Meet Matt…
14 years of walking alongside young Tasmanians!
I've been with Home Base for 14 years and four months. My journey started with an interview in the old Colony 47 church on Davey Street for a Youth Connections role, before I joined as a Reconnect Worker. Back then, we worked out of a beautiful old building in North Hobart that everyone called "Allports", with the Housing Connect team just a few houses up at what we knew as the "Mimosa" site. Looking back, it's incredible to see how much has changed over the years, while the heart of our work has remained the same.
My path into this work wasn't exactly straightforward. I actually began studying Software Engineering at university before realising my passion lay elsewhere and changing direction to study Counselling.
One of my biggest influences has always been my mum. She has been a nurse since she was young, and her kindness, compassion and genuine care for others shaped the person I am today. Later, while volunteering with Lifeline in Queensland, I discovered how much I loved connecting with people from all walks of life. I found myself fascinated by people's stories; where they'd come from, what they'd overcome, and the strengths they'd discovered within themselves to keep moving forward.
Today, I facilitate our Merge Program, although some of the boys have affectionately renamed it "Man Club".
Matt with a graduating Merge Class.
Designed for Grade 6 boys, Merge supports young people as they transition from primary to secondary school and begin navigating adolescence. The program encourages healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing and respectful behaviours, with the long-term goal of helping prevent intimate partner violence. It's been incredibly rewarding to see the program grow thanks to the contributions of so many passionate people.
No two days look the same. One day I might be planning activities, the next I'm in a classroom listening to young people, encouraging conversations, sharing a laugh, or helping someone see their own strengths in a new light. It's the relationships that make this work so meaningful.
As a lifelong Lord of the Rings fan, one quote has always stayed with me: "I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."
That idea perfectly captures why I love what I do. Real change isn't always found in big moments. It's built through everyday conversations, encouragement and kindness.
Something you might not know about me?
I'm also known for my Australian Lithuanian beetroot soup! It's become a bit of a favourite, and we've shared the recipe here for anyone brave enough to give it a go.
My Australian Lithuanian Beetroot soup recipe
Which is twist on a classic traditional borscht recipe an Eastern European dish.
1 lb Beef: sirloin, stew meat, or whatever kind of beef you like, really (bone-in or boneless) or for a meatless version just add in whatever veges you have left over like celery, carrot, onion, potato etc.)
14 cups cold water
1 Tbsp salt + more to taste (I add in Worcestershire Sauce as well and vegetable or beef stock cubes)
2 large or 3 medium beets, washed and grated
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Garnish: Sour cream and fresh dill (Very Important!)
Step 1 - Chuck everything in big pot (except the beetroot and garnish) and bring to the boil then simmer for 2-4 hours.
Step 2 - Boil Beetroots in separate pot with water until cooked then remove at let them and let them cool down. Once cool, grate the beetroot into the main pot.
Step 3 - Serve in bowl with Sour cream and dill on top
Step 4 - Yes