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 had 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.

- Solo artist and winner of Australian Idol 2005