Make a Bequest

A bequest to Lifeline Australia will help everyday Australians receive care into the future. 

Making decisions about your will

A will is an important document that everyone needs to consider. Perhaps you have thought about making a bequest? By making a bequest to Lifeline Australia you will be helping Lifeline work towards a future where anyone can receive care and emotional support when they need it.

Things to consider:

When making or altering your Will you may like to consider supporting Lifeline Australia. The following are issues you will need to consider:

• When preparing a Will, it is recommended that you seek qualified legal advice from a solicitor.
• To make a valid Will you must be at least 18 years of age and legally sound of mind
• Be sure to plan your Will carefully. A Will is a private and personal legal document that needs your consideration
• Ensure your Will is current. Consider any changes to your Will and set aside time to make them.
• Make sure your Will is in a safe place and that someone, such as the executor named in the Will, or your solicitor, knows about it. You may consider housing your Will at a bank or legal office.

Wording you bequest

The wording you use in your Will is important. The wrong wording could mean that your assets are not treated as you intended. If in doubt it is always best to seek professional advice from a legal advisor or solicitor.

There are many different types of bequests depending on what portion of your assets you would like to bequeath. If you would like to make a bequest to Lifeline we suggest the following wording for your Will:

For a General Bequest:

“(A) I give to Lifeline Australia Incorporated, or any corporation to which Lifeline Australia Incorporated’s registration is voluntarily transferred under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), the sum of $........... [or………%] of my estate, free of State and Federal duties, for general use.

(B) If the gift in (A) cannot take effect completely or at all, to the extent that it cannot take effect I give it to the charitable organisation or organisations in Australia which my executors consider most nearly fulfils or fulfil the objects I intend to benefit.

(C) The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time being of the beneficiary organisation is an absolute discharge to my executor(s).”

For a Residuary Bequest:

“(A) I give to Lifeline Australia Incorporated, or any corporation to which Lifeline Australia Incorporated’s registration is voluntarily transferred under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), the whole [or stated fraction] of the residue of my estate, free of State and Federal duties, for general use.

(B) If the gift in (A) cannot take effect completely or at all, to the extent that it cannot take effect I give it to the charitable organisation or organisations in Australia which my executors consider most nearly fulfils or fulfil the objects I intend to benefit.

(C) The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time being of the beneficiary organisation is an absolute discharge to my executor(s).”

For a Bequest to be used for a Specified Purpose:

"(A) I give to Lifeline Australia Incorporated, or any corporation to which Lifeline Australia Incorporated’s registration is voluntarily transferred under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), the sum of $..….…. [or ………%] of my estate, free of State and Federal duties, to be used for the purpose of …………….….. (name specific purpose either e.g. ‘suicide prevention’, ‘telephone counselling services’).

(B) If the gift in (A) cannot take effect completely or at all, to the extent that it cannot take effect I give it to the charitable organisation or organisations in Australia which my executors consider most nearly fulfils or fulfil the objects I intend to benefit.

(C) The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time being of the beneficiary organisation is an absolute discharge to my executor(s).”

If you would like more information about bequests or would like to request some further Lifeline information before making your decision - such as an annual report or general rbochure - please contact Lifeline on 1800 800 768 or email us at fundraising@lifeline.org.au