Games, he finished fourth in the 800m wheelchair final clocking 1:47.37. In January 1995, he secured tenth place in the Sheraton Wentworth Oz Day 10 kilometre wheelchair race with a time of 24:56.8.
More recently, Nunnari took part in the 36th Annual Canberra Times Fun Run in 2012 and continued his competitive streak with events like the Sydney Wheelchair Marathon in 2023. Expanding his athletic repertoire, he competed as the sole representative for Team Afghan Unconquered in swimming competitions held at the UBC Aquatic Centre in Whistler and Vancouver during 2025.
Performing Arts and World Records
Paul Nunnari is a dedicated advocate for disability inclusion within arts and media sectors, striving to reshape societal perceptions. Inspired by his sister’s artistic pursuits, he trained extensively and appeared on Australia's Got Talent in 2013 under the stage name "The Another Superman," advancing to the semi-finals by performing aerial silk rope routines while using a wheelchair.
In recognition of his achievements, he was honoured at the Logan City Sports Awards in 2014. On November 11, 2018, alongside partner Melise Avion in Rome, Italy, Nunnari set a Guinness World Record by completing the highest number of team-based wheelchair rope rotations—77 full spins within one minute.
His performance portfolio includes appearances at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Invictus Games and participation in Justene Williams' sold-out production "She Conjured The Clouds" during the Sydney Festival in January 2020. Marking International Human Rights Day that same year, he presented "The Other Superman" at Dubai World Expo.
In 2023, Nunnari was featured as a lead performer during Australia Day festivities at Circular Quay. His screen work encompasses roles such as a "wheelchair zombie" in the film Little Monsters (2019), involvement in the ABC series Fresh Blood Pilot Season (2015), participation in Bus Stop Films’ project "Taking Back the Waves" (2017), and appearing in Blackmore’s international campaign "Good Health Changes Everything" (2019).
As CEO of Inclusively Made certification standards, Nunnari champions disability representation across film, television, and advertising productions. He has partnered with prominent corporations including Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Medibank, Westpac, and Woolworths to foster genuine inclusion of people with disabilities within media and marketing initiatives.
Disability rights advocacy and inclusion efforts
Outside of his sports career, Paul Nunnery has been deeply involved in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. In 2006, he confronted Virgin Airlines over their policy that required wheelchair users to pay for carers accompanying them. He criticized this rule as antiquated and unjust, highlighting that many disabled travelers face financial hardships. The airline defended its stance by pointing to limited staff capacity to provide certain types of assistance.
This policy drew significant backlash from disability advocacy groups and the federal Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes. Support also came from local Member of Parliament and marathon runner Pat Farmer, who recommended legislative reforms. Facing public scrutiny, Virgin Airlines amended its policy, mandating carers only for passengers exceeding 130 kilograms in weight.
Government leadership and policy impact
In 2016, Paul Nunnery held a leadership position within the NSW Department of Justice where he played a pivotal role in executing the Disability Employment Target under the "Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2015–2019." This program seeks to enhance employment prospects for individuals with disabilities by instituting internal policies, offering flexible work options, and providing support systems aimed at reversing the decline in public sector employment among disabled persons.
Community involvement and cancer awareness initiatives
As founder of the Bob Jane T-Mart Paul Nunnari Wheelchair Push, Nunnari dedicates efforts towards increasing awareness about cancer and disability challenges. He collaborates with schools, childcare centres, and businesses to encourage fundraising activities benefiting children affected by cancer locally, including campaigns like the 24 Hours Against Cancer Macarthur.
Since 2007, motivated by his father's battle with cancer, Nunnari has been an active supporter of regional cancer fundraising events. In 2022, he visited six schools to promote the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer, Macarthur campaign.
Continuing into 2024, he upheld the tradition of "Fred's Push," an annual event initiated by philanthropist Fred Borg OAM. During this campaign, Nunnari engaged with over 3,000 students and numerous local enterprises such as Kings Charcoal Chicken, King Kebab House, Aquafit Health Fitness Wellbeing, and McDonald's to reinforce community solidarity for those impacted by cancer. "Fred's Push" has become a prominent occasion within the Macarthur area for raising both awareness and funds supporting local cancer services.
Enhancing accessibility at public events and infrastructure
Beyond policy advocacy, Nunnari actively promotes disability inclusion through leadership roles focused on improving accessibility infrastructure and inclusive practices. Serving as Chair of the City of Sydney Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Group and Event Access and Inclusion Manager for the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, he strives to make major events and community programs more accessible to people with disabilities.
He played a key role in ensuring wheelchair access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge via lifts installed in October 2017. His collaboration with event coordinators enhances transportation options, communication strategies, staff training in disability awareness, accessible viewing spaces, captioning, and audio description services.
Nunnari oversees accessibility measures at significant events including Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations, Vivid Sydney festival, Anzac Day commemorations, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and Surf Sydney to guarantee inclusive participation for all attendees.
Honors and Recognition
Paul Nunnari has been honored with multiple awards that acknowledge his significant contributions to sports, accessibility, and public service on both national and international stages.
International Representation and Ceremonial Engagements
In 1992, Nunnari participated in the torch relay, carrying the flame from Greece to Barcelona. Between 1993 and 1994, he was awarded a Disability Scholarship by the Australian Institute of Sport, which supported his pursuit of elite athletic performance. In August 1994, he was part of the Australian team at the 15th Commonwealth Games held in Canada. More recently, in 2025, he served as the flag bearer for the Afghan Unconquered team during the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games in Whistler and Vancouver, significantly raising international awareness for athletes with disabilities.
Inclusive Recreation: Innovation and Design
In recognition of his efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity within public services, Nunnari received the Public Service Medal in June 2022. Additionally, in 2024, he pioneered the creation of the first wheelchair-accessible skate bowl, advancing inclusive recreational facilities.
Professional Career
Paul Nunnari's professional journey encompasses roles in public administration and community involvement. In 2010, he pursued preselection as a candidate for the federal electorate of Macarthur representing the Australian Labor Party. November 2011 saw him perform in ‘The Other Superman,’ captivating audiences through his work in performance art.
From 2014 to 2019, he occupied several leadership positions within the New South Wales Premier's Department: Manager of Event Access and Inclusion (2014–2017), Acting Director of Events (2017), and Director of Ministerial Operations (2017–2019). Subsequently, from March 2019 until April 2024, he was appointed Director of Inclusive Infrastructure, Placemaking and Experiences at the NSW Department of Remote Areas.
Since April 2024, Nunnari has been serving as Chief Executive Officer of Inclusively Made, an organization committed to fostering inclusive approaches and accessible experiences across various sectors.
External links
- Paralympic athletes for Australia
- Athletes (track and field) at the 2000 Summer Paralympics
- Paralympic silver medalists for Australia
- Australian Institute of Sport Paralympic track and field athletes
- 1973 births
- Living people
- Medalists at the 2000 Summer Paralympics
- Paralympic medalists in athletics (track and field)
- Australia's Got Talent contestants
- Australian male wheelchair racers
- Athletes from Sydney
- Sportsmen from New South Wales