Meet Matt: veteran, carpenter, business owner, and creator of the Beyond Service Awards trophies.

An alumnus of The King’s Trust Australia Enterprise programme, Matt has made been making trophies for The King’s Trust Australia’s Beyond Service Awards since its inception in 2022.

Much to his surprise, he even made an award for himself!

“I thrilled to be a finalist at the 2022 Beyond Service Awards and I certainly didn’t expect to win. It took a few minutes to sink in that they had called my name and I had won The Power of One Award,” said Matt.

Matt credits The King’s Trust for saving his life. “The Trust came into my life when I really needed it. To be able to make trophy’s for the Beyond Service Awards is something I look forward to – it’s a small way that I can repay what The Trust has done for me.”

Matt’s passion for woodworking enables him to work part-time as a carpenter as he builds his business, Made by Matt. Using recycled timber, Matt crafts a unique range of products for the home, office and workshops.  

This year, Matt has moved away from traditional plinths and has made bespoke wooden boxes for the winners and finalists. 

“I really enjoyed making the trophies – it was fun, challenging and rewarding in so many ways."

“So many veterans have medals and memorabilia that often get put in a shoe box at the bottom of a cupboard and forgotten about. To have a beautiful box to keep them in means that there is more chance that memories will be shared, preserved and not lost in time.”

Take a look at the wide range of wooden products that Matt makes here: www.mxmmadebymatt.com.au