Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised the following article contains the name and image of a person who has died.

A directions hearing into the death in custody of 27-year-old Indigenous man Marley Wright-Martin has taken place in Melbourne today.

The Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Djab Wurrung, Yuin, Monero, Tharawal, and Wadawurrung man passed away last month at Port Phillip Prison, with the Coroner's Court of Victoria holding the first hearing on Tuesday, with his family and loved ones in attendance.

One of seven siblings and the father of a son, Mr Wright-Martin was described as affectionate, funny, and very close to his family, with a strong connection to his culture.

His mother, Aunty Carol Wright, said her son was the baby in the family who loved his son and siblings dearly.

"His nieces and nephews adored him. This has hit us all so hard, and we are devastated," Ms Wright said.

"Marley loved his family, and he tried to protect all of us. I loved Marley's smile. He was funny and made us laugh. He was affectionate with the whole family, and we enjoyed those moments with him."

Mr Wright-Martin is the 18th Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person to die in custody this year, with his death coming less than a month after the death of another man in Port Phillip Prison in August.

Marley Wright-Martin was found unresponsive in a cell, with the court being told on Tuesday he was serving a sentence for property and violence offences.

Mr Martin-Wright was being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day after an incident involving another prisoner, with counsel assisting the coroner Ben Ihle KC telling the court he had a history of mental health issues as well and suicide attempts.

Mr Ihle also said Mr Martin-Wright's family had raised concerns about his care and treatment in custody after his death.

His mother called for more support for young Indigenous men.

"We need our young men to be supported to stay at home, with their families," Ms Wright said.

"The deaths in custody have to stop. We want Marley's death to be properly investigated by the Coroner's Court. We don't want this to happen to anyone else, or any other family."

There have been more than 576 deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was handed down in 1991.

Many of the recommendations have either not been implemented, or have been rescinded, including incarceration of Aboriginal people as a last resort.

Mr Wright-Martin's brother, Dixon Patten, spoke of his brother's love for his family and fun-loving nature, who grew up on Gunnai country in Gippsland.

"As a father, he loved and adored his son. When his son was born, his face barely rested away from his son's face for weeks, even months. He was an attentive dad and played with his son outdoors wherever possible," Mr Patten said.

"Marley's life was stolen from us way too soon. No one should ever get the heartbreaking news that their loved one has died in prison."

He labelled Blak deaths in custody "an absolute disgrace," arguing everyone should be "outraged" at the number of Indigenous deaths in custody.

"It highlights and signals a strong message to our community that we are not cared for. If we were, it wouldn't be happening," Mr Patten said.

"We want to know how government agencies feel about Marley's life being stolen from his family – is there anger and angst about these deaths that are happening under their watch, or has it become so common that it's just an ordinary occurrence to them?"

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service's (VALS) Wirraway team is assisting Mr Wright-Martin's family in the coronial process, with chief executive Nerita Waight said he "should be alive today".

"My soul is heavy knowing the grief and pain that his family are dealing with," Ms Waight said.

"The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service is proud to support Marley's family through the coronial process."

VALS asked the media to be respectful and mindful when talking about Mr Wright-Martin and his family.