THE JOHN MACLEAN FOUNDATION

CHANGING THE LIVES OF YOUNG AUSTRALIANS IN WHEELCHAIRS

WE ARE JMF.

WE BELIEVE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY POTENTIAL OF EVERY YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN USING A WHEELCHAIR.

We’re dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of young Australians who use wheelchairs. Founded by John Maclean, a paraplegic athlete and motivational speaker, our foundation is a beacon of hope and support for children and families in need.

EMPOWERING YOUNGER LIVES WITH BRIGHTER POSSIBILITIES.

  • The John Maclean Foundation (JMF) exists to change the lives of young Australians who use wheelchairs.

  • Our mission is to inspire, motivate and enable these great kids to chase their dreams.

  • JMF holds official charitable status and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). JMF is also endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) by the ATO.

RECENT GRANTS

DISTRIBUTED TO OUR INCREDIBLE YOUNG WHEELIES

A GAME-CHANGING
MATCH FOR CHRIS HOLMES

JMF SPOTLIGHT

In partnership with Hills Football Communities, the John Maclean Foundation proudly assisted Chris Holmes and his family in acquiring a new Power Wheelchair, enabling his participation in the football season. The inaugural Hills Football All Stars Charity Match played a crucial role in raising funds for Chris's new chair. Our heartfelt thanks go to Hills Football, Hills United FC, Hills Shire Council Mayor Michelle Byrne, NSW Powerchair Team members, and all who joined in supporting this remarkable initiative.

“JMF HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF MANY OF THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THAT SCOPE SUPPORTS. IN PROVIDING THE MATERIAL ASSISTANCE THAT OFTEN ISN’T FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT OR OTHER CHARITY SOURCES, THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THESE CHILDREN IS MARKEDLY IMPROVED. WE’RE GRATEFUL TO JMF FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOGETHER, MAKING THIS VERY TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE TO THEIR LIVES.”

— Charlie Spendlove | Scope, General Manager, Product, Brand and Marketing

MEET THE FOUNDER

ABOUT JOHN MACLEAN

In 1988, a promising Rugby League player, John Maclean, faced a life-altering incident when an 8-tonne truck collided with him while cycling near his hometown. The accident left him paraplegic with multiple fractures and injuries.

Despite these challenges, John's indomitable spirit led him to unprecedented achievements. He became the first wheelchair athlete to conquer the grueling Hawaii Ironman triathlon and to swim the English Channel. He represented Australia in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Paralympics, challenged extreme endurance events, and even secured a silver medal in Adaptive Rowing at the Beijing Paralympic Games. In a remarkable turn, 2014 marked a new chapter as John, after 25 years, took his first steps on a journey toward walking again, transcending his wheelchair-bound existence.

Founding The John Maclean Foundation was a natural extension of John's personal mission, ‘only possibilities.’ Driven by this philosophy, he envisioned a platform to support children in Australia who require wheelchairs, fostering their unique abilities and enabling them to achieve exceptional feats on their terms.

JMF advocates against the term "disability," believing it carries detrimental connotations for children with special needs. This mindset echoes through the foundation's ethos, rejecting limitations and inviting others to embrace boundless potential.