Community urged to vote for Chris to help Red Nose continue supporting families after the death of a baby or child
Carindale, 25 August 2026 — Local Red Nose advocate Chris has been named a finalist in the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes Awards, recognising his work supporting bereaved parents after the death of a baby or child.
Chris’s commitment to helping families through grief began after the death of his son Liam, who died in the NICU when he was just 22 hours old. In the years since, Chris has channelled his grief into connection, creating a touch football team for bereaved dads and supporting other parents through Red Nose.
The Westfield Local Heroes Awards shine a spotlight on people making a positive impact in their local community or environment. In 2026, three finalists from each Westfield destination will go through to a public community vote. The successful Local Hero at each destination will receive a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, while each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant.
Voting is open from 25 August to 20 September 2026, and Red Nose is calling on the local community to vote for Chris and help recognise the importance of compassionate, practical support for families experiencing pregnancy, infant and child loss.
Chris said talking about Liam and supporting other bereaved parents helps ensure families do not feel alone in their grief.
“Talking about him is acknowledgement that he was here,” Chris said. “The chance to support other parents, especially dads who may not always know where to turn, is something that means a great deal to me.”
Red Nose CEO Amy Cooper said Chris’s nomination reflects the power of lived experience and peer connection in helping bereaved families navigate life after loss.
“Chris has transformed personal heartbreak into meaningful support for other families,” said Red Nose CEO Amy Cooper. “A vote for Chris is a vote for connection, compassion and practical care for parents who are grieving the death of a baby or child.”
If selected as the Westfield Local Hero for his destination, the $20,000 grant would support Red Nose’s bereavement services, which provide free, specialised support to families across Australia. Red Nose services include the 24/7 Support Line, Hospital to Home support, peer support, counselling, support groups and grief and loss information for anyone affected by the death of a baby or child.
Community members can vote for Chris in the Westfield Local Heroes Awards from 25 August to 20 September 2026 at Vote for your 2026 Westfield Local Hero
If this story has brought up difficult feelings, Red Nose’s free 24/7 Support Line is available on 1300 308 307.
ENDS
Media contact:
Fiona Jordan
National Marketing and Communications Manager, Red Nose Australia
0402 846 867
About Red Nose Australia
Red Nose Australia provides safe sleep and safer pregnancy education and bereavement support for anyone affected by the death of a baby or child. Red Nose’s grief and loss services include free, specialised support for bereaved parents, families, friends and professionals, including the 24/7 Support Line on 1300 308 307.
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