I’m a social entrepreneur, author and speaker. My book A Neurodiverse Journey in Social Entrepreneurship is out soon.
Bio
Mathew Townsend, was a founder of Nature Freedom and author of A Neurodiverse Journey in Social Entrepreneurship, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in his youth. He also lost his hearing when he was 18 months old. These disabilities did not stop him from exploring his passion.
A journey to discover his passion:
Mathew grew up in the beautiful Northern Rivers Region of Northern NSW before moving to Brisbane in 2015. He developed a passion for the outdoors and nature while participating at annual Deaf Camps through his district network for deaf and hard of hearing school-age students. Through the camp activities, he found enjoyment in the beautiful green bushlands, weather watching and canoeing. Over time, these hobbies grew into his greatest passions.
In 2010, Mathew travelled to James Cook University in Townsville to study a Bachelor of Environmental Science. During his time there, he discovered the beauty of the tropical environment and how it was impacted by climate change. He also contributed to sustainability at the university by reducing their energy and water consumption. Mathew completed his degree in 2012, and then went on an 8-month long trip across the United States. This was his first trip overseas, and he was stunned by the effects of climate change around the country. But despite this, the beauty of the National Parks and wildlife were inspirational, and when he returned home, Mathew began his journey into environmental conservation.
A journey to grow beyond obstacles:
However, life is not always smooth. In 2013, Mathew was unable to find employment when he returned home. Finding secure employment remained a constant challenge due to employers not understanding his disabilities. The ongoing job rejections and social isolation in the environmental and sustainability fields caused him to develop anxiety and depression. They even dampened his ambitions to work in the industry.
Mathew understands the difficulties of living with disabilities, being isolated within the community, and being rejected for job offers. In order to create an inclusive space for everyone, Mathew took the next step – Nature Freedom was founded in May 2017.
“Nature Freedom is dedicated to helping others to grow and thrive in similar challenges and journeys.” – Mathew Townsend, Founder & CEO
Achievements
- Queensland 40 under 40 Award InQueensland Media – 2023
- TOYP JCI Australia Young Achievement – Moral/Environmental Category – 2023
- AMP Tomorrow Future Maker AMP Foundation 2021/22
- QORF Outdoor Queensland Awards Winner The Qld Government Encouraging Participation Award Brisbane-2020
- Finalist 7NEWS Qld Young Achievers Create Change Award 2019
- Impact Boom Elevate+ Accelerator Program participant for Nature Freedom 2019
- QORF Outdoor Queensland Awards Finalist- The Qld Government Encouraging Participation Award Brisbane-2018
- Early Ethical Enterprise Pitch Finalist and Winner for Nature Freedom Melbourne – 2018
- Healthy Land & Water 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award Finalist and Winner – Brisbane 2018
- iLab UQ Accelerator Germinate 12 Participant for Nature Freedom Brisbane-2018
- Autism CRC Future Leaders participant Brisbane-2018
- Founded Nature Freedom-2017
- Trash Tribe Participant-Clean Coast Collective/Tangaroa Blue Cape York-2017
- Young Social Pioneer – Foundation for Young Australians Melbourne-2017
- Australian Delegate at Global Greens Congress-Liverpool, UK-2017
- Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence University of Queensland – 2016
- Better Hearing Australia National Scholarship – University of Queensland – 2015
- James Cook University Sustainability Student Award-2011
- Reuben F. Scarf Scholarship Award University of New England – 2009
Publications/Presentations
- 2023 Careers Week Journey as a neurodiverse entrepreneur Jigsaw Australia – Dec 2023
- INLLEN ILC Project – Entrepreneurship & Disability Melbourne North (online) Teacher Professional Development Day October 2019
- Nature Freedom an organisation for everybody- AABAT Forum Natural Bridge-2019
- Navigating personal successes from a growing company APAC19-Singapore-2019
- Reach out to the world: Aspie’s exploration Asia-Pacific Autism Conference Sydney-2017
- Master of Aspie: sharing perspectives – Autism in Education Conference ASPECT Australia Melbourne 2016
- Life as an Aspie in Education Conference-ASPECT Australia Sydney 2014
Education
- Field trips/research – Vietnam, Hong Kong, China and Macau
- Master of Environmental Management – University of Queensland – 2015-16
- Bachelor of Science – James Cook University – 2010-12
Panellist
- International Day for Peoples with Disability Carers Qld December 2023
- Humanitarian Gala Networking Event-University of Queensland-2019
- Changing Lives, Changing Communities Forum Disability Leadership Brisbane 2018
- UQU and iLab Entrepreneurship Forum – Brisbane – 2018
- Global Greens Perspectives on Disability Issues at Global Greens Congress – Liverpool, UK 2017
Keynote Presentations
- How to co-design your inclusive and accessible tour experiences – Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference in Asia-Pacific-2023
- Planning your next inclusive adventure – Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference in Asia-Pacific-2022
- Inclusive employment webinar Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference in Asia-Pacific 2022
- Redefine neurodiversity in workplace for individuals and businesses across Australia NeuroEmploy 2022
- Work to your strengths Neurodiversity Social Space Community-Online-2022
- Autism in Education Conference ASPECT Australia Brisbane-2018
Workshops
- How inclusive natural environments can support future generations? – AABAT Forum – Natural Bridges – 2019
Board Member
- Chair/founding chair – Nature Freedom – November 2018 to September 2024
- QCIDD Autism CRC Community Council – March 2019 to April 2021
- QSEC – January 2019 to February 2020