Queensland Community Engagement Coordinator Chris Wood shares how lived experience, community connection and a passion for helping others shape his work supporting bereaved families through Red Nose.
Chris has recently been nominated for a Westfield Local Heroes award. Vote for him here
My role at Red Nose
I’m Chris Wood, Community Engagement Coordinator for Red Nose in Queensland. I started in the role on 7 May 2024, a date I’ll always remember because it’s also my dad’s birthday. Based mainly in Brisbane, my work is all about bringing bereaved families together through meaningful community events, support and connection.
As a bereaved Dad to Liam, I find working and supporting other bereaved families to be an incredible fulfilling position. I want better bereavement care for all, but especially to elevate the conversation around better support for Dads.
No two days at Red Nose look the same, especially in the lead-up to major events. At the moment, I’m focused on supporting volunteer coordinators across six Walk to Remember events in Queensland, while also planning my own Walk. I try to hold events on weekends so families and supporters who work conventional hours can attend, and when I can, I’ll take some time in lieu afterwards and head out for a long swim.
Alongside event coordination, I’m involved in projects that are very close to my heart. I co-facilitate the bereaved dads online support group, take shifts on the 1300 support line, work with Red Nose CEO Amy as part of the Neonatal Critical Care Alliance, and occasionally facilitate Red Nose in-services at hospitals across South East Queensland.
One of the most surreal and emotional moments for me was returning to Royal Brisbane, where my son Liam was born and died, to help facilitate an in-service alongside Tiffany, who had been my Hospital to Home support worker.
A day in my role
Working from home in Queensland, I like to start the day with movement, whether that’s a training session or a walk with my dog by the beach. Once I’m at my desk, I usually begin by working through my inbox, sorting emails into the right folders and responding as efficiently as I can, especially after my days off. When possible, I schedule meetings in the morning while I’m feeling mentally fresh, then use my handwritten notes to follow up afterwards.
By lunchtime, I’ll often sit outside and watch the world go by. My afternoons are usually spent planning community events, developing ideas for new activities, thinking about content for our Facebook group, connecting with new members, sharing Red Nose resources and building relationships with other organisations. I’m also a big believer in the value of a 20-minute power nap, and if I have one, I’ll usually work a little later. Most afternoons end with a walk with my dog or a reformer Pilates session before I head to my other job as a lifeguard.
Why this work matters to me
What I value most about working at Red Nose is the opportunity to support and build meaningful connections with other bereaved parents.
I hate with an absolute passion that my son died, but I also believe I was put on this planet to help people. Being able to use my lived experience to support others is something I’m deeply passionate about.
I’m inspired every day by seeing other bereaved parents do extraordinary work in this space, people who overcome their own obstacles and challenges to help create positive change for future families. The saying “worst club, best people” really rings true when it comes to the bereaved parent community.
My path to Red Nose
My path to Red Nose came after a difficult period following Liam’s death. I had always enjoyed helping people, but after selling our family coffee shop I found myself at a career crossroads, moving from job to job for around 18 months. When the Red Nose role became available, it felt like an opportunity to make a positive impact on a community I care deeply about.
Before becoming a staff member, I had already been involved with Red Nose through fundraising and as a parent speaker for Say Their Name Day in 2023. I also started a touch football team for bereaved dads in Brisbane, made up of men who met through Red Nose. The team, called Red Nose Dads, is now in its eighth season and has supported more than 20 bereaved dads, something I’m incredibly proud.
Life outside work
Outside of work, I love sport, especially endurance sport. Earlier this year, I completed the Cairns Ironman, which involved a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre ride and 42.2-kilometre run. I’m now preparing for a backyard ultra marathon, where I’m hoping to run more than 100 kilometres. Endurance sport has given me space to process my grief. I love doing hard things and moving forward into the pain; in my own way, it has also become a way of reclaiming some of the physical pain my wife has endured through multiple pregnancy losses.
What I hope families take from my work
Above all, I feel honoured to represent this community. It is an absolute privilege to help bereaved parents through their own journeys, and my work at Red Nose is grounded in connection, lived experience and a deep commitment to supporting families when they need it most.
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