Throughout his short, but rich life he has had a myriad of experiences in education, sport, music, travel, leadership and community service, all of which have contributed to the person he is today.

Matt holds tremendous value in family, friends, health and serving others and has developed wisdom and maturity beyond his years. Matt's story in itself is one of inspiration, however when combined with the processes of yLead, he takes students on an unforgettable development experience. Here are just a few of the experiences that have lead Matt to where he is today...

Matt completed his secondary education at The Hills Grammar School. In his penultimate year at school Matt achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award on a trip to Peru, where he undertook voluntary work at a remote village school in the Peruvian Andes. He was also selected by the school and his peers to be the McGrath House Captain, a position in which his leadership abilities developed and flourished.

Matt also excelled in his academic studies; achieving a UAI OF 93.25 and making the NSW honour roll for Business Studies, Information Technology and Music. His most cherished achievement however was to be awarded both the ‘Music Medallion' for his services to the music department and the ‘Lions Award for Outstanding Contribution to Extra-curricular Activities' in his final year.

Upon graduating from The Hills Grammar School, Matt became closely involved with yLead. He began volunteering his time as a conference leader and student mentor whilst learning the ropes on becoming a fully fledged presenter with the organisation.

In August of 2005, Matt was to face his greatest challenge to date - a fight for his life. He was diagnosed with an aggressive 17cm giant bone cell tumour growing from his spine, affecting his ribs, heart, lungs and potentially spinal cord. He was advised that he required an intense and risky surgery that could result in paraplegia or even death. Matt faced this ordeal with his trademark optimism, courage and bravery.

Fortunately surgeons were able to remove the entire tumour in a 9.5 hour procedure and after almost 48 hours in intensive care Matt began his road to recovery. He was told to lie flat on his back for 7 days before being able to even sit-up let alone walk.

It was during this time that Matt set himself a goal - to stand on the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, as he had originally planned to do, in December of that year. The Doctors were amazed at the commitment, dedication and speed of his recovery. Matt regards this experience to be one of the greatest learning experiences of his life, something that he readily shares with anyone willing to listen.

A mere 3 weeks after his operation Matt was inspiring youth with his story in Newcastle, Sydney and Brisbane. An amazing 13 weeks later he was standing at the Gates of Kilimanjaro and was ready to take on the worlds highest freestanding mountain. The rest of this story has to be heard first-hand to really do it justice!

Upon returning to Australia Matt moved to Brisbane and took up a full-time position with yLead. He constantly demonstrates excellence in his field and has developed into a mature and dynamic young presenter. His excellence is further backed by his ability to continually develop and improve. There are few individuals of Matt's young age who could be so effective in leading young people through programmes that not only help develop themselves, but their communities, families and the world around them.