Heartbreak at Maroubra: Special Tribute Planned for Matt Dee as Friends Prepare to Say Their Final Goodbye
Close friends of Bondi Rescue star and mental health advocate Matt Dee have shared a special announcement just days after his tragic death.
News of Dee’s passing was shared on Instagram on Wednesday, with the beloved lifeguard remembered as someone who had “touched the lives of many”.
On Friday, the North Maroubra Surf Riders, based at Sydney’s Maroubra Beach, revealed the club is planning to celebrate the life of their “brother” with a special paddle out.
In an Instagram post, the club announced plans to spread Dee’s ashes at Bronte Beach, NSW, on September 12, and invited people to attend the event.
“Next Saturday we send off a true legend,” the post read.
“A man who had time for everyone, a larrikin, a brother to all and a leader of men.
“His time with us has come to an end but we owe it to him to send him off in style.
“We are calling on everyone to get down to Bronte next Saturday to spread his ashes and have a paddle out in his honour.
“We will have a beer and share some stories afterwards.”
Dee became a beloved face on Australian television, appearing on Bondi Rescue from 2008 to 2017.
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.
Away from the TV screen, Dee was also a passionate and tireless mental health advocate.
Following his sudden death at the age of 47, an outpouring of grief from his former co-stars, friends and the local community highlighted the profound impact he had on those around him.
The surf club remembered his “infectious personality” and his ability to bring happiness to the lives of others.
But Dee was also candid about his own struggles, including the heavy guilt he carried following the deaths of his siblings.
The mental health advocate lost both his siblings Rachel, 30, and Jonathon, 34, in 2009. Both lived with mental illness.
His grandmother also took her own life when Dee was 15 years old.
His sister suffered from schizophrenia and his older brother had bipolar disorder, with Dee telling the Sydney Morning Herald in 2011 they both did their best to manage their illnesses.
“What happened was not their fault,” Dee said.
“They did their best to manage their illnesses. It wasn’t their fault. They had a problem inside their heads.
“It’s something we don’t understand. How would we know what it’s like?”
Dee was open about the guilt he carried surrounding his siblings’ deaths, and feeling like he could have done more.
But he went on to honour their lives and share his loss to help others struggling with their mental health.
Dee co-founded clothing and events brand FTW Revolution as a suicide prevention resource for young Australians and later became an ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA).
His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him, both personally and professionally.
Dee’s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 131114. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
