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Zac never planned to become a runner, and he never imagined he would lose his hearing.
In a past life, he worked professionally as an audio engineer and music producer in the Australian music scene. Music wasn’t just his job; it was his identity. Then one morning in 2012, everything changed. Zac woke up and couldn’t hear.
There were no warning signs. He had always taken care of his ears, wore custom earplugs at gigs, and regularly tested his hearing. Overnight, his career stalled, relationships became strained, and the future he had envisioned suddenly felt uncertain.
When the music community rallied around him to fundraise for his first set of hearing aids, it marked the beginning of a long road back. Learning to hear again wasn’t simple. Sounds felt unfamiliar and disorienting, and it took time for Zac to adjust and feel comfortable with the world around him again.
Alongside the physical challenges came emotional ones. The stigma surrounding hearing loss weighed heavily, particularly as a young adult navigating confidence and identity. Zac spoke openly about how isolating that period felt, especially when he didn’t see people like himself represented anywhere.
Over time, his perspective shifted. Zac recognised the privilege of having known sound for much of his life, and the reality that many Deaf and hard of hearing people face even greater barriers. That awareness stayed with him, alongside a growing desire to give back.
Running entered Zac’s life later, almost by accident. Post-pandemic, a friend suggested he give it a try. What began as a challenge quickly became something deeper. Early morning runs through empty streets brought him peace, clarity, and space to process everything he had been carrying. Running helped him sleep, improved his mental health, and gave him a renewed sense of routine.
It also gave him community. A different one, but one that felt supportive and grounding. Over time, Zac went from hating running to completing half marathons, marathons, and even running internationally in Osaka. While the physical challenge was significant, the real impact was internal. Running became a key part of his healing.
When Zac signed up for his next race, choosing Deaf Children Australia felt instinctive. It wasn’t about ticking a charity box, it was about connection.
After everything he’s experienced, Zac understands how isolating hearing loss can feel, especially for children and young people who are still figuring out who they are and where they belong. He knows how much early support, confidence, and belonging matter, and how powerful it can be when someone shows you that your world doesn’t have to shrink because of hearing loss.
Supporting Deaf and hard of hearing children is his way of giving back. It’s about helping young people access opportunities before self doubt and stigma take hold, and showing them that they can still chase big goals, create, connect, and live full lives on their own terms.
For Zac, fundraising isn’t just about kilometres logged or dollars raised. It’s about awareness, understanding, and making sure the next generation feels less alone than he once did.
As he trains for his upcoming race, Zac is running with purpose, heart, and community behind him. We’re incredibly grateful to have him fundraising for Deaf Children Australia, and for the impact his journey will have on the children and families we support.
