Working Together to Prevent Suicide: Supporting Lifeline Mid Coast and Strengthening the Bill for Change

Robert Dwyer • 6 August 2025


This month I had the opportunity to talk with Catherine Vaara, CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast, to discuss the critical work they’re doing right here in our region, and why
changes to the Suicide Prevention Act are so important for our community.


Most people know Lifeline for their 13 11 14 crisis support line. But what many don’t realise is that our local Lifeline service also provides vital suicide prevention and postvention support, funded entirely through the Lifeline Mid Coast op shops. That’s right - every item bought or donated helps fund services that support those impacted by suicide, including bereavement groups, community outreach, and support for people who have attempted suicide.


In the past year alone, Lifeline Mid Coast has supported over 200 people in bereavement and 40 people through their closed support group for those who have attempted suicide. Their trained volunteers and peer support workers also respond to communities in crisis following local suicides and natural disasters.


Catherine and I spoke about the current amendments to the Suicide Prevention Act, which are making their way through Parliament. These changes aim to ensure a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention, with better collaboration across health, police, education, and community sectors.


This kind of strategy is long overdue.


Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44. Nationally, around 3,000 Australians die by suicide every year, more than are lost on our roads. In regional areas like ours, the impact is even more profound. Lifeline Mic Coast alone answers around 25,000 calls each year as part of a national total of over one million.


One of the most sobering insights from our conversation is that nearly 50% of people who die by suicide haven’t reached out for help in the previous 12 months. When someone is in crisis, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and decision-making can shut down, leaving only emotion. That’s why timely, compassionate intervention is so important, and why Lifeline’s model of care and warm referrals is making such a difference.


The amendment to the Suicide Prevention Act recognises that no one agency can solve this alone. It calls for a coordinated, consistent, and inclusive strategy that reflects the different needs of young people, First Nations communities, culturally diverse groups, and those facing social isolation or mental health challenges.


Catherine’s message was clear: suicide is not about wanting to die, it’s about wanting the pain to stop. With the right supports in place, people can be connected to hope, to community, and to the help they need.


This is about rebuilding lives and restoring hope. And that’s why I fully support the amendments to the Suicide Prevention Act and will continue advocating for more funding, better collaboration, and stronger recognition of the incredible work being done by services like Lifeline Mid Coast.


To everyone involved with Lifeline - from volunteers in the shops to the trained crisis supporters on the phones - thank you for the work you do every day to keep our community safe, supported, and connected.


If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 - support is available 24/7.


Robert's Media Releases

by Robert Dwyer 10 February 2026
Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses across the Mid North Coast to apply for NSW Government funding to install electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean transport infrastructure across the state. Under Round 4 of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, funding has been allocated to help make EV ownership more convenient, accessible and reliable for motorists, particularly in regional areas. Mr Dwyer said the program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and future-proofing the EV charging network beyond 2030. “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said. “Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20 million to install fast-charging stations, which will give drivers confidence to travel between towns and regions.” Mr Dwyer said the grants also present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy. “Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop and spend time in our communities, delivering real benefits for local businesses and tourism,” he said. “This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.” “By working together with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Dwyer said. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply through the NSW Government grants at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/round-4-drive-electric-nsw-ev-fast-charging-grants Applications close 24th April 2026 at 11:00pm Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
by Robert Dwyer 9 February 2026
Celebrating Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley: 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalist
by Robert Dwyer 4 February 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has been appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads, strengthening the NSW Opposition’s focus on improving road safety, connectivity and investment across regional New South Wales.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, has not publicly supported or opposed the proposed 18-storey development in Park Street, Port Macquarie.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
With a concerning increase in shark attacks along the NSW coastline over the past week, the rollout of shark spotting drones to surf board rider clubs must be urgently fast tracked, Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said today.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
Tomorrow, communities across Australia will come together to observe a Day of Mourning following the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi.
by Robert Dwyer 19 January 2026
Unmanned marine vessels known as Bluebottles will be deployed to patrol Marine Parks between Coffs Harbour and Camden Haven over the Australia Day long weekend.
by Robert Dwyer 14 January 2026
Robert Dwyer has written to the Minister for Roads requesting an urgent review of speed limits on unsealed council roads adjacent to Crowdy Bay National Park
by Robert Dwyer 21 December 2025
People in the Port Macquarie electorate can recognise an outstanding older person in their community with nominations now open for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards. Robert Dwyer said the awards celebrate the tremendous contribution seniors offer to their community. “If you know a senior who strives to make our community a better place through volunteering, innovation or simply supporting family and friends, now is the time to nominate them for recognition,” Mr Dwyer said. “We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. “By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping Port Macquarie thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigma.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the awards highlight the diverse ways seniors enrich their communities. Each year, MPs across the state use the awards to recognise seniors in their community by hosting a small awards ceremony where recipients are celebrated. Nomination forms are available from all MP’s offices across the state and need to be completed and returned by Friday 16 January 2026. Successful recipients will receive their awards during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2-15 March 2026. The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts more than 500,000 people at almost 50 DCJ-run and sponsored events across metro and regional areas. The festival commenced in 1958 and in 2026 will mark its 68th year. The festival promotes social inclusion and connection and encourages older people to attend events and become involved in art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, contact us by emailing portmacquarie@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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