When Matt and Kristel reconnected through their work at Endeavour Foundation, neither expected it would change their lives.

What began as working side by side soon became a close friendship, supported by a workplace where they both felt comfortable, included, and able to be themselves.

“We started off as friends,” Kristel said.

“Then we got to know each other more, and eventually we started dating.”

As their connection grew, so did their confidence in one another and in themselves.

Today, Matt and Kristel are engaged and looking forward to the future they are building together.

For Matt, their relationship has always been built on support, laughter, and shared happiness.

“She makes me laugh all the time,” he said.

“She’s supportive, she’s got a great personality, and she’s just beautiful.”

A Chapter That Was Meant To Be

Matt and Kristel’s story began years earlier at a school sports day, long before either of them imagined working at Endeavour Foundation.

Life later brought them back together at the Burleigh Heads Business Solutions site, where they immediately recognised one another.

“We just started talking and getting to know each other properly,” Matt said.

“It felt normal and easy.”

That sense of ease grew into a relationship that has now lasted six years.

Now engaged, Matt and Kristel are looking ahead with excitement, supported by meaningful work, strong community connections, and a shared sense of belonging at Endeavour Foundation.

Growing in Confidence Together

After years at Burleigh Heads, Matt and Kristel moved to the Reedy Creek Recycle Market, continuing their journey with Endeavour Foundation in supported employment.

Each day they help price items, sort donations, and prepare goods for the community, turning everyday tasks into meaningful work that benefits both people and the environment.

“It gives me more interaction with people,” Matt said.

“I’m more comfortable and more confident now.”

Kristel says Endeavour Foundation helped her build confidence not only at work, but in her personal life as well.

“Endeavour made me feel a lot better in myself,” she said.

“It helped me feel confident making friends and meeting my partner.”

Although they often work in different areas of the site, they share small moments throughout the day, like having lunch together or occasionally catching a glance at each other from across the room.

“We just smile at each other, it’s nice,” Kristel said.

Making a Difference Side by Side

Alongside their love story, Matt and Kristel are proud of the impact they make through their work at the Reedy Creek.

In 2025 alone, the team helped divert almost one million tonnes of material from landfill, giving donated items a second life and returning them to the community.

Reedy Creek Recycle Market Manager Mark Pollard has watched their journey closely.

“I love a good love story,” Mark said.

“To see them grow from where they were years ago to where they are now is amazing. They’ve gained so much independence, and now they’re engaged. It’s really special.”

Mark says the work they do gives everyone at the site a sense of purpose and pride.

“Our supported employees get to be part of something real,” he said.

“They’re contributing to the community and helping the environment at the same time.”

Looking Ahead with Love

As Endeavour Foundation looks to its next chapter, we’re proud to stand alongside people like Kristel and Matt.

With their eyes firmly on the future, they’re already planning what comes next.

The pair share a love for travel, with trips to Tasmania and Canada planned for 2026 and 2027.

“We’re good travel partners,” Matt said.

“We like the same things, and we both love cruising.”

As we mark 75 years of people, purpose, and progress, stories like this show why that history matters.

Since 1951, Endeavour Foundation has stood alongside people with intellectual disability, backing their goals, their work, and their aspirations.

What began as a people-powered movement for change continues today through meaningful employment and inclusive workplaces, where everyone’s contribution matters.

Learn more about how Endeavour Foundation creates inclusive workplaces and meaningful opportunities through disability employment.