Surfers gather to farewell beloved Bondi Rescue lifeguard Matt Dee
Friends, family, fans and fellow surfers have gathered at Bronte Beach for a touching farewell to former Bondi Rescue lifeguard Matt Dee.
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.
Surfers took part in a paddle out in honour of the former Bondi Rescue lifeguard. Instagram/@joeybunton92
Those attending had been asked to bring flowers, with organisers wanting every surfer taking part in the paddle out to carry one into the circle.
The public celebration of life began at midday on Saturday, with food, drinks, music and “memories of our great mate”.
The former Bondi Rescue star died earlier this month, with an outpouring of tributes from friends, fellow lifeguards and viewers following the news.
Dee appeared on the reality series from 2008 until 2017 and spent years saving lives on Sydney’s eastern beaches.
The star also dedicated 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.
Dee dedicated much of his life to mental health and suicide-prevention advocacy. YouTube/@BondiRescue
“By bravely sharing his family’s story, he positively impacted the lives of so many people around the world,” Dwyer said.
His former Bondi Rescue colleague Daniel “Beardy” McLaughlin remembered Dee as someone with an extraordinary ability to lift those around him.
“Matt was such a good bloke, and it was an absolute privilege to call him a mate,” McLaughlin previously told nine.com.au.
“It didn’t matter what was going on or what the mood was, Matt would find a way to spin it to where you were just laughing. He was one in a million.”
Fellow lifeguard Trent “Singlets” Falson said Dee had time for everyone he encountered, whether they were close friends or complete strangers.
“The best thing about Matt was he was unashamedly Matt Dee, and we all loved him for it,” Falson said.
Dee’s passing was announced on September 2. His cause of death has not been confirmed.
Dee’s friends have remembered him as a man who “had time for everyone”. Supplied/Daniel McLaughlin
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee,” the statement began.
“Matt touched the lives of many, he also did amazing work and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him. 🤍”
If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, please know that support is available Lifeline (Australia): Call 13 11 14 (Available 24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14.
