National Ambassadors
Natalie Imbruglia
I am proud to acknowledge my support for Lifeline. There are times in everyone’s life when we all need help and encouragement. This support is often provided by friends and family but for those who don’t have a strong support base Lifeline is available to provide care 24 hours a day.
I encourage anyone who might be feeling helpless or in distress to call Lifeline.
- Natalie Imbruglia, Actor and Singer
Steve Bastoni
Everyone has their ups and downs and we all face our own challenges and problems in life. For many Australians however, feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression can be chronic or prolonged. It’s important that anyone experiencing emotional difficulties has access to services that can provide them with care and support.
I support Lifeline Australia because I believe in creating awareness about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when times are tough. Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety affect one in five Australians, but there is also a further impact on the family and friends who care for individuals experiencing these problems.
I myself have had personal experience in caring for a family member with depression and would like to encourage anyone in the same position to make contact with services that can offer support. It takes courage to seek support for yourself or for those that you love, but with the right care and resources you can begin the journey towards recovery.
I would like to encourage others to support the work of Lifeline by making a financial donation or volunteering their time. By giving to Lifeline you can help to ensure that when someone out there needs support – maybe even someone you know and care about – it will be available to them.
- Steve Bastoni, Actor
Kate DeAraugo
Having come from the town of Bendigo in Victoria, I am well aware of the affects that the drought, natural disasters and other isolation factors can have on people living in rural and remote communities in Australia. Access to services and support can be hard for people living in country towns, so it’s important for the community to have 24 hour services and resources that they can rely on.
It’s also important that people realise that there is no shame in asking for help and support, and that mental health problems can affect anyone. I would encourage everyone who feels that they may not be coping to seek help from a counsellor, their GP, or a service such as Lifeline.
Show your support for Lifeline like I do, and help send the message that no one needs to face their problems alone.
- Kate DeAraugo, Solo artist and winner of Australian Idol 2005
Shelley Craft
Life is a precious thing, but it also throws many obstacles and challenges our way. It’s how we face and overcome these challenges that can ultimately determine our happiness and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes we need a bit of extra help along the way. No one needs to be alone in facing their problems.
Lifeline is there for people needing emotional support, 24 hours a day. All you need to do is call.
- Shelley Craft, Television Presenter
Natalie Gruzlewski
Australia is such a big country. For many the tyranny of distance can leave us feeling isolated and alone. But people are never alone thanks to the services of Lifeline. Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone crisis support line is always available to people in their time of need and that’s why I support them.
As a TV presenter, I meet all sorts of people, from all walks of life and in all manner of circumstances. It gives me great comfort to know that when people are in distress, what ever their circumstances, and whatever their location, help is just one phone call away.
- Natalie Gruzlewski, Television Presenter
Natasha Ferré
I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be supporting Lifeline Australia as one of their national Lifeline Ambassadors.Lifeline plays such a vital role in helping all Australians by offering a vital 24 hour crisis line as well as many other services throughout Australia such as counselling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and bringing much needed community awareness to the prevention of suicide.
I am alarmingly aware of the fact that the biggest cause of death of Australian women under the age of 35 and men under the age of 44 is suicide! When you consider Lifeline believes that most suicides are preventable, then we seriously need to bring more community awareness to these statistics. Most importantly we need to continue to support Lifeline in providing these essential services to help save young Australian's lives.
Over the years I have worked with many young adults and have experienced first hand the amounting pressures they endure daily from school, work, relationships, addiction and depression. That’s why I believe it’s so important to let everyone know that you are never alone and there is free help whenever you need it! No matter how big or small the problems seem, Lifeline are there to listen and to genuinely help you!I believe that everyone should try to be aware of their own physical and mental health, as well as your friends. Make sure you get out there and do the things that you love and make you feel great to ensure that you stay happy and healthy. If things are starting to get you down or you can see your friends not coping, then please don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lifeline will always be there for you.
I am a very passionate supporter of Lifeline and the incredible work they do for our community. They have also helped me personally through times of struggle and I sincerely encourage everyone to please support their cause by making a donation and bringing awareness to their astonishing work and services!
- Natasha Ferré, Television presenter, actor and host
John Howard
There are many reasons why we can feel defeated by life. There are times when we feel friendless and alone. There is no reason to suffer in silence. Lifeline has helped millions in need of help and advice. I support their ongoing work because I know first hand what a scourge depression can be and how a call to Lifeline can be the beginning of a happier life.
- John Howard, Actor
Zoe Balbi
I have come on board as an Ambassador for Lifeline because like many Australians I have been through many trials and tribulations which in turn have made me question life and whether it was all worth it.
In retrospect I wish I had reached out for help sooner. I didn't realize Lifeline was there for me. I want people to know that anyone, anywhere whatever the problem, has access to help.
When we are in a dark place, we don't see many options at all. Lifeline is an option. We are so blessed to have a crisis support service that is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. There is no shame in seeking help. In fact it’s a strength. I am proud to be associated with such a powerful, compassionate organization.
- Zoe Balbi, Television presenter and actor
Dr Katrina Warren
I am honoured to be an ambassador for Lifeline because it is exactly that- a lifeline to all - a supportive voice on the other end of the phone that is always there, always listening, when things are tough. A truly unique and vital organisation that provides help and crisis support for thousands of Australian’s 24 hours a day, year after year.
I know well the heartbreak and grief associated with the death of our pets and I am committed to raising awareness of the significance of pet loss. Our pets are much loved members of the family and the grief when they die can be overwhelming. Our society often does not validate or understand the role pets play in so many of our lives. That for so many people, their pets are crucial supports during other significant losses. And that when their much loved pet dies, many feel that no one will understand and that there simply aren’t the words to convey their loss. Lifeline does understand and by proudly supporting Lifeline I hope to breakdown the isolation and loneliness many pet owners feel when they grieve their pets by raising awareness of just how much our loving pets and companions give to us in their lives.
- Dr Katrina Warren
Kimberlee Green
Kim is a prominent member of the world champion Australian Diamonds netball team, who most recently shot to prominence after losing a heartbreaking double-overtime final against arch-rivals New Zealand in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a game many called the greatest netball contest of all time. Kim and the girls are now busy preparing to defend their world crown at the 2011 World Championships in Singapore.
"Loneliness, anxiety and depression don't discriminate. Mental illness can affect each of us at different points in our lives, making it vital that an organization like Lifeline Australia is there to provide support, understanding and assistance to those in need. As athletes we are taught that general health and wellbeing is a combination of feeling good mentally, emotionally and physically....lessons that extend beyond the sporting arena to all Australian's. I am proud to lend my support to the fantastic people at Lifeline and encourage everyone moving forward to break down the walls that shroud mental illness in secrecy and disdain. Courage is the ability to ask for help when in need, and Lifeline is there to answer your call."
- Kimberlee Green, member of the Australian netball team.
Trent Copeland
People face different stresses every day... I know in my job as a cricketer there can be a certain level of tension brought on at different times, from various influences. In my experience, the greatest way to combat stress is by having a strong support base around you, which is why I want everyone to know about Lifeline Australia. The team at Lifeline is full of genuine, friendly, intelligent professionals who are ready and willing to listen and help with your concerns, large or small. I know when I’m content off the field, I play my best cricket on it. That’s what Lifeline does, keeps you in the game for the long haul.
- Trent Copeland, Cricketer NSW Blues
Joe Roff
I support Lifeline because it provides a service that has helped a friend of mine, and has helped countless other Australians as well.
- Joe Roff, Former Australian Rugby Union Representative for the Wallabies
Rove McManus
It's vital for us all to have someone to reach out to in times of need and Lifeline is that helping hand for thousands of Australians.
- Rove McManus, Television Personality
Preston Campbell
As a professional footy player I know physical fitness is important but mental health is just as important. That’s why I support Lifeline.Lifeline provides emotional support to all Australians 24 hours a day.
I came on board as a National Ambassador for Lifeline’s Make Your Mark campaign to promote Indigenous suicide prevention and awareness. I would encourage others to show their support for this issue, and help Lifeline save lives.
- Preston Campbell, Rugby League Player for the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans.
INXS and John Fariss
As each year passes the world seems to become more and more hectic, bringing with it heightened stress levels and increasing pressures within our everyday lives.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what your circumstance, at some stage in life everyone is faced with difficult times. It doesn’t matter how large or small your support group of friends and family, sometimes we can be surrounded by people but still feel alone. And sometimes it’s hard to talk to those close to us.
Lifeline Australia offers a 24-hour crisis support line that assists people who may be feeling overwhelmed, lonely, depressed, in need of counselling, or desperate.
Circumstances in our life can occasionally take their toll and test our ability to cope. Sometimes we feel we cannot cope alone and need to reach out for help and guidance. Talking to someone who is at an arm’s length from the situation can be a huge relief.
Lifeline Australia offers help around the clock 24-7, so you can always talk to someone about your troubles. I believe Lifeline is an extremely important organisation doing great work in our community and they need our support – so they can support us.
- Jon Farriss, Musician
Tim Campbell
Lifeline is synonymous with telephone counselling, and is as important now as ever. I applaud their confidential non judgmental approach. If you need to talk, please don’t hesitate to call.
- Tim Campbell, Actor and Performer
Chris Bowen
Chris Bowen is the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
Chris was elected to the Federal Parliament as Member for Prospect in Western Sydney in 2004. Following an electoral redistribution, he is now the Member for McMahon.
Chris was educated at Smithfield Public School and St Johns Park High School. He graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Economics.
Following serving on local government, including Mayor of Fairfield, and President of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), Chris worked as Chief of Staff to Carl Scully, the New South Wales Minister for Roads, Housing and Leader of the House.
In Parliament, Chris was elected as member to various committees and eventually appointed as a Shadow.
Following the 2007 election, Chris was appointed to the new Ministry; taking on the two portfolios of Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs.
In June 2009, Chris was elevated to Cabinet as Minister for Human Services, and also as Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law.
Following the election in 2010, Chris was appointed as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
Georgie Parker
I am delighted to be able to support Lifeline Australia in my role as Lifeline National Ambassador.
For many Australians life can feel like it's just too much and they don't know how they will cope. Mental illness is a problem for one-in-five Australians, who experience disorders such as anxiety and depression.
I believe that it's really important that we take the time to be perceptive about our wellbeing, to regularly reassess what we are doing in our lives and to consider what impact this has on our mental health.
We should not take our mental health for granted. We all need to take the time to look after ourselves and put strategies in place to keep ourselves emotionally healthy. We also need to know when to ask for support.
Lifeline is such an essential service because it provides so many people with support when they are in crisis or feeling down, or when they feel they have no where else to turn.
I would encourage anyone who feels they are not coping to seek help by contacting Lifeline, or speaking to a counsellor or GP. I would also like to urge Australia to look out for the emotional wellbeing of their friends and family and to recognise when they might need your support.
I support Lifeline because of the vital services they provide to our community. I encourage others to show their support too. Make a donation and help Lifeline to continue helping others.
- Georgie Parker, Actor