Bob Donato’s decades of Lifeline service

STALWART volunteer Bob Donato has been recognised for his 20 years of service to Lifeline in Port Macquarie.

Mr Donato was presented with a service award honouring his two decades of dedication during National Volunteer Week, which ran from 18-24 May.

Each year Lifeline answers one million calls from Australians in moments of distress and crisis.

From its small beginnings in 1963 as a single phone line in Sydney, it now has more than 11,000 volunteers providing support services across the country.

Mr Donato was living in Orange NSW in 1989 when he saw an advertisement for Lifeline volunteers and decided to sign up.

“I wanted to make a contribution to the community, and having lived in regional towns I felt such a connection to people,” he said.

“I said I’d give it five years and see how it went.”

Having now served Lifeline for 20 years in the Port Macquarie region, Mr Donato said the work is as rewarding as ever.

“When you’re on the phone and people call, I’m the person,” he said.

“It is a privileged position to be in; being told things they don’t tell anyone else.

“You learn so much about yourself and the world.

“The rewards are exponential and that is what keeps drawing you back,” he said.

Lifeline shops across the Mid North Coast hosted celebrations last week for their volunteers, who they refer to as the heart behind the service.

More than 50 awards were given out across the region, honouring volunteers with five, 10, 15, and 20 years of service to the organisation.

“Adding to the emotion of the celebrations, members of the Lifeline Mid Coast Board – all volunteers themselves – spoke from the heart, reflecting on what it means to serve, to listen, and to be there for the community when it matters most,” a Lifeline spokesperson said.

“Whether they are answering a call in someone’s darkest moment or supporting the day-to-day work of Lifeline shops, these volunteers are the quiet force behind the organisation’s impact.

“Lifeline Mid Coast extends its deepest thanks to every volunteer – past and present.

“Their kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment continue to change lives.
“Quite simply, they are Lifeline.”

By Rachael THORPE