Mathew Townsend is an advocate, keynote speaker & environmentalist. He possessed Master of Environmental Management degree at UQ in 2016. He founded Nature Freedom in 2017. He recently voted as 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award at Healthy Land & Water Gala Dinner for his dedication in inclusive environmental projects. He is a regular presenter at Autism in Education conferences since 2014. He recently spoken at Asia-Pacific Autism Conference and presented his ideas at the Global Greens Congress at Liverpool, UK in 2017.
He is passionate creating a place for everybody from all walks of life experiencing social inclusion and accessibility connecting themselves with other people especially. He focus has been on co-designing programs and projects for young people looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the environment and inclusive community.
In 2017 he founded Nature Freedom, aims to connect and introduce young people with disabilities and/or mental health to meaningful access, participate and lead with local Bushcare and environmental groups. Since his difficulties finding right employers after he graduated at UQ in 2016 he established an idea to start a business for young people with similar experiences.
Life as an Aspie – Autism in Education Conference – ASPECT Australia – Sydney – 2014
Master of Aspie: sharing perspectives – Autism in Education Conference – ASPECT Australia – Melbourne – 2016
Reach out to the world: Aspie’s exploration – Asia-Pacific Autism Conference – Sydney – 2017
From all walks of life – National Landcare Conference – Brisbane – 2018
Navigating personal successes from a growing company – APAC19 – Singapore – 2019
Nature Freedom – an organisation for everybody – AABAT Forum – Natural Bridge – 2019
INLLEN ILC Project – Entrepreneurship & Disability – Melbourne North (online) – Teacher Professional Development Day – October 2019
Panelist:
Global Greens Perspectives on Disability Issues at Global Greens Congress – Liverpool, UK – 2017
UQU and iLab Entrepreneurship Forum – Brisbane – 2018
Changing Lives, Changing Communities Forum – Disability Leadership – Brisbane – 2018
Humanitarian Gala Networking Event – University of Queensland – 2019
Keynote presentations:
Autism in Education Conference – ASPECT Australia – Brisbane – 2018
Workshops
How inclusive natural environments can support future generations? – AABAT Forum – Natural Bridges – 2019