Matt’s Story
Back
At the age of 21, I was a fully qualified heavy duty mechanic about to travel the world. I was celebrating the end of work with colleagues at Karijini National Park Gorge. I swam to a ledge beneath a waterfall and noticed others diving off the top into the water. Immediately I wanted to do the same. Ignoring a warning sign about climbing up the gorge, I proceeded to climb to the top of the waterfall. I had a realisation moment, that what I was doing was not safe and decided against jumping. I was making my way back down the track when my foot slipped on a big rock I’d passed earlier, and I was sent hurtling over the edge. Even though I had my hands above my head, I didn’t manage to avoid hitting the rocks.
After I landed in the water below, I checked and could feel my feet and hands, so I knew I was okay. A friend called out to me, I turned my head towards him and knew that something was wrong when I became completely paralysed because my spinal cord had been severed at C4.
Months of hospitalisation and rehabilitation followed. Spinal cord injury is debilitating, and the lack of independence is difficult to come to terms with. Fortunately my football club was a corporate member of PBF, which meant I was able to claim the member benefit payment. The money made a huge difference to being able to have modifications done so I could get home sooner to family and friends. I cannot emphasise how much this meant.
Follow us on Facebook for more
Latest News

Ebonny’s Story
Meet Ebonny: Ebonny was a very active member of the community pursuing her passion in photography and gaining experience in a bookkeeping career She regularly enjoyed activities ....

Abilympics 2023
This month, the Abilympics 2023 (or Olympics of Abilities) will be held in Metz, France with the aim to improve the vocational abilities of persons with disabilities to reach ....

Jodie’s Story
Road/Workplace/Youth Jodie’s life changed forever when she was struck by a motor vehicle whilst cycling The driver, was over the legal alcohol limit, found to be fatigued at the ....

Joanna’s Horse Ride
After breaking her neck in a fall Joanna is a C3 complete quadriplegic and uses a chin-controlled wheelchair An active PBF presenter Joanna believes that “anything is ....

Sir George Bedbrook inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame
13 October 2022 Pioneer of the Australian Paralympic Movement and founder of the Paraplegic Benefit Fund Australia inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame Perth, Western ....

National Photo Day
August 19th is National Photo Day, the perfect day to showcase PBF team member and photographer, Ebonny and her work “I’ve had a camera in my hands since I could walk, back ....

Konnah’s Story
“Don’t grow up too fast and don’t take life for granted” At the age of 16 Konnah had two passions, he was a musician and he liked to party with his friends on the weekends ....

PBF injury prevention programs
Everyday someone in Australia suffers a spinal cord injury While most Australians understand the importance of safety in the workplace, on the road and the water, very few people ....

The value of meaningful employment opportunities
Our own team members, who are themselves living as paraplegic or quadriplegic members of the community, are well positioned to comment on the positive impact of employment after ....

Michelina’s Story
On Boxing Day 1989, Michelina had recently finished her HSC and her family planned to drive to Adelaide for a 21st birthday party on New Year’s Eve They never made it past ....