Northern Rivers family mourns loss of dedicated nurse, dad Damien Allport

A Northern Rivers dad who died unexpectedly at the age of 51 is being remembered as a selfless nurse whose “love for his family never wavered” as his passing leaves “an aching hole” in the hearts of his loved ones.

Much loved Byron Bay Hospital emergency room nurse Damien Allport has tragically died suddenly, leaving behind a wife of 20 years and three young daughters. Picture: file

A Northern Rivers dad who died unexpectedly at the age of 51 is being remembered as a selfless nurse whose “love for his family never wavered” as his passing leaves “an aching hole” in the hearts of his loved ones.

Tributes are flowing for Damien Allport after his sudden and unexpected death this month.

Damien leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Amanda, and their three young daughters.

Amanda described Damien as a deeply caring and selfless nurse who consistently put others before himself – even when facing his own personal challenges.

“He had a rough year, facing personal battles with incredible strength,” Amanda said.

“His love for his family never wavered. The loss of Damien has left an aching hole in our lives that words can’t fully describe.”

Amanda and Damien Allport. Picture: supplied

Known affectionately as “Damo,” Damien made a lasting impact on countless patients throughout the northern New South Wales region’s hospitals.

Al Mactier, a NSW Ambulance paramedic, remembered Damien as “always friendly, caring, professional, calm and compassionate”.

“He made a positive difference to a lot of people,” he said.

Damien Allport with his daughters. Picture: supplied

Nola Mancy, a former patient, shared a touching story of Damien’s exceptional care after being admitted to hospital after a bad accident.

“He left a lasting impression as the most caring, professional nurse I had encountered. I could tell he really knew his stuff. I felt he went above and beyond, and I was very grateful for that. A very sad loss,” she said.

Ben Lumley, Damien’s brother-in-law, spoke of their close bond and Damien’s unwavering dedication to his family.

“He did everything he could … He was always very supportive in that sense, he was a very dedicated nurse – he struggled when things weren’t done right in the workplace.

“He always had patient care at the heart of everything he did,” he said.

Amanda Allport with two of her three daughters.

Ben recounted how Damien went to extraordinary lengths to support his family during their mother’s illness, ensuring Amanda and the children could spend precious time with her in Forster, even at personal sacrifice.

He said the family was facing delays at the coroner’s office, which was complicating funeral arrangements.

Adding to their distress, recent floods on the Mid-North Coast may further delay bringing Damien home.

In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied around Amanda and her daughters.

Ben has established a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden, as Damien was the primary breadwinner and lacked adequate insurance coverage.

“On top of the emotional pain, the financial strain is becoming overwhelming — from covering funeral costs to simply keeping up with rent, bills, and daily essentials,” Ben said.

He emphasised the strength and resilience his sister has shown during this incredibly difficult time.

“She is the strongest person I know. She’s always been a kind-hearted person, just done all the heavy lifting when it comes to parenting and for this to happen … it’s just very tough.”

The GoFundMe campaign can be found here.