Both Matt and Wendy were Queenslanders but understood that the fight for human rights, full inclusion and support to live great lives could only be won in a national campaign.

From the earliest days in 2011, Matt gave unstinting support to the EAC campaign for the NDIS.  He lobbied community and political leaders and was the driving force behind the legendary “Is Everybody Here?” community events and NDIS rallies in his Caboolture community near Brisbane. He was a mentor, leader, advocate and loving friend to anyone who needed him.

Wendy was an architect and a strong, independent advocate who influenced accessible home and building design and policy. Among her many advocacy roles Wendy was the State convenor for the Queensland Network for Universal Housing Design for many years.  Wendy was a strong supporter of the Every Australian Counts campaign for the NDIS, and played a key role influencing many disability organisations, QLD MPs and policy designers to get behind the NDIS.  Wendy was a loving and generous friend and a mentor to many.

Both Matt and Wendy were high achievers who wanted to make the world a better place, yet remained humble about their work and the positive impact they had on the lives of disabled children and adults and their families. Matt and Wendy were highly respected by their many friends and colleagues. Both will be greatly missed but their legacies will remain in the hearts and minds of the Queensland disability community.

Our thoughts and love are with their families, friends and loved ones. We thank Matt and Wendy for their vision, advocacy and courage and for their early and never-ending support for the NDIS and people with disability.