40 years at the frontline of suicide prevention.
From a late‑night radio program in 1986 to supporting more than 163,000 people in a single year, Lifeline WA has grown alongside the community it serves.
40 years of crisis support in WA doesn’t happen by chance – it happens because of community. Donors, partners, and philanthropists who gave what they could. Fundraisers who held morning teas, crossed finish lines, and took on unthinkable challenges. Families who shared a phone number with a friend – just in case. Volunteers who gave up time with loved ones to support a stranger. Every single one of them has played a meaningful role in ensuring Lifeline WA can continue being there for West Australians in their toughest moments.
Our impact in the 2024/25 financial year
163,644
Conversations111,040
WA Help Seekers540+
WA Crisis Volunteers40 Years of Lifeline WA
1986 – 1989
Creating connection in times of need
Late-night conversations on 6PR’s Nightline grew into more. In 1986, Graham Mabury founded the Living Stone Foundation, extending support beyond the airwaves through compassionate listening and practical help, including blankets and Christmas gifts, for people facing loneliness, grief, and distress.
1990s
Community supporting community
As demand grew, support became more visible. In 1994, the organisation became Lifeline WA, with the introduction of the 13 11 14 crisis line, strengthening access to support across regional and metropolitan Western Australia.
2000s
Listening and responding in times of uncertainty
Global tragedies including the Bali Bombings and 9/11 drove a surge in demand. Lifeline WA stood beside families through grief, trauma, and uncertainty, while beginning a shift toward more proactive suicide prevention.
2010s
Support grows beyond crisis
Lifeline WA drew on decades of frontline experience to expand beyond crisis support. The introduction of counselling, grief and youth programs, FDV and prevention education, and the Out of the Shadows Walk reflected a growing understanding that wellbeing starts well before crisis. The Black Diamond Gala Dinner and generous supporters helped fund rising demand.
2020s
Meeting a changing world
Pandemics, natural disasters and social pressures created unprecedented demand. Lifeline WA innovated – launching text and online chat crisis support, peer‑led programs for people with lived experience of suicide, youth services, workplace training and a home‑based volunteer workforce.
2030s and beyond
Looking forward…
Demand is forecast to rise 40% by 2030. Guided by 40 years of community trust, Lifeline WA will continue to demonstrate the lasting power of community supporting community – wherever people need it most.
With deepest gratitude
Our impact cannot be measured in numbers alone, but in the moments of connection, care and hope shared with our community. Above all, we honour those who have entrusted us during their toughest moments. Your courage to reach out has shaped who we are and continues to guide who we strive to be.
We thank our partners across the community services and healthcare sectors, whose collaboration strengthens support for Western Australians. To every volunteer, past and present, your generosity remains the foundation of our service. To our Government funders, corporate partners, philanthropists, donors and fundraisers, thank you for believing in our purpose and helping us extend care across regions and generations.
To our staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication to supporting our community over the decades. And to our founder, Graham Mabury OAM, and Merle — Lifeline WA would not exist without your vision, dignity and integrity. Together, one day at a time, this legacy continues.
Support Lifeline WA
Lifeline WA’s life-saving work is only possible thanks to the generosity of our community. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue delivering vital crisis support and suicide prevention services to those who need them most.
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Whatever you’re facing, Lifeline WA is here to listen 24/7.
Need urgent help?
In an emergency call Triple Zero 000
How you can help
Volunteer
Your time can help us save lives. Explore volunteering opportunities with Lifeline WA.
Fundraise
Create your own fundraising page or download our fundraising kit.
Partnerships
We rely on the generosity of our philanthropic and corporate partners to sustain our life-saving work.
Donate today
Support our 24/7 crisis services to allow us to be there for West Australians in need.