When Matthew puts on his St John Ambulance uniform, he is not thinking about limitations; he is thinking about people.

Since joining St John Ambulance Victoria’s Bendigo Division in mid-2024, Matthew has become a familiar and trusted face at events across Bendigo, regional Victoria and even major Melbourne events like the Melbourne Cup. In his short time volunteering with St John, he has gained skills, confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

But Matthew’s journey is about more than volunteering, it is about challenging expectations and showing that anyone can make a difference, including people living with disability.

Finding Purpose Through Volunteering

For Matthew, becoming a volunteer wasn’t a sudden decision. It was something that stayed with him for years.

After first exploring St John for a short while, back in 2014, life and work took him interstate and then back to Victoria. Eventually, he decided it was time to stop putting volunteering “on the back burner” and give it another go, this time in Bendigo, where he now lives and works at Bendigo Hospital as a ward clerk.

“It’s been great,” Matthew says. “I’ve learnt so much, met new people and built connections within the St John community. Every event brings new challenges, new skills and new experiences.”

From community events like Connor’s Run to large-scale deployments such as the Melbourne Cup, Matthew thrives on being part of a team that supports people when they need it most.

‘That’s Why I Do It’

One moment stands out for Matthew as a defining reminder of why he volunteers.

At a motocross event, Matthew and his colleague were at the frontline of care, providing first aid to the participants in need.

“I felt like I had a purpose. I was there to help, and that made the experience worth it.” he recalls.

Matthew has also used his St John training beyond events, applying his advanced first aid skills as a SES volunteer. He credits St John Ambulance Victoria with giving him the confidence and capability to step in during high-pressure situations.

“The training is comprehensive,” he says. “It goes beyond the basics and prepares you to really help people, not just as a volunteer, but in the wider community.”

Redefining Disability

Matthew was born with spina bifida, a condition that can significantly affect mobility. He wears leg braces and lives with daily physical challenges, but he refuses to see disability as a barrier.

“I don’t see disability as a limitation,” Matthew says. “I see it as something that challenges expectations.”

He knows that many people assume volunteering as a first responder isn’t possible for someone with a disability, and that’s exactly the mindset he wants to change.

“If I want to do something, I’ll challenge myself to do it,” he says. “If that means training harder, building strength or learning new skills, I’ll do that. I want people to see that someone with a disability can volunteer, can respond, and can serve their community.”

Matthew hopes his story encourages others, with or without disability, to consider volunteering.

Bendigo Needs Volunteers Like Matthew

Could You Be the Next Matthew?

Matthew’s journey shows that volunteering isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being willing.

If you are looking for something meaningful, a way to build skills, meet people and support your community, St John Ambulance Victoria wants to hear from you.

Volunteer with St John Ambulance in Bendigo

Apply now at: https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/info/

Because when people like Matthew step up, communities grow stronger, and expectations are rewritten.