Join the Lifeline Classic at Queenscliff Beach on 14 October and help to raise funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches’ crisis support and suicide prevention services.
It’s time to surf! Rally your friends, family, or colleagues, and paddle out for a great cause as the Lifeline Classic is back for a seventh year. This year’s theme is ‘Break Free’ and Lifeline is ready to ride waves on the Northern Beaches like never before.
The registrations for this exciting event, which has become one of the largest fundraisers for Lifeline Northern Beaches, are now open. Everybody is invited to gather a team of four (or more) and start fundraising before taking to the surf at Queenscliff Beach.
“This is an event for everyone,” says Sarah Watts-Smith, acting chief executive officer of Lifeline Northern Beaches. “It’s all about raising funds to support local mental health and having fun as a team.”
To dive into the Lifeline Classic, you only need to register a team online. But here’s the twist – it’s not just about hitting the waves; it’s about making a splash with fundraising. The top sixteen open division and four women’s division teams that raise the most funds will ride the waves in a super-fun tag-team surf event on Classic’s Day.
“This year’s theme is ‘break free,’” Sarah said. “Break free of the stigmas that can stop us from reaching out for support when needed. This could be by talking with family or friends or seeking support from local organisations like Lifeline Northern Beaches.”
Art will also be part of the Lifeline Classic, creating unique designs and merchandising that reflect the event’s ‘break free’ theme.
Illustrator Ben Brown is back for a second year to share his work. “I wanted my piece to retain the fun/retro vibe we hit on last year and incorporate elements like the ‘heart’ for love, the ‘happy brain’ for positive mental health, and a ‘carefree casual surfer’ in a high-line trim, moving forward.”
You can also enjoy the pieces of local talent Eve Bracewell, who created a free-flowing design reminiscent of music posters from the 1960s and 70s and aims to reflect on the positive effects of surfing on mental health.
“Surfing reconnects us to nature and gives us a sense of community and purpose. Both surfing and organisations like Lifeline make the dark days a little brighter,” said Eve.
The funds raised will be spent supporting the mental health of our community through the Lifeline services, including counselling for anyone aged 15 and above, support groups, and free financial counselling.
If you don’t want to surf, you can still donate to a team or directly to Lifeline Northern Beaches ($2 and over is tax deductible). And you can also share the event on social media.
So, what are you waiting for? Get online, gather your squad, grab some epic merch, or donate to be part of the Lifeline Classic!
Let’s make a big splash for mental health together and catch the wave of change to ‘Break Free’ from the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
For more information and to register your team, visit www.lifelineclassic.com.au.
Remember, Lifeline is here to listen and help. Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 anytime. Local services are also available at www.lifelinenb.org.au.