State Funeral Service for The Honourable Brian James Dixon

A State Funeral Service to celebrate the life of The Honourable Brian James Dixon was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday, 25 July 2025.

The Honourable Brian Dixon

The Honourable Brian James Dixon lived a rich life defined by public service, leadership, and a strong passion for sport and community.

He joined Melbourne Football Club in 1954, where he played 252 games and became a five-time premiership player. He also coached North Melbourne Football Club for two years.

While still playing for Melbourne in 1964, Brian was elected as Liberal Member for St Kilda in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

Brian held a number of portfolios throughout his 18-year career in politics, including employment and training, sport and recreation, housing, social welfare, and education.

As Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation, he championed the notable Life. Be in it. campaign – an innovative initiative that inspired generations of Australians to lead healthier, more active lives.

Brian’s most profound legacy came through his pioneering work as an advocate for road safety.

As Chair of the Road Safety Committee, he played a key role introducing the world’s first compulsory seatbelt legislation. This transformative reform has saved countless lives and become a global model for road safety.

After leaving Parliament in 1982, Brian continued to tirelessly advocate for public health and sport development, both within Australia and internationally.

His remarkable contributions to Australian Rules Football were recognised in 2010 with his induction into the AFL Hall of Fame.

Brian’s vision, energy, and lifelong dedication to helping others has left a lasting legacy in Victorian politics, the AFL community, and the Victorian public.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, and at the request of Brian’s family, memorial donations may be made to FightMND.

### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Flowers and Portrait View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Flowers and Portrait’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - John Terrick View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - John Terrick’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Mr Tim Richardson MP View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Mr Tim Richardson MP’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Melbourne High School - The Unicorns choir View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Melbourne High School - The Unicorns choir’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - The Hon Dr Barry Jones AC View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - The Hon Dr Barry Jones AC’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Andrew Dwyer AM View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - Andrew Dwyer AM’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - The Hon Ray Groom AO View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - The Hon Ray Groom AO’ fullscreen
### State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - 5 VFL Premiership Cups View ‘State Funeral Service for The Hon Brian Dixon - 5 VFL Premiership Cups’ fullscreen