Community comes together to support vital service
Published on 23 May 2024
Thousands of residents will come together to support Lifeline Crisis Support this week at the 20th annual Lifeline Bookfest.
The two-day event which is run by Lifeline Central Queensland will provide over 15,000 books for sale at discount prices as well as children’s puzzles and games and items of pre-loved clothing. The proceeds of this year’s bookfest will support the 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support for suicide prevention.
In 2024, Rockhampton Regional Council is supporting this important community event through a $7500 contribution from Council’s Community Assistance Program (CAP).
Council’s funding for the event will support overhead and operating costs and allow Lifeline to focus on maximising community donations and support.
Deputy Mayor and Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the Lifeline Bookfest was an important community initiative that gave local residents and visitors a great opportunity to find a bargain while giving back to the community and those in need.
“This is such a great event where the money raised from the sales go directly towards supporting the 13 1114 Lifeline Crisis Support for suicide prevention,” Deputy Mayor Wickerson said.
“I know firsthand the important work Lifeline and its crisis support provides to our community and I am pleased that Council can partner with the organisation to support this event.
“The cost of running these types of events continue to grow and so our contribution will go towards the running and operation costs so that Lifeline can focus on the important things – providing a great event which raises important funding for the community.”
Lifeline Central Queensland Regional Business Manager Belinda Bath said the event is always well received by the community.
“We have books for sale, starting from 50 cents each, along with kid’s books, puzzles and games,” Ms Bath said.
“We will also have $2 winter and summer clothing available for sale, which is likely to be popular.
“This event will support our free 24/7 Crisis Support services which is continuing to be in high demand and provides vital support for our local community.”
In its 2023/24 budget, Council invested a total of $298,000 across the Community Assistance Program. This supports year-round community development grants, regional and local events, and five major multiyear events held throughout the year.
Applications for Round One of the Community Assistance Program opens on Monday 27 May 2024.
Event details:
- The 20th annual Lifeline Bookfest will run on Friday 24 May and Saturday 25 May from 8.30am to 4pm in the Robert Schwarten Indoor Pavilion at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.
- The event is run by Lifeline Central Queensland with proceeds from the event supporting the 13 1114 Lifeline Crisis Support for suicide prevention.
13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support services
- Lifeline’s 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support services is a free confidential 24/7 telephone crisis support and referral services to Australians in need.