Matt Brown’s home sits high on the hill, offering a stunning view of the beach where he spent countless afternoons as a schoolboy. Over coffee and his homemade Christmas Cake, Matt paints a vivid picture of those simpler times in Kiama.

“When my schoolmates and I met after school, we’d head straight to the beach—friends, bikes, and saltwater,” he recalls with a smile. “We used to call it body bashing. The waves would just dump you, rip you apart.” He laughs at the memory, a tangible connection to the beach culture of his youth. Trips to Bombo or Seven Mile Beach with surfboards came later, often requiring a lift from someone’s parents. “I wasn’t a great surfer,” he admits, “but I was always in the water.”

The ocean, it seems, has not only shaped Matt’s childhood but also his values. “Empathy is like surfing,” he reflects. “You’ve got to read the waves, try to understand what’s coming at you and how it might feel for someone else.” This philosophy is embedded in his approach to leadership and social justice, guiding him as he navigates the challenges of public life.

Parenting, Matt explains, has also been a teacher of patience and persistence. “Helping my kids with homework, cooking together, or just being present—it grounds me. It’s a constant reminder of what truly matters,” he says. This grounding influences his work in council, where he applies the same principles. “Change takes time and effort, but it can make a lasting difference,” he adds.

Matt’s advice for young people finishing school reflects these values. “Patience and persistence. You won’t achieve everything overnight, and that’s okay,” he says. “Set a goal and work hard, even when obstacles arise. Those lessons—being patient with yourself, persisting through setbacks—apply in every area of life.”

When holidays come, Matt and his family dive into cultural experiences. “We love musicals and symphonies,” he shares, adding that South America is next on his travel bucket list, with Machu Picchu being a long-held dream.

Closer to home, Matt’s creativity shines in the kitchen. “Cooking is something I learned from my grandmother,” he says, fondly recalling her formative influence on his life. “Her recipes are still with me today.” He jokes that cooking, much like his hobby of playing the saxophone, is part art and part science. “The saxophone is a way to unwind,” he explains. “Something that’s just for me.”

Despite his busy schedule, Matt remains deeply connected to Kiama. “It’s the people,” he says simply. “Everyone says hello when I’m walking the dog. There’s a sense of belonging here that’s hard to find anywhere else.” He’s quick to credit the town’s strength to its residents. “Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local events, or just saying hello on the street, it all adds up to a strong, connected community.”

Matt acknowledges the scrutiny that comes with public life but embraces the responsibility. “People don’t always see the bigger picture,” he says. “Sometimes they’re lobbying for a specific issue without understanding broader challenges—like budget constraints or long project timelines. But I try to listen, and where I can, I act.”

As we finished the last slice of his fabulous Christmas Cake, I asked how he’d like to be remembered. “As someone who was committed, who cared, and who worked to make a difference,” he says simply.

His final thoughts echoed the "Three Ps" that have guided his journey: patience, persistence, and parenting. “Patience allows you to navigate challenges with grace,” he reflected. “Persistence keeps you moving forward, even when things feel tough. And parenting—or nurturing others in your life—reminds you of the importance of connection, understanding, and community. Together, they build the resilience we all need.”

From body bashing at Kendall’s Beach to playing the saxophone at home, Matt’s life is a balance of local roots, global curiosity, and an enduring passion for community. It’s a combination that continues to shape his perspective and his service to the town he loves.