Marley Wright-Martin was a 27 year old Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Yuin, Monero, Tharawal, and Wadawurrung man who should be alive today.

On 4 September 2024, Marley passed away in custody at Port Phillip Prison in Victoria. Marley’s death is currently being investigated by the Coroner’s Court of Victoria, who held a Directions Hearing today that was attended by Marley’s family and loved ones. The hearing marks the beginning of a journey to discover the truth about what happened to Marley and to allow his family to find some justice for losing their loved one at such a young age.

Marley was a beloved brother to six siblings, a son to his mother Aunty Carol Wright and a father. He was affectionate, funny and very close to his family, who are devastated by his sudden death.

Marley had a strong connection to his Aboriginal culture. He was a fearless and energetic person, who loved to be outdoors spending time with his family, brothaboys and son.

Marley is the 18th Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man to have died in custody this year. His passing comes less than a month after the death of another man in Port Phillip Prison in August 2024.

There have been over 576 deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. The recommendations of the Royal Commission still have not been implemented and Aboriginal people continue to die in custody, isolated from their families, culture and country.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service’s Wirraway team is assisting Marley’s family in the coronial process.

Quotes attributable to Aunty Carol Wright, Marley’s mother:

“Marley was the baby in the family. He loved his son and his siblings dearly. His nieces and nephews adored him. This has hit us all so hard and we are devastated.”

“Marley was an active kid. When he was a young, he lived on a farm where he rode horses and cracked the stock whip. He loved it there.”

“When Marley was older he became a proud dresser; all the brands had to match. He didn’t mix Nike and Adidas.”

“Marley loved his family, and he tried to protect all of us. I loved Marley’s smile. He was funny and made us laugh. He was affectionate with the whole family, and we enjoyed those moments with him.”

“Marley had grown up with mental health struggles. There needs to be more support for our young men. We need our young men to be supported to stay at home, with their families.”

“The deaths in custody have to stop. We want Marley’s death to be properly investigated by the Coroner’s Court. We don’t want this to happen to anyone else, or any other family.”

Quotes attributable to Dixon Patten, Marley’s brother:

“Marley was a son and brother that loved his parents and siblings and would love to be around family. I remember him laughing, cracking jokes and making his own fun. He was a young uncle, who adored his nieces and nephews and would often dote on them and ensure they knew they were loved and cared for.”

“Marley was a fun-loving kid who grew up on Gunnai country in Gippsland. He would travel up the high country with extended family members. He was riding horses, cracking whips and putting in long hours on the farm with his uncle Rob, who taught him about hard work and responsibility to family.”

“As a father, he loved and adored his son. When his son was born, his face barely rested away from his son’s face for weeks, even months. He was an attentive dad and played with his son outdoors wherever possible.”

“Marley’s life was stolen from us way too soon. No one should ever get the heartbreaking news that their loved one has died in prison.”

“Black deaths in custody is an absolute disgrace. We should all be outraged at the number of black deaths in custody. It highlights and signals a strong message to our community that we are not cared for. If we were, it wouldn’t be happening.”

“We want to know how government agencies feel about Marley’s life being stolen from his family – is there anger and angst about these deaths that are happening under their watch, or has it become so common that it’s just an ordinary occurrence to them?”

“Marley was loved and he loved us back. He matters and we will fight to ensure his name is not forgotten, that his journey is meaningful and that his death is not in vain.”

“Following the Directions Hearing today, I fear for the process of accountability, and I am trying not to let it consume my mind. We must find out what happened to Marley. I pray we get the answers we are desperately seeking.”

Quotes attributable to Nerita Waight, CEO of VALS:

“Marley should be alive today and my soul is heavy knowing the grief and pain that his family are dealing with.”

“The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service is proud to support Marley’s family through the coronial process.”

“We ask that the media and public be respectful when talking about Marley and his family. This is a very difficult time and the coronial process is taxing for everyone that goes through it.”