Meet Aura resident and Paralympian Dr Bridie Kean
At Aura, we take pride in highlighting the inspiring stories of our residents. We caught up with Dr Bridie Kean, a Paralympian and passionate advocate for inclusive sports, who has made an impressive impact both on and off the basketball court.
Local Paralympian Dr Bridie Kean loves living in the Aura community.
Bridie’s journey to the Paralympics began when she first watched wheelchair basketball at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Captivated by the skill and determination of the Australian Gliders, she dreamed of joining the team one day. Years later, that dream came true.
Bridie went on to represent Australia in multiple Paralympic Games, winning bronze with the Gliders in Beijing in 2008 and securing silver in London in 2012. This year, she took on the role of Deputy Chef de Mission for the Australian team at the Paris Paralympic Games, the first time in nearly a decade that a Paralympian held this leadership role.
A commitment to inclusive sports
Beyond her achievements as an athlete, Bridie has made a significant contribution to the development of Paralympic sports. With a PhD in health psychology, she is dedicated to reducing barriers and championing initiatives that help create opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports.
“I’ve reflected on some of the challenges I faced growing up with a disability in Australia, and that really drives what I do now,” Bridie shares.
Her advocacy, research and leadership have helped shape policies and programs that support athletes with disabilities, including her involvement with the Suncoast Spinners, an organisation devoted to providing access to inclusive team sports.
“We know that people with a disability face far greater obstacles to physical activity and sport. Through my work, I want to create change that enables more people to be active,” Bridie explains.
Active community living
Living in Aura, Bridie has found both a supportive community and convenient access to outdoor spaces that help keep her active. The now-retired athlete still prioritises exercise and uses her old basketball chair to get outside and go for a spin.
“I love our outdoor spaces here in Aura and how easily I can get around,” she says. “The accessibility of the bikeways and footpaths makes it easy to exercise in a way that’s perfect for me.”
Aura is committed to building connected, inclusive communities, with parks and playgrounds that celebrate accessible play. Charlotte Buckley, Aura’s Community Engagement Manager, explains that these spaces are designed for residents of all ages and abilities to come together in a safe, welcoming environment.
“At Aura, we understand how important it is to have community spaces where everyone can enjoy being active together,” Charlotte says. “The new all-abilities playground being built is a great example of this commitment, and we can’t wait to see families like Bridie’s enjoy these spaces.”
For Bridie, raising young children in Aura has been a wonderful experience, with parks, playgrounds and pathways right on their doorstep. “I’m really excited about the new playground because it will mean so much for the families here to have a space where children of all abilities can use the facilities and play together,” Bridie says.
Inspiring future generations
Bridie’s advice for people with a disability or anyone thinking about getting involved in sport? “Absolutely do it!” she says. “It's such an incredible experience to be on a team, whether you’re competing at a local tournament or at the highest level. Being part of a team brings people closer together.”
From inspired spectator to celebrated athlete and passionate advocate, Dr Bridie Kean embodies the resilience and determination that defines the Paralympics and we’re so lucky that she is part of the Aura community.