'I will always keep fighting for justice for my son and to end deaths in custody'
source: National Indigenous Times
published: September 2026
Image Credit: Idea at www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net
A portrait of justice campaigner Leetona Dungay, whose son David Dungay Jnr died in police custody in 2015, has won a major international photography prize.
TPhotographed by David Prichard, the portrait captures Ms Dungay, a Dunghutti Elder, in her South Kempsey home. She has spent the past decade fighting for justice following his death in 2015 at Long Bay Jail, after he was forcibly restrained by several guards.
The UNHEARD documentary series from LADbible Originals uncovers first-hand accounts of racial injustice, while exploring the shocking statistics behind the broader issues.
Mr Prichard contacted Ms Dungay after learning that 2025 marked 10 years since David's death. He travelled to her home in January 2026 and spent the day with her, creating the portrait.
Titled Just A Breath Away, the photograph takes its name from a poem David wrote while incarcerated.
"I will always keep fighting for justice for my son and to end deaths in custody," Ms Dungay said.
"Knowing that this photograph will be seen by people around the world means my son's words and his story can continue to reach people."
Related News:
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www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-29/david-dungay-jr-death-anniversary-rally/106183046
The story of David Dungay and an Indigenous death in custody
11 June 2020
Introducing Breathless: the death of David Dungay Jr podcast – video
14 July 2018
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