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.

There’s already a close bond between the Portarlington Golf Club and the town’s footy and netball club.

This year, it has become even tighter.

The two clubs have strengthened their financial and social ties, with the golf club one of the Demons’ executive partners.

But taking it more than another step further, three of those in red and blue this weekend for the start of the 2024 BFL season are golf club employees.

And in recruit Stephen Heppel’s case, it’s actually his new job as a bartender at the golf club that has enabled him to become a Demon.

“I’m really grateful the two clubs have such a great relationship because otherwise I couldn’t be here,” said Heppel, a former premiership player for North Launceston in the Tasmanian state league who has made his way to Port via St Albans in the Essendon District Football League.

“I’m pumped to get out there and represent the town … I haven’t been this excited about a footy season for a few years now and there is definitely a real buzz about the town.”

The dynamic greenskeeping duo of Matt Fromholtz and Sam Beeston also feel the support around both clubs.

“It’s always great to have the (golfing) members talk about footy, everyone’s getting a bit excited, I reckon,” Fromholtz said.

“And one of the best things is that we’ve got a lot of young talent as well, coming through from the (premiership) under-18s last year. There’s some real quality from those guys in the three practice games we’ve played, starting in the midfield in the senior squad and dominating.”

Beeston, whose spot in the seniors is potentially in jeopardy given the influx of talent, was equally upbeat regardless of the selectors’ views.

“Change is on its way, you can feel it. We’ve got some good players coming in and we’ve kept a few from the past couple of years, too,” he said.

“It’s just great to have everyone around town talking about it again … and great for the golf club to be part of helping out the way it has.”

Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said the partnership between the clubs was important for all around town.

“We have a lot of long-term members who would love to see the footy and netball clubs do well, obviously,” he said.

“But I think some people forget how good it would be for the entire town to get behind the club when things start to turn around as we are confident they will very soon.

“If we at the golf club can play our part in making the footy and netball clubs hum along, then it’s a win for the whole Port community.”

Portarlington, like many towns and cities in Australia, has a growing issue whereby many of its residents are struggling to meet the financial demands of putting food on the table.

But from within that gloom, in Food Assist 3223, there exists a beacon of hope and support for those in need.

This heart-warming tale revolves around president Prue Drever and her fantastic group of volunteers, whose unwavering commitment has touched countless lives.

Some of Prue’s proudest moments come when individuals, often at their lowest points and with seemingly insurmountable challenges, walk through the doors of the food bank. She recounts the stories of people who endured terrible things, standing at the end of their tether.

Through the collective efforts of the volunteers and the generous donations from the community, these individuals receive not only food but also a renewed sense of hope and the strength to push forward. “That’s what it’s all about,” Prue says with a smile.

Local donations play a crucial role in sustaining the food bank, none more so than the $2500 given again this year by the Portarlington Golf Club's Community Contribution Fund (CCF).

It's the second year in succession that the CCF has given its support to Food Assist 3223, following the $7000 of 2023. Golf club chief executive Michael Phillips said that while the story of ongoing demand on the charity's resources was sad, the club was delighted to play its part in keeping the program ticking along.

Prue beams with pride as she speaks of the generosity of the golf club and many others. From individuals to community groups, the outpouring of support is a testament to the caring nature of the residents, she said.

“I love this community,” Prue declares, her voice filled with affection. It’s a community-centric endeavour where local people support local people, creating a truly special and interconnected network of care.

Samantha McCarthy has an enormous streak of community spirit coursing through her veins.

When she’s not living in Portarlington and working here at the golf club, she spends time in Ballarat with friends and family and also volunteers her time at Foodbank in Yarraville.

But in February, Sam took her giving attitude to a whole new level.
Not only did she give up the luscious locks she’d been cultivating almost throughout her 19 years, she did it in the name of the World’s Greatest Shave (WGS) to help those suffering through leukaemia.
“I wanted to shave my hair because I hadn’t done it before, but I wanted to do it for a cause,” she said.

“I’d rather do it to help people than for nothing.”

And that she most certainly has.

Not only has Sam raised more than $1200 – and still counting – for WGS, she kept a remarkable eight ponytales from her big adventure and packed them off to help those enduing the fight of their lives. “They were all plaited, the shortest was 25cm and the longest 38cm.