A public memorial will be held for much-loved Bondi Rescue star Matt Dee after his tragic death last week.
Friends, former workmates and members of Sydney’s close surf community are set to gather to farewell the respected lifeguard and reality television personality.
Dee’s ashes will be scattered at Bronte Beach next Saturday, September 12, as part of a special celebration of life in his honour.
News of the former lifeguard’s death stunned the beach community last week and sparked an emotional wave of tributes.
The memorial will give those closest to Dee an opportunity to come together at one of the Sydney beaches he cherished and celebrate the life he lived.
The memorial will begin at midday, with mourners encouraged to paddle out into the water as Dee’s ashes are spread.
A public memorial has been announced for beloved Bondi Rescue star Matt Dee, following his tragic death last week
Afterwards, friends and family will gather for food, drinks, music and a chance to share their favourite memories of Dee.
For those who knew Dee, it will be a chance not only to mourn his loss, but to celebrate the laughter, friendships and memories he leaves behind.
The North Maroubra Surf Riders announced the memorial online.
‘Next Saturday, we send off a true legend,’ the group wrote.
‘A man that 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.’
On Wednesday, Dee’s death was announced on his Instagram account.
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‘Matt touched the lives of many,’ the heartbreaking post said.
Friends, former colleagues and members of Sydney’s tight-knit surf community are preparing to come together to farewell the much-loved lifeguard and reality TV star
Dee’s ashes will be spread at Bronte Beach next Saturday, September 12, during a special celebration of life being held in his honour
‘He also did amazing work, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.’
The devastating news has since prompted an emotional wave of tributes from Dee’s friends and former Bondi Rescue colleagues, who have been remembering the man behind the lifeguard tower.
The popular lifeguard was a familiar face on Bondi Rescue for almost a decade, appearing on the show from 2008 until 2017.
Away from the cameras, Dee dedicated much of his time to helping others, co-founding non-profit organisation FTW Revolution and working to raise awareness around mental health.
He was also a Suicide Prevention Australia advocate.
The reality TV personality became a passionate mental health ambassador after losing both his brother and sister within a year, following their struggles with mental health.
His younger sister, Rachel Bridger Dee, died aged 30 in December 2009, following a decade-long battle with schizophrenia.
His older brother Jonathan had bipolar disorder and died several months earlier.
The Bondi Rescue star and his siblings grew up in a tight-knit family, being raised by their single mother in Melbourne.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.