Zach

Eight years ago, Zach experienced a life-changing motorbike accident that resulted in him losing his right leg, among other injuries, and spent the next 100 days in the hospital. In two videos, Zach reflects on the early days of his journey post-injury and his life now – a story of courage, perseverance and determination to reclaim independence and redefine success.    

Part one: Early days post-injury  

Zach’s accident left his future filled with uncertainty. Reflecting on the early days post-accident, he shared,  “Success and fulfillment for me back then was pretty much just trying to get back to somewhat normality. Normal is a pretty broad term, but for me, normal was just being able to get up on my own volition, being independent to the point where you can do stuff on your own.”

The clinicians painted a harsh picture of the challenges he might face, including the possibility of being bedridden for life. These realities weighed heavily on Zach, but he resolved to prove them wrong. His short-term goals became small steps to independence – mobilising in a wheelchair, strengthening his damaged arm, and eventually walking with crutches. 

The role of NIISQ and prosthesis  

Zach credits the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland’s (NIISQ), for its advocacy and dedication to exploring innovative solutions. NIISQ’s support helped equip him with essential tools, achieve his short-term goals, and foster a strong belief in his ability to conquer even the toughest challenges. 

“NIISQ… stepped up to the mark and fought hard for me when I couldn’t speak up for myself,” Zach explained.  

One of the most significant ways NIISQ supported Zach was by helping him achieve what initially seemed impossible: using a prosthesis. Initially, clinicians doubted the trialling of a prosthetic due to the extent of his injuries, however, with the help of a private prosthesis maker and NIISQ’s support, Zach defied expectations. 

The prosthesis became a turning point, both physically and mentally, empowering him to push boundaries and regain mobility.  

“It was probably what drove me to check out after a hundred days and just tick all those boxes…  a ‘don’t tell me what I can and can’t do’ sort of thing,” Zach said. 

Redefining disability and personal injury 

Zach’s journey also involved him confronting his own stigmas surrounding the term disability. Initially, he struggled with what he viewed as a ‘label’, but over time, came to embrace it as part of his identity and recognise his strength. “It made me realise that I’m still the same person, I’m still the same Zach. Just with missing a limb now, there’s no difference really,” he said. 

His advice to others facing challenges is simple yet powerful:  

“Don’t let people tell you what you can or can’t do. Go all in, just give it your all. You are the person who’s in control of your own life. Don’t let others control it for you.” 

Part two: Eight years post-injury  

From regaining independence to finding new passions, Zach reflects on how far he’s come and how his experiences have shaped the person he is today, eight years later post-accident.  

Reclaiming independence   

For Zach, being able to drive again has been the key to his independence. “I don’t think I would be as positive as I am today if I knew that I couldn’t drive myself places. I love driving. (My) quality of life is through the roof just because I can drive again,” he shared. 

This newfound freedom has allowed Zach to reclaim a sense of normality and independence in his daily life. His mornings start with a simple but cherished routine: “I get up in the morning, make up some brekky and go sit outside with my dog, just have a coffee before I have to head off to work.” 

Working and giving back 

Zach’s accident and recovery have given him a unique perspective, which he now uses to inspire and educate others. He works at Toowoomba Hospital, the very place where he was treated after his accident, helping others who find themselves in similar situations. 

In addition to his ‘day job’, Zach has discovered a hidden passion for public speaking. Despite his initial fear of speaking in front of even small groups, he now shares his story with audiences of hundreds, including through his involvement with the After P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program designed to reduce road-related trauma in young people.   

“It’s always a bit of fun seeing their reactions and what not, but being able to show [young people] what can happen if they decide to make ill-informed decisions, hopefully being able to impact their lives in some positive way.”  

He finds it humbling knowing that his story can inspire others to overcome their own challenges:  

“It’s a pretty cool experience. It makes me feel fulfilled… it makes me feel that me losing the leg was probably worth it, in my opinion.” 

 A lot of people look at me a bit weird when I say that, but me losing the leg has probably been the best thing that’s happened to me. Not only personally, but also spiritually.” 

Returning to university and travelling  

Before the accident, Zach was pursuing a degree that he believed no longer aligned with his new reality. After taking time to recover, he decided to return to university and pursue his passion for history. 

“I was at uni, but post-accident, I sort of put it on hold there for a couple of years. Unfortunately, I didn’t really think that my previous degree… was probably going to be the career that I wanted post-accident. So, I decided to get back to uni and switch into a completely different degree that I wanted to do now,” Zach shared. 

He has also embraced new experiences, including travelling overseas for the first time on his own. 

“I like traveling as well. So I’ve just recently gone on my first overseas travel by myself… I went over and watched the MotoGP in Malaysia just recently. So I’ve definitely got some more travel on the books, I think, now since I’ve shown that I can actually do it.” 

NIISQ’s lifetime support    

As a lifetime participant of NIISQ, Zach continues to benefit from peace of mind. 

“Knowing that I have NIISQ there, available at the ready, if I ever need any type of support… it sort of relieves a lot of anxiety around anything and everything related to my injury,” Zach explained. 

He credits much of his success to the people who have supported him along the way. 

“Most joy and satisfaction in my current life is probably seeing how everyone’s hard work has finally paid off. I’m the person I am today because of all these people around me.” 

“Knowing that I didn’t listen to the people who told me what I could or couldn’t do, being able to champion for myself, really stand up for myself, and move forward from something pretty traumatic… it’s something I’m pretty proud of.” 

Thank you to Zach for taking the time to sit down with us and share his story.