[1] Cawthorn was born in Perth, Western Australia to an Indian mother and a Scottish father; he grew up in a family of 11 children.
[2] After completing Matriculation College, Cawthorn began his career by working in sales at Pizza Hut; he then transitioned to a role as a trainer in Northern Tasmania.
Initially distraught by the prospect he may never walk again, during his nine months of rehabilitation he decided to establish a motivational program for young people.
[5] In 2007, Cawthorn established "Be Motivated", a program aimed at providing young people with skills to improve their confidence and self-belief.
[1] Before gathering at The Lodge with fellow finalists, Cawthorn accepted a dare from his young daughter to play a practical joke upon Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.