Hundreds of mourners gathered at Redfern Oval in Sydney on Saturday morning to farewell Bundjalung boxing legend Tony Mundine OAM, who passed away from a heart attack on 30 August at the age of 75. The emotional ceremony honoured a man remembered not only as a titan of Australian sport but as a devoted father, community builder and cultural anchor for generations of Aboriginal Australians.
Warning: This article contains the name and image of an Aboriginal person who has passed away.
A Farewell Fit for a Champion
Mundine's coffin was carried to a small stage draped with the Aboriginal flag and decorated with a large bouquet of flowers. In a touching tribute to his lifelong devotion to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the dark timber of the coffin was printed with a pair of boxing gloves and a gold rabbit — a detail that drew quiet smiles from those gathered.
Bundjalung and Gadigal man Craig Madden, Mundine's nephew, opened the service with a welcome to Country, recounting the story of a 15-year-old boy who travelled to Sydney to chase his dreams in the boxing ring. Madden described his uncle as the "backbone" of their family.
"Steady, loyal and always there when you needed him. He was strong and staunch, yet humble, kind and generous beyond measure," Madden told the crowd. "He always made room for a yarn and a laugh, or a quiet word when someone needed comfort."
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
The eulogy was delivered by nephew Matthew Mundine, who reflected on Mundine's "quiet resilience, unwavering integrity and deep strength of character" — qualities, he said, that made the boxer a titan of Australian sport. Mundine remains the only Australian boxer to have held national titles across four weight divisions.
But Matthew Mundine was clear that the fighter's greatest achievement lay outside the ropes. He pointed to the establishment of the Elouera Tony Mundine Gym and the Tony Mundine Hostel as his uncle's most enduring victories.
"He built far more than physical places — he built sanctuaries of hope," Matthew said. "For generations of community and young people, especially Aboriginal youth seeking direction, safe housing or a second chance, Tony offered a home away from home."
"Your fight may be done, but your victories are eternal — and your legacy will never fade," he added.
Children Pay Tribute to Their Father
Mundine's four children — Kelly, Natalie, Anthony and Kiah — each offered personal tributes to their father, painting a picture of a warm, funny and deeply loving man behind the public legend.
His youngest child, Kiah Tony Mundine Atkins, recalled her father's cheekiness and his pride in a bright red car he was forever washing. She remembered his colourful expressions — "stone the crows" and calling everyone a "cowboy" — and his signature response whenever she asked how he was doing.
"He would say, 'I'm cruising like a butterfly'," Kiah told mourners. "Keep cruising like a butterfly, Dad. I love you."
Eldest daughter Natalie Carr-Mundine said her father had a rare gift for touching people's lives, and that his true legacy had nothing to do with titles or fight records.
"His legacy isn't measured by the titles he has won, or the fights he fought," she said. "It's measured by the people he has inspired — and looking here today, he's inspired quite a lot of you."
An Unwavering Anchor
Throughout the service, a recurring theme emerged: Tony Mundine as a "steady anchor" — not just for his family, but for an entire community. Described as a "deeply devoted" family man and a "loyal and steadfast" friend, he was praised for the wisdom he offered quietly and generously to all who sought it.
In words that echoed through Redfern Oval, Craig Madden captured what so many present clearly felt: that Tony Mundine shared "lessons about life that stayed with you — leaving you feeling hopeful, grounded and ready to face what was to come next."
