Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the work that Lifeline does around the country, but in particular the work that Lifeline Northern Beaches does. Lifeline Northern Beaches has just celebrated 50 years of operation.

Suicide is one of our greatest killers. It is the greatest killer of young people, and that's why we need Lifeline. Just five years after Lifeline first started at the Wesley Mission, Lifeline Northern Beaches opened at the Balgowlah Uniting Church. That service now handles close to 10 per cent of the one million calls that Lifeline receives around our country every year. But Lifeline is not just a vital phone counselling service; Lifeline Northern Beaches offers face-to-face counselling for people in financial trouble, people with gambling addictions, people whose families are under pressure and young people who are wrestling with the meaning of life. There are also a number of groups that people can join if they are grappling with particular problems. There is a Suicide Bereavement Support Group, a grief and loss group, a Being Mums group and a moods matter group for young people in particular.

I want to thank the staff of Lifeline for making me and my wife, Margie, so welcome last week. I particularly thank Ian Farmer, the chairman, and the 180 trained volunteers who do such a great job. You are the unsung heroes of our country and our area. (Time expired)

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