Lifeline Australia is honoured to announce the appointment of Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, as its new Patron.
Ms Mostyn, who was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on 1st July 2024, is a distinguished leader whose work spans business, sport, the arts and social justice. Ms Mostyn has extensive experience in the mental health sector, having undertaken leadership roles with major organisations including Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety, the National Mental Health Commission, Beyond Blue, Reconciliation Australia and the Foundation for Young Australians.
As Patron, Ms Mostyn will have opportunities to promote, celebrate and support the work of Lifeline Australia.
“I am delighted to become Patron of Lifeline Australia,” said The Governor-General.
“Patronage is a special relationship. It gives me the opportunity to learn, to amplify messages and to share stories, recognising and valuing the work and achievements of Lifeline.”
“The story of Lifeline couldn’t be more important, offering crisis and self-led support as part of its vital work to prevent suicide.”
“When I was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General, I promised to bring an unstinting focus on care, kindness and respect.”
“These values have a deep and resonant place in our Australian identity. They are at the heart of Lifeline, and the inspiration for the generous work of compassion and love in service to Australians across the country, for so many years,” added the Governor General.
Lifeline Australia Chair, Professor Steve Moylan, said that Ms Mostyn’s evident commitment to organisations that make a significant impact on their communities made her a natural choice for the role of Patron.
"We are delighted to welcome Ms Mostyn as our Patron. Her commitment to making life better for all Australians – especially those whose voices are infrequently heard – continues to show up in everything that she does.”
“As Patron, Ms Mostyn will be in a position to help Lifeline reduce the stigma around seeking help as well as playing a key role in promoting suicide prevention as a national priority,” added Professor Moylan.
CEO Colin Seery said that many of the causes which Ms Mostyn continues to champion align closely with Lifeline’s key priorities.
“As well as her unwavering efforts around mental health and suicide prevention issues, Ms Mostyn remains a forthright advocate for volunteerism, the prevention of domestic violence and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
“These shared principles will ensure that this appointment will be a meaningful one, with Ms Mostyn playing a role in supporting Lifeline to create healthy and safe communities,” he added.
Ms Mostyn succeeds John Brogden after two years as Lifeline Patron. The former Lifeline Chair (2012-2021) remains a passionate advocate for Lifeline Australia’s crisis support and suicide prevention services.
You can speak to a Lifeline Crisis Supporter over the phone on 13 11 14, via text on 0477 131 114, chat online at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat or self-manage what you’re going through with our Support Toolkit at toolkit.lifeline.org.au. All services are available 24/7.
Key Facts:
- 16th March 2025 marks Lifeline's 62nd anniversary.
- Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, is the new Lifeline Patron.
- As Patron, Ms Mostyn will have opportunities to promote, celebrate and support the work of Lifeline Australia.
About us:
For over 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians, offering free and confidential one-to-one crisis support for people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Trained crisis supporters listen without judgement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As well as operating the 13 11 14 telephone line within 43 Centres around the nation, the organisation also delivers 24/7 crisis text, webchat and a Support Toolkit. Lifeline expects to respond to over 1.4 million requests for support this year, creating an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep a person experiencing suicidal ideation safe.
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