Don has belonged to the AKA almost since its inception. He is a mechanical engineer who has experimented model aeroplanes and sailboats, but who is better known for his kiting skills.
He is well known for his huge A-form, 3-stick barn door kites some of which he flies on dual lines, and for his 3-D people which he often makes perform for the crowd. Don developed his flying man quite independently of Martin Lester's Icarus, and was inspired by a photo he had seen of three men holding their coats while flying model aircraft.
He and his mother, Joyce Matthews, collaborate on projects, many of which never seem to end. One of his Barn Doors just keeps on getting longer and longer! Normally, Don designs them and Joyce sews them.
At the Ballarat (Victoria) Kite Championships held in May, 1995, Don and a group of his friends flew several of his big barn doors, and Joyce was awarded the Grand Championship in recognition of her work.
In 1992 Don developed his "windmill kite", which is like a helicopter with 4 rotors.
