High-profile Sandy Dawson SC, a Sydney barrister, died eight years after his sister Katrina was killed in the Lindt Café siege. The father of four died after succumbing to a brain tumor. The 50-year-old was remembered as a “true gentleman” with “fortitude and resilience.”
Sandy Dawson Obituary
According to NSW Bar Association president Gabrielle Bashir SC, the barrister died peacefully surrounded by his family over the weekend.
“Sandy faced his final battle with cancer with his customary grit, fierce determination and devotion to those he loved,” Ms Bashir said. “While Sandy was committed to the Bar, it was love for his wife, children and wider family that was of foremost importance to him.” “An extraordinary friend to many”
Mr Dawson was a founding member of The Katrina Dawson Foundation, set up in the name of his sister, also a barrister and a mum-of-three, who was shot aged 39 as police stormed the Martin Place cafe in December 2014.
As a director of the Foundation, Mr Dawson for years supported the education of women providing scholarships for female undergraduates to attend the Women’s College at the University of Sydney.
His devastated family including his mother Jane, his father Sandy Dawson, and brother Angus have asked for privacy.
“I know that many in our profession will be deeply affected today, particularly following the loss of Katrina at such a young age, and that is why I make this exceptional message,” Ms Bashir said.
“Our heartfelt condolences and the thoughts of the profession are first and foremost with his wife, children and the Dawson family.”
“I know that many in our profession will be deeply affected today, particularly following the loss of Katrina at such a young age, and that is why I make this exceptional message,” Ms Bashir said.
“Our heartfelt condolences and the thoughts of the profession are first and foremost with his wife, children and the Dawson family.”
Ms Bashir said the profession would “never forget Sandy’s fortitude and resilience during the Lindt siege, following Katrina’s death and at the lengthy inquest, all excruciating in turn”.
“Sandy’s return to practice exemplified his courage and dedication to the profession,” she said.
Ms Bahir added Sandy was “born to be a barrister” and was a “master of our craft”.
“He was a true gentleman with the sharpest of intellect,” she said.
“He was an extraordinary friend to many in the profession. His presence brightened our courtrooms and chambers.”
