UPDATE 20 NOVEMBER 2021: THE LIFELINE CLASSIC HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO A LACK OF SURF. WE WILL UPDATE HERE ONCE A NEW DATE HAS BEEN SET.
Previously: Queenscliff will play host to this year’s Lifeline Classic, raising funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches, this Saturday 20 November.
The Lifeline Classic is an annual tag-team surf event run to support the local mental health services of Lifeline Northern Beaches and is now in its fifth year.
Lifeline Northern Beaches CEO David Thomas said it’s a great day of surfing, but it’s also a “celebration of our strength as a community.”
The event slogan is: good vibes save lives!
Each year, up to 20 teams take part – with local community groups and businesses all getting involved – aiming to raise $100,000. Teams are made up of four plus a local surf pro who joins them on the day.
The Lifeline Classic has had some of surfing’s biggest names take part in the action including Cooper Chapman, Simon Anderson, Samson Coulter and former world champion Damien Hardman. This year Saxon Reber and George Pitter will be among those joining in.
Last year’s Open champions, Man Anchor, are defending their title and are in the Classic for the third straight year.
Lifeline is best known for its national telephone line 13 11 14, which is open 24-hours a day and every day of the year. Recently, Lifeline expanded the national support service to include text from midday to midnight via 0477 13 11 14.
The latest round of restrictions and lockdowns in NSW and Victoria saw record numbers of calls to Lifeline and surging demand in the text service.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve also had huge increases in demand for our local counselling services,” David said.
“Every service is free or low-cost, and we rely on the generosity of our community to provide what can be life-saving support and keep these services accessible to everyone.”
The increase in local demand meant Lifeline Northern Beaches held more than 2,500 counselling sessions over the past year. The local Lifeline centre also answered more than 66,000 calls and 81,000 texts.
While the name ‘Lifeline’ is national, Lifeline centres (like Lifeline Northern Beaches) are locally run. All funds raised directly support the mental health of the Northern Beaches.
“By donating to the Lifeline Classic, you’re saving lives in your own backyard,” David said.
To donate, visit www.lifelineclassic.com.au
If you need support, Lifeline is here to listen and here to help. Call 13 11 14 anytime.
You can also text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (midday-midnight)
Local ongoing support is available, visit www.lifelinenb.org.au or call 9949 5522 to make an appointment.
