Remembrance - The Life of Lady Win Walker

Release date: 21 Nov 2006

It is with great sadness that Lifeline mourn the passing of Lady Win Walker. 

The Lifeline organization was established in 1963. It spread from one mans vision to throw a ‘mantle of care’ across Sydney by establishing a space where those in need of help could share their troubles with someone caring and open.

That man was Reverend Dr Sir Allan Walker. The Reverend began to receive phone calls from people reaching out to him after they noticed him on his many radio and television appearances. He received a late night call from a distressed local, who three days later took his own life. Determined not to let loneliness, isolation or anxiety be the cause of another death Sir Allan Walker developed the concept of ‘Lifeline’.  March 1963 saw the opening of the first ‘Lifeline’ Centre. The initiative was well received with over 100 calls for help being answered in the first day. The first call came one minute after the lines were opened and the phones have never stopped ringing.

Lady Win Walker is remembered for her time with Sir Alan Walker as leaders of Central Methodist Mission, (now Wesley Mission) from 1958 to 1978.

“The commitment that Lady Win Walker, together with Dr Sir Allan Walker showed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of others through their deeply held Christian beliefs and values, will forever be remembered and celebrated as part of the rich history of Lifeline” said Dawn Smith, CEO of Lifeline Australia.

The Board of Lifeline Australia and the wider Lifeline community extend their deep sympathies to Lynette Sue, the Rev Bruce Walker, David Walker and the Rev Dr Christopher Walker and their families.

Media Contact: Shannon Anderson (ph: 0417 440 078)