About Us
The story behind Wheelaway
Contact us today on our toll free number 1800 133 320 or email us at info@wheelaway.net.au to get a quick free quote!
Wheelaway was born from the heart
Dianne and Paul started the business in 2008 after experiencing first-hand the need for accessible transport. Paul grew up with his mother who had MS, which is a rare condition from the 60s. Whilst, Dianne has a son with short stature and has cared for her parents who have both had cancer on several occasions and her dad contracted Guillian Barre twice. Having a desire to care for those in need Dianne also supported a dear young friend with a heart transplant over several years. Through the years, they both directly experienced the real struggles associated with the lack of accessible vehicles in the Melbourne community.
The idea eventuated when Paul’s mum became wheelchair bound and they needed to move her out of her nursing home. Taxis were unreliable and so they bought a vehicle to run her around. Through talking to people in the community and hearing that others were struggling with the same issue they decided to begin a part time business. With the support of Dianne and demand growing, the business has flourished and Wheelaway is now operating in both Victoria and New South Wales.
The idea eventuated when Paul’s mum became wheelchair bound and they needed to move her out of her nursing home. Taxis were unreliable and so they bought a vehicle to run her around. Through talking to people in the community and hearing that others were struggling with the same issue they decided to begin a part time business. With the support of Dianne and demand growing, the business has flourished and Wheelaway is now operating in both Victoria and New South Wales.
We aim to assist people to have a better way of life and to create a fully inclusive country. We understand that people have different requirements and aim to find a solution that suits you. Please do not hesitate to call us and discuss what you need.
Our Staff
Hermann D'Costa
Hermann began working as a driver for Wheelaway in 2014, after responding to an ad in the newspaper. Having a brother who has visual impairment he has always been interested in working for the disabled and elderly.
He shares and understands your feelings, concerns and hopes and thoroughly enjoys working alongside the great team at Workaway!
He started as a Driver and has grown to become the Operations Manager, managing recruitment and staffing. Prior to this, he worked for Australia post for 36 years.
Rod Wilson
Rod has been a driver for Wheelaway since 2016. Prior to this, he was a self employed Outboard Motor Technician and part time Ballroom Teacher. He still teaches a 75 year old blind woman after more than 12 years.
He has an affinity for people who have been dealt a bad hand in life.
Staff Images
Testimonials
Thank you Wheelaway!! The Van was so easy to drive.
It was nice to have that freedom for the last 2 weeks to take my Mum (who is bedridden) out and about in her power wheelchair and enjoy the holidays with family and not having to worry about calling a Maxi Cab.
P.S. My Mum misses the Van already haha
I would definitely recommend Wheelaway Hire Vehicles! They were very accommodating, and paid taxi fares for us to get home when their van broke down! Thanks Wheelaway, much appreciated 😃
Excellent service, vehicle and ease of use. Would recommend them over wheelchair accessible taxis anyday.
On behave of my two sisters and I, I would sincerely like to thank you for a wonderful travelling experience. We had two recent bookings, one from Melbourne to Cranbourne and return, then another from Melbourne to Inverloch and return. The effort and care taken by our driver Hermann and the ease of communication with Diane in the booking department where much appreciated. Our driver was punctual and very attentive to my sisters requirements for travel in her wheelchair. This just added to the enjoyment of our day out. We would highly recommend your Service and would not hesitate to book you again should the need arise.
Gwen CookePassenger
Thank you for driving me from gate 5 to the V8 village, because I got to meet my favourite V8 driver, Chris Pither!! #111. Love from Ash
Dear Di and Paul, words cannot express how grateful we are to you both and to all the Wheelaway crew who help Ash get around the track every year, without complaint. You guys ROCK!! Thank you to the moon and back.
The Giammorid family would like express our gratitude for the excellent service provided by Wheelaway for our fathers funeral. Your driver, Hermann was very compassionate and respectful towards our mother and family members.
Dear Dianne and all the wonderful staff at Wheelaway. Thank you all once again for your help taking us from gate 10 to gate 1 with such care and help it makes my life so much better during the 4 days.
To Paul and Dianne, Thank you so much for your help with the hire cars - if i ever need a hire car I know where to come, eh?! Thanks ever so much. Take care and keep well. Kind Regards
Dear Diane, I'd like to thank you for your kind consideration when my wife and I visited on Sunday, 25th October to pick up a Kia and then cancelled. Im sorry the hire did not proceed but look forward to doing business on another occasion. Thanks again for your understanding.
Hi Diane,
We rented an accessible van from you guys earlier this week. We picked it up from Hermann. We just wanted to let you know how happy we were with both the van and the outstanding service we received.
The van was all ready for us to pick up at the agreed time and Hermann gave us both a breakdown on how it all worked. When we arrived at the nursing home to pick Mum up we realised the hoist wasn’t wide enough to fit Mum’s chair on. We rang Hermann in the hope he might have a van with a bigger one. Not only did he have one he brought it down to us!!
To say we are impressed with the service is a total understatement. Hermann was excellent and very, very helpful.
You have got yourselves a regular customer here for sure.
Thanks again!
He (Rod) made everything so easy and was so considerate. It really helped make the day so special for us, thank you once again.
Louise MofflinAugust 2022
"My daughter and I would like to thank your company and especially the female driver of the bus we used for the three days. She was very good considering the chaos caused by the wet weather and being her first time at Motogp. She was very helpful, kind, and considerate. I'm bad at remembering names so sorry for not mentioning her by name. Also your support people were very good at putting up with the chaos."
Alison & TedPassengers at Motogp 2022
"The Motogp was great. It was our second time. To get outside the track and obviously back in you have to drive. That’s where I meet our taxis inside and out, Wheelaway. They were great. We called them up when we wanted to walk right around the track and they came. They also could take in the car/van my scooter.
We did that Friday and Saturday. Went outside the track to have a look around. Then Sunday while the race was on we went to the end of the corporate boxes where there’s a bar and sat there and watched it. It was great.
Just wanted to say thanks to the team at wheelaway for their support during the f1’s this year and even the past few years we have become like family providing water,lollies and chocolate to provide for the f1 experience each day the laughs jokes and in depth conversations have made the wheelaway experience a very enjoyable one each year and i can’t wait to catch with di and Paul and the crew (new or old) Bring on 2024 and beyond!!
Hey Hermen, it’s Tayla. I just wanted to say me and mum landed safely in one piece back in Perth last night. I can’t thank you enough for your incredible hospitality and kindness with the car and everything in general. You are such a generous man and I will be recommending your services to everyone I know :-hope to see you again soon. I will hopefully be back to Melbourne for the Beauty and the Beast musical so you might see me sooner than you know. It. Have a good day.
Tayla 2024
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