Clare Lifeline Connect Centre

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:31): Today I rise to acknowledge the immense work Lifeline Regional SA and Far West NSW and the Clare Lifeline Connect Centre do to support the local community. I was able to join the Hon. Chris Picton MP, the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, and the Premier's Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Chair of the Suicide Prevention Council, Nadia Clancy MP, during a recent visit to the centre as part of a $250,000 funding package announcement for Lifeline Connect centres in Clare and Port Pirie.

This highlights the Malinauskas government's unwavering commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of regional South Australians, as these centres provide essential services to those in crisis and help prevent the devastation of suicide in our community. The Lifeline Connect Centre in Clare is more than just a facility; it is a safe haven for people in our community who are struggling with mental health issues or dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide.

This funding will ensure the centre can continue its important work over the next 18 months, helping to connect even more people with free counselling and mental health support. What makes the Clare Lifeline Connect Centre exceptional is not just the professional service it provides but also the human connections it fosters. Volunteers like the remarkable 91-year-old Pauline embody the heart of this initiative. Week after week, Pauline treks from her local aged-care home to offer her time and compassion to those who need it the most.

During my recent visit to the Mintaro Institute with Minister Cook, I also had a chance to hear from project officer Lorna Woodward at the Clare Lifeline Connect Centre. It was inspiring to hear Lorna share stories about how volunteering with Lifeline not only helps others but also brings a profound sense of purpose and inclusion to volunteers themselves. This is the spirit of community that makes Clare and its people so extraordinary, and the statistics speak volumes.

In 2024 alone, the Clare and Port Pirie centres provided 1,393 people with crucial support through clinical and non-clinical counselling sessions. Between July and December last year, the Clare Lifeline Connect Centre had direct contact with nearly 700 individuals, whether through counselling or drop-in support services. This demonstrates the breadth of the centre's reach and its vital role in the region.

I also had the privilege of speaking with staff and volunteers at the Clare Lifeline Connect Centre about what this funding means to them. They spoke with gratitude and optimism about the increased capacity to serve more people, provide more sessions, and raise awareness about mental health concerns in the community. These conversations reaffirmed my belief in the importance of this funding.

The services offered by the Lifeline Connect Centre are comprehensive and inclusive. They provide free face-to-face video and phone counselling, available without the need for referrals or a mental health diagnosis. This accessibility ensures that no-one feels alone or unsupported when reaching out for help. Beyond counselling, the centre's trained volunteers assist community members in accessing a range of support options, including practical assistance such as filling out forms and accessing online services. These seemingly small acts of support can make a monumental difference in the lives of those who are struggling.

Regional centres often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health services. Geographical isolation, drought and other hardships exacerbate the mental health crisis in rural communities. This funding is critical, as it directly addresses the gap in mental health support for regional South Australians. As the drought continues to take its toll on families and individuals, having a service such as Lifeline Connect in Clare is nothing short of essential. I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining and expanding this initiative. This funding will allow the Clare centre to increase its service delivery and support even more people in need.

I would also like to acknowledge the tireless work of Lifeline Regional SA and Far West NSW under the leadership of CEO Dr Robert Martin. Their commitment to an Australia free from suicide is evident in every facet of their work. They continue to innovate and expand their reach to ensure that no-one is left behind.

In closing, I want to reiterate the deep gratitude I feel for the extraordinary efforts of the staff and volunteers at the Clare Lifeline Connect Centre. Their dedication saves lives, strengthens families and fosters a resilient community. The Malinauskas government's investment in mental health services demonstrates its commitment to the wellbeing of all South Australians, regardless of where they live. Let us continue to work together to support initiatives such as this, break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a future where every individual feels valued, included and supported.