Murraylands community mourns Dawn Matthews, Maori leader
The church leader, rugby club matriarch and op shop operator will be farewelled in Murray Bridge this Saturday.
The Murraylands’ Maori and wider community is in mourning following the loss of a loving leader, Dawn Matthews, this week.
Ms Matthews passed away on Monday at the age of 68, leaving a rich legacy in the communities of the Maori Evangelical Church of SA and the MEC Black Swans Rugby League Football Club.
She formerly ran an op shop called the Shared Table out of her Murray Bridge home, where she offered food relief and other essentials to those in need; and was a central figure at local Waitangi Day celebrations every year.
As an advocate, she fought for better NDIS care, was one of several public faces of a pro-vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic, and always spoke out about the need for everyone to look after one another.
She was even a candidate for Murray Bridge’s mayoralty in 2022, but lost the election to current Mayor Wayne Thorley.
Ms Matthews is survived by Hohaia, her husband of more than 50 years, as well as her children and grandchildren.
Members and friends of the Maori church have gathered to celebrate her life over the past several days, singing spiritual songs, prayers and memories.
Community members may wish her a final farewell at a funeral service to be held at Murray Bridge Uniting Church at 9.45am this Saturday, August 23.
The dress code will be “a pop of colour” in recognition of the warmth Ms Matthews brought into people’s lives.
