Local Bundaberg man Matt Griffiths is an advocate for social development, empowerment and the community.
His passion for helping others has seen him become heavily involved in multiple organisations and he has dedicated his life to not just Bundaberg, but also the global community at large.
Matt's dedication within the community and beyond has been highlighted as part of Bundaberg Regional Council's Our People Our Stories initiative, which celebrates local residents.
As a single father of a 15-year-old boy, Matt said he had a keen interest in youth development through education, which had spurred him to promote a range of student development programs and opportunities.
In 2022, he will host the Road Safety Young Driver Awareness Program alongside Bundaberg Police to teach students in Year 10 how to behave behind the wheels.
“RYDA features a highly engaging and memorable one day workshop which front-loads students’ understanding of road safety,” he said.
“It gives them the tools, habits and motivation to take action and stay safe on our roads.”
Matt was born with a birth deformity of his right femur which was amputated at age 15, but this does not slow him down.
Instead, it drives him to make a difference and help communities to achieve their potential.
He is also a passionate supporter of the Seven Women Foundation in Nepal which supports disabled and disadvantaged women through education, economic empowerment and social development.
At the outbreak of our current pandemic, Matt was in Kathmandu on a humanitarian tour with Seven Women and just made it back to Australia before the global shutdown.
He said he didn’t go to Kathmandu to watch, he went there to do, and so managed to climb the 1000 steps of the Monkey Temple.
A supporter of Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, BushKids and a Director of the Bundaberg Field Day Society, Matt said his life was never boring.
“Whether it is floods, fires, famine or drought I am always willing to lend a hand and offer support…and a sense of humour!” he said.
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