The Dreamfit organisation was founded in 2003 when our Chief Executive Officer, Darren Lomman, was still a mechanical engineering student at The University of Western Australia. Darren was looking for a third-year engineering project when he met Shane, a T6 paraplegic. Shane is a motorcycle enthusiast and former motocross champion who had become a paraplegic after an accident.
Shane confided in Darren that if he had one wish, it would be to be able to ride a motorcycle again. Darren was so inspired by Shane’s passion for motorcycles, that he spent the next three years designing a hand-controlled motorcycle that can be ridden by a person with paraplegia or other leg disabilities.
Darren’s motorcycle project captured the attention of the media and prompted many people with disabilities to contact Darren for help. Darren was so inspired by their stories that he decided to use his engineering skills to give people with disabilities the chance to live their dreams.
Dreamfit has since evolved into a registered not-for-profit charity, the Dreamfit Foundation. The Foundation has a unique partnership with The University of Western Australia. Engineering students can volunteer their time to work on Dreamfit’s innovative projects and receive course credit for their project work.
The students work in an environment that encourages innovation and lateral thinking and are teamed with an industry mentor to help them develop their professional skills. Students from other disciplines such as Occupational Therapy, Human Resources, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, and Communications are encouraged to apply for work experience with our Foundation. We also welcome applicants from other Tertiary and Further Education Institutions. For more information see
Student Program.
The Foundation has developed some incredible recreational equipment and lifestyle programs for people living with disabilities. Our innovations include a wheelchair-accessible hovercraft and ski boat, the hand-controlled motorcycle, a wheelchair-accessible abseiling tower, and a seated surfboard.
