Remembering Community Hero Chris Polden
18 Mar 2020
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.
Read more on 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
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