Dear friends, union comrades and supporters, My name is Taylor Matthews and I’m reaching out on behalf of the Union community in general, Ian a proud Unionist Aboriginal elder a trade union legend, and tireless advocate for civil rights and member of the LGBTIQ community and he was recently the victim of a horrific hate crime in Prahran, Melbourne, and needs your help to rebuild his life with dignity and security. On 12th July 2025, Ian was lured to a house via A dating bApp, only to be viciously attacked in a targeted in “gay bashing.” The perpetrators punched and kicked him, hurling hateful slurs, leaving him with a fractured ankle, concussion, lost teeth, and deep emotional trauma. His glasses were shattered, his clothes torn, and his bag—containing his mobile phone, hearing aids, rent money, and irreplaceable sentimental jewellery—was stolen. In the aftermath, Ian hobbled home in soiled pants, a heartbreaking testament to the brutality he endured. Investigation shows that the family of a person who has made shocking false allegations that were later dropped in an effort to blackmail Ian. Despite this trauma, Ian’s spirit remains unbroken, but he urgently needs our support. Ian has spent decades fighting for others. As a trade union leader and former Vice President with the United Workers Union, he advocated for warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing workers, negotiating enterprise agreements and lobbying for fair treatment. As an Aboriginal elder, he volunteered countless hours raising awareness about police brutality, drawing from his own survival of childhood trauma at the hands of a well-known abusive police officer. Ian’s life has been dedicated to dignity, respect, and justice for all—values at the core of the union movement and our shared humanity. Right now, Ian is in crisis. Thanks to the incredible staff at NGWALA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outreach, he’s been provided temporary crisis accommodation. But this support ends soon, and Ian faces an anxious wait on Victoria’s public housing list. And reaching out to former colleagues from the union now in politics have failed to help, after reading the campaign update you will see why. Living rough before the attack, Ian also struggles with mental health challenges, and this assault has shattered his confidence. Doctors are treating his injuries (as seen in photos), but the perpetrators remain at large, and police are investigating. To regain his independence and stay active in the community—a lifeline for his mental health—Ian urgently needs a mobility scooter to navigate with his fractured ankle. He also needs funds to replace stolen essentials (phone, hearing aids, glasses), cover medical costs, and secure stable housing. Mobility Scooter ($2,000-$4,000): To help Ian move freely and stay connected to his community. Replacement Items (~$2,000): New phone, hearing aids, glasses, and clothing to restore his daily needs. Medical Expenses (~$3,000): Ongoing treatment for his ankle, concussion, dental work, and mental health support. Housing Support (~$5,000): Temporary accommodation to bridge the gap until public housing is secured. Living Expenses (~$1,000): Basic needs to help Ian focus on healing. His own permanent residence is a dream come true but not expecting this Every dollar counts, and even $5 or $10 brings Ian closer to recovery. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign on social media, with union networks, or in community groups can make a huge difference. Ian’s lifelong fight for workers’ rights and against hate inspires us all, and now it’s our turn to stand in solidarity with him. A Call to Unions and Allies: As Ian’s union family, we know that hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community violate the values of dignity and respect we fight for. Let’s rally together—share this campaign, spread the word, and show that hate has no place in our communities. Ian’s courage as a survivor and advocate deserves our unwavering support. He is currently passionate about helping retirement age Aboriginal people advocate for holiday time share like military veterans are deservingly gifted at st George's defence holiday accommodation in rainbow bay Qld he thinks his elders are veterans in their own right of an unfair war against people with hundreds of years ago and it's in the same vain of a gesture of goodwill and respect that this is top priority in this country so no one misses out . Please also consider writing to the National Secretary or Director/CEO as he likes to be called, Tim Kennedy via [email redacted].au or [email redacted].au