‘Trying to survive’: Artist Sheldon Broderick mourned after Geelong break-in

A man who died after allegedly being hit with a bat following an ‘act of desperation’ at a Geelong takeaway shop has been remembered as a talented creative and good mate.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following story contains images of a deceased person.

Indigenous man Sheldon Broderick is being remembered as a talented artist and a good mate following his passing this week.

Mr Broderick, 48, died in hospital on Thursday following an altercation outside a Corio business on Monday morning.

Homicide Squad detectives are probing the circumstances surrounding Mr Broderick’s death.

Mr Broderick’s eldest daughter, Schehara Broderick, said her father was a “hero” to her and her siblings growing up.

“He was a jokester. He was very funny and everyone that met him loved him,” Ms Broderick said.

“He was a good dad when he was there. He just had a heart of gold.”

“His life and his situation wasn’t the best, but he would do things for other people and would never say no when anyone asked him for help.”

Broderick’s mother, Janice Broderick, said she became estranged from her son in recent years but would remember him as a “cheeky little boy, always up to mischief”.

Friend Shaun Kelly, who let Mr Broderick stay at his Norlane home in recent months, recounted painting sessions where Mr Broderick shared his skills.

“He had been painting for a long time. He was able to teach me painting techniques that I can use now,” Mr Kelly said.

Sheldon Broderick died in Corio in an incident at a fish and chip shop. Picture: Supplied

He said the pair found solace in painting Indigenous art, and used sessions to escape the issues they faced after they met in jail last year.

Mr Kelly said Mr Broderick developed a strong bond with his 13-year-old son and the pair often spoke about the meaning of Indigenous art.

“He was real. He was genuine bloke. He was just chilled, calm and placid.”

Mr Kelly said Mr Broderick’s paintings included one named ‘Journey of the Black Cockatoo’ and another ‘Hunting Crocodile Dreaming.’

He said Mr Broderick was stressed in the weeks leading up his death due to relationship issues.

A source with knowledge of Mr Broderick’s situation in the Geelong region said he was on the waiting list for social housing and had been couch surfing in recent months.

“We were waiting for assessments for housing and he was just trying to survive,” the source said.

Sheldon Broderick, left, with friend Paul Duggan. Picture: supplied.

“Some of the organisations (he was meant to be looked after by) dropped the ball about what was going on in his life.”

The source said Mr Broderick’s alleged break and enter at Rays Fish and Chip & Pizza shop on Monday was an act of desperation.

“In the time I’ve seen him he’s never been a violent person.”

The source described Mr Broderick as someone who put the needs of others ahead of himself.

“He was trying to help other people who he thought were worse off than him.

“I just don’t want his life to be in vain.”

Sheldon Broderick’s artwork Journey of a Black Cockato. Picture: The Torch

The source said Mr Broderick was trying to grow his artistic profile this year in a bid to gain an income from selling his work.

Liz Kochan posted to Facebook that there was “never a dull moment” with Mr Broderick.

“No matter what he found ways to make you laugh, even at school, teachers had trouble keeping a straight face with him,” Ms Kochan wrote.

Sheldon Broderick’s artwork 'Hunting Crocodile Dreaming'. Picture: Supplied

“One of my favourite memories was (he’d) been drinking, 15 at the time, chilling in my room and he passed out drunk on my top bunk. Out came the make up and we painted him up as a clown, gave him a big red lips and all.

“He was just that sort of people you could chill with and have fun with.”

It’s understood Mr Broderick’s body will be taken to Queensland where he will be farewelled.

Broderick is survived by his mother, two brothers, three sisters and three children Schehara, Baydan and Mackaelah.

It is MR Broderick was hit to the head with a bat prior to his death.

A Victoria Police spokesman said a 31-year-old Corio man was interviewed this week but released pending further enquires.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as ‘Trying to survive’: Artist Sheldon Broderick mourned after Geelong break-in