My name is Matthew Caruana, and I threw myself off a seven-story building at 16. I had constantly said to myself, “I hate you, Matt. You’re worthless, you’re a waste of space. This is it.”

So, I jumped. Miraculously, I survived and gained a second chance at life. I could have succumbed to the new reality of being a paraplegic. I didn’t.

I began a great new life.

From the “worst day of my life,” I’m turning it into my best years.

Participation in “Profiles in Hope” - John Brogden AM

I’m honoured to be a part in John Brogden’s book, “Profiles in Hope.” John interviewed myself and 14 other everyday and well-known Aussies as part of his humanitarian project to share stories of surviving suicide and finding their way to a better life.

It’s a privilege to be featured in this book and promote it alongside James Packer, Layne Beachley, Jacqui Lambie, Ian Thorpe and many other inspiring people to show that even in the most challenging of times, there’s a way to build a brighter future.

This project resonated with me deeply as hope has been the driving force in my life since my injury. It has enabled me to keep resilient, adaptable and goal-directed - propelling me to overcome challenges and deploy courage to transform my visions into tangible achievements.

John's efforts have been an example for me to see how we can turn our lived experiences into a force for good, uniting people to leave a legacy of positive impact on what once affected us - so others don’t have to go through the same.

Nothing is out of reach.

Wearing the Australian Jersey for the First Time

In February 2024, I was honoured to be selected as part of the Emerging (Aussie) Rollers and play against Japan at the Australian Institute of Sport for a week long Tournament.

Through a seven day series of intense training and games with Japan, Rollers coaches and gold medal Paralympians, Brad Ness and Brett Stibners, brought the best out of me and my teammates as they shared their experience, knowledge and advice about the game. Their insights were invaluable both at the camp and have been a key point of focus as I continue my training back at home.

The continual encouragement brought the best out of everyone throughout the week. Be it from the coaches, teammates, or even the Japanese players - we could all see each other’s strengths and how much more we could contribute to the game.

I plan to build upon the strength and success from this camp as I head into this year’s National Wheelchair Basketball League, playing for the Manly Wheel Eagles.

This was a week at the AIS that I’ won’t forget. Wearing the Australian jersey for the first time was something special, and something I hope to do again soon.

Latest Ambassadorship: Basketball NSW

Having heavily involved myself in Wheelchair Basketball the last two years, I’m privileged to share my new alliance with the governing body for basketball in NSW because I believe that everyone has a place “on-court!”

Alongside Aussie basketball legends Anneli Maley and AJ Ogilvy, I had the opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion in basketball as we promoted the “Pride in Basketball Australia” Tournament that was co-hosted with Basketball Australia.

The tournament was a huge success. With a great turnout, various competitions being held over the three days, and lots of positive energy throughout, we collectively boosted the message of inclusion both on and off the court!

I look forward to continuing my relationship with Basketball NSW and enabling the best in others through a sport that has taught me many life lessons.

Guinness World Records: Transforming Hope Through Action

Through months of focused training with leading authority in functional fitness and current Guinness World Record (GWR) holder Marcus Bondi, we broke the GWR for the most towel pull-ups in one minute!

Every day in many ways, I turn my current disability into my advantage, to forge an ability to push further, harder and rise higher. Because I’ve had so much against me, I’ve been able to direct that gravity in my favour to develop my mind, body and spirit to go beyond what I ever thought was possible. Nothing is out of reach when the only way is up!

Through sharing my GWR journey up close and personal on social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) and major TV/Radio networks, I aim to showcase an example of how we can transform our hope(s) through action.

If that’s possible for me, what could be possible for others?

Lifeline National Ambassadorship

In March 2023, I became an ambassador for Lifeline, the organisation leading suicide prevention in Australia. This partnership is aimed at amplifying hope to ensure others don’t end up in a similar situation that I was in.

On Lifeline’s 60th birthday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shined a light on the not-for-profit to recognise its service and invaluable support for Australians. Hearing those words from our nation’s leader reaffirmed the great decision I had made.

So far, early into our relationship, I have taken part in The Humans of Lifeline campaign, featured in Season 2 of their podcast, Holding on to Hope and completed the City2Surf representing them.

Happy 60th birthday Lifeline. I look forward to our alliance, the lives we’ll reach and the hope we'll share together!