Shaune Watt is a man motivated by personal experience.

The arrival of his son Noah, born prematurely and critically ill more than a decade ago, inspired Shaune to make a difference. 

Like many of the 1 in 10 Australian babies born premature, Noah required immediate and lifesaving care, relying on a ventilator to breathe during his first weeks of life.

Over the past 11 years since, Shaune has helped countless Mater Little Miracles and their families by fundraising more than $600,000 for vital equipment for Mater Mothers’ Hospital Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU).

Shaune is now being recognised for his efforts, having been recently named as a finalist in the Westfield Local Hero Awards for Westfield Carindale.

If he wins, Mater Foundation will receive $20,000 to support the purchase of a Retinal Imaging System, which identifies and treats abnormalities in the retinas of newborn babies.

The camera provides imaging, documentation, and management of ocular diseases in premature babies.

Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas is calling on Queenslanders to show their support for Shaune and the thousands of parents like him who have premature babies with complications.

“Generous support from our community, and supporters like Shaune, assists in continually improving maternity care and treatment at Mater,” Mr Thomas said.

“Shaune has taken his lived experience and channelled his efforts towards supporting more than 2,000 critically-ill babies who are cared for in the NCCU each year.

“He is undoubtedly an incredible community role model who shows generosity and kindness to all, but now is our time to show him our support and vote for him in the Westfield Local Hero Awards.”

Show your support for Shaune and Mater Little Miracles by casting your vote here.