Matthew Smale’s family mark emotional anniversary of Whalan stabbing

Days before Christmas 2021 a Sydney father died after an alteraction in which his son was also allegedly attacked. A year on, his family is still picking up the pieces and will mark an emotional anniversary this week.

Almost a year to the day father-of-three Matthew Smale was killed after an altercation in which his son was also an alleged victim, the heartbroken family he left behind are preparing for their first year without their “protector”.

While even putting a Christmas tree up has been a struggle, Mr Smale’s family are determined to remember the man who lit up their homes during the festive season on Sunday.

With an empty space at the dinner table this Christmas, his widow Kylie Corrigan and sister Tracey have come together in a show of strength to pay tribute to the loving father, a year on from his death.

“Christmas was always Matt’s favourite time of year and now it has become our worst,” Mr Corrigan said.

“He was my soulmate, he was the best person you could ever want. He was our protector and there was nothing he couldn’t do.”

Matt Smale’s family are preparing for their first festive season without their “protector”.

From charming snakes and dogs alike, to knowing exactly what socks his partner Ms Corrigan liked, Mr Smale was able to bring a smile to anyone he met.

It’s his love of all animals, even the reptiles Matthew kept over the years, that his family remember most.

That and his “kind nature”.

“He was a very humble person and self-taught in a lot of things,” Mr Smale’s sister Tracey said.

“His word was his honour and he would stand by what he said.

“If he said something, he’d do it.”

Mr Smale loved Christmas, making it hard for his family this year.

Mr Smale’s family came together for a private memorial on Thursday, the anniversary of Mr Smale’s passing, and will make Christmas special for Mr Smale’s children, despite their loss.

“It is more of an emotional Christmas but the festivities of it all just aren’t there,” she said.

“He couldn’t get enough of (Christmas) so we’re coming together as a family.”

Mr Smale died last year in a stabbing Whalan, days before Christmas. Police have alleged that an argument had taken place, involving his son Jaiden and his housemates, over a PlayStation.

Police arrived to the scene on Caitlin Cl to find three people, including Mr Smale, suffering stab wounds.

His son Jaiden was one of those seriously injured in the attack but survived after spending several days in hospital.

Three teenagers – then aged 18 and 19 – were charged over his death, and are still before the courts charged with murder and assault offences.

“There was one person killed that night but the amount of lives that will never be the same is more than that,” his sister Tracey said.

“There’s a ripple effect of families left behind … when you lose someone so violently like that it is hard.

“Hug your family because you don’t know what life is going to bring.

“Not just at Christmas but all year around.”

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