During National Reconciliation Week 2023 (27 May to 3 June), under the theme "Be a Voice for Generations," the Leukaemia Foundation proudly announced Matthew Doyle as a national ambassador.

The Leukaemia Foundation strives to address the healthcare disparities that contribute to the high number of blood cancer-related deaths among Indigenous Australians.

Mr Doyle is a proud Muruwari man from New South Wales and grew up on the lands of the Dharawal and Gadigal people in Sydney.

He is a professional musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, cultural consultant, and educator, dedicated to sharing the cultural knowledge of the Sydney clans.

Mr Doyle told National Indigenous Times he is excited to start this chapter of his life where he can continue spreading awareness of the dangers and effects of blood cancer with young and remote Indigenous communities.

"I'm excited about it. Obviously it's going to be a challenge for a number of reasons," he said.

"But ultimately it's about getting the message out there to the mob."

"I see my role as - letting mob know here's an organisation that can help you on your journey and support you in this way."

In 1996, Mr Doyle endured the heartbreaking loss of his twin sons, Shawn and Jeremy, to blood cancer when they were one and-a-half and two and-a-half-years-old, respectively.

He firmly believes that his heritage and culture enriched his sons' lives, even in their brief time, and has shaped his own journey, since experiencing those moments associated with blood cancer two decades ago.

"There's not a day that goes past that I don't think about my children. I think it's also important that people tell their stories," he said.

"There are painful memories, but there are lots of great memories as well. And those are what we focus on, and that's what keeps us going."

As an artist, Mr Doyle has been working with Bangarra Dance Theatre since the 90s and has also since founded Wuruniri Music & Dance, presenting traditional contemporary performances.

Mr Doyle has travelled across the planet, spreading cultural knowledge and performing at some of the biggest stages the world has to offer, such as; The Closing Ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, playing a piece by Australian composer Ross Edwards 'dawn mantras' on top of the sails of the Sydney Opera House for the worldwide millennium broadcast - ABC TV, choreographing part of the indigenous section of the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2000 Olympics, playing with Riley Lee (Shakuhachi) and Kim Duk Soo Samul Nori in Seoul Korea for the Opening Ceremony Rugby World Cup Sydney 2003, playing in Athens, Greece with international group of musicians and singers for the Olympic Games cultural Olympiad and playing at the 2006 World Expo in Nagoya, Japan.

He notes the experience working with and seeing mob perform at an international stage was a great sight to behold.

Leukaemia Foundation chief executive Chris Tanti expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Mr Doyle in improving support for First Nations individuals affected by blood cancer and their families.

"We are so grateful to Matthew for sharing his own personal story of profound loss. I hope that his words, and his connection to his culture, will help others impacted by blood cancer know they are not alone," Mr Tanti said.

"I look forward to benefiting from Matthew's experience as we work together to provide culturally appropriate care and support for First Nations Australians and break down the barriers many still face when it comes to accessing treatment and support."

Mr Doyle is committed to assisting the Leukaemia Foundation in improving the lives of Indigenous people and their families affected by blood cancer. His support includes offering evidence-based policy advice and elevating the voices of Indigenous people.