Dean Smith: Tributes paid to adored member of Ipswich indigenous and rugby league communities

A pillar of the Ipswich community, rugby league icon and legend Dean Smith is remembered as a ‘respected, loyal, loveable and strong Aboriginal man’.

*Indigenous readers are advised that this story contains the name and image of an Indigenous man who has passed away.

People across Ipswich are mourning a widely-respected and much-loved leader of the city’s Indigenous and rugby league communities.

Queensland Health worker and local mentor Dean Smith passed on January 24.

His death was “very unexpected”.

Smith is considered by many to be a footy legend, having played a particularly significant role in the Redbank Plains Rugby League Football Club family.

He coached the club’s women’s team in 2019 and was adored for his passion and commitment to the game, but even more so for his dvocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Redbank Plains Rugby League Football Club president Jodie Elder has known Smith and his wife Rebecca Smith for many years.

She said both worked tirelessly, volunteering their time through rugby league, culture, and family.

“Dean was passionate about rugby league,” Ms Elder said.

“This passion was evident through his beloved Kambu Warriors JRLFC, this is where he devoted his time and energy, giving back to our kids and families.

“He had the ability to bring together players, families and a community through the greatest game of all.

“He played the game he loved. He shared his knowledge, passion and experience to all of those who he crossed paths with.

“These memories will be forever treasured and never be forgotten.”

Smith was a very active member in the Ipswich rugby league community, coaching Redbank Plains Bears’ women’s team in 2019. Picture: Supplied

Ms Elder said Smith brought fun and laughter to coaching and was able to unite a team of women who played hard and never gave up, playing for each other but most of all for their beloved coach.

“Thank you Dean, you are an absolute legend,” Ms Elder said.

“We are so grateful for the memories we have had with you that we will forever cherish in our hearts and never forget.

“To Becky, Kristy, Deryan and Tevan, our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.”

He was widely adored and respected for his work as a cultural leader, as well as for his coaching and mentoring abilities. Picture: Supplied

Other local clubs he was involved with took to social media to share their memories of Smith and their condolences with the loved ones he left behind.

“Dean was a great contributor to rugby league and our juniors were lucky to have the opportunity to learn from such a talented man,” a North Tigers Juniors Rugby League representative shared in a post.

“Our hearts are heavy with sadness. Rest in peace.”

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding also shared her sentiments on social media, stating in a post: “He has left us way too soon.”

“Dean was a tireless community leader in the indigenous community and the footy community,” Cr Harding wrote.

“He will be missed by many people in our community and I offer my condolences to Dean’s family.”

Smith is survived by his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

Others who knew and loved Smith described him on social media as a “gentleman” and a “well-loved and well-respected friend”, stating they were “lost for words” after hearing of his passing.

“Such a loss to the local community, I have no doubt Dean has been a positive influence on so many people who needed it,” one person wrote.

A GoFundMe has been created to help Smith’s family cover funeral costs.

“Everyone who knew Dean, knew he was a well-known, respected, loyal, loveable, strong Aboriginal man,” GoFundMe organiser Maree Boustead said.

“Dean would help everyone before he worried about himself. This tragic loss was very unexpected and we were not prepared for this financially.

“We would appreciate any donations to help with laying our beloved Dean to rest, supporting his family throughout this ordeal.”

More than 94 people donated to the GoFundMe in just one day — a testament to Smith’s extensive impact on the people of Ipswich.