Surfers and former colleagues gathered at Sydney’s Bronte Beach to hold an emotional paddle-out and scatter ashes for former Bondi Rescue lifeguard Matt Dee following his sudden death at age 47.
The tight-knit Australian beach community turned out in force to celebrate the life of a television fixture who spent almost a decade keeping swimmers safe on Sydney’s eastern shores. Friends, family, fans and fellow surfers gathered at Bronte Beach on Saturday for a touching farewell to the former Bondi Rescue star. The public celebration of life began at midday on Saturday, with food, drinks, music and memories of a great mate.
A Bronte Beach Farewell and Ocean Paddle-Out
Mourners attending had been asked to bring flowers, with organisers wanting every surfer taking part in the paddle out to carry one into the circle. Surfers took part in a paddle out in Dee’s honour, forming a huge circle in the ocean where he spent much of his life working, and where the 47-year-old’s ashes were scattered. Photos from the farewell show surfers forming a large circle in the water before paddling back to shore together on a giant party wave. The crowd later continued celebrating Dee’s life with food, drinks and music.
News of Dee’s death was shared on Instagram on September 2, with his best friend Kev Goodall saying he was believed to have died from natural causes. Goodall said the number of people who turned out on Saturday reflected just how loved Dee was, noting that he always made you feel like he was everyone’s best mate. Goodall described him as a really well-loved, unique character, adding, We just wanted to give him a good send-off that’s fit for the Pirate King.
The public memorial was announced after Dee’s death sent shockwaves through the beach community, prompting an outpouring of grief. The North Maroubra Surf Riders announced the memorial online, writing that next Saturday they would send off a true legend. A man that had time for everyone, a larrikin, a brother to all and a leader of men,
the group wrote. His time with us has come to an end, but we owe it to him to send him off in style.
Television Stardom and Online Following
Dee became a beloved face on Australian television, appearing on Bondi Rescue from 2008 until 2017 and spending years saving lives on Sydney’s eastern beaches. He has a YouTube page dedicated to him called The Most Aussie Lifeguard EVER? Best Of Matt Dee From Bondi Rescue, which has amassed more than three million followers across the globe. His tragic death was announced in a social media post on Wednesday by his organisation’s Instagram page, accompanied by an image of Dee holding a beer, looking up at the sky. That same image was used to announce the details of his celebration of life event, which was held at Bronte Beach in Sydney, located just two kilometres from the beach which put him in the spotlight, Bondi.
Turning Personal Tragedy Into Mental Health Advocacy
Away from the TV screen, Dee was also a passionate and tireless mental health advocate, dedicating himself to helping people struggling with their mental health. Close friend John Dwyer told nine.com.au that Dee dedicated his life to helping others after losing his older brother Jonathan, known as ‘JD’, and younger sister Rachel to suicide months apart in 2009. Matty loved them both dearly, and their loss inspired him to become a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention,
Dwyer said. Dee started his company FTW Revolution, a clothing brand connected to Suicide Prevention Australia, in their honour. Dwyer stated that by bravely sharing his family’s story, he positively impacted the lives of so many people around the world.
Community Fundraising Supports Final Rites
More than $12,500 has been raised in just a few days to help cover the cost of funeral services for the former Bondi Rescue star. The GoFundMe has an $18,000 goal and has attracted individual donations ranging from $8 to $500. Contributions have been made in the names of fellow Bondi Rescue star Harrison Reid and Australian boxer Harry Garside. The organiser wrote that any contribution, no matter how big or small, would mean so much during this incredibly difficult time, and confirmed that should they surpass the goal, any additional funds will be donated to Australian mental health services. Matt’s cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
