Matthew French is a highly accomplished Australian entrepreneur, decorated leader, and youth development expert whose transformative work has reshaped the landscape of early intervention, youth crime prevention, and mental health support across the nation. As the **Founder and CEO of The Youth Regiment**, Matthew stands at the forefront of a national movement dedicated to empowering young Australians through evidence-based, army-inspired programs that build resilience, leadership, and life skills.  

 

Professional Overviews

Drawing on his extraordinary personal journey from Australian paratrooper and Afghanistan veteran to survivor of a green-on-blue attack and a life altering spinal injury Matthew channels his lived experience into a mission of service, mentorship, and measurable impact. His leadership blends military precision with deep empathy, creating a unique model of youth transformation that has earned recognition from government, media, and community leaders alike in Australia and globally 

 

As Cofounder and eight-year Director of Veteran Mentors, Matthew led the organisation to national acclaim, culminating in the Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Award for Outstanding Business of the Year (2024). His programs have supported over 3,500 teenagers and their families, with endorsements from law enforcement, allied health professionals, and the justice system for his proven success in reducing youth reoffending and improving mental health outcomes.

 

The Youth Regiment

Under Matthew’s leadership, The Youth Regiment has become Australia’s leading early intervention initiative, combining military-inspired discipline with trauma-informed care. The organisation’s 9-day immersive programs and school-based early intervention initiatives are designed to equip young people with resilience, leadership, and practical life skills—while also supporting educators, parents, and communities in fostering long-term behavioural change and early intervention 

 

Matthew has built a coalition of experts and high profile collaborators that share in his vision including:

- Dr. Xanthe Mallett– Criminologist and academic expert in youth justice  and domestic violence 

- Senator Jacqui Lambie – Veteran advocate and political leader  

- Paul Langmack – NSW Rugby League legend and leadership mentor  

 

Together, with his partners they deliver a national framework for youth empowerment that is reshaping how Australia addresses the root causes of youth crime and disengagement.

 

Leadership and Influence

Matthew’s authentic, disciplined, and results-driven leadership style has been widely profiled in Australian media. His ability to connect through personal storytelling and practical insights has made him a trusted voice on youth development, resilience, and community transformation. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and commentator, with appearances on:

 

- 7 Spotlight Special Investigation – Beating Screen Addiction 

- A Current Affair, 7 Sunrise, and 9 Today Show  

- SBS,  ABC,  and Destination Happiness 

- Woman’s Weekly and multiple national print features, podcast  and 9 Now Documentary helping hand.  

 

 Achievements and Recognition

- Co-Founder and 8 year DirectorVeteran Mentors (2016) – Nationally acclaimed veteran-led youth mentoring organisation  

- Expanded Veteran Mentors into NSW (2020) – Created the “Reconnection Expedition” program  

- Maintained program operations through COVID-19 with sustained national impact  

- Secured over $300,000 in sponsorships and $60,000 in-kind support from Bunnings  

- Expert testimony at the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee (2024)

- Keynote speaker at the Youth Crime Symposium 2024 alongside Senator Jacqui Lambie and senior government officials  such as the premier of Victoria 

- Secured $600,000 investment to launch The Youth Regiment (2025)  

- Endorsed by Federal Police, allied health, and justice departments for mentoring excellence  

- Advocated for the under-16 social media ban years before national debate (2019)  and was significant in it’s implementation 

 

Vision and Legacy

Matthew French’s mission extends beyond program delivery—he is building a national movement for early intervention through education, collaboration, and community support, His vision is to ensure that young Australians receive help before they reach crisis point, transforming reactive systems into proactive, compassionate networks of support.

 

Through The Youth Regiment, Matthew continues to redefine what leadership, resilience, and community impact look like in modern Australia. His unwavering commitment to measurable outcomes, transparency, and collaboration positions him as one of the nation’s most influential voices in youth development and social reform  recognised globally