LIFELINE North Coast and the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour have partnered to enhance mental health support and community connection.
“By combining Lifeline’s suicide prevention and postvention programs with Rotary’s volunteer strength, we can make a bigger difference together,” Lifeline North Coast Chief Executive Officer, Angela Martin told News Of The Area.
This partnership marks Rotary’s 75th year of service and Lifeline North Coast’s 40th anniversary, aligning with Rotary International’s 2026 theme, “United for Good.”
“We’re doing this because the need is growing.
“Nationally, one in three people report feeling lonely and we see this reflected in the calls to our crisis line and in the stories we hear locally.”
Angela explained that loneliness, relationship and family breakdowns, domestic violence, financial distress, housing, mental health challenges, and feeling overwhelmed are all contributing factors.
This partnership aims to expand bereavement support for families impacted by suicide.
It will provide a means to train new facilitators and crisis support volunteers and deliver practical community training. Programs like Accidental Counsellor, Mind Your Mates, and listening skills, will be better equipped “and be at the frontline listening to people and what they tell us so we can direct further support their way and pass on this information to other services”.
The leadership team is building a full calendar of events including a Book Fair in March, a business luncheon in May, the Coffs Running Festival, and community BBQs.
The events are designed to connect people to services and reduce isolation.
“This matters because kindness and connection save lives.
“Together, we’re creating a community where care and hope make a real impact,” Ms Martin said.
Joint President of the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour, Jeremy Conlon, added, “We invite community members and like-minded organisations to join us.
“If you’re looking for purpose and passion through service, this is your opportunity to be part of something truly impactful.”
The partnership will focus on joint events, volunteer recruitment, and initiatives that strengthen mental health support across the region.
Both organisations share a vision of a connected, resilient community, and this collaboration ensures that vision becomes reality.
To learn more about upcoming events or to join this mission, visit lifelinenorthcoast.org.au
By Andrea FERRARI
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