I am Shameka Paulson, the 17-year-old only child of my dad Gavin. My father has spent his life looking after me since he become a stay-at-home parent when I was at the age of 5 years old. He always said I was the love of his life and called me, ‘’His princess’’. It's been me and Dad for the last couple of years since my parents separated and they thought it best for me to live with him, as we have a very special father-daughter bond and he is my best friend.

Dad loved footy and was a mad Canterbury Bulldogs fan and had a very special connection to the ocean as grew up at Fingal and enjoyed surfing and fishing. His favorite colour was blue as it was ‘’the colour of the water and the sky’’.

My life was turned upside down as he passed peacefully in our home on the 5 June 2023 a day after his 54th birthday. He became very ill suddenly for the last 2 months with myself trying to care for him as best as I could while completing year 12 and working 2 jobs to help support us. Mum stepped up and helped care for him when I couldn’t be there. Us three were family, me and mum were there right till the end. He never asked for help from anyone when he was struggling, now I am asking for it from our friends and family to help us lay him to rest, with all funds used for funeral costs taking away some of the financial burden from my mother. If you choose to donate any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all and we will update close friends and family when a date has been set.