Create an experience with Matthew Newlands

Matt is a former Police Officer whose life spiraled out of control when he was arrested at work. His lived experiences battling post-traumatic stress gives him the ability to tailor a message of resilience, mindset, and leadership that creates an engaging atmosphere and a touching experience that will stay with your team.

Matt shares his own inspirational story about resilience and triumph over adversity. After 10 years as a front-line Police Officer with SA Police, witnessing constant human depravity and the failings of the system, Matt was diagnosed with severe Post Traumatic Stress and Depression. Matt almost lost his marriage and family and was battling suicidal thoughts when his deep depression and reckless behaviour led to his arrest whilst at work in 2015.

The following years resulted in intense recovery, working through a serious identity crisis and challenging his core values. Matt shares his learnings around the importance of community,  values-based decision-making, looking out for each other, challenging the individuals/organisations on their values; and how they make decisions in everyday life to better serve their goals or purpose. 

The themes Matt speaks on include resilience, leadership, teamwork, community, mateship, identity, core values, and overcoming hardship.

Matt now works as a Mental Health Advocate for emergency services and military personnel using his lived experience to encourage difficult conversations around mental health self-awareness in attempts to change organisational culture. 

Matt is also a registered Counsellor, an R U OK? Community Ambassador, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and a board member for the Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network.