The Lifeline story

The story of Lifeline begins with Reverend Dr. Sir Alan Walker. Born in 1911, Walker witnessed the emotional impacts that events such as the Great Depression and the Korean War had on Australians. 

At that time, Australians had nowhere to turn to when feeling overwhelmed by financial hardship, grief, and loneliness. There was also little support for anyone with a mental illness, a topic that was still largely misunderstood. By 1958, Australia had a population of 9.8 million, and in that year alone, 2,400 Australians ended their life by suicide.

Dr. Sir Alan Walker

By this time, Walker had forged a career as an ordained minister, theologian, evangelist, social commentator and activist. 

In July 1958, Walker began thinking about how he could meet the emotional wellbeing needs of the community and support people who were in crisis. He discussed the need for action with his colleagues, and they launched a project to offer anonymous, affordable, and widely available telephone support. He knew that it would be a daunting project offering 24-hour support.

“Once the offer was made, we would be obliged to keep going. Five, 10, 20 years from now, the telephone would still be required to be staffed. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on workdays and holidays, someone must be by the phone.” 

Reverend Dr Sir Alan Walker 

Walker also realised that operating a support line 24 hours a day would require a large, highly trained workforce. The cost for such a project would be enormous and could make it unsustainable, so he put a call-out for volunteers. A whopping 150 people enrolled to volunteer and be trained as crisis supporters.

Lifeline's number was listed for the first time  

In March 1963, Lifeline’s phone number was listed in the directory as a personal emergency service. This increased the public’s confidence in the service, and it also meant that anyone could call the number from a public phone at no charge. 

On 16 March 1963, Eric Adam answered the first call. By midnight the following day, Lifeline had taken 111 calls from people in crisis. At the time, Lifeline was Australia’s first and only organisation offering judgement-free hope and immediate support to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.  

Drawing wisdom, courage and inspiration

Since that first call, compassionate and highly trained volunteer crisis supporters have continued to answer calls every hour of every day. Last year, Lifeline received over one million contacts to our crisis support service.  

Reflecting on over 60 years of Lifeline, we draw wisdom, courage and inspiration from the people who took Lifeline from conception to over 40 centres, 10,000 volunteers, and 1,000 employees.  

For more on our history, you can read our book Holding Hope for 60 Years, which was written in memory of those lost to suicide and for anyone who may be struggling. The book stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and reminds us of the power of connection.