A 12-year-old girl from the New South Wales Hunter Valley, Alisha Rush, tragically passed away on July 21 while undergoing mental health treatment. Her family has confirmed that her struggle was deeply impacted by the suicide of her father, Kurt Rush, approximately a year prior. Alisha, affectionately known as Ali or ‘Ali Cat,’ is being remembered by her community as a cherished daughter, sister, friend, and a talented young rugby league player.
A Community in Mourning
Alisha’s loss has sent ripples of grief through her community. Her paternal grandmother, Lana Simpson, shared that Alisha deeply idolized her father and found it incredibly difficult to cope with his absence following his death by suicide in June 2025. “She never quite had been able to cope with him gone,” Simpson stated, expressing profound sorrow over the circumstances surrounding Alisha’s death.
Systemic Concerns Raised
Simpson voiced significant concerns about the mental health system’s ability to support vulnerable young people. She highlighted that Alisha had an urgent referral from her school for an appointment the Friday before she died but was unable to secure a timely slot, facing a wait of 3.5 weeks. “The mental health system is a massive failure, whether it be for children or adults,” Simpson asserted, believing Alisha was days away from receiving critical medical help.
The family has been devastated by the double loss, finding solace only in the thought that Alisha is now reunited with her father, whom she considered her favorite person. This situation underscores alarming statistics; research indicates that children who have lost a parent to suicide are three times more likely to die by suicide themselves.
Advocacy and Tributes
Driven by this tragedy, Lana Simpson is determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. She plans to participate in Lifeline’s ‘Out of the Shadows Walk’ on September 10 alongside her daughter, Jorga, to raise funds for suicide prevention services. This event aims to honor Alisha’s memory and support vital initiatives.
Rugby League Community Unites
Alisha was an active member of the Southlakes Roosters’ Under-12 girls rugby league team. The club is preparing to pay a special tribute to her during an upcoming game. In a statement, the Southlakes Roosters acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation and confirmed that support would be available at their home ground for players, parents, and supporters. “Thank you to everyone who has wrapped their arms around Ali’s family, her teammates and our Club over the past week. Your compassion has reminded us of what the rugby league community is all about,” the club expressed, adding the poignant sentiment, “Once a Rooster, always a Rooster.”
Junior rugby league clubs across the Hunter region have also been invited to join in honoring Alisha. Suggestions include wearing pink ribbons, styling hair in three plaits or braids to represent her jersey number three, wearing wristbands, and observing a minute’s silence before matches. Several clubs have pledged to retire their number three jersey for the round in solidarity.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Alisha’s mother, Leanne, who was separated from Kurt at the time of his death, also shared her grief and love for her daughter. Speaking to 2GB, she described Alisha as an “amazing, intelligent and kind girl” who loved sports, the beach, and music. Leanne recalled Alisha’s vibrant spirit, noting her daughter’s tendency to play music late into the night. “She knew she had mental health problems but she also tried to put on a brave face,” her mother added, painting a picture of a young girl grappling with significant challenges while trying to maintain a brave exterior.
Support and Resources
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Leanne and the extended family with funeral costs. The family’s experience highlights the critical need for accessible and timely mental health support for young people, especially those who have experienced trauma or loss.
For anyone affected by this story or struggling with mental health, support is available. You can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
