Many people know the Lifeline phone number, 13 11 14.

It’s commonly on the end of all manner of media reports that deal with tragedies, particularly those with an element of self-harm.

Sadly, though, it’s not the number that those who work at Lifeline deal with every day.

The main number on their books is one million, because amazingly - for those who aren’t routinely affected by such issues – that’s the number of Aussies who reach out to this wonderful service each year.

That’s one Australian in crisis every 30 seconds, around the clock, around the calendar.

In the Geelong region, the numbers are just as daunting.

More than 56 people on average every day – for a staggering average of 19 minutes for each call – use Lifeline.

Lifeline’s goal is to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moment alone.

It provides the crucial moments of connection that bring hope and save lives, working towards the goal of an Australia free of suicide.

So the impact of its services is immeasurable, given how many lives it literally saves.

Lifeline Geelong supports the local community through accessible crisis support, education, community capacity building and referral services.

On the front line of this effort are trained volunteer “crisis supporters”, the unsung heroes who are so desperately needed and who will benefit directly from the Community Contributions Fund granted by the Portarlington Golf Club.

“This is a donation that the club makes with mixed emotions,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.

“It’s fantastic that we can provide $5000 to Lifeline to help make a difference in its training and provision of those critical services.

“But it’s incredibly sad that it’s so desperately needed and the number of those who need and use Lifeline services is a stark reminder for us all of the problems that everyday Aussies can and do endure.”

Lifeline’s general manager – services, Susan King, said the grant would further her organisation’s commitment to supporting the “invaluable work of our volunteer crisis supporters”.

“By prioritising their wellbeing, we not only support our volunteers but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our services, enabling us to respond to more calls and ultimately save more lives,” she said.

“These dedicated individuals are on the front lines, answering calls from community members facing some of life's most challenging moments, including those thinking about suicide or dealing with issues like financial stress, domestic violence, or the aftermath of natural disasters.

“The support of Portarlington Golf Club and the Bellarine community ensures we can provide vital psychological safety programs for our volunteers, helping them manage the distressing and potentially traumatic material they encounter.

“This grant will directly benefit three of our local crisis supporters, who collectively have the potential to answer around 700 calls each year.

“With the rising demand for crisis support, bolstered by factors such as global and national events and economic pressures, it’s more crucial than ever to have a strong, supported volunteer base.”

King thanked the golf club and its members, saying the funding’s impact would resonate deeply through the entire Bellarine community, “contributing to a more resilient and supportive network for all”.

“Thank you for helping Lifeline make a difference. Together, we are stronger and better equipped to support those in crisis.”

In the past five financial years alone, the Portarlington Golf Club has given charitable support of more than $150,000.

In that time, the CCF component has become the biggest single source of community initiatives with almost $50,000 in such grants alone.

The CCF was established to support not-for-profit community or sporting organisations to make positive improvements that will, in turn, benefit the wider community.

This year, highlighting just how much the CCF means to these institutions, the club received 18 grant applications totalling in excess of $122,000.

Lifeline’s grant is one of four successful applications, with a total of $15,000 given back to the community, extended from the originally advertised scope of $12,000.

“We really think these donations have become incredibly important within our community, so we’re happy to extend this year because all the applicants were incredibly worthy,” Phillips said.

Raechel Gleeson accepts the cheque from acting Port GC chief executive Jackie Durbidge.