We are proud to welcome Fletcher Crowley & Lachie Bennett (Two Mates 1 Chair) as Ambassadors for the 2026 Sydney Disability Expo, taking place Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August at Sydney Showground.
The friendship between two Northern Beaches boys, Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennett, also known as Two Mates 1 Chair, has evolved into an inspiring global piggybacking adventure that has captured the hearts of millions. Through authenticity, a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace every opportunity, the boys are challenging perceptions of disability.
In 2023 when Fletcher suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury whilst mountain biking, a failed jump resulted in two fractured vertebrae, leaving him paraplegic and permanently reliant on a wheelchair. He didn’t waste time getting back into the swing of things, working hard for his Year 12 HSC and topping his multimedia class, as well as winning the 2025 Focus On Ability Short Film Festival.
Years later while doing physio at Sargood on Collaroy, a spinal rehab resort, Fletcher crossed paths with Lachie, a fellow Northen Beaches boy and former classmate. Lachie, who is currently studying Product Design at UTS, took on a role at the resort after following his passion for helping people. With a shared love for pushing boundaries and living life to the fullest, the two formed a bond that would eventually take them around the world.
Together, the mates developed a simple philosophy: say yes to opportunities and find a way to make them happen. The idea for Two Mates 1 Chair was born on an ordinary day and has accumulated 241,300 social media followers to date.
“We were down south at my nan’s place and we decided to go for a swim…it was a really nice beach, but I knew it wasn’t accessible. There was a lot of walking on sand, so I carried Fletcher down and we decided to film and share it,” Lachie says.
Then during a university break, the boys stumbled across an airfare deal that was too good to ignore. “We saw this unbelievably cheap…around the world ticket thinking it’d be silly not to take it,” Fletcher says.
“That was when the idea clicked – to just document the whole thing and just see what happens,” Lachie adds.
Since then, Fletcher and Lachie have travelled to iconic destinations around the world, owning their definition of ‘accessible’ while highlighting the kindness of strangers and the power of community. It’s an epic journey that has gained the attention of millions online.
“Looking ahead, we’d love to take other young people with disability away who have never travelled before… We want to show other young people that you can travel with disabilities and still have incredible experiences,” Fletcher says.
As Ambassadors for the 2026 Sydney Disability Expo, Fletcher and Lachie are excited to connect directly with everyone and share their stories.
“I’m excited to tell my story and hear their opinions, get their thoughts and connect with people face-to-face,” Lachie adds.
For Fletcher and Lachie, the most important message they hope visitors take away is simple: don’t be afraid to give things a go.
“I’d love people to walk away with the attitude of saying yes, giving things a crack and trusting the process,” Lachie says.
“Sometimes people can stereotype you or assume you can’t do something. If that happens enough, you start believing it yourself. But you know your own abilities better than anyone else,” Fletcher adds.
The Sydney Disability Expo is your gateway to hundreds of products, services, and community connections, all under one fully accessible roof.
Whether you’re seeking greater independence, exploring NDIS options, or connecting with local providers, the Expo is designed to empower people of all abilities.
- Explore the Future You Choose
Meet face-to-face with service providers, support organisations, employers and community groups offering everything from assistive technology to inclusive housing and employment opportunities.
- Inspiring Presentations & Workshops
Hear from industry leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Engage with interactive sessions and live stage talks designed to educate and inspire.
- Inclusive Entertainment for All Ages
Enjoy a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with live performances, activities, and entertainment for people of all abilities.
Accessibility First
The Expo has been designed to ensure an inclusive, stress-free experience for all attendees, featuring:
- Live captioning on stage
- Auslan interpreters available
- Quiet Hour: Saturday 8 August, 9am–10am
- Trained assistance animal-friendly environment
- Fully accessible venue, parking, and drop-off zones
Registering ahead of time allows visitors to skip the queues and gain early access to the Expo Guide, including parking and transport information, a full exhibitor list, stage schedules, and an interactive floor plan.
Catch Two Mates 1 Chair live on stage on Friday, 7 August at 11:00 am.
Held in Exhibition Hall 4, Sydney Showground, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 August, the Expo is free to attend. Register at www.sydneydisabilityexpo.com.au/attend-expo/