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MInInG connect

Lorna MacGregor - Chief Executive Officer, Lifeline WA
It has been another demanding start to the year for Lifeline WA but CEO Lorna MacGregor could not
be more proud of how the organisation’s dedicated team of volunteer crisis supporters have stepped
up to assist the community during these uncertain times.
“We could not have predicted the levels of calls we’re Ahead of the Lifeline WA Track Day 2022 at Wanneroo
answering and it is a tribute to the commitment of our Raceway on October 28, MacGregor sat down with
volunteers that we’ve been able to respond,” she says. Paydirt to encourage thrill-seekers from the resources
“Last year our volunteers contributed over 25,000 hours industry to channel their passion for fast cars into
responding to people in crisis which we value at $1.1 supporting the mental health of all West Australians.
million to the community.”

PD: Why was last year’s Track Day such an ready for. Our training teaches people that all you have to
incredible success? do is listen at the beginning, you don’t have to take total
LM: Richard Bennett and the Strike Drilling team responsibility for that person. Most people actually have
proved that being generous and having fun is a winning the resources in their own life to find a solution. And, you
combination. People were able to bond and enjoy can always refer someone to Lifeline WA.
themselves in a very unique way while also supporting
Lifeline WA. Last year the event generated more than PD: Why should any activities which destigmatise
help-seeking be promoted?
$100,000 which supported the training of 25 more
volunteer crisis support workers. This means more West LM: Men are often reluctant to seek help. Three-quarters
Australians can get the support they need during their of suicides each year are men, but only 30% of callers
most difficult times. to Lifeline WA are men. So engaging in any activity
which encourages someone to seek help is good for the
PD: How can car lovers get involved in this year’s community and is helping Lifeline WA achieve its mission.
Track Day?
LM: The donation for this unique experience is $1,000 PD: What support does Lifeline WA offer resources
sector workers?
in the spotlight
per person and we are encouraging businesses and
individuals to sponsor a team of four for $4,000. Every LM: The 13 11 14 number is universally available
team of four will mean that Lifeline WA can train one new to everyone. We never reject a call because it’s not
crisis support volunteer who will go on to answer many important enough. If you tell us you’re in crisis and need
thousands of calls for help to 13 11 44. Driving at heart- to talk, that’s good enough for us. We also provide a
in-your-mouth speeds in the front seat of a Porsche GT3 range of mental health and wellbeing training. We have
Cup race car – in the very capable and steady hands of a worked with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA
professional driver – will literally be the ride of your life! and their members to develop a peer-support programme
specifically for the resources sector called Resourceful
PD: Why is it so important to reach out for help if Mind. This has been specifically designed around the
you’re struggling? unique challenges of training people on a mine site.
LM: When you’re in distress, it is difficult to see all the
options that are available to you, When someone calls PD: How can the resources industry continue to
support Lifeline WA?
Lifeline, they are listened to. Now that sounds like such
a small and simple thing but it’s actually a really rare LM: We’re very fortunate to have a number of corporates
thing and important to someone in distress. What a crisis from within the resources sector who are very generously
supporters does is listen with purpose and in doing so it supporting Lifeline WA, but we would always welcome
allows someone’s distress to reduce and then a range further donations and contributions to train more
of options become more available to them. Heightened volunteers. Many companies are investing in mental
distress makes it very difficult to see a pathway to a health and wellbeing training and I would certainly
solution. It doesn’t have to be Lifeline WA that you reach encourage them to consider Lifeline WA as their provider.
out to, it’s just important that you reach out. It can be a I’m going to be boastful here and say that our training
friend, it can be your GP, it can be your partner, but it can team are exceptional so you will get an exceptional
also be Lifeline WA. product and the profit margin goes back into supporting
our crisis support service. And, of course, please ensure
PD: What can you do if someone you know is the 13 11 14 number is broadly available so that anyone
struggling? who needs support can easily find the number to contact
LM: People underestimate the power of kindness. If Lifeline and feel comfortable to speak with one of our
you see someone who is struggling, just speaking to crisis supporters.
them and letting them that you care is a really powerful
and highly underestimated tool. People are sometimes
reluctant to reach out because they fear they’re going The Lifeline WA Track Day 2022 will be held at
to say the wrong thing or they’re afraid they won’t know Wanneroo Raceway on October 28. To book your
what to do. Sometimes they worry that they will suddenly spot, email laurenhubbard@lifelinewa.org.au
be taking on responsibility for something they’re not

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