Free 3D Hands

23/06/2026

We recently received this heartfelt message from Izzy's mum. It has been great to be a part of the journey over the years, and we'd love to share her words with you.💙

"A huge thank you to our incredible friends at Free 3D Hands for once again changing lives - including Izzy’s.
Izzy received her very first 3D printed hand when she was just 4 years old. Now, 6 years later, the excitement is exactly the same. Watching her open the box, read the heartfelt card, and try on her new hands for the first time brings back so many wonderful memories.
While Izzy is still a little shy about wearing her hands in public, they have given her something incredibly important - the ability to ride her bike safely. For our little speed demon, that has been an absolute gift. Being able to ride with greater confidence and safety means more freedom, more independence, and more joy.
What Mat and the entire team at Free 3D Hands do is truly remarkable. Through their dedication, skill, and generosity, they have provided thousands of 3D printed hands and assistive devices to people around the world, helping individuals do things that many of us take for granted.
Thank you, Mat Bowtell and everyone at Free 3D Hands, for the lives you change every day. Your work makes a real difference, and our family is incredibly grateful to be one of the many families you have helped. "
💙🦾
As we approach EOFY, if you'd like to help us continue providing free assistive devices to those who need them, please consider making a tax-deductible donation before June 30.
Donate here: free3dhands.org/donate

19/06/2026

We've loved having two high school work experience students from Newhaven College and Bass Coast College join us in the lab this week.
They've been exploring assistive technology, learning CAD design and 3D printing, and even building their own robot clock. It's been wonderful to see their curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills on display as they tackle real-world challenges and discover what can be achieved when technology is used to help people. 💙🦾
Moments like these remind us why community matters. Whether it's creating free assistive devices for people around the world or opening our doors to students eager to learn, every opportunity is made possible by the support of people who believe in what we do.
As we approach EOFY, if you'd like to help us continue providing free assistive devices to those who need them, please consider making a tax-deductible donation before June 30.
Donate here: free3dhands.org/donate
Thank you for helping us create a world where access to assistive technology isn't determined by where you live or what you can afford.

11/06/2026

Here's a snapshot of some of the stories, projects, recipients, and partnerships that continue to shape the work of Free 3D Hands.

As we approach the end of the financial year, we'd like to ask you to consider making a tax deductible donation before June 30. Free 3D Hands relies entirely on community support to continue designing, developing, and providing assistive technology at no cost to people with limb differences around the world. 💙🦾

If you're in a position to give, we'd be incredibly grateful. Together, we can help ensure access to assistive technology is determined by need, not financial circumstance.
Donate here: www.free3dhands.org/donate

04/06/2026

On World Day for Assistive Technology, we believe everyone should have equal access to assistive technology.

Assistive technology should be open, accessible, and shared - so more people can benefit from it, no matter where they live or what resources they have.

Access to assistive technology shouldn’t be a privilege - it should be a fundamental human right. Innovation powered by compassion is how we build a better world.
💙🦾

26/05/2026

A few years ago, I learnt that a lot of extra-curricular STEM programs in schools can cost a LOT of money - tens of thousands of dollars. While some schools manage to secure grants to adopt these programs, many other schools cannot. That annoyed me greatly. Every student in Australia should have equal access to educational resources - whether they live in Toorak or out the back of Bourke. So, we decided to do something about that- to create resources that are freely accessible to ALL schools.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve been working on something really exciting!
Partnering with Cool.org, and with funding from Toyota Australia along the journey, we’re proud to launch a new series of Design & Technologies lessons for primary and secondary students.

Students will step into the role of designers and makers to explore:
✨ Empathy & Design Thinking
🛠️ Hands-on Prototyping
♻️ Sustainable Innovation
📊 Iteration through Testing & Feedback

We can’t wait to see what students create. 💙🦾

These free resources can be downloaded at: https://cool.org/inclusive-design-stem-assistive-devices-lessons

01/04/2026

We’re just a couple of weeks out from our Design Centre Open Day on Friday 17th April 💙🦾 If you’d like to come down and see what we do and more importantly why we do it, we’d love to welcome you into the lab.
Tours are filling quickly and bookings are essential, so make sure you secure your spot here:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1557376
We’re really looking forward to opening our doors and sharing what we’ve been working on.
Hope to see you there 💙

12/03/2026

It’s happening again!!!
The Helping Hands Running Festival is returning to the beautiful Lake Guthridge in Sale this October. Last year the event raised an incredible $80,000 for Free 3D Hands, all thanks to Chris and the amazing runners who came together to make it happen.
For a small charity like ours, organising an event of this scale would be incredibly difficult. For Chris to take this on and rally the community behind Free 3D Hands means the world to us.
This event celebrates people living with limb difference, creating a safe and inclusive space while helping us continue our mission of providing free assistive devices to those who need them most.
Registrations are now open if you’d like to run, volunteer, or come along to support. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend.
See you in Sale! 🦾💙

06/03/2026

On this International Women's Day, we would like to celebrate the incredible achievement of Layne Paull who was recognised yesterday as a finalist for the NSW Young Woman of the Year Award.

Layne is studying biomedical engineering at University of Technology Sydney, and is a young leader with a passion for inclusion, innovation and community service. She volunteers her time with an inclusive Nippers program at the North Avoca Life Saving Club, Disabled Surfers Association, and as a leader at AMP CAMP.

Last year, Layne drove over 1000km down to Phillip Island to volunteer for two weeks with Free 3D Hands. In July, Layne will return to complete a six month internship with Free 3D Hands as part of her course requirements. We are very proud of you Layne!

And we are very proud of all of the incredible women in our team who are leading the way towards making assistive technology accessible to all.

Thanks Yuka. Thanks Caro. Thanks Leanne. Thanks Claire.

Mat xo 😊🦾💙

19/02/2026

Every year, Richard Large brings people together to support a charity. This Sunday 22 February, he’ll be riding again to raise funds for Free 3D Hands as part of the annual Gippsland Ouest Classique on the quiet country roads near Loch.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, he has already raised $7,240, surpassing his $6,000 goal- but every extra donation will help even more people.

If you’re able, please consider supporting this amazing community fundraiser and helping Richard go even further. 🚴‍♂️🚴🚴‍♀️💙

Donate here:

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Free 3D Ha… Richard Large needs your support for Raising funds for Free 3D Hands