Written by Adam Lacey
On a serene Gold Coast morning, the air was filled with a sense of achievement and poignant memories as Lacey Group unveiled The Del Ray project. This was not just a celebration of a new landmark on the skyline but also a heartfelt tribute to Matthew Schneider, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the project and the community. Attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, the event highlighted Matthew’s enduring legacy through the unveiling of a Building Dedication Plaque, a permanent reminder of his passion and dedication.
Ross Schneider, Matthew’s father, shared his emotions about the project’s completion and the tribute to his son. “We were very touched to learn of the dedication to Matthew, which has been included on the plaque commemorating the opening. It is certainly an impressive project, and we are sure that Matt would have gained great satisfaction in knowing his efforts in support of Lacey Group’s vision had come to fruition,” Ross expressed with a mix of pride and nostalgia.
The unveiling of the Memorial Plaque was a moment of profound significance for Matthew’s family. Ross recalled the mixed emotions felt during the event: “It was with mixed emotions of sadness in missing his presence, pride in the respect and affection for Matt demonstrated by Adam and the Lacey Group personnel, and gratitude for the tangible reminder of his contribution which can now be a place of memories encapsulating Matt’s passion for the Gold Coast.”
Matthew’s work at The Del Ray was more than just a job; it was a manifestation of his vision for the Gold Coast—a place he deeply loved and strived to enhance. Ross spoke about his son’s professional legacy, noting, “As parents, we are proud of Matt’s legacy. It was never about him personally but rather his vision for the Gold Coast. It is a community, both social and business, which he had grown to love, and for which he strove to achieve what he believed was an ideal balance of competing interests.”
The Lacey Group’s commitment to family and legacy was evident in the way they handled the project and its completion. “Being invited, as Matthew’s family, to participate in the official opening celebrations of the Del Ray; having an opportunity to visit the finished project in person; and seeing the recognition of Matthew in particular, but also so many other colleagues and their families who had contributed professionally or in support of those involved directly: all these demonstrated to us the values of family and legacy espoused by Lacey Group, in a manner which seems uncommon to the current world of business,” Ross elaborated.
Karen Turra, Matthew’s mother-in-law, also shared her reflections, deeply moved by the dedication to Matthew. “I was honoured to represent Sam (Matt’s wife and my daughter) at the Del Ray Project Completion event, and specifically, to witness the tribute to Matt. Matt was like a son to me, and I felt privileged to be able to attend this event. To learn firsthand the role which Matt played in aiding the success of the Project, was no surprise and this was where Matt thrived – working together to achieve the seemingly unachievable with the greatest of respect and stoicism,” Karen remarked.
During the plaque unveiling, Karen experienced a wave of emotions. “I found the unveiling of the Plaque extremely moving. Listening to Adam speak of his gratitude and respect for Matt was a humbling, but proud moment and hearing his parents talk with pride about Matt and his contributions to this project brought back many memories for me and I became quite emotional,” she shared.
Karen praised the family-focused ethos of Lacey Group, reflecting on her interactions with the company’s leadership. “When I finally met Adam Lacey and his wife Brodie, I could clearly see what Matt meant when he commented to me during one of our many conversations, that the Adam Lacey Group were a ‘special bunch of people’. He told me that he respected and admired the family values on which they operated, which were so similar to his own,” she stated.
Looking to the future, both Ross and Karen hold high hopes for Matthew’s lasting impact. Ross conveyed his aspirations: “For the future of the Gold Coast then, we hope this translates, through sensitive, informed decision-making and bold but ethical practice, to a successful, sustainable future for the Coast and all participants. We hope that those who are involved in the ongoing nurture of the city will be inspired, as his legacy, to continue to strive always for the very best balance between the consideration, celebration, and preservation of the region’s natural features, the economic sustainability and of its enterprising participants and the contentment of its population.”
Karen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the tangible nature of Matthew’s legacy: “An exception however, is the Adam Lacey Group’s Del Ray Project, which has, with a visual memorial, produced solid proof of Matt’s legacy in real life and not just in our imagination. When future projects from this company meet various challenges, I know that reference will be made to Matt’s successful contribution to the Del Ray project with a reminder to all involved, that anything can be achieved with a kind yet fierce determination.”
The Del Ray stands not only as a testament to Lacey Group’s commitment to excellence but also as a beacon of Matthew Schneider’s vision and dedication—a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence the Gold Coast for generations to come.
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