Our story
From humble beginnings in an old house in Hornsby with old-fashioned landlines before moving to the unused Gordon Library premises, where we've been ever since, to a vibrant, committed organisation of over 1,000 people, Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney has served the local community for over 50 years.
In that time, the essence of Lifeline – to connect with people in a time of distress, to let them know they're not alone, gently holding them safe and guiding them toward hope – remains true.
Whether that has been first responders or health care workers during the pandemic, local families doing it tough financially, individuals struggling with their mental health, or older people who feel isolated, Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney has been and will continue to be there for our community.
And, in turn, our community has been there for us. At heart a volunteer organisation, with nearly 900 people regularly giving their time and expertise to ensure we can be there in a crisis and equip our community to be suicide-safe, we simply couldn't do what we do without our dedicated volunteers.
Likewise, we receive some government funding, but the majority of our services are funded through partnerships, grants, donations and fundraising – it is the generosity of our community that allows us the privilege of being there in a time of need and achieving our vision of an Australia free from suicide.