From radio waves to Lifeline
In the 1980s, the Nightline radio program, hosted by Baptist Minister Graham Mabury, became a trusted voice for people across WA. For 33 years, Graham offered companionship, comfort and encouragement to listeners from all walks of life. But he knew many people needed more than a kind word on the radio.
So in 1986, Graham founded the Living Stone Foundation, a not-for-profit that extended support off-air. Volunteers offered counselling to Nightline callers and provided tangible aid like blankets, food hampers, and Christmas gifts for those doing it tough.
In the mid-1990s, the Foundation joined forces with Life In Focus, a Churches of Christ emergency relief group. Then in 1994, the organisation was officially accredited as a Lifeline Centre, the 41st in Australia, becoming Lifeline WA.
What began as a couple of counsellors in a radio station has grown into a state-wide 24/7 crisis support service, answering thousands of calls, texts and online chats every year.
Lifeline Australia: national beginnings
Lifeline Australia began in 1962 when Reverend Dr Sir Alan Walker was deeply affected after taking a call from a distressed man who later died by suicide. Determined to ensure no one had to face crisis alone, he launched a 24-hour telephone support service staffed by trained volunteers, and the first Lifeline centre opened in Sydney in March 1963. From those beginnings, Lifeline has grown into a national network providing crisis support across Australia. Today, Lifeline operates through a national office and a network of 17 member organisations that collectively run more than 43 accredited Lifeline Centres across every state and territory, delivering both national crisis services and locally tailored community support programs.
Our history
1960s – The beginning
1962
Lifeline Australia was founded by Dr Rev Sir Alan Walker to provide 24-hour telephone counselling and crisis ministry.
1963
The first Lifeline Centre opened in Sydney, NSW.
1980s – Early foundations in WA
1986
Graham Mabury established The Living Stone Foundation in WA to provide assistance and crisis support.
“Nightline” off-air telephone support commenced on local radio station, 6PR.
1987
The Living Stone Foundation was incorporated.
1990s – Becoming Lifeline WA
1994
The Living Stone Foundation Inc joined the national Lifeline telephone crisis support network and commenced trading as Lifeline WA from Perth.
Lone Fathers family support service joined Lifeline WA.
Resource warehouses and shops became a part of Lifeline WA’s services.
Lifeline Australia established the 13 11 14 telephone crisis support service.
Newland Hutchison began as Chief Executive Officer (1994 – 2001).
2000s – Growth and service expansion
2001
Tim Atkinson began as Chief Executive Officer.
2002
Tim Hawkins began as Chief Executive Officer (2002 – 2007)
2003
Lifeline Treasures op shop started trading in Kelmscott.
2006
Lifeline Peel telephone counselling sub-centre commenced operation.
2007
Noel Giblett began as Acting Chief Executive Officer.
Lifeline telephone counselling sub-centres opened at St John of God Hospital Murdoch and Subiaco.
13 11 14 became a nationally networked service.
2008
Amanda Wheeler began as Chief Executive Officer (2008 – 2012).
2009
Lifeline WA launched a new 5-year Strategic Plan focusing on suicide prevention, crisis support and emotional wellbeing.
2010
Lifeline WA hosted the inaugural Black Diamond Ball.
Lifeline WA received a one-off $250,000 grant from the State Government to help improve service delivery.
2011
Lifeline Peel was decommissioned in line with the new national strategy to build the capacity and capability of telephone crisis support services.
Lifeline Australia introduced a new telephone system for 13 11 14.
2010s – Innovation, partnerships and community impact
2012
Lifeline Australia launched Online Crisis Support Chat; Lifeline WA launched its Online Crisis Chat service from Perth in conjunction with iiNet.
Lifeline WA relocated to new premises, with a purpose-built internal fit-out.
Fiona Kalaf began as Chief Executive Officer.
2013
Lifeline marked the 50th anniversary of delivering services to Australians in their times of need.
Lifeline WA, in conjunction with Raw Hire, commissioned ground-breaking research through Edith Cowan University’s The Sellenger Centre into the mental health and emotional wellbeing of FIFO and DIDO workers.
Lifeline WA announced a partnership with the Australian Institute of Management WA to develop a suite of education courses entitled the Mental Wealth Series.
Lifeline WA, in conjunction with the Department for Corrective Services, developed and delivered an in-prisons suicide prevention refresher course.
Lifeline WA launched a new initiative, Bean Talkin’, a mobile coffee van that raises awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing through a non-confronting and easy-to-access medium.
2014
Lifeline WA launched Lights for Lifeline, a new fundraising initiative with a strong message: to shine a light on suicide prevention, mental health issues and the need for more crisis support services.
2015
Lifeline WA, in partnership with the Federal Government, introduced a Financial Counselling service.
2016
Vince Gareffa’s Mondo Community Warriors, in support of Lifeline WA, hosted its 20th brunch event, bringing the total raised over two decades to more than $2 million. The telephone crisis support room was named after Vince and Anne Gareffa in gratitude.
Lorna MacGregor started as Lifeline CEO.
2017
Celebrated 30 years of providing continuous support to Western Australians in crisis.
Unveiled the newly refurbished Dr Ros Worthington OAM Training Room.
Specialised streams of DV-alert were launched to address the complex needs of high-risk populations.
Established a partnership with the Statewide Telehealth Service so people in regional communities can access our counselling services.
Launched the Western Australian Suicide Prevention Network.
2018
Reece Waldock appointed Chair of Lifeline WA.
Lifeline WA partnered with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to improve Fly-In-Fly-Out workers’ mental health.
2019
Sasha Pendal appointed as Chair of Lifeline WA.
Lifeline Australia launches a new conversation framework for all crisis conversations.
In partnership with the Western Australian Primary Health Alliance, DBTeen: Mental wellbeing skills groups for young people and families was launched.
Launched the Community Visitors Scheme, a program funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health.
Launched the Judicial Wellness Program.
2020s – Building the future
2020
Launched Eclipse, a group for survivors of suicide.
The 13-HELP service, specifically designed for those affected by the terrible impacts of the bushfires, was launched.
Lifeline WA opened a newly refurbished and purpose-built Training Centre in partnership with Lotterywest.
2021
Lifeline WA launched Resourceful Mind in collaboration with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (a peer support program for the mining sector).
Peter Thomas appointed as Chair of Lifeline WA.
Lifeline WA launched Lifeline WA Workplace – mental health awareness training for WA businesses.
Lifeline WA delivers the Crisis support text and online chat service, and will go on to respond to 40% of the national calls to these services.
2022
Lifeline WA moves to new premises in Subiaco and reunites Volunteer Crisis Supporters with the rest of the business after 2 years apart during the covid years.
2024
Lifeline WA Launched Eclipse Online, a fully remote group for people who have experienced a suicide attempt.
2025
In collaboration with YouthCARE, Lifeline WA produces and delivers the SWELL program – Strategies for Wellbeing for young people delivered in schools by Chaplains.
Our commitment today
At Lifeline WA, we honour our roots every time we answer a call or connect with someone online. We believe every life matters, and that genuine connection can change and save lives. Whatever you’re facing, Lifeline WA is here to listen 24/7.
Need urgent help?
In an emergency call Triple Zero 000