BrightSky was officially launched in 2008, but its journey began long before.
It stands on the proud legacy of ParaQuad NSW, now known as Forward Ability Support, and remains true to the purpose and spirit on which it was founded: to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury and neurological disabilities through innovation, compassion, and quality healthcare products.
We are more than just a supplier of healthcare and wellbeing products. We are a trusted partner to thousands of Australians—offering essential medical supplies, expert clinical support and practical tools that empower people to live well.
Our Legacy: A Movement That Began in 1961
“From the very beginning, we were more than a service. We were a community built by and for people with lived experience.”
The BrightSky story goes back to the founding of the Paraplegic Association of NSW in 1961. At a time when people with spinal cord injuries faced isolation, limited life expectancy, and virtually no support services, a group of trailblazers led by Dr John Grant AO OBE came together to create change.
Among their first initiatives was a cooperative offering affordable continence products and equipment. ParaQuad NSW quickly became a vital lifeline: offering equipment, wheelchair repairs, car modifications, driving lessons, employment opportunities, and a powerful sense of belonging. This was the spirit of ParaQuad that would later become BrightSky
Growth Through Innovation: 1980–2000
“Driven by community need, powered by innovation, we have evolved to meet the needs of those we serve.”
The 1980s and 1990s brought sweeping change. The International Year of Disabled Persons (1981) and the Commonwealth Disability Services Act (1986) ushered in a new era, shifting the focus to independence and inclusion.
ParaQuad NSW grew rapidly to meet these evolving needs, expanding its services, opening transitional accommodation, providing personal care staff, and employing allied health professionals and peer mentors.
The early co-op evolved into Personal Equipment and Continence Supplies (PECS), winning government contracts and extending its support to all Australians with continence needs, not just those with spinal injuries. This period laid the groundwork for BrightSky as a trusted healthcare provider.
BrightSky Launched: 2000 – Present
“BrightSky was born from challenge but built on decades of heart, resilience, and service.”
In 2008, BrightSky Australia was officially launched. Built on the solid foundations of PECS, BrightSky introduced a specialist clinical support service, an expansive online store, and a growing team of Product Education Consultants (PECs) to offer personalised advice to customers.
From our purpose-built facility in Newington, BrightSky became a trusted NDIS-registered supplier of medical, wound care, nutrition, and continence products.
Every order supports our for-purpose mission. 100% of profits go directly back into supporting Forward Ability Support, helping Australians with spinal cord injury and neurological disabilities live with greater independence and dignity.
Supporting Clinicians with Tools that Make a Difference
BrightSky isn’t just a platform that sells products, it also empowers clinicians to better support the community, through practical, innovative tools that make selecting the right products easier, thereby achieving better health outcomes.
We make it easy for clinicians to recommend, prescribe, and source products that meet the needs of their patients and have created innovative clinical tools to support them over the years.
BrightSky Innovation Timeline for Clinician Support
All our clinical tools can be found here.
Looking Forward with Purpose
“We carry the legacy forward with heart, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the community that built us.”
As we continue to grow, we are proud to serve our customers and community with the same care, passion, and dedication that have been the hallmarks of our story from the very beginning.
BrightSky remains driven by its original purpose: to help people Live Well. From essential continence and mobility products to a seamless digital platform and expert support, we’re committed to delivering better outcomes for customers and clinicians alike.
We’re proud to stand where community, care, and innovation meet. And we’re excited to carry this legacy forward toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
The BrightSky Difference
✅ Trusted national supplier of an extensive range of quality-checked healthcare and wellbeing products, readily available 24/7
✅ 100% for-purpose: every order supports Forward Ability Support’s mission
✅ Backed by decades of clinical expertise and lived experience
✅ Real choice and control for NDIS participants
✅ NDIS-registered and Preferred Provider