Meet Our Team
Who makes us, us?
We are a small team making a big difference.
Mat Bowtell
Founder and CEO
Mat worked as a senior engineer at Toyota in Australia and Japan for ten years before the automotive industry shutdown. He is passionate about the global sharing of technology and ideas with the goal of making assistive technology freely available to those who need it most.
Yuka Bowtell
Operations Director
Yuka worked as a dietician in Japan before moving to Australia over 15 years ago. Her incredible memory keeps us on track and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Caroline Wright
Operations Manager
Caroline takes care of many of the daily administration and operational aspects and supports Mat in his role as CEO.
Xavier Vella
Mechatronics Engineer
Xavier Vella is a passionate young mechatronics engineer dedicated to advancing inclusive technology. With lived experience of having an upper limb difference, Xavier brings a unique perspective and innovative approach to problem-solving, striving to create solutions that break barriers and empower individuals from all walks of life.
Michael Coghlan
Bio-Medical Engineer
Michael recently graduated from university with a deep interest in understanding the intricate mechanisms of the human body and improving new assistive devices for people in need. He's already making valuable contributions towards our new designs and prototypes. He is also supporting us with the development of the new bionic arm. His courteous and respectful manner has helped him quickly integrate into our team.
Andy Werner
Content Creator
Andy is supporting us with all thing’s imagery, marketing and media and currently documenting our journey with the world!
Lachie Thomas
Software Engineer
Lachie is writing the software which will power our low cost, multi-grip Bionic Arm. He started as a volunteer during his last year of university and shares a common vision for making assistive technology accessible.
Georgie Lyons
Public Relations
Georgie brings over 10 years of experience in corporate and not-for-profit marketing and communications. She recently joined us part-time to help strengthen relationships, expand our marketing efforts, and support our mission.
Our Board Members
Our board consists of individuals who share and understand our purpose and passion. People who have come to us and generously volunteer their skills, time and knowledge to help us grow.
Scott Leis - Director
Scott reached out in 2019 with the intention of offering his unconditional support. He not only provided his knowledge and time but threw the resources of his entire team behind us. Scott helps Free 3D Hands navigate corporate partnerships and is passionate about keeping our WHY at the forefront of how we operate. Scott’s positivity, kindness and friendship are as highly valued as his skills.
Claire Bown - Director
Claire is a lawyer specialising in employment law, with over 25 years’ experience in workplace relations, including roles in human resources and industrial relations across various industries. She is a Partner at KHQ Lawyers, who proudly provide pro bono support to Free 3D Hands. Claire brings legal, governance and HR expertise, along with strong communication and relationship-building skills to the Free 3D Hands Board. Originally from WA, she has lived in Victoria for 20 years and is thrilled to support a local charity that embodies a spirit of sharing and openness.
Peter Fuller - Director
Peter has come from an information and communications background, managing large corporations through growth, mergers, and acquisitions. He retired recently however remains active, contributing his expertise to various organizations. He brings our charity a wealth of business knowledge, as well as risk management and compliance. He's a family man, a cyclist, and a rugby player, with a distinguished military background as a former paratrooper!