Tjaegan’s (right) death has shocked the local community. He was pictured here after a performance at Cranbourne West Primary School in late May. From left, Jesse Gardiner, Justin, Damien, Georgia and Tjaegan. Tjaegan’s mother, Beryl, gave Star permission to publish the photo of her son.
By Glen Atwell
THE sudden death of local Aboriginal youth worker, musician and sportsman Tjaegan Wilson has rocked the Casey and Dandenong communities.
The 21-year-old Hampton Park resident died in his sleep on Saturday night, just 24 hours after wowing audiences with his didgeridoo at a Drum Theatre concert in Dandenong.
Tjaegan had suffered from a heart condition.
His mother, Beryl, said she was proud of her son’s many achievements.
“He was a great sportsman, he loved basketball and football,” she said.
“He was a talented didgeridoo player and loved his culture, everything he did, he did well.”
“I saw him play on Friday night and he was amazing, everyone loved it,” Beryl said.
The reconciliation concert Kangoo Bambadin was held at the Drum Theatre on Friday night.
It was a showcase of Aboriginal culture, and featured a number of celebrated artists, including Archie Roach, Dan Sultan, Ron Murray and Tjaegan.
All proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to the Indigenous Youth Program at the Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative (DDAC).
Tjaegan was employed by the DDAC and spent his time ensuring young aboriginal children had every chance to live a positive and fulfilling life.
Beryl said her son was a mentor to many young aboriginal children.
“He’d take the boys on camps and teach them skills,” she said.
“At the end of every camp he’d paint them up and the kids would perform for the other groups.”
“Sometimes Tjaegan would play the didgeridoo around the fire and the kids would be just mesmerised.”
Tjaegan was a talented footballer and secured a position on the Casey Scorpions senior VFL list in 2005.
His former coach Peter Banfield said Tjaegan was a very skilful player.
“Tjaegan moved well, he was a good size – around six foot – and was keen to play football,” he said.
“I coached him for a season and a half.
“He ran well and had a lot of ability. His death is an absolute tragedy.”
The City of Casey paid tribute to Tjaegan before Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Tjaegan’s funeral will be held at Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South at 12.30pm on Wednesday 11 June.
A wake at Berwick Football Club, on Manuka Road, will follow the service.
