An award-winning radio host and youth mental health charity founder, Cody Haywood Schaeffer, has been charged with assaulting several teenagers, according to Queensland authorities. Schaeffer, who received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), faces five counts of common assault involving four alleged victims aged 15 to 17.
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed that a 31-year-old man from Grafton was arrested on October 23, following investigations into a series of offences allegedly occurring between July 2021 and August 2023. “It is alleged the man assaulted four male victims during separate incidents at a Cleveland address and an Alexandra Hills address between July 2021 and June 2023,” police stated. “Investigators will allege the man was known to the victims who were aged between 15 to 17 at the time of the incident.”
Mr. Schaeffer is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 12. The charges against him have sent shockwaves through the community, given his prominent role in youth advocacy and mental health support.
Background on Cody Schaeffer and His Charity Work
In 2019, Schaeffer founded Borderline Australia, a charity aimed at supporting youth mental health. The organization, named after its location at Cherrabah Resort near the Queensland-New South Wales border, conducted camps designed to facilitate open discussions about mental health among young people. However, as of October, the charity’s registration appears to have been voluntarily revoked.
In response to the charges, Schaeffer told the ABC that they stem from “stupid actions that I took in my 20’s that I saw as jovial, funny or mucking around with mates,” emphasizing that there was “no link between the charity and my actions.” He expressed regret, stating, “Through personal growth and understanding I have come to see the errors in my decisions, mistakes made [and] the severity of my actions.”
“At first understanding of these allegations over a year ago, I closed the charity and the work I was doing to give time to grow, learn and to be honest … because I knew I was not professionally, and mentally ready or mature enough to help other young people or all people in general,” Schaeffer added.
Impact on Borderline Australia and Future Prospects
The charity announced last year on Instagram that it had been acquired by another organization to ensure the continuation of its programs across Australia, with camps projected to resume in 2025. Schaeffer confirmed that the charity would continue without his involvement, marking a significant shift in its leadership and operations.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Schaeffer’s Instagram remains active, featuring media appearances, red carpet events at the Logies, and promotions for a recent movie and podcast. His public persona, once celebrated for his contributions to youth and community services, now faces scrutiny amid these serious allegations.
Recognition and Achievements
Schaeffer’s accolades include being the youngest Australian to receive an Order of Australia Medal in 2023, awarded by the Governor of Queensland for his service to youth and the community. In 2022, he was a finalist for Queensland Young Australian of the Year and was named Brisbane’s 2020 Young Citizen of the Year.
The charges against Schaeffer highlight the complexities and challenges faced by public figures in maintaining personal conduct that aligns with their public roles. As the legal proceedings unfold, the impact on his legacy and the charity he founded will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.
As the case progresses, the broader implications for youth advocacy and the trust placed in public figures remain a topic of discussion. The community awaits further developments and the outcomes of the upcoming court proceedings.
