Media Statement re Telstra Sponsorship

Release date: 12 Feb 2005

Lifeline remains grateful to Telstra for its sponsorship over the past 12 years. While their support has helped cover the costs associated with calls to the Lifeline 13 11 14 number, we currently have not identified a way to cover call costs from June 30 onwards when Telstra’s financial support of Lifeline ends.

Without Telstra’s support, Lifeline will need to cover its on-going call costs. Lifeline Centres are not currently in danger of immediate closure, however despite our best efforts to fund raise, we are experiencing extreme financial pressure to resource Lifeline at its most fundamental level.

The Australian Government made a generous contribution to Lifeline in its 2004-05 Budget. The funds received were for upgrading infrastructure and this cannot be used to meet call costs. The grant was specifically for implementing new technology and upgrade services to enable us to meet the ever-growing demand for our services. The upgrading is a massive undertaking.

To achieve full service delivery, Lifeline needs to match the Australian Government $10 million grant and while our ten thousand volunteers make a valuable contribution to their communities they require on-going training and support from Lifeline.

Lifeline is a vital service that relies on financial support from the community not only from the community itself but also through partnerships with the government and corporate sectors.

For over 40 years Lifeline has provided troubled Australians with the 24-hour telephone counselling service 13 11 14. Last year alone we answered 501,594 calls and changed many lives.

We are concerned that the recent media attention regarding potential closures of Lifeline Centres may confuse people seeking help. Lifeline wishes to reassure callers that our telephone counselling service 13 11 14 remains available for anyone, anytime and from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.

Media Contact: Dawn Smith (ph: (02) 6215 9400)