Grieving dad turned to football after daughter's death to 'get hurt'

The Advertiser27-05-2025

The "broken" family of a toddler whose death at Orange Hospital is the subject of a NSW coronial inquest has issued heart-breaking statements on the first day of the hearing.
At around 2pm on Sunday, June 12, 2022 Pippa Mae White was admitted to Cowra hospital by her mother with a fever, low oxygen levels and laboured breathing.
She was sent home due to long wait times but her condition worsened and her mother Annah White took her back.
After assessing the two-year-old girl, an ambulance was organised to transport her to Orange Hospital. She arrived at Orange Hospital at about 9.20pm that night and died of sepsis the following day.
Speaking from the NSW Coroners Court at Lidcombe on May 26, 2025, Pippa's grandmother and former nurse, Marianne Stonestreet, said she left her farm on Sunday and travelled to Orange Hospital.
"I was shocked and appalled at Pippa's condition," Ms Stonestreet said.
"It was obvious to me that she was critically unwell. Pippa didn't even react to my arrival. Usually she would run into your arms, hug, kiss. Her energy lit up the room. This time nothing."
Pippa and her mother were taken to the children's ward.
Due to Covid restrictions and it being outside of visiting hours, Ms Stonestreet was not allowed to accompany them.
She then left the hospital "sick with worry".
"I believe the hospital system, and the medical decisions made that (Sunday) night are responsible for her loss and for our family's ongoing grief," she said.
"I am broken and I am angry in ways I can not even explain."
The grandmother called for Pippa's death to help fix a "broken" system.
"This grief didn't come from an accident, it came from what I believe is a total neglect, medical neglect," she added.
"Please don't look away, please help us change this system so no one else loses a child this way."
Since the death of his daughter, Brock White has admittedly struggled to cope with the loss.
"At the start, I couldn't believe it," he said.
"I thought it was a nightmare. The anger, the frustration, the disbelief that I'd lost my baby girl. No more kisses on the cheek or cuddles. We as a family had lost part of us."
Mr White told the court he took up drinking "first thing" in the morning. He would finish bottles but "nothing helped".
The grieving father then signed up to play rugby league and rugby union so he "could hurt somebody and get hurt".
"I needed to be hurt physically," he added.
"I also had to show there was a positive way to deal with emotions through sport."
No longer can Mr White listen to the radio or watch the news for fear it will result in a panic attack.
Since the first coronial inquest into Pippa's death in July 2024, her mother has advocated for change to a health system she blames for her daughter's death.
"The health system have ripped away any beautiful memory we could have ever made with her," Ms White said.
"We have been robbed of all our hopes and dreams with our daughter Pippa. Given a life sentence.
"On those two days Pip was in the hospital, our precious daughter fell through the cracks of our already failing and struggling health system."
Ms White asked those in the courtroom to imagine this death had happened to someone they loved.
She asked them to keep that in mind during the duration of the inquest.
"It's up to us to enact change to save your Pippas," Ms White added.
"There's no end to the pain and suffering we as her family and friends will feel.
"So take the time and as long as necessary to consider what recommendations can be put forward. Let this be the one that generates the change."
The inquest continues.
The "broken" family of a toddler whose death at Orange Hospital is the subject of a NSW coronial inquest has issued heart-breaking statements on the first day of the hearing.
At around 2pm on Sunday, June 12, 2022 Pippa Mae White was admitted to Cowra hospital by her mother with a fever, low oxygen levels and laboured breathing.
She was sent home due to long wait times but her condition worsened and her mother Annah White took her back.
After assessing the two-year-old girl, an ambulance was organised to transport her to Orange Hospital. She arrived at Orange Hospital at about 9.20pm that night and died of sepsis the following day.
Speaking from the NSW Coroners Court at Lidcombe on May 26, 2025, Pippa's grandmother and former nurse, Marianne Stonestreet, said she left her farm on Sunday and travelled to Orange Hospital.
"I was shocked and appalled at Pippa's condition," Ms Stonestreet said.
"It was obvious to me that she was critically unwell. Pippa didn't even react to my arrival. Usually she would run into your arms, hug, kiss. Her energy lit up the room. This time nothing."
Pippa and her mother were taken to the children's ward.
Due to Covid restrictions and it being outside of visiting hours, Ms Stonestreet was not allowed to accompany them.
She then left the hospital "sick with worry".
"I believe the hospital system, and the medical decisions made that (Sunday) night are responsible for her loss and for our family's ongoing grief," she said.
"I am broken and I am angry in ways I can not even explain."
The grandmother called for Pippa's death to help fix a "broken" system.
"This grief didn't come from an accident, it came from what I believe is a total neglect, medical neglect," she added.
"Please don't look away, please help us change this system so no one else loses a child this way."
Since the death of his daughter, Brock White has admittedly struggled to cope with the loss.
"At the start, I couldn't believe it," he said.
"I thought it was a nightmare. The anger, the frustration, the disbelief that I'd lost my baby girl. No more kisses on the cheek or cuddles. We as a family had lost part of us."
Mr White told the court he took up drinking "first thing" in the morning. He would finish bottles but "nothing helped".
The grieving father then signed up to play rugby league and rugby union so he "could hurt somebody and get hurt".
"I needed to be hurt physically," he added.
"I also had to show there was a positive way to deal with emotions through sport."
No longer can Mr White listen to the radio or watch the news for fear it will result in a panic attack.
Since the first coronial inquest into Pippa's death in July 2024, her mother has advocated for change to a health system she blames for her daughter's death.
"The health system have ripped away any beautiful memory we could have ever made with her," Ms White said.
"We have been robbed of all our hopes and dreams with our daughter Pippa. Given a life sentence.
"On those two days Pip was in the hospital, our precious daughter fell through the cracks of our already failing and struggling health system."
Ms White asked those in the courtroom to imagine this death had happened to someone they loved.
She asked them to keep that in mind during the duration of the inquest.
"It's up to us to enact change to save your Pippas," Ms White added.
"There's no end to the pain and suffering we as her family and friends will feel.
"So take the time and as long as necessary to consider what recommendations can be put forward. Let this be the one that generates the change."
The inquest continues.
The "broken" family of a toddler whose death at Orange Hospital is the subject of a NSW coronial inquest has issued heart-breaking statements on the first day of the hearing.
At around 2pm on Sunday, June 12, 2022 Pippa Mae White was admitted to Cowra hospital by her mother with a fever, low oxygen levels and laboured breathing.
She was sent home due to long wait times but her condition worsened and her mother Annah White took her back.
After assessing the two-year-old girl, an ambulance was organised to transport her to Orange Hospital. She arrived at Orange Hospital at about 9.20pm that night and died of sepsis the following day.
Speaking from the NSW Coroners Court at Lidcombe on May 26, 2025, Pippa's grandmother and former nurse, Marianne Stonestreet, said she left her farm on Sunday and travelled to Orange Hospital.
"I was shocked and appalled at Pippa's condition," Ms Stonestreet said.
"It was obvious to me that she was critically unwell. Pippa didn't even react to my arrival. Usually she would run into your arms, hug, kiss. Her energy lit up the room. This time nothing."
Pippa and her mother were taken to the children's ward.
Due to Covid restrictions and it being outside of visiting hours, Ms Stonestreet was not allowed to accompany them.
She then left the hospital "sick with worry".
"I believe the hospital system, and the medical decisions made that (Sunday) night are responsible for her loss and for our family's ongoing grief," she said.
"I am broken and I am angry in ways I can not even explain."
The grandmother called for Pippa's death to help fix a "broken" system.
"This grief didn't come from an accident, it came from what I believe is a total neglect, medical neglect," she added.
"Please don't look away, please help us change this system so no one else loses a child this way."
Since the death of his daughter, Brock White has admittedly struggled to cope with the loss.
"At the start, I couldn't believe it," he said.
"I thought it was a nightmare. The anger, the frustration, the disbelief that I'd lost my baby girl. No more kisses on the cheek or cuddles. We as a family had lost part of us."
Mr White told the court he took up drinking "first thing" in the morning. He would finish bottles but "nothing helped".
The grieving father then signed up to play rugby league and rugby union so he "could hurt somebody and get hurt".
"I needed to be hurt physically," he added.
"I also had to show there was a positive way to deal with emotions through sport."
No longer can Mr White listen to the radio or watch the news for fear it will result in a panic attack.
Since the first coronial inquest into Pippa's death in July 2024, her mother has advocated for change to a health system she blames for her daughter's death.
"The health system have ripped away any beautiful memory we could have ever made with her," Ms White said.
"We have been robbed of all our hopes and dreams with our daughter Pippa. Given a life sentence.
"On those two days Pip was in the hospital, our precious daughter fell through the cracks of our already failing and struggling health system."
Ms White asked those in the courtroom to imagine this death had happened to someone they loved.
She asked them to keep that in mind during the duration of the inquest.
"It's up to us to enact change to save your Pippas," Ms White added.
"There's no end to the pain and suffering we as her family and friends will feel.
"So take the time and as long as necessary to consider what recommendations can be put forward. Let this be the one that generates the change."
The inquest continues.
The "broken" family of a toddler whose death at Orange Hospital is the subject of a NSW coronial inquest has issued heart-breaking statements on the first day of the hearing.
At around 2pm on Sunday, June 12, 2022 Pippa Mae White was admitted to Cowra hospital by her mother with a fever, low oxygen levels and laboured breathing.
She was sent home due to long wait times but her condition worsened and her mother Annah White took her back.
After assessing the two-year-old girl, an ambulance was organised to transport her to Orange Hospital. She arrived at Orange Hospital at about 9.20pm that night and died of sepsis the following day.
Speaking from the NSW Coroners Court at Lidcombe on May 26, 2025, Pippa's grandmother and former nurse, Marianne Stonestreet, said she left her farm on Sunday and travelled to Orange Hospital.
"I was shocked and appalled at Pippa's condition," Ms Stonestreet said.
"It was obvious to me that she was critically unwell. Pippa didn't even react to my arrival. Usually she would run into your arms, hug, kiss. Her energy lit up the room. This time nothing."
Pippa and her mother were taken to the children's ward.
Due to Covid restrictions and it being outside of visiting hours, Ms Stonestreet was not allowed to accompany them.
She then left the hospital "sick with worry".
"I believe the hospital system, and the medical decisions made that (Sunday) night are responsible for her loss and for our family's ongoing grief," she said.
"I am broken and I am angry in ways I can not even explain."
The grandmother called for Pippa's death to help fix a "broken" system.
"This grief didn't come from an accident, it came from what I believe is a total neglect, medical neglect," she added.
"Please don't look away, please help us change this system so no one else loses a child this way."
Since the death of his daughter, Brock White has admittedly struggled to cope with the loss.
"At the start, I couldn't believe it," he said.
"I thought it was a nightmare. The anger, the frustration, the disbelief that I'd lost my baby girl. No more kisses on the cheek or cuddles. We as a family had lost part of us."
Mr White told the court he took up drinking "first thing" in the morning. He would finish bottles but "nothing helped".
The grieving father then signed up to play rugby league and rugby union so he "could hurt somebody and get hurt".
"I needed to be hurt physically," he added.
"I also had to show there was a positive way to deal with emotions through sport."
No longer can Mr White listen to the radio or watch the news for fear it will result in a panic attack.
Since the first coronial inquest into Pippa's death in July 2024, her mother has advocated for change to a health system she blames for her daughter's death.
"The health system have ripped away any beautiful memory we could have ever made with her," Ms White said.
"We have been robbed of all our hopes and dreams with our daughter Pippa. Given a life sentence.
"On those two days Pip was in the hospital, our precious daughter fell through the cracks of our already failing and struggling health system."
Ms White asked those in the courtroom to imagine this death had happened to someone they loved.
She asked them to keep that in mind during the duration of the inquest.
"It's up to us to enact change to save your Pippas," Ms White added.
"There's no end to the pain and suffering we as her family and friends will feel.
"So take the time and as long as necessary to consider what recommendations can be put forward. Let this be the one that generates the change."
The inquest continues.

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Sexual harassment and violence training for bar staff

The Advertiser

a day ago

The Advertiser

Sexual harassment and violence training for bar staff

Making venues safer for workers and patrons alike is part of efforts to reinvigorate a major city's ailing nightlife with mandates for venue staff to undergo training around sexual harassment and violence prevention. Training provided as part of Responsible Service of Alcohol accreditations follow several recent scandals engulfing major players in Sydney's hospitality industry and re-evaluation of its hard-partying reputation. The changes ensure workers are better equipped to care for customers and colleagues with ambitions to make the state a global gold-standard for nightlife and entertainment, NSW Night-Time Economy Minister John Graham said. "That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door. "The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts." RSA training - mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies liquor - will have updated materials to give workers a clearer understanding of the law, including differences between sexual harassment and sexual assault. Another recent revision updated guidance on drink spiking. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons report harassment, violence, and suspected drink spiking, including on how to connect them with support services. Training for licensees has been updated to reflect employer obligations to prevent workplace sexual harassment. "It's important for us to engage with people where they live, learn, work, socialise and play, including the hospitality sector," Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said. "This training is one example of the work underway to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence." The state's Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said the changes are an important step to making spaces safer and more respectful. "Everyone should feel confident that they'll be safe when they're socialising or working in a bar, club, restaurant or pub." Sydney's after-dark economy was damaged by restrictive and since-repealed lockout laws beginning in 2013 following violent one-punch deaths in nightlife precincts. The COVID-19 pandemic also severely impacted the hospitality sector, and changing residential demographics in some areas prompted noise and other complaints affecting venues. The state has established special entertainment precincts with extended trading hours and looser noise controls as part of "vibrancy reforms". People buying property in some areas will have to acknowledge the potential for noise in a bid to limit conflict between established venues and new neighbours. Enmore Road in the city's inner west was the first area declared a special entertainment precinct with the council considering additional areas. Further west, Burwood and Fairfield councils have received grants to begin a trial of precincts by the end of 2025. A regional trial is also planned in Byron Bay in the state's north. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Making venues safer for workers and patrons alike is part of efforts to reinvigorate a major city's ailing nightlife with mandates for venue staff to undergo training around sexual harassment and violence prevention. Training provided as part of Responsible Service of Alcohol accreditations follow several recent scandals engulfing major players in Sydney's hospitality industry and re-evaluation of its hard-partying reputation. The changes ensure workers are better equipped to care for customers and colleagues with ambitions to make the state a global gold-standard for nightlife and entertainment, NSW Night-Time Economy Minister John Graham said. "That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door. "The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts." RSA training - mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies liquor - will have updated materials to give workers a clearer understanding of the law, including differences between sexual harassment and sexual assault. Another recent revision updated guidance on drink spiking. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons report harassment, violence, and suspected drink spiking, including on how to connect them with support services. Training for licensees has been updated to reflect employer obligations to prevent workplace sexual harassment. "It's important for us to engage with people where they live, learn, work, socialise and play, including the hospitality sector," Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said. "This training is one example of the work underway to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence." The state's Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said the changes are an important step to making spaces safer and more respectful. "Everyone should feel confident that they'll be safe when they're socialising or working in a bar, club, restaurant or pub." Sydney's after-dark economy was damaged by restrictive and since-repealed lockout laws beginning in 2013 following violent one-punch deaths in nightlife precincts. The COVID-19 pandemic also severely impacted the hospitality sector, and changing residential demographics in some areas prompted noise and other complaints affecting venues. The state has established special entertainment precincts with extended trading hours and looser noise controls as part of "vibrancy reforms". People buying property in some areas will have to acknowledge the potential for noise in a bid to limit conflict between established venues and new neighbours. Enmore Road in the city's inner west was the first area declared a special entertainment precinct with the council considering additional areas. Further west, Burwood and Fairfield councils have received grants to begin a trial of precincts by the end of 2025. A regional trial is also planned in Byron Bay in the state's north. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Making venues safer for workers and patrons alike is part of efforts to reinvigorate a major city's ailing nightlife with mandates for venue staff to undergo training around sexual harassment and violence prevention. Training provided as part of Responsible Service of Alcohol accreditations follow several recent scandals engulfing major players in Sydney's hospitality industry and re-evaluation of its hard-partying reputation. The changes ensure workers are better equipped to care for customers and colleagues with ambitions to make the state a global gold-standard for nightlife and entertainment, NSW Night-Time Economy Minister John Graham said. "That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door. "The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts." RSA training - mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies liquor - will have updated materials to give workers a clearer understanding of the law, including differences between sexual harassment and sexual assault. Another recent revision updated guidance on drink spiking. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons report harassment, violence, and suspected drink spiking, including on how to connect them with support services. Training for licensees has been updated to reflect employer obligations to prevent workplace sexual harassment. "It's important for us to engage with people where they live, learn, work, socialise and play, including the hospitality sector," Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said. "This training is one example of the work underway to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence." The state's Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said the changes are an important step to making spaces safer and more respectful. "Everyone should feel confident that they'll be safe when they're socialising or working in a bar, club, restaurant or pub." Sydney's after-dark economy was damaged by restrictive and since-repealed lockout laws beginning in 2013 following violent one-punch deaths in nightlife precincts. The COVID-19 pandemic also severely impacted the hospitality sector, and changing residential demographics in some areas prompted noise and other complaints affecting venues. The state has established special entertainment precincts with extended trading hours and looser noise controls as part of "vibrancy reforms". People buying property in some areas will have to acknowledge the potential for noise in a bid to limit conflict between established venues and new neighbours. Enmore Road in the city's inner west was the first area declared a special entertainment precinct with the council considering additional areas. Further west, Burwood and Fairfield councils have received grants to begin a trial of precincts by the end of 2025. A regional trial is also planned in Byron Bay in the state's north. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Making venues safer for workers and patrons alike is part of efforts to reinvigorate a major city's ailing nightlife with mandates for venue staff to undergo training around sexual harassment and violence prevention. Training provided as part of Responsible Service of Alcohol accreditations follow several recent scandals engulfing major players in Sydney's hospitality industry and re-evaluation of its hard-partying reputation. The changes ensure workers are better equipped to care for customers and colleagues with ambitions to make the state a global gold-standard for nightlife and entertainment, NSW Night-Time Economy Minister John Graham said. "That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door. "The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts." RSA training - mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies liquor - will have updated materials to give workers a clearer understanding of the law, including differences between sexual harassment and sexual assault. Another recent revision updated guidance on drink spiking. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons report harassment, violence, and suspected drink spiking, including on how to connect them with support services. Training for licensees has been updated to reflect employer obligations to prevent workplace sexual harassment. "It's important for us to engage with people where they live, learn, work, socialise and play, including the hospitality sector," Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said. "This training is one example of the work underway to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence." The state's Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said the changes are an important step to making spaces safer and more respectful. "Everyone should feel confident that they'll be safe when they're socialising or working in a bar, club, restaurant or pub." Sydney's after-dark economy was damaged by restrictive and since-repealed lockout laws beginning in 2013 following violent one-punch deaths in nightlife precincts. The COVID-19 pandemic also severely impacted the hospitality sector, and changing residential demographics in some areas prompted noise and other complaints affecting venues. The state has established special entertainment precincts with extended trading hours and looser noise controls as part of "vibrancy reforms". People buying property in some areas will have to acknowledge the potential for noise in a bid to limit conflict between established venues and new neighbours. Enmore Road in the city's inner west was the first area declared a special entertainment precinct with the council considering additional areas. Further west, Burwood and Fairfield councils have received grants to begin a trial of precincts by the end of 2025. A regional trial is also planned in Byron Bay in the state's north. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028