Matt Elphick

Matt Elphick is the Founder and Director of Fortify Movement & Health, a neuro-affirming allied health clinic in Altona North that places evidence-based exercise at the centre of client care. But Matt’s journey into healthcare didn’t begin in a clinic—it started in community spaces, broadcast vans, surf clubs, and aged care homes. His story is shaped by hands-on experience and a genuine desire to help people feel seen, safe, and empowered.

From a young age, Matt was surrounded by people who built more than services—they created community. His mother was instrumental in establishing early childhood centres and later managed an aged care facility in Sydney. After school, Matt would spend time with residents who didn’t have visitors—offering simple companionship and connection. These moments planted the seed for a values-driven career rooted in empathy, dignity, and care.

Matt’s commitment to community deepened through his involvement in Surf Life Saving Clubs. He competed in Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing, trained fellow members, and eventually became a Patrol Captain, leading volunteer teams and mentoring junior lifesavers. These roles taught him leadership under pressure and the importance of enabling others to grow in confidence—skills that would later shape how he leads his clinical team.

Professionally, Matt’s early career was diverse. He worked in AV, radio, and television broadcast engineering, including fast-paced outdoor broadcast roles. He moved into hospitality where he refined his service skills—and his passion for coffee (a passion he still proudly shares with clients). Later, Matt became a personal trainer, working across large health clubs in both Sydney and Melbourne. He loved helping people build strength and confidence but quickly realised many clients had complex needs that exceeded the scope of personal training.

This realisation led Matt to pursue further study and become a clinical exercise professional. He completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) and is currently undertaking a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation) at Victoria University. Today, Matt’s clinical expertise allows him to work with people living with disability, chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence—offering tailored support based on objective assessment and meaningful outcomes.

At the heart of Matt’s work is a clear purpose: to build systems of care that empower people—especially those who have been overlooked or underserved. His own lived experience with undiagnosed ADHD gave him a deep appreciation for the need for structure, routine, and neuro-affirming environments. Fortify Movement & Health was built on this purpose—to be an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone feels safe to move and supported to grow.

Launched in 2021 as Fortify Fitness, the business quickly evolved. In 2023, it became Fortify Movement & Health, a full-service allied health clinic offering physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and clinical rehabilitation. Today, the clinic is known for its work with NDIS participants, older adults, and people managing chronic pain and mental health conditions.

Matt leads with integrity and ensures every service reflects Fortify’s core values:
Test & Measure—Don’t Guess, Nurturing Movement, Meaningful Results, Empowering Individuals, Inclusivity, and Community.

As a clinician, Matt blends evidence-based practice with genuine care. He uses data to guide treatment but never loses sight of the human behind the numbers. Clients are active participants in their health journey, not passive recipients of programs. Whether supporting a neurodivergent adult or an NDIS participant regaining strength, Matt ensures the experience is collaborative, safe, and empowering.

Beyond the clinic, Matt contributes to the broader healthcare landscape. He mentors early-career clinicians, delivers professional development across Melbourne, and advocates for better access to exercise physiology services within the NDIS. He’s particularly passionate about raising the standard of care for people with psychosocial disability and neurodivergence—ensuring that care is not only accessible, but affirming and effective.

Matt also runs The German Shepherd K9, a small in-person dog training business supporting German Shepherd owners—particularly those with reactive dogs. His behaviour-based approach mirrors the same values he brings to clinical work: clarity, consistency, and trust.

He is also the founder of the Thrive Health Network, a grassroots initiative connecting GPs, allied health practitioners, and support coordinators across Melbourne’s west. Thrive fosters collaboration and education, strengthening referral pathways and ensuring person-centred care is not just a philosophy, but a lived practice.

With over a decade of experience and accreditation as an Exercise Scientist, Matt remains committed to one simple mission: to help people move better, live stronger, and feel more confident—regardless of their starting point.

For Matt Elphick, health care is more than a service—it’s a platform for empowerment. It’s what drives him. It’s what built Fortify. And it’s what continues to shape his vision for a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective model of care—one person at a time.