Remembering Community Hero Chris Polden

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.