Red Nose Australia has today launched Healing Through Community, a new national program designed to transform bereavement care for families experiencing miscarriage and stillbirth.
The initiative, unveiled in Canberra with Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Rebecca White MP, culminates three years of development supported by $3.2 million in Federal Government funding.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Rebecca White MP, emphasised the program’s significance:
The loss of a baby is a devastating and traumatic experience for women, their families and support network regardless of when the loss occurs or the reason for the loss.
“Healing Through Community bridges gaps in access and equity so all families no matter who they are, what their background or postcode can access the help they need in the way they need it. ”
I want to thank Red Nose Australia, the individuals and organisations who contributed to the realisation of this important project to make sure everyone touched by stillbirth and miscarriage is seen, heard and supported.”
Quotes attributable to Red Nose Chairperson and bereaved father, Nick Xerakias:
“We are proud to stand alongside the Commonwealth Government in our commitment to reducing the tragedy of stillbirths in our nation. When loss does occur – particularly for those in our community who experience stillbirth and miscarriage at disproportionately high rates – Red Nose is there to assist.
“Families often tell us that all they received after their baby died was a pamphlet – with no clear path to care. Healing Through Community changes that.
“The program equips health professionals to tailor their expert care to specific community needs and expands high quality bereavement services for grieving women and their families.
“By listening deeply and co-designing with families and communities, we’ve been able to build services that reflect cultural strengths, traditions and the real needs of grieving families.
“The program strengthens and bolsters Red Nose’s long-standing services, including the 24/7 support line, counselling, Hospital to Home program, and peer support groups – making them more inclusive, accessible, and culturally safe.”
Key program enhancements include:
- Support for frontline health workers with resources to better care for families after pregnancy and infant loss, while also supporting their own wellbeing.
- A shared care referral system to reduce fragmented pathways and ensure no family slips through the cracks.
- Cultural safety and community leadership, with tailored training, peer support, and storytelling opportunities in First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, migrant and refugee, and rural and remote communities.
- Strengthened counselling, peer connection, and informal supports such as memorials, community events, and continuity of care into subsequent pregnancies.
Quotes attributable to Red Nose Community Advisory Committee Member and Chair of the HTC Steering Committee, bereaved mother, Ari Magalhaes:
“As a bereaved parent, I know how vital it is that families are met with care that is truly respectful and inclusive. These resources will help ensure every bereaved parent receives the support they need, when they need it most.”
Miscarriage and stillbirth affect thousands of Australian families each year, yet access to care remains inconsistent, especially for families in rural and remote regions and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. Early, individualised, and culturally responsive support has been shown to improve long-term mental health outcomes and reduce the need for extended care.
This program ensures that care isn’t just available – it is meaningful, healing, and reflects the voices of the families we serve
Red Nose has stood alongside bereaved families for almost 50 years. Healing Through Community strengthens this legacy by ensuring that every family, no matter who they are or where they live, receives the care they need and deserve.
For media interviews, please contact: Fiona Jordan at fionajordan@rednose.org.au or call 0402 846 867.
Find the Minister’s Announcement here.
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