Matthew Schneider: Urbis Gold Coast director, 39, dies after battle with stage four bowel cancer
Matthew Schneider lived every day of his life by a simple creed: “be kind but be fierce”. Now the community is remembering him as a visionary who made the Gold Coast a better place to live.
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MATTHEW Schneider lived every day of his life by a simple creed: “be kind but be fierce”.
It was this guiding light which kept the 39-year-old going until the very end of his courageous year-long battle with stage four bowel cancer.
It is that fighting spirit and unending kindness that is being remembered after the much-loved city planner died on Friday night, surrounded by family
The loving Tamborine Mountain father and director of property consulting firm Urbis is survived by his wife Samantha and three children; Maggie, and identical twins Oliver and Louis.
Mrs Schneider has led an outpouring of grief at the loss of her husband and thanked friends and family for their support.
“Matt has passed peacefully, and with grace, after a stoic and hard fought battle. In true Matt style, there was no fuss, he simply decided that it was time to go,” she said in a statement.
“Thank you for the outpouring of love, affection and camaraderie that you have showered Matt, and our family with, during this time.
“We are broken for now, as you are too, but know that his legacy in death, as in life, will live on.”
Mr Schneider had just returned from a month-long trip to Europe, where he enjoyed his first white Christmas in Germany with his family.
It would be his last family vacation, one he said was about “living life and instead of hiding at home”.
Sadly, his health did not bounce back after a bout with pneumonia following his return.
“I feel so lucky that my little family had the chance to experience this trip together,” Mr Schneider wrote on Instagram on January 12.
“I’m bursting with pride and gratitude for these four wonderful humans … to see them (the kids) joyous - carefree and joyous – again after all of the heaviness they’ve borne over the last year.
“And then there’s Sam. The most courageous, stoic, capable and loving mother who I watched lead our little tribe around some of the most beautiful parts of the world.”
In his final social media post the following day, Mr Schneider said that it felt “good to be home among family, friends and my medical team.”
“I know I can fight hard from here with you all in my corner. Thank you.”
In that post, Mr Schneider spoke of a bout of pneumonia which had seen him rushed to emergency.
He was due to have a “heavy duty” round of radiation the following week.
Tributes are flowing for the much-loved figure, who was also president of Southport Sharks Australian Rules Club and who helped shepherd several major developments from the drawing board to reality.
Sunland founder Soheil Abedian said: “His professional ability, his love for family and his kids, his connection to the community at large and every strut of society was unique”.
“He will be terribly missed but his legacy will always be here,” he said.
“Matt will be remembered as one of the individuals who nurtured and contributed to the progress of the city and I believe we should have him in our hearts and acknowledge the work he contributed for so many years.
“Anne and I will both miss him”
Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast had lost “a true warrior”.
“At all times, I know he had his family at the forefront of his mind throughout that battle,” he said.
“His selfless nature saw him constantly reflect on his love for Sam and the kids.
“I pray their recent European holiday gave them time to come together and enjoy special moments.
“On behalf of council, I pass on our condolences to Sam and their three children.”
Urbis CEO Benjamin Pollack said he would “miss Matt more than words can express”.
“He was not just our colleague and business partner but a loyal, passionate and supportive friend, particularly to his team, clients, and the community in Queensland,” he said.
“Matt joined Urbis in 2016 to lead the Urbis Gold Coast office which he did with great enthusiasm.
“He had an enormous impact on the Gold Coast Community both through his professional work and community involvement.”
The planning boss wrote prolifically about his battle since his shock diagnosis in June 2022, with the cancer having spread to his lungs, spine, pelvis and ribs.
He received the devastating news after having been unwell for months after contracting Covid-19 and losing more than 25kg – before doctors discovered he had an asymptomatic tumour in his colon.
When Mr Schneider received the diagnosis, he praised his family and said he was grateful for the support and love of his children and wife through his health battle, as well as the expert team of doctors treating him.
He told the Bulletin the week after going public with his battle against an aggressive form of cancer had been “the richest and most comforting” of his life.
Civic leaders citywide threw their support behind Mr Schneider in the wake of the announcement: “The tidal wave of love and support for me and my family already feels immense. I am incredibly thankful and feel as ready as I’ll ever be to start the fight of my life,” Mr Schneider said.
In December, he wrote on social media that he was “preparing for the worst but hoping for the best”, when he faced a “heartbreaking” new chapter in his cancer battle.
“Following great early results from the six months of chemotherapy I started back in June, this morning my oncologist began our appointment with the news that we have a problem,” Mr Schneider wrote.
“Last week’s PET scan shows the chemotherapy is doing a little, but not a lot. It’s no longer holding back the spread of this insidious cancer with more now having returned in my lungs and bowel, along with some new spots in my spine, pelvis and ribs.”
In November, Mr Schneider fought back tears at a Young Professionals Gold Coast City Leaders Forum, where he thanked the audience for supporting him during his health battle.
“I would like to thank everyone in the room who have done wonderful things for me and my family since I’ve been sick,” he said.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to address a crowd like this and I don’t know if I’ll have the opportunity again, so thank you.”
In July of last year, he candidly addressed a packed closest friends and colleagues at a long lunch in his support at the Southport Sharks, where he was club president.
He spoke candidly then to the crowd of close to 500 of his nearest and dearest who came to wine and dine with him.
Throughout his cancer battle, Mr Schneider remained optimistic and stuck by Winston Chuchill’s personal motto – “be kind; but be fierce”, which he would sign off with on updates regarding his health.
Mr Schneider, as well as his role at Urbis, was director at Placemakers Gold Coast and had board positions at Griffith University, the Property Council of Australia, Study Gold Coast, Bond University and Top 100 Women in construction.
‘MATT WAS EXCEPTIONAL”
THE Southport Sharks football club is remembering its late president Matthew Schneider as an “exceptional leader”.
Mr Schneider died on Friday at age 39 follow a year-long battle with cancer.
During his final months, the passionate Australian rules fan took on the role of club president following the death of his long-serving predecessor. Dr Alan “Doc” Mackenzie.
Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell said all its members were “deeply saddened” by Mr Schneider’s death.
“While his involvement with the club was short-lived, he quickly developed a strong understanding of its culture and history and his respect and admiration for the people who contributed to the club’s success over the last 60 years was profound,” Mr Bowtell said.
“As a board member, he used his expertise and his vast network to freely assist the club both on and off field and whether it was mentoring players or assisting operational and strategic needs, Matt was totally committed to the Sharks, without expecting anything in return.
“He was an exceptional leader and a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt’s wife, Samantha and their 3 children, Maggie, Oliver, and Louise, his parents Ross and Laurel and his extended family and friends.”
Mr Schneider’s association with the club began in 2019 when he was asked to present at its annual strategic workshop.
He was frequently seen wearing his Sharks jersey and beanie in photos take during his cancer battle, especially on days he received chemotherapy, something he would call “game day”.
No plans have yet been made about any kind of tribute.
WHAT THEY SAID: COMMUNITY LEADERS REACT TO MATT’S PASSING
David Crisafulli - State Opposition Leader:
“Matthew Schneider was a visionary.
He loved planning and he loved the Gold Coast.
He was kind, generous and intelligent but his greatest trait was being selfless.
He never pushed a personal agenda in his involvement with business, community or sporting organisations.
It was always about our city and the greater good. He will be greatly missed.”
Rachel Hancock: Destination Gold Coast Head of Stakeholder & Strategy
“Matt would always light up when talking about the Gold Coast and just oozed passion for the city and its people. But most of all, he was the first person behind you when you needed wind in your sails. He inspired everyone around him and did it with an effortless class that was simply classic Matt.
“In just 39 years, he left a legacy that people twice his age can only dream of. Over the last six months, he made every day count and was constantly in awe of the outpouring of support. He cherished it – and we cherished him.”
Scott Imlach: Gold Coast hospitality figure
Sam can only imagine what you and family are going through. Thoughts are with you and the kids. He was a hell of a fighter and true gentleman. We are all definitely broken
Steve Hunt – Development industry PR figure
Heartbreaking Sam. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time. I don’t think I’ve ever known someone so universally loved. He will be missed by many.
Dean Gould – Southern Cross University
We have all been dreading this day since February. Our kindest thoughts to you and kids Sam. He was a magnetic soul who touched so many of us.
Darren Taylor – Surfers Paradise councillor
Our thoughts are with you and the kids.
Matt touched so many lives.
Patricia O’Callaghan - Tourism and Events Queensland CEO
My sincere condolences Sam. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and the family during this heartbreaking time.
Annaliese Battista - Former Destination Gold Coast CEO
Sam, Louis, Oliver and Maggie, our hearts are breaking with you. Matt was an inspiration and will continue to inspire us all. Love to you all at this most difficult of times.
William Owen-Jones – Helensvale councillor
I’m in awe of how he lived and loved; fierce and kind.
… but just a little bit broken to hear the news?
Our deepest condolences Sam
Karen Phillips – Gold Coast PR figure
Dear Sam and family – be heartened in the knowledge that ‘Matt the Great’ will live on amongt us in our hearts, words and deeds
#Be Fierce – forever
Paul Stevens – Former Gold Coast City Council CEO
Very sad news. RIP Matt. Sincere condolences.
Jann Stuckey – Former Currumbin MP
My heart weeps for you all.
Am feeling blessed to have met Matt. Despite his own issues Matt reached out to me and told me to be fierce when I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 7 months ago. I pray to have his courage. Rest now you brave soul.
Ariana Margett– - Southport Chamber of Commerce president
Just heartbreaking. Will see you again friend
Pauline Young– - Miami councillor
Sam and family so incredibly sorry to hear of Matt’s passing … thank you for sharing him with the whole of the Gold Coast Community in sickness and in health. Hold on tight to each other
Gail O’Neil– - Coolangatta councillor
Thinking of you & the kids in this difficult time Sam. We all loved & respected Matt for the wonderful guy he was. Rest In Peace Matt
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