Matt Barber was a passionate high school teacher for nearly two decades, in both Australia and internationally.  After his high school education was complete he went on to study at the University of Queensland across two degrees.   His focus was on Language, Culture, Identity and Education, gaining a better understanding of social constructs and human behaviour.

This solid platform has seen Matt supporting not only his students but also the school staff, his colleagues and members of the community. Whilst operating in Deputy Principal roles and leadership positions, Matt was able to implement strategies & well-being programs that would set teaching staff, deputies & principals up for success.

With a passion for leaving the teaching space better than he found it, Matt has guest-presented at Griffith University in support of teachers at the very beginning of their careers.  Matt has also assisted esteemed university researchers and PhD students in the advancement of their research and achievement of Doctorates, whilst forging invaluable connections for senior students in that space.

Matt has been nominated for several awards over the years, including Teacher of the Year 2010, 2015, 2019 and 2023, as well as 2016 Australian of the Year.  Due to his creation of a unique teaching & learning environment, in 2024 Matt was chosen to be part of an Australian and New Zealand government campaign to recruit teachers into the industry of education.

In 2017 Matt developed his own senior schooling program called CooeeGC, the first of its kind and now being modelled around the country.  This model links students to industry, bridging the gap between school and life beyond the gates. Just as Matt’s way of life revolves around well-being principles, naturally that theme is embedded within the schooling program.  Matt met Nam Baldwin, co-founder of HUPO in his quest to find facilitators able to provide students with value well beyond the four walls of the classroom.

With the student’s first lesson starting at 6am in the surf, he had Nam introduce Breath Enhancement Training (BET) workshops. The tools & techniques helped support the students in the water, especially in challenging conditions.  They then found they were able to use the same knowledge & techniques to support themselves before exams, job interviews, difficult conversations and during all times of pressure and uncertainty.

Matt & Nam kept collaborating and brought many other well-being practices into play, all of which culminated in the development of lifelong learners who are standout citizens, students and surfers.

Matt has taken on Nam’s teachings over the years  & thrives when helping others realise their human potential.  He loves exploring ways to better oneself, physically, educationally and emotionally.  This passion resonates throughout his approach to teaching and in 2024 he was featured in Rolling Stone magazine emphasising, wellbeing as a culture in education and methods of teaching (pedagogy).

The environment, in particular the ocean, is where you’ll find Matt in his downtime.  It only seems fitting, given that the ocean connects us all to some degree and Matt prides himself on being a global citizen.  He does his best to learn from nature and feels a close affiliation with animals.

As an ocean lover and Chief Training Officer for Surf Life Saving Queensland, Matt has delivered Bronze Medallion and Public Safety Qualifications for the community with the vision to provide safe beaches on the Gold Coast.