Friends and fellow surfers will gather at Bronte Beach on Saturday 12 September to honour former Bondi Rescue lifeguard Matt Dee with a paddle out and the scattering of his ashes.
The North Maroubra Surf Riders announced the memorial on social media, inviting members of the community to join them in remembering Dee, who died aged 47.
“Next Saturday we send off a true legend,” the club said. “A man who had time for everyone, a larrikin, a brother to all and a leader of men.”
The group said Dee’s life would be celebrated in the water before friends gathered for drinks and shared memories afterwards.
“We are calling on everyone to get down to Bronte next Saturday to spread his ashes and have a paddle out in his honour,” the message said. “We will have a beer and share some stories afterwards.”
Matt Dee remembered by Bondi Rescue community
Dee became a familiar face to Australian television viewers through his appearances on Bondi Rescue between 2008 and 2017. His energetic personality and work as a lifeguard made him a popular figure among the show’s international audience.
News of his death was announced on Wednesday by FTW Revolution, the clothing and events organisation he co-founded. The group said Dee had “touched the lives of many” and confirmed that funeral arrangements were still being finalised.
Tributes have since been shared by former co-stars, friends and members of the Bondi lifeguarding community, who remembered his humour, generosity and ability to lift the spirits of those around him.
Dee was also widely known for his work in mental health and suicide prevention. He established FTW Revolution as a resource for young Australians and later became an ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia.
The organisation has raised at least 500,000 Australian dollars for Suicide Prevention Australia, according to the ABC.
Dee had previously spoken publicly about the deaths of his siblings Rachel and Jonathon in 2009, and the impact of mental illness on his family. He described the guilt he carried and used his experiences to encourage others to seek help.
His cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
