FAQs

The Walk

What is Out of the Shadows Walk?

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Out of the Shadows Walk is a 9km walk on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) for the 9 Australians who die every day by suicide. You can walk anywhere across Australia, any time of the day, and share your walk with friends and family to raise money for suicide prevention services.

Where is the walk taking place?

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Out of the Shadows is a virtual walk which means you can take part any time, anywhere across Australia on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). You may choose to walk around your local neighbourhood, or find a nice walking track close by to complete your 9km or whatever distance target you set. Walk by yourself or join a team with your friends and family!

Is the walk just for people who have lost a loved one to suicide?

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No, you don't need a personal connection to take part. The walk is to remember those Australians lost to suicide and help others come out of the shadows and into the light. You can dedicate your walk to remember a loved one, or you can simply walk to give hope to others in need and ensure that noone has to face their darkest moments alone.

Can I walk more or less than 9km?

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Yes, you can choose to set your own distance target when you sign up.  You may wish to choose the age of someone you are remembering, or just choose a more challenging or easier walking distance.

How much does it cost to sign up?

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Nothing! Out of the Shadows Walk is free to take part so register now, you've got nothing to lose!

Can I walk with my local Lifeline Centre?

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Yes, you sure can! When you sign up for Out of the Shadows Walk you have the option to choose a partaking Lifeline Centre during registration. For these participating Centres, you have the option to join their local walk, or simply walk the 9km anywhere on behalf of the centre.

Local walk information for partaking Lifeline Centres: 

Lifeline Northern NSW

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 6:30am for a 7:00am start
  • Location: Queen Elizabeth 2 Park, Hartley Street, Casino, 2470
  • Contact: Amie Weekes | amie.weekes@lifeline.org.au 


Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 6:00am 
  • Location: Lifeline Connect Centre, 194 Argent St, Broken Hill, NSW
  • Information: Please be 10 minutes early. The walk will only be 1.5km
  • Contact: Rebekah Eckert | 0417 817 760


Lifeline Melbourne

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 9:00am - 11:00am  
  • Location: Flagstaff Gardens (Lawn 7) 309-311 William St, West Melbourne
  • Information: This event includes reading of a Memorial Roll, a 1km walk around Flagstaff Gardens, and an opportunity to tie a ribbon to commemorate your loved one.
    Please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/3BHKKczS3v to register, where you can also provide a name for the Memorial Roll should you wish to do so.
  • Contact: LifelineMelbourneCommunications@vt.uniting.org 


Lifeline South East SA

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 7:00am
  • Location: Mount Gambier Rail Lands
  • Information: Meet at the Rail station at the Rail lands in Mount Gambier for a walk of choice followed by a community breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier.
  • Contact: reception@lifelinese.com.au 


Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 9:30am
  • Location: Greenway Park Community Centre, Greenway Drive, West Hoxton, NSW, 2171
  • Contact: 02 4645 7200 | admin@lifelinemws.org.au for more information


Lifeline North Coast

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Location: Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores
  • Information: Meet at 4pm at the steps beside the Yacht Club where there will be an official opening and Welcome to Country. We will then walk down to the end of the Jetty and back and then head south walking down the beach towards the Jetty Beach house, turn around at the end of the beach and walk back to the beginning. The walk will take between 30-40 mins to complete. Participants also have the option to just walk to the end of the jetty and back which will take around 15 to 20 mins. Upon returning there will be music, a BBQ, and art activities for everyone to participate in.
  • Contact: Denise | marketing.northcoast@lifeline.org.au | 02 6651 4093 - ask for Denise 


Lifeline Hunter


Lifeline Central Australia

  • Date: Friday September 8, 2023
  • Time: 6:15am
  • Location: Lawns opposite the Todd Tavern
  • Information: 9km starting from the Todd Tavern following the riverside path to the telegraph station and returning (approx. 2hrs)
  • Contact: lifelinelocal@lifeline.org.au 


Lifeline Northern Beaches


Lifeline Queensland - Brisbane

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:30am
  • Location: Orleigh Park, West End, Brisbane. We will be meeting in the park at the end of Montague Rd
  • Information: Join us for a sunrise walk along the Brisbane River, followed by a few formalities. We will have time to remember, connect and will have Lifeline Crisis Supporters available to talk with. This is an open event for the community to attend. The walk will commence in the park at the end of Montague Road and will follow the river for a few kms.
  • Contact: Jayden Callow |  Jayden.Callow@uccommunity.org.au 


Lifeline Queensland - Sunshine Coast

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:15am for a 5:30am start
  • Location: Bulcock Beach on the Esplanade (adjacent to Minchinton Street)
  • Information: Commencing the walk at Bulcock Beach on the Esplanade, we will pause and come together at the Bill Morton Memorial Park at Kings Beach (approx 1 km). Please join us here to write messages of love and hope in the sand at the water’s edge - some light refreshments will also be available. You can then continue on if you wish to walk 9 km, follow the signs along the Coastal Walk to the turnaround point at 4.5 km, enjoying the beautiful views along the way.
  • Contact: Pam Murphy | 0428 457 029

Lifeline Queensland - Cairns

  • Date: Saturday September 9, 2023
  • Time: 6:00am - 9:00am 
  • Location: The gardens across from Cairns Hospital, on the Esplanade
  • Information: The Out of The Shadows walk will commence from the gardens across from Cairns Hospital, we will be joined on the walk by a Choir, followed by Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Reflections and Community Engagement while we enjoy a BBQ on the Esplanade.
  • Contact: Therese Wade | 0418 918 183 
    Tamie Lenord | 07 4050 4916

Lifeline Bondi

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 9:00am - 11:00am 
  • Location: Westfield Bondi Junction Apple Store - 9am or Coogee Beach Stairs - 9.45am
  • Route: Westfield Bondi Junction to Coogee Beach to Bondi
  • Contact: alanna.duggan@lifeline.org.au
     

Lifeline Central Coast

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 8.30am - 10.30am
  • Location: The Entrance Foreshore
  • Route: Meet at The North Entrance Carpark, walking along the foreshore to the Sensory Gardens. The total walk distance is 2.5km and is accessible for all types of mobility.
  • Contact: lifelinelocal@lifeline.org.au 

     

Why can't I find my local Lifeline Centre?

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Not all Lifeline centres will be participating in the virtual Out of the Shadows campaign, but they will still be walking. Our centres are close to the communities in which they operate, and some will keep their activity localised by hosting a memorial walk on the morning of Suicide Prevention Day side-by-side with those who have been impacted by suicide.

Local walk information for additional Lifeline Centres:
 

Lifeline Townsville

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:45am 
  • Location: The Rock Pool at the Strand
  • Information: The walk will commence at the Rock Pool. Once gathered, we will proceed to the Strand Jetty. Lived experience speakers and a choir performance are followed by time for quiet reflection. A free BBQ breakfast will be provided, with tea and coffee available for purchase. Further info is available on the facebook page Out of the Shadows & into the light Townsville.
  • Contact: Renee Eriksen | renee.ericksen@uccommunity.org.au | 0417 576 945

Lifeline Mid Coast NSW


Lifeline Bundaberg QLD

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:00am - 7:00am 
  • Location: Commencing at the Bargara Foreshore Decking, ending with coffee and breakfast at the surf lifesaving club.
  • Information: Join us as we walk to raise awareness, to remember those lost to suicide and unite in a commitment to prevent further deaths by suicide.
  • Contact: Amie | amie.joseph@uccommunity.org.au | 07 4153 8400 | 0429 561 260


Lifeline Rockhampton

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:30am
  • Location: Assemble at South Rockhampton Swimming Pool Carpark
  • Information: Take part in Lifeline's Out of the Shadows - National Suicide prevention walks to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day. Raise awareness, remember those lost to suicide, and unite in a commitment to prevent further deaths by suicide.
  • Contact: CQ Community Suicide Prevention Network | cqcspn@gmail.com | 0481 380 035 
    Lifeline Rockhampton | dominic.owens@uccommunity.org.au | 0491 951 437


Lifeline Cairns Region QLD 

  • Date: Saturday September 9, 2023
  • Time: 6:00am - 9:00am 
  • Location: The walk starts at Cairns Hospital, Healing Gardens and will proceed along the Cairns Esplanade to Western High Water Pier
  • Information: Please arrive at 5:50am for a 6am start! Gather at the Healing Gardens opposite the Sea Breeze Cafe, Cairns Hospital. Join us and walk to remember those lost to Suicide.
  • Contact: Therese Wade | 0418 918 183 
    Tamie Lenord | 07 4050 4916


Lifeline Sunshine Coast QLD

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:15am for a 5:30am start
  • Location: Bulcock Esplanade, Bulcock Beach
  • Information: We will meet and begin the walk at Bulcock Beach on the Esplanade (adjacent to Minchinton Street). We will pause and come together at the Bill Morton Memorial Park, at Kings Beach (approx. 1km). Join us here to write messages of love and hope in the sand at the waters edge - some light refreshments will also be available.
  • Contact: Pam Murphy | 0428 457 029


Lifeline Albury Wodonga NSW 

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:30am
  • Location: Wagirra Trail Albury (Kremur Street to Noreuil park)
  • Contact: Stacy Read | 0432 533 554 
    Julie Keeble | 02 6021 1077


Lifeline Tasmania

  • Date: Friday September 8, 2023
  • Time: 5:45am for a 6:00am start
  • Location: Parliament Lawns, Salamanca, Hobart
  • Information: This year marks 50 years of Lifeline working in the Tasmanian community. To celebrate, we will be joined on the day by the Breakfast team at Triple M Hobart. Woody and Tubes will be broadcasting live to share stories of hope, compassion and bring the conversation around suicide out of the shadows and into the light.
  • The Walk: Participants will leave from the Murray Street end of Parliamentary Gardens and walk along the flat, sealed footpath to the Cardinal Lights in Mawson Place and will return via Franklin Wharf. The walk is under 1km long and suitable for all abilities.
  • Contact: Lifeline Tasmania | comms@lifelinetasmania.org.au | 0439 665 901


Lifeline Ipswich & West Moreton QLD

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 9:00am - 11:00am 
  • Location: Spring Lake Park, 55 Burlington Terrace, Springfield Lakes (cnr Springfield Lake Boulevard & Burlington Terrace, behind Ash Barty Tennis Court)
  • Information: Short ceremony/reflections, short walk around the lake, followed by morning tea
  • Contact: Margaret Knight | margaret.knight@uccommunity.org.au | 0439 595 203


Lifeline Central West - Bathurst

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:00am  
  • Location: Start and finish at Lifeline Central West Bathurst Office, 253 Howick Street.
    4km Macquarie River and Denison Bridge Walk and back to Lifeline.
  • Information: If you wish, also bring something to place at sunrise, in remembrance of those lost to suicide. All walks are all-ability on (mostly) flat ground. Dogs welcome onlead.
  • Event Details: https://fb.me/e/1ifpKDa4X
  • Contact: Helen Daunt | hdaunt@lifelinecentralwest.org.au 

Lifeline Central West - Dubbo

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:00am  
  • Location: Start and finish at Lifeline Central West Dubbo Office, 213 Brisbane Street.
    4km walk across the LH Ford bridge and back across to Lifeline.
  • Information: If you wish, also bring something to place at sunrise, in remembrance of those lost to suicide. All walks are all-ability on (mostly) flat ground. Dogs welcome onlead.
  • Event Details: https://fb.me/e/1ifpKDa4X
  • Contact: Helen Daunt | hdaunt@lifelinecentralwest.org.au 


Lifeline Central West - Orange

  • Date: Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Time: 5:00am  
  • Location: Start and finish at the blue suicide prevention bench next to Rugby Club on Woodward Street, Pilcher Park, Orange.
    Walk up Woodward Street to Summer Street to Scrumptious on Summer Café.
  • Information: If you wish, also bring something to place at sunrise, in remembrance of those lost to suicide. All walks are all-ability on (mostly) flat ground. Dogs welcome onlead.
  • Event Details: https://fb.me/e/1ifpKDa4X
  • Contact: Helen Daunt | hdaunt@lifelinecentralwest.org.au

How do I create or join a team?

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Create your own team during sign up, or search for an existing team. You’ll be prompted to select one of these options during your registration. Of course if you’d rather take part by yourself, that’s fine too! 

How do I join a team if I signed up as an individual?

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That's easy! Just search for the team you would like to join and if they are allowing people to join their team, you will see an option on their page to 'join us'. Follow the steps to join their team. 

How many people can I have in my team?

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There is no limit so you can have as many as you like! Walk with a few dear friends or family, or form a big group! Simply create a new team or join an existing one and invite others to take part.

How do I sign up for the walk?

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Just click here to register for Out of the Shadows Walk.

Fundraising

How do I get a fundraising page?

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Your fundraising page is created once you sign up! It's super easy.

How do I choose a fundraising goal?

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Set a goal that's realistic for you, but ambitious. You will be amazed at how many people will be happy to support you once you start spreading the word!

How does the money I raise help?

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Funds raised will help Lifeline provide suicide prevention services that save lives. You can learn more about how Lifeline will use your funds raised here.

Are donations tax deductible?

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Yes, all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible for Australian tax payers.

How do I ask my friends and family to sponsor me?

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Click here to get some basic tips and tricks to get started with your fundraising. 

What happens if I can't reach my fundraising goal?

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Don't worry, we are here to help you every step of the way and appreciate every dollar you raise. Click here for some tips and ideas to get started with your fundraising, or here to see the resources we've created to help you spread the word to your network.