Worley was known for his rare collection of nearly 10 hours of footage from the 1970s and 1980s, which tells the story of the development of Paralympic sport, both in Australia and internationally.

It has been described as "one of the single most significant contributions to the protection of the history of Paralympic sport".

A dentist, Worley was introduced to to the Paralympic Movement when his wife Barbara suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 1967.

He filmed his first big international competition at the 1972 Paralympics in Heidelberg, with his surviving work the only known footage of the Games. 

"The Australian community has lost a passionate and important member of its Paralympic family, following the passing of historian and filmmaker Don Worley," Paralympics Australia said. 

Lynne Anderson, the organisation's chief executive, added: "Don is an incredibly important member of our Paralympic family, who leaves an indelible mark on us all. 

"His contribution to the Australian Paralympic History Project has been immense - it is an absolute possibility that Don's footage is the only in the world to survive from early Paralympic and other Games.

"Largely unbeknown to him at the time, Don's vision is so important and will now live on in history. 

"In many ways, he has helped shape Paralympic history.

"I am especially proud that among the footage is the only known vision of the 1972 Paralympic Games, where the Australian Paralympic team won six gold, nine silver and 10 bronze medals. 

"Were it not for Don and his Super 8mm camera, we may not have been able to watch the likes of Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame inductee Tracey Freeman in action, who in Heidelberg - with her three gold and two silver medals, and three world records - set a new standard for Paralympic performance in Australia and paved the way for future female track and field stars, including Louise Sauvage and Amy Winters.

"Don's passing will by no means mark the end of our celebration of his films. 

"We remain as committed as ever to protecting the history of the Paralympic Movement, and as we look ahead to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, to ensuring that each and every member of the Australian Paralympic team understands and appreciates the experiences of those who preceded them. 

"This is why Don's generosity in sharing his films with Paralympics Australia is such an amazing legacy." 

Worley is survived by his sons Paul, Mark and Phil, and their families.