During his time with the Army, Matt did a tour of duty in Timor as part of the peace keeping force. A tour of duty from January to June 2012 in Afghanistan followed, where he served at Tarin Kowt. Injury or death was just one improvised explosive device away at any time. 

In Afghanistan, Matt was commanding officer of Mentoring Task Force 4 for which he received a commendation. This read in part: "Your conduct during several incidents involving the neutralisation of improvised explosive devices and insurgent caches was calm and professional which reflect further on your leadership. Your performance during these high stress and potentially deadly circumstances set the standard for your subordinates who, under your leadership, performed to the highest standards."

Matt's stint in the Army provided a bridge over which a disengaged youth could cross to become a highly focused man. After leaving the Army, he enrolled at Griffith University for a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Last year he won two awards including the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence.

Based on these results and on his Army experience, Matt has been welcomed into the Griffith Honours College. This is a prestigious program for exceptional students in the top five per cent of all students at Griffith University. Matt has also been selected as one of only five Griffith University students to apply for a fully-funded scholarship to study law at the City University of Hong Kong for six months, later this year.

This is a very personal story about Matt's journey and thanks go to Carol for sharing it. But it has a wider resonance. Australia is a lucky country in which young people like Matt can go to university through adult entry in later years.

On this Anzac Day, we remember those who served, were wounded or died for our country. It is worthwhile reflecting that for many of these, the educational opportunity that Matt has grasped as a stepping stone to a fulfilling future was not to be for them.

But still, as Carol said in her own words, tinged with her Kiwi accent, "This is all about a wee boy who didn't finish year 10..."  

Blue Light Disco success

There were over 50 youngsters ranging from five to 16 at the recent Blue Light Disco on Saturday April 12. Local policeman Senior Constable Vince Salsone had previously been stationed in Urana and set up the Blue Light Disco program there. His former colleagues brought the full kit to Gunning as thanks to Vince. Nine Urana kids came too.

Among the seven adult supervisors was Senior Constable Barb Beard, youth liaison officer from Goulburn, ensuring a successful and safe evening with no 'pass outs'.

Vince is grateful to the shire council for free use of the hall and thanked the Telegraph Hotel and the Old Hume Café.  

Coming up

Friday May 2: Gunning Uniting Church Lunch from 12pm, supporting asylum-seeking children in detention - donations welcomed.

Sunday May 4: Collector Village Pumpkin Festival is on from 10am to 4pm. Adults $5 and kids under 12 are free.