Grief has a way of shaping us. For Steph Whitcombe, it became both a heartbreak and a journey that would connect her even more deeply to her family, her community, and her own resilience.

Steph grew up on the Fraser Coast, a place she would later dedicate her career to promoting through her work in tourism marketing. Alongside her husband Scott, she built not only a business but also dreams of starting a family together.

Those dreams were filled with joy when they discovered they were expecting their first child. But at 12 weeks, a routine scan revealed devastating news. Months later, Steph and Scott faced the unimaginable: their baby girl Olive would not survive. In early 2022, Olive was stillborn.

In the silence that followed, grief felt all-consuming. Like many parents who experience pregnancy and infant loss, Steph withdrew, unsure how to face the world. But slowly, with the support of her family, friends, and her community, she began to find small steps toward healing.

Walking along the Hervey Bay esplanade, listening to podcasts, online therapy and her work for Fraser Coast Mates gave her space to begin processing her grief. Sharing her story and helping others became part of her own recovery.

The journey forward to bring a living child into the world was not simple. Fertility challenges meant Steph and Scott faced the continuous emotional and physical toll of IVF, a journey that is felt by far too many couples.

Steph’s story is not just one of loss, but of resilience. It’s a reminder that behind every family photo, there are stories of love, heartbreak, and the power of community support.

Relevant Support Services

Red Nose Bereavement Support: https://rednose.org.au/page/grief-and-loss-support-services
Pink Elephants Support Network for Pregnancy Loss: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/
IVF & Feritility Support via The Fertility Collective: https://fertilitycollective.org/