Riding 1117km to raise awareness and funds for crisis counselling services

1117

KMs

53

Donations

We're riding!

On 26 May 2025, the first-ever Lifeline 3000 Ride commenced. Covering an incredible 1117km journey, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland CEO, Rachelle Patterson, alongside her husband, family, and close friends, will embark on this challenging mountain bike ride from the Eromanga to Toowoomba. This ride is more than just a test of endurance – it’s a mission to raise awareness and vital funds for crisis counselling services in Darling Downs and South West Queensland.

When we first set out to raise funds to employ a crisis counsellor to work across western Queensland, we knew the need was real. But since the devastating floods, that need has only intensified.
When you donate, your support will help Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland continue providing immediate psychosocial support in communities like Eromanga, Quilpie, Thargomindah, Cunnamulla, Eulo and Adavale – where many will be feeling the emotional impact of recent devastating floods for some time.

Your generosity will fund crisis counselling services that are urgently needed across western Queensland. Together, we can ensure evacuees and remote community members aren’t left to navigate this crisis alone. Your donation will help us strengthen long-term mental health support and build resilience, so we can continue walking alongside these communities every step of the way.

Acknowledging our Lifeline 3000 Ride Crew!

Right now, a passionate and determined group of riders are pedalling across our region in the Lifeline 3000 Ride — covering over 1117km kilometres to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

We want to give a huge shoutout to our incredible riders: Rachelle Patterson, Hamish Patterson, Kate Thornton, Guy Alexander, and Janelle Alexander — your strength, resilience, and commitment is nothing short of inspiring.

And to our essential support crew member Alison Casey thank you for keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes and ensuring our riders are safe, supported, and fuelled every step of the way.

Together, you're not just riding — you're helping Lifeline be there for people in crisis. Thank you for pushing through every kilometre so that no one has to face their toughest moments alone

The Lifeline 3000 Ride reflects a sobering reality – over 3,000 Australians die by suicide each year, an average of nine deaths per day.  Males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females, while females are significantly more likely to attempt suicide. 

Route and Engagement

Our planned route reflects the region that Lifeline serves and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of all we do within these communities.

We will host community BBQs and events at four major locations along the route, providing an opportunity to:

  • Engage with our local teams to discuss Lifeline’s services.
  • Raise awareness about mental health support.
  • Publicly acknowledge our generous sponsors.

Why this Ride Matters

Statistical data shows that many residents across South West Queensland are at an increased risk of suicide1 due to there being:
  • A high proportion of males
  • Young Indigenous populations
  • Limited access to education and mental health services
  • Rural isolation and economic hardship
Through the Lifeline 3000 Ride we are aiming to raise much needed funds to ensure the continued deliver of crisis counselling services across our South West Queensland communities when and where they need it.
1 Source: AIHW National Suicide Monitoring
 

About Us

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West QLD was founded in 1975, and has been providing critical support programs and services to the Darling Downs and South West communities for the last 50 years.  We have offices in Cunnamulla, Roma, Charleville, St George, Warwick, Dalby and Toowoomba as well as providing outreach services throughout South West Queensland.

We provide services and support to individuals and communities to engage and empower those to build resilient communities through our values of Connection, Inclusion, Relationships, Social Justice and Compassion.

How You Can Help

Together, we can build stronger, more resillient communities. Here's how you can make a difference. 

Donate Now

Every donation brings us closer to ensuring mental health support reaches those in need.

Sponsor the Ride

Partner and show your commitment to mental health in Darling Downs & South West Qld.

Spread the Word

Share our Lifeline 3000 Ride with your network to help amplify our impact in your community.

  • Jeanie Cunnamulla Coffee Shop just donated $50
  • Elise Blume just donated $125
  • Richelle Watt just donated $35
  • Ross Drinnan just donated $250
  • Karen Lane just donated $200
  • Wayne & Ruth Dixon just donated $100
  • Kathryn Collins just donated $125
  • Leah Steinberg just donated $65
  • Narelle Motter just donated $125
  • Elyse T-j just donated $50
  • David McVeigh just donated $250
  • Anonymous just donated $125
  • Jamie and Ann-Maree Lucht just donated $50
  • Jenn Beckett just donated $100
  • Tashia Dixon just donated $100
  • Andrew Patterson just donated $100
  • Chris Griffins just donated $50
  • Elizabeth Patterson just donated $65
  • Fred Wharton just donated $35
  • Char and Max just donated $125

Our Sponsors

We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses who have supported our Lifeline 3000 Ride. From sponsoring ride legs through regional communities to providing vital in-kind services and creative support, your contributions help power this journey — both on the road and in our mission.

Ride Leg Sponsors

Bollon to St George

Westmar to Dalby

Dalby to Toowoomba

In-Kind Sponsors

Bike and Parts

Logo Design Support

Thank You to our Lifeline 3000 Ride Donors

Your donation is more than just financial support - it is hope for someone in crisis

Jeanie Cunnamulla Coffee Shop

10h ago
$50

Elise Blume

1d ago
$125

Richelle Watt

Go Kate and team, how amazing πŸ’› what a challenge, very inspiring. Good luck

2d ago
$35

Ross Drinnan

Great cause

3d ago
$250

Karen Lane

Well done Guy and Janelle πŸ‘πŸ‘

3d ago
$200

Wayne & Ruth Dixon

3d ago
$100

Kathryn Collins

3d ago
$125

Leah Steinberg

3d ago
$65

Narelle Motter

3d ago
$125

Elyse T-j

Keep it going guys!!

4d ago
$50

David McVeigh

5d ago
$250

Anonymous

5d ago
$125

Jamie and Ann-Maree Lucht

Amazing work!

5d ago
$50

Jenn Beckett

Good luck Rach! This is such a fantastic initiative that will provide invaluable support. Your dedication is truly inspiring. We're cheering you on all the way!

5d ago
$100

Tashia Dixon

Love you Rachelle and Hamish. My real life heros xx

6d ago
$100

Andrew Patterson

Go hard

6d ago
$100

Chris Griffins

6d ago
$50

Elizabeth Patterson

Have an amazing adventure Rach, Hame, Kate, Guy and Janelle. You will make a difference to someone’s life! xo

7d ago
$65

Fred Wharton

7d ago
$35

Char and Max

Go Rach, Hame, Mum and Dad! Such an amazing feat for an amazing cause - you got this!

8d ago
$125

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