Riding 1250km to raise awareness and funds for crisis counselling services

2

Riders

1250

KMs

22

Donations

The Challenge Begins - 26 May 2025

On 26 May 2025, the first-ever Lifeline 3000 Ride will commence. Covering an incredible 1250km 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 Dig Tree (near Innamincka on the South Australian border) 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.

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.

  • Jessica Wilson just donated $200
  • Charmaine Malam just donated $50
  • Elspeth Murray just donated $125
  • Charles Forrisdahl Denmark just donated $35
  • Scott & Rachael Kennedy just donated $125
  • Laurie Parker just donated $50
  • Jenny Barron just donated $50
  • Wendy Alexander just donated $100
  • Anonymous just donated $50
  • Sascha J just donated $20
  • Nigel Alexander just donated $500
  • Tony Simonds just donated $50
  • Kate Thornton just donated $50
  • Susan Mott just donated $125
  • Angela Klein just donated $20
  • J Boulter just donated $35
  • Amanda Patterson just donated $50
  • Alison & Garry Elford just donated $125
  • C Canadi just donated $100
  • Erin Miller just donated $65

Thank You to our Lifeline 3000 Ride Donors

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

Jessica Wilson

1d ago
$200

Charmaine Malam

1d ago
$50

Elspeth Murray

In support of Janelle Alexander riding from the Dig Tree to Cunnamulla. A huge achievement

3d ago
$125

Charles Forrisdahl Denmark

Cool

4d ago
$35

Scott & Rachael Kennedy

Awesome Rachelle and team xx

8d ago
$125

Laurie Parker

Hope the ride goes well, Hamish.

17d ago
$50

Jenny Barron

21d ago
$50

Wendy Alexander

Best of luck with the ride. Such a good cause.

21d ago
$100

Anonymous

22d ago
$50

Sascha J

24d ago
$20

Nigel Alexander

Good luck for the ride. Hope it’s a great success.

25d ago
$500

Tony Simonds

Blessings for what you are doing for the good people in the bush and safety on the roads.

26d ago
$50

Kate Thornton

27d ago
$50

Susan Mott

Have a safe trip, looking forward to seeing you along the way.

29d ago
$125

Angela Klein

Have an awesome time

29d ago
$20

J Boulter

Such a fabulous idea, and I hope that the goal is reached and then some!

30d ago
$35

Amanda Patterson

Amazing!

30d ago
$50

Alison & Garry Elford

Awesome cause Rachelle thanks for raising awareness.

30d ago
$125

C Canadi

Best of luck

30d ago
$100

Erin Miller

Amazing cause! You are incredible. Well done to all who are taking on this challenge and raising awareness and much needed money for such a worthy cause.

30d ago
$65

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