A family dispute has resulted in the removal of the headstone from the grave of David Dungay Jr, whose death in custody in 2015 became a major national issue and sparked widespread protests across Australia.
The memorial, created by Dungay’s mother Leetona Dungay, was removed from his grave at East Kempsey Cemetery after a request from his father, David Hill, according to family members. The dispute reportedly centred around concerns that Hill’s current wife and children were not included on the headstone.
Dungay’s sister, Christine Dungay, said she only discovered the memorial had been removed after receiving a letter from Kempsey Council. She described the removal as deeply painful, saying it reopened the grief surrounding her brother’s death.
The council stated that the headstone had been installed without the required prior approval and that it had been removed at the request of the person recognised as having authority over the burial site. The council initially requested payment for removal costs but later waived the fee after the family raised financial hardship concerns.
David Dungay Jr died at the age of 26 in Long Bay Correctional Complex in Sydney in 2015 after being restrained by prison officers during an incident involving his refusal to stop eating biscuits, which was linked to his diabetes. A 2019 coronial inquiry found issues including shortcomings in staff training but did not find criminal conduct.
His death became a significant symbol in discussions about Indigenous deaths in custody and justice issues in Australia. His family, particularly his mother Leetona, has continued advocating for accountability and improved treatment of Indigenous people in the prison system.
Family members described Dungay as a kind and quiet person who loved sport and had a caring personality. They say the removal of the memorial has added further emotional distress to a loss they have continued to carry for years.
