Hundreds of mourners gathered at Optus Stadium to pay their final respects to Steven Mattaboni, the devoted father of two whose life was tragically cut short in a shark attack off Rottnest Island. The sheer volume of people who filled the venue for the emotional two-hour service reflected the profound impact the 38-year-old had on his community.
Guard of Honour
An enormous guard of honour was formed directly after the service, where hundreds of grieving family members and friends lined the path. Leading the procession at the front of the vehicle were Mr Mattaboni’s closest mates. One of them carried his eldest daughter, who faces the bittersweet milestone of turning three years old in just two weeks.
Behind the vehicle walked his wife, Shirene, a specialist nurse, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mr Mattaboni’s father and sister. In her arms, Ms Mattaboni cradled their youngest daughter, who is just four months old. In a poignant symbol of enduring love, Mr Mattaboni’s father held one of two red heart-shaped balloons. Family members said they were symbolic of the love Mr Mattaboni has for his children which will never waver — but instead always be connected to them through an invisible string. Behind them, Mr Mattaboni’s mother was supported on each arm by his grandparents.
Musical Tribute
As the casket passed, Vance Joy’s Riptide was played over the speakers — a song friends noted had formed a pivotal moment at the Mattabonis’ wedding. Onlookers could be seen hugging their loved ones tight as the procession moved forward.
Remembering a Devoted Father
While the family and friends opted for privacy today, just a few weeks ago they remembered Mr Mattaboni as a devoted father who “lived and breathed the ocean”. The experienced diver was in the water spearfishing with four friends about 1km off Horseshoe Reef when he was attacked by a four-metre shark — believed to be a great white — just before 10am on May 16. The 38-year-old was only 20m from one of the two boats that he and his friends had taken out to the reef when he was fatally bitten on his legs.
Despite frantic attempts by his friends, who performed CPR on a boat as they raced him to Geordie Bay, and St John ambulance paramedics who were waiting there, he could not be saved.
Family Statement
“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, known affectionately to his mates as ‘Mattas’,” Ms Mattaboni said. “An avid fisherman and spearfisherman, who lived and breathed the ocean, he was always in tune with the sea. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back. The world has lost a truly one-of-a-kind gentleman, and our daughters have lost an incredible father far too soon.”
Ms Mattaboni also extended her “deepest, most sincere gratitude” to the emergency services and first responders who worked so tirelessly to try and save her husband.
Friend's Tribute
Steven’s life-long mate Liam Thomas said loved ones wanted him to be remembered for so much more than the way he died. Mr Thomas, who had been friends with Mr Mattaboni since they were five-year-olds in pre-primary, said he had two great loves in his life — the “ocean and his girls”. “He was just so proud of his two beautiful daughters and everything that he did, and everything he worked for, was for them,” Mr Thomas said. “And our heart just absolutely breaks for the daughters and particularly his wife, Shirene.”
The grieving group wanted others to know what a “loving, kind and genuine” person he had been, beyond the shocking headlines. “It’s really important for us to disconnect Steven from what took place last Saturday,” Mr Thomas said. “For us, Steven was a much-loved husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a part of a really tight-knit family. And he was a friend to so many. The reason why we loved him was because he had all these amazing attributes and values — he was charismatic, loyal, funny, hard working and had so many wonderful qualities.”
Mr Thomas said the fishing and diving expedition was something that Mr Mattaboni — who served as the secretary of the spearfishing club Bluewater Freedivers WA — and his friends had done “thousands of times before”. “There was absolutely no warning for Steven. There was absolutely no signs of danger and Steve didn’t understand the danger he was in on that day. Steve loved and respected the ocean and he was really passionate about conservation and conserving the ocean for future generations.”
Final Farewell
Following the emotional guard of honour, the large group made their way to The Camfield to raise a glass to their dear friend, a man who will forever remain in all their hearts.
