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Since his uncle died in custody at one of New South Wales\u2019 toughest prisons a decade ago, Paul Silva has been advocating for change almost daily. From organising large-scale rallies with thousands in attendance, to sitting through numerous coronial inquiries and supporting families, he says the right to protest is needed now more than ever.<\/p>\n
The nephew of David Dungay Jr<\/a>, a Dunghutti man who died at the age of 26 at Long Bay jail in Sydney\u2019s southern suburbs on 29 December 2015, Silva says the fight for justice \u201cis not just political \u2013 it is spiritual, cultural, and about survival\u201d.<\/p>\n Sign up: AU Breaking News email<\/sub><\/a><\/p>\n On Monday, about 80 people gathered at Kempsey police station on NSW\u2019s mid-north coast to remember Dungay Jr and to protest, after Australia recorded its highest number of Aboriginal deaths in custody in 45 years.<\/p>\n \u201cIt not only marks the 10-year anniversary of David Dungay Jr and the lack of justice and accountability for us as a family, but it was to also highlight the broader issues that Aboriginal people are facing,\u201d Silva said.<\/p>\n In 2024-25, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accounted for 33 of the 113 deaths in custody<\/a>, the largest number since 1979-80. NSW recorded the highest number of deaths of any state or territory during 2024-25, with the state\u2019s coroner releasing a statement in October acknowledging the \u201cprofoundly distressing milestone\u201d.<\/p>\n