At 16, Matt Caruana became paraplegic after he jumped from a seven-story building. What he once believed was the “worst day of his life” began the journey of building his greatest years ahead.

He is an ambassador for Lifeline Australia, a Jewish convert, and in 2023, he broke the Guinness World Record for the most towel pull-ups in one minute.

Matt has shared his story with hundreds of schools, synagogues, organisations and communities nationwide, and his message is clear: “The Only Way Is Up.”

Through living out that theme, Matt was accepted into the Australian National Para Climbing Team in 2025, and after 10 months of training, placed 6th at the September 2025 Seoul Para Climbing World Championships.

With Para Climbing officially making its debut as a Paralympic sport in LA 2028, Matt aspires to continue representing Australia in the sport, particularly at the Brisbane 2032 Games.

In June 2026, Matt’s next major milestone is the IFSC Para Climbing World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria – one of the most important qualifying events on the para climbing calendar. Competing at Innsbruck is a critical step on Matt’s path toward becoming a Paralympian.

This fundraiser is being organised by the Cremorne Synagogue Board and Community on Matt’s behalf.

All funds raised will go directly toward supporting Matt’s training, travel, and competition costs as he continues to pursue his Paralympic ambitions.

Matt is an extraordinary human being – relentlessly positive, deeply resilient, and proudly devout in his faith. We believe his name will, in time, sit alongside other great Australian Jewish Olympians such as Jess Fox and Jemima Montag. Matt has already inspired countless people through his journey, and we invite you to give generously to help him take the next crucial steps toward achieving his dreams.

Funding milestones:

$1,500 – 12-month climbing gym membership ✅

$3,000 – 12-month membership + supplementation ✅

$7,500 – 2026 Innsbruck World Cup fully funded

$15,000 – 2026 Innsbruck & Gunsan World Cups fully funded