Mel Austin, 45, drowned on Jan. 1 after attempting to rescue her son from a riptide at Dunbogan Beach. Her husband, Joel, saved their child, but Mel could not be revived; authorities list a suspected drowning. A GoFundMe organized by her goddaughter Brittany Boyle is supporting Joel and their two young sons. Mel owned a salon in Berowra Heights, which is closed while the family and community mourn.
Mother, 45, Dies Trying to Rescue Son From Riptide at Dunbogan Beach; Community Rallying to Support Family
GoFundMeMel Austin
Mel Austin, 45, a Sydney hairdresser and mother of two, has died after attempting to rescue her son from a riptide at Dunbogan Beach on Thursday, Jan. 1. The family had been enjoying a day at the beach when one of the boys became caught in a rip current.
GettyDunbogan Beach in Australia
According to local media including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), News 9 and News.com.au, witnesses say Mel swam out to reach her son. Her husband, Joel, also entered the water and was able to save their child, but Mel began to struggle and was later pulled from the water. Emergency services attended the scene, and authorities have listed a suspected drowning as the cause of death.
GoFundMeMel Austin
Family, Friends and Community Respond
Mel's goddaughter, Brittany Boyle, set up a GoFundMe page to help the family. On the fundraiser page she wrote, "With the heaviest of hearts, we share the devastating loss of Mel," and described the family and community as "completely heartbroken." Boyle said the fundraiser is intended to ease immediate financial pressures and provide stability for Joel and the couple's two young sons as they cope with the sudden loss.
Mel owned and operated Mel's Hair and Beauty in Berowra Heights, in northern Sydney. Salon staff announced the business would remain closed until further notice out of respect for the family, posting on the shop's official Facebook page and asking for privacy while they grieve.
Safety Reminder
Local media and authorities have used the incident to renew warnings about the dangers of rip currents and the importance of swimming at patrolled beaches and following local safety advice. Community messages and tributes emphasize Mel's role as a devoted, hands-on mother and a cherished friend in her neighbourhood.
Sources: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), News 9, News.com.au, and the family's GoFundMe statement.
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