Arabic version: إشادات تُكرّم فتى يورتا يورتا دري كوبر

According to ABC News, 11-year-old Yorta Yorta boy Dre Cooper is being remembered as a strong young leader, talented athlete and much-loved member of the Shepparton community after his death earlier this week. Dre died after entering the Broken River in Shepparton on Monday.

Mourners gathered at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club for a vigil on Friday. The event began with a smoking ceremony, while hundreds of people formed a guard of honour for Dre’s family. Traditional dances and further tributes were offered by members of the football netball club, Dre’s church and friends.

Community leader Jarvis Atkinson, who also sits on Gellung Warl, described Dre as a strong young Yorta Yorta warrior loved by many. He told the vigil that Dre’s strength, courage and smile had made the community a better place, and said he had been a leader to other young people and cousins in the community.

The Rumbalara Football Netball Club said in a social media post that Dre played 26 games for the club and was a premiership player in its under-12 team in 2026. The club said he made an impact around the club and in people’s hearts, describing him as caring and supportive of family, friends and teammates. A fundraiser supporting Dre’s family has raised more than $50,000.

Police said Dre went missing while swimming near the Broken River. His body was found the following day in bushland after an extensive search involving police, SES and Search and Rescue crews, as well as family members. Police said there were no sinister circumstances in his death, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.