Remembering Community Hero Chris Polden
Over the weekend, Melbourne’s inner east saw three people die as the result of a random stabbing spree. Thorne Harbour Health honours one of the victims, Chris Polden.
18 Mar 2020
Read more at The Age
Chris Polden died a hero. Even after being mortally wounded he used his dying moments to phone the police to warn them of his attacker. He has been credited by the Chief Commissioner of Police, Graham Ashton as being instrumental in the apprehension of his attacker who had already killed one other person and seriously wounded another.
“He made the call because obviously he is worried about the community more than himself. I think it’s a tremendously brave act.” Commissioner Ashton said.
The selflessness and concern that Chris showed as he lay dying was characteristic of the man who was an active member of his community, contributing to the health and wellbeing of others. In a community that can sometimes be divisive, Chris was well respected and liked by his peers.
Chris was an early board member of the AIDS Housing Action Group (AHAG) and was an activist and supporter of the HIV positive community right up to his untimely death.
Chris was such a brilliant example of those in our community who regularly contribute above and beyond expectations. It is clear by the events of that fateful night that he bravely and heroically considered the needs of others instead of his own. His is a serious loss to our community and he will be missed.
Simon Ruth, Thorne Harbour Health CEO
In other news
08 Aug 2025
Lessons in Leather from Thorne Harbour Health
Keen on kink? Here’s how to build your leather collectionLeather is everywhere – at the club, at Pride, and in your treasured collection of Tom of Finland work. Most recently, you could find racks full of leather at The Laird in celebration of A Week of Leather (AWOL) 2025, where dozens of people donated leather gear to fundraise for Thorne Harbour Health. In honour of leather and the people who love it, we’ve created a guide for those interested in exploring their kinky side, complete with a brief history of leather subculture, expert styling tips for beginners, and info on how you can score cheaper leather gear while supporting a good cause. Read on to learn more!
22 Jul 2025
Introducing Medicare-Subsidised Counselling
Thorne Harbour Health is proud to launch Under the Rainbow, our new Medicare-subsidised counselling service. At just $50 per session, this new offering expands on our existing free mental health counselling, helping us support more members of our LGBTIQA+ communities. We have a new dedicated psychologist available for this program.