Ryan and Peter Meuleman have raised over $235,000 through a GoFundMe campaign for legal action, with the money going into a trust called the Ryan Meuleman Justice Fund. However, the family does not have direct access to the funds, as the trust is managed by Matthews Robertson and Sean Wenn through their company SRT Lighting. The idea was for the pair to manage the fund on behalf of Ryan’s father Peter, who would ensure the money is spent on his son’s welfare and the family. Ryan expressed a desire to have access to any potential money won in court on his behalf.
Peter Meuleman stated that Ryan is still traumatized from the crash and trusts Wenn and Robertson, who are overseeing the fund. Initially, keeping Ryan’s name off the trust was meant to protect him from court costs if the legal fight is lost, but Peter agreed to have his name added to the trust for optics. Wenn emphasized that the money is intended for Ryan’s welfare and the family, not for any other campaigns run by the Bike Boy crew, who have been critical of the Andrews government.
Former Liberal treasurer Andrew Abercrombie and MP Moira Deeming are involved in the fundraising campaign, with Abercrombie assisting since around 2020. The money raised for Ryan’s legal fight will be kept separate from the trust managed by Wenn and Robertson, as business leaders backing the campaign want to ensure the funds are protected and well spent. Abercrombie’s focus is on seeking justice for Ryan and holding the Andrews government accountable, but he did not clarify his specific role in the fundraising efforts.
The Victorian Liberals did not provide answers regarding their involvement with the campaign, despite concerns raised by Labor minister Natalie Hutchins about the fundraising arrangement. Hutchins expressed concern for the Meuleman family and emphasized the importance of victims receiving justice and respect without being manipulated. Opposition Leader Brad Battin previously supported the Bike Boy camp but did not address his current involvement with the campaign.
The Meuleman family has stated that Wenn and Robertson have the family’s best interests at heart and are in regular contact regarding strategy. Both Robertson and Wenn have emphasized that the money raised through the campaign is intended for Ryan’s welfare and the family, and not for any other purposes. The trust, managed by SRT Lighting, is meant to ensure the funds are used appropriately and that Ryan’s interests are protected. Peter Meuleman has agreed to have his name added to the trust to provide additional oversight and transparency.
