Our Media Centre

Media Releases

For local media enquiries or interview requests please contact our Marketing & Communications team marketing@lifelineh2h.org.au or on 9498 8805.

13 October 2022

Auction Prizes Raise Much-Needed Funds for Lifeline H2H at Sapphire Gala Ball 2022 

After a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury’s Sapphire Gala Ball made a spectacular comeback on Sat 10 October 2022, a date which aptly coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day.

Once again, the event proved that Lifeline H2H could not pursue its mission to save lives from suicide without the loyal support of a caring community. The Ball was not only well attended, with glamorously decked-out guests filling The Fullerton’s vast ballroom, significant funds were raised on the night through generous pledges to pay for the training of individual Crisis Supporters, and the sale of a glittering array of auction prizes.

Among the extraordinary items we were able to offer on the night were:  

  • An all-inclusive 3-night luxury stay for two at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort (valued at $7,000) 
  • An all-inclusive luxury holiday for two on World Heritage–listed Lord Howe Island (valued at $5,800); donated by Arajilla Lord Howe Island (long-term supporters), Marine Adventures, Lord Howe Island Tours and Pro Dive 
  • A sumptuous 7-course degustation dinner and signature margaritas for 10 guests (valued at $5,600), donated by VIP Private Chef and Sesión Tequila 
  • A range of designer-luxury brand leathergoods (total valued at almost $3,000), donated by global fashion house Coach 
  • Several specially curated wine packs donated by Lerida Estate, our exclusive wine sponsor 
  • Travel to Jonah’s Whale Beach by seaplane for dinner, overnight stay and breakfast (valued at $2,000), donated by Jonah’s and Sydney Seaplanes 
  • A stunning signature white gold, diamond pendant on 18-carat gold chain necklace (valued at $2,000), donated by Bond St Jewellers 
  • A 2-night boutique luxury glamping escape for 8 people (valued at $1,800), donated by Glenayr Farm 
  • A premium “Thunder” trampoline (valued at $1,699), donated by Vuly, Australia’s favourite trampolines and outdoor play equipment 

We wish to extend a special heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and businesses who sponsored, attended and donated prizes to this year’s Sapphire Gala Ball. Your incredible, much-appreciated generosity has meant that we are able to continue to support those struggling in our community who reach out to Lifeline for help.  

15 September 2022

Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney Receives Additional Funding From Chatswood RSL Club 

Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney is set to deliver more programs to the community after receiving $6,400 worth of funding through the ClubGRANTS scheme.

The latest round of funding was announced by Chatswood RSL Club on August 20. 

“We are very grateful to have received this much-needed funding, which will enable us to continue our work in the local community with suicide prevention and postvention” said Jennifer Gripton-Corbett, Senior Clinical Services Coordinator, Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney.

“We would like to thank Chatswood RSL Club for providing this boost to the Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney Counselling Team for our Community Suicide Response service, the support of which helps us to continue delivering this service at no cost to families and community affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide.” 

The funding will allow the clinical services team to attend a 3-day Blue Knot Foundation Professional Development to allow our Clinicians to learn the latest in complex trauma care and continue in the wonderful work they do with our clients, armed with the best possible information. 

The $6,400 in funding awarded to Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney, Clinical Services is gratefully received through the Willoughby ClubGRANTS scheme in 2022. 

“Giving back to the community is a huge part of who we are as a club, and we’re proud that this ClubGRANTS funding helps groups like this continue to do the great work that they do,” said Tony Snowsill, CEO, Chatswood RSL Club. 

Clubs across the state have provided more than $1 billion in funding since the inception of the ClubGRANTS scheme, making it one of the largest and most effective grants programs in Australia. 

The ClubGRANTS program is made possible through the support of ClubsNSW, the NSW Government and local clubs. Further detail about ClubGRANTS can be found at www.clubgrants.com.au  

This media release is available to download here.

27 January 2021

CEO of Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney Receives Australia Day Honour for Services to Community Mental Health

Wendy Carver, OAM

A Medal of the Order of Australia has been awarded to Wendy Carver, the CEO of Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney (H2H), one of the largest Lifeline centres in the national network. Mrs Carver was recognised for Services to Community Mental Health over a period of more than 30 years with the organisation.

A resident of St Ives, Mrs Carver has filled many roles at Lifeline H2H over those three decades. In 1988, she first became involved with the charity as a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter (TCS), undergoing the intensive training that enabled her to assist help seekers phoning the 13 11 14 crisis support and suicide prevention line. She stayed on the phones answering these calls for ten years, and became a member of the board during that time.

From 1996 to 2006, she worked as Services Manager. Also in 1996, she began an 11-year stint as a Personal Counsellor, using her tertiary qualifications in Counselling and Therapy to help Lifeline clients face to face.

In 2007, she became Lifeline H2H’s CEO, and has remained so since. She has seen her tenure as one of “overseeing an evolving journey of growth focused on meeting more community needs through the provision of more tailored services, while simultaneously opening up new funding pathways to support that growth – and all of it with the aim of helping Lifeline save more lives.”

Mrs Carver is seen by all who know her personally and professionally as a most deserving recipient of the prestigious Australia Day award. Board member Peter Tuchin says, “Throughout the more than 30 years she’s been associated with Lifeline, she has always quietly given above and beyond in the numerous and varied roles she’s held within the organisation”. He adds that “under her extraordinarily effective and approachable leadership, Lifeline H2H has grown from strength to strength.”

While Mrs Carver has been overwhelmed by the media attention and the generous expressions of congratulations by friends and colleagues past and present, she regards the award as something more than an acknowledgment of her own achievements. “For me,” she says, “this is about what ALL OF US at Lifeline H2H have achieved and the countless people we have helped. And for that I do feel humbled and truly grateful.”

This media release is available to download here.