Bondi Rescue Star Matt Dee to Be Honoured with Paddle-Out Memorial at Bronte Beach

The Australian reality television community and mental health advocates are preparing to say a final farewell to Matt Dee, the beloved Bondi Rescue lifeguard whose sudden death was confirmed earlier this week. Friends, fans, and fellow surfers will gather at Bronte Beach on the morning of September 12 to spread his ashes and paddle out in his honour, in a tribute that organisers say reflects the larrikin spirit Dee carried throughout his life.

Public Memorial Planned at Bronte Beach

According to a statement from the North Maroubra Surf Riders, the memorial will begin at midday on September 12. The group described Dee as “a true legend” and a man “that had time for everyone, a larrikin, a brother to all, and a leader of the men.” In a social media post, the club invited supporters to travel to Bronte, located just south of the iconic Bondi Beach, to take part in the paddle-out.

“His time with us has come to an end, but we owe it to him to send him off in style,” the club wrote. “We will have a beer and share some stories afterwards.” The paddle-out ceremony, a longstanding tradition among Australian surf communities, involves surfers forming a circle in the water to honour someone who has died, often scattering ashes or flowers among the waves.

A Sudden Loss for Family and Fans

Dee’s death was announced earlier this week through a statement released by FTW Revolution, the clothing brand he co-founded to support youth mental health and suicide prevention. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee,” the statement read. “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.”

The news sent shockwaves through Australian entertainment and mental health circles. Dee had built a reputation not only as one of the recognisable faces of Bondi Rescue, but also as a passionate advocate for open conversations about mental illness.

Years on Bondi Rescue and a Lifelong Commitment to the Surf

Dee appeared on Bondi Rescue, the long-running reality series following the daily lives of lifeguards patrolling one of the world’s most famous beaches, from 2008 to 2017. Over nearly a decade on screen, he became a familiar figure to Australian audiences, known for his humour, his calm under pressure, and his willingness to speak candidly about personal struggles beyond the surf.

Outside of television, Dee remained closely tied to surf lifesaving culture. The North Maroubra Surf Riders’ tribute underscores how his influence extended well beyond the cameras, into the everyday lives of fellow surfers and club members across Sydney’s eastern beaches.

Personal Tragedy and Mental Health Advocacy

Behind the public persona, Dee carried deep personal loss. In 2009, both of his siblings, Rachel, aged 30, and Jonathon, aged 34, died after living with mental illness. His grandmother also died by suicide when Dee was just 15 years old. These experiences shaped the course of his adult life and fuelled his advocacy.

In a previous interview with Nine Newspapers, Dee explained the philosophy that guided his work: “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?” He became an ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia, championing the message that families should talk openly about mental health rather than treat it as a taboo.

Dee also revealed publicly that he lived with bipolar disorder, disclosing the diagnosis through the social media channels of FTW Revolution. By sharing his own diagnosis, he added a personal dimension to a cause already rooted in grief and love for his siblings.

“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.” — FTW Revolution statement

FTW Revolution and a Legacy of Suicide Prevention

Through FTW Revolution, Dee channelled his grief into action. The brand, more than a clothing label, was conceived as a platform to destigmatise mental illness and direct young people towards support services. Its mission centred on youth mental health and suicide prevention, two issues that Dee spoke about with rare honesty for a public figure.

Supporters have been encouraged to continue engaging with the organisation’s work as a way of honouring his memory. In Australian mental health circles, Dee’s name is now closely associated with the broader push for early intervention and community-led prevention.

How Australians Can Pay Their Respects

The North Maroubra Surf Riders have invited members of the public to join the paddle-out at Bronte Beach from midday on September 12. The gathering is open to anyone wishing to commemorate Dee, whether they knew him personally or followed his work from a distance.

For those unable to attend in person, several Australian mental health organisations offer confidential support. Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Suicide Prevention Australia, an organisation Dee served as an ambassador, also provides resources and referral pathways for people in distress and for families affected by suicide.

A Continuing Conversation About Mental Health

Dee’s passing has prompted renewed reflection across Australia’s surf, television, and advocacy communities. Colleagues and supporters have highlighted how he used his public profile not for self-promotion, but to draw attention to the realities of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, grief, and suicide risk. His willingness to name his own diagnosis helped many fans feel less alone.

Mental health researchers and advocacy groups frequently note that public figures who speak about their own experiences play a measurable role in reducing stigma. Dee’s story, spanning family loss, a high-profile surf career, and a long advocacy campaign, is now part of that broader conversation in Australia. The Bronte paddle-out is expected to become both a personal farewell and a visible moment of solidarity for those touched by mental illness.

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