CareMatch Australia

15/03/2026

🏉 From the rugby field to specialist spinal cord injury care.

Darrell’s path into support work wasn’t something he planned - but his life experiences prepared him for it in powerful ways.

After playing professional rugby in Europe, Darrell experienced serious spinal injuries himself and spent time navigating recovery and rehabilitation. Today, those experiences shape the way he supports others.

As part of the CareMatch team, Darrell works in our FIFO model supporting Nathan in his rural community - helping ensure Nathan can continue living on his farm, spending time with his children, and staying active in the life he loves.

“It’s not work,” Darrell says.

“For me, it’s a responsibility of using my experience so another person and their family can live life fully.”

We’re proud to share Darrell’s story and the impact specialist spinal cord injury support can have in helping people live life on their own terms.

👉 Read the full story here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-rugby-field-specialist-sci-care-darrells-story-australia-novyc

19/12/2025

🎉 What a year. From big goals in January to real impact on the ground - 2025 has been one to remember.

This year, we:
✅ Reimagined our brand to reflect our leadership in SCI care
✅ Welcomed Broni Turnbull back
✅ Launched our new training & compliance portal via Wyzed
✅ Hosted our first ever Participant Advisory Group
✅ Refined our participant-carer matching for deeper, more meaningful connections
✅ Partnered with Serene Pathways
✅ Expanded into South Australia and regional NSW
✅ Grew our FIFO and Onsite Shared Support teams, including another year at East Palm Beach
✅ Delivered critical nursing training in rural areas
✅ Upgraded our Broadbeach respite unit for smarter, safer stays
✅ Were awarded the post-hospital SCI supports for the world-first nerve bridge trial

Thank you to our incredible team, partners, and community for making it all possible.

💙 From all of us at CareMatch - happy holidays and see you in 2026!

18/12/2025

17/12/2025

CareMatch Christmas Party 2025 ✨🎄

Last Friday, we came together at Burleigh Town Hall to celebrate the year that was - catching up, sharing a beverage or two, and taking a moment to thank the incredible people who make CareMatch what it is. 💙

Thank you to everyone who joined us - and to those who couldn’t make it, your were missed! Our team spans far and wide, and we’re grateful for each and every one of you.

A very special shoutout to our Carer of the Month legends from across the year - your commitment, heart and care have not gone unnoticed:

🌟 Lily Gray (Feb)
🌟 Sabrina Fadanelli (Mar)
🌟 Stacy Parkes-Reece (Apr)
🌟 Peter Tekrua (May)
🌟 Vanessa Brownrigg (Jun)
🌟 Darrell Burchnall (Jul)
🌟 Krissy MacGeachy (Aug)
🌟 Nella Bradford (Sep)
🌟 Michael Mitchell (Oct)
🌟 Alexandra Forsyth (Nov)

Thank you for an incredible 2025 together.

15/12/2025

It’s our absolute pleasure to support Perry Cross and the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation in the dream to cure paralysis from SCI - and we cannot wait to see how this takes shape throughout 2026. 🙏🏻

11/12/2025

Meet Michael. 👇

After eight years in glazing, he swapped tools for care gear - joining CareMatch and stepping into a world he’d never imagined. “I saw it as an opportunity to change things up,” Michael says - and three months in, he’s proving it was the right call.

Now part of our FIFO team supporting clients with high-intensity spinal cord injury needs, Michael’s days involve much more than just care. From personal support to errands, social time and even a little sheep mustering and wool shearing - he’s embraced life in regional NSW, work with purpose, and a fresh perspective.

“It’s actually really refreshing … You’re working, helping people, and being in the country gives you a bit of a reset.”

We're so proud to have people like Michael - whose kindness and values remind us what real-world impact can feel like. 💙

24/11/2025

Vitori Buatava had the privilege of attending the ANZCoS 2025 Conference with Perry Cross last week - an inspiring event that brings together leaders in spinal research, innovation, and lived-experience perspectives from across Australia and New Zealand.

A standout moment for Tori and many others was Professor James St John’s presentation. His work continues to demonstrate the ground being broken in spinal cord injury research - and the future of what’s possible for people living with SCI. Truly inspiring to witness.

Proud for CareMatch to have been there. 💙

13/11/2025

Last night Vitori Buatava, his wife Natasha Buatava, and kids Oscar and Poppy attended the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation's Thank You Celebration at HOTA on the Gold Coast.

It's a fantastic event to sponsor and attend - a good chance to look back on everything Perry Cross' foundation has achieved year after year, and to reconnect with lots of familiar faces.

We're proud to continue supporting Perry, the PCSRF and their world-leading mission to find a cure for paralysis. We can't wait to see what the next 12 months brings! 💙

01/10/2025

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Operations & Admin Coordinator, Broni!

Integral to everything we do at CareMatch, Broni is the engine room behind the scenes - intelligent, diligent, and always showing the utmost respect for our mission and the clients we support. 💙

We’re so grateful for everything you bring to the team, Broni - CareMatch wouldn’t be the same without you. We hope you have a great day.

23/09/2025

📍 Back on the ground in Young!

Vitori Buatava and Fiona are currently out visiting Nathan and Steven (one of our newest clients, referred to us by Nathan).

It's been a bit of a journey navigating new plans with the NDIA, but we're close to finalisin Steven - possibly with a second FIFO team on the way for both of them. 💙

While in town, Fiona’s also been busy training a small crew in emergency SPC changes - a crucial skill when working in remote and rural areas like Young.

Both Tori and Fiona will be back again soon to help finalise the setup. 💪

11/09/2025

Check in and reach out. Today is , but any day can be. 💙

Image: RUOK.

04/09/2025

🥤 Sipped, supported, and celebrated!

The CareMatch team had a great morning yesterday at the SIP Week Morning Tea, hosted by our friends at and .

Now in its 11th year, SIP Week is all about raising awareness for spinal cord injury by challenging people to drink every beverage through a straw - just like many with high-level SCI do every day.

It’s a simple gesture with a powerful message - brought to life by .

💙 Here’s to a future with more breakthroughs, more research, and one day… a cure.