LOSING a child is a parent’s worst nightmare, but Regional Cinemas Australia CEO Kieren Dell has turned that pain into a passion.
He’s helping raise much-needed funds for Lifeline through the annual “Reach for Help” event.
After raising an impressive $16,000 in 2024 for Lifeline North Coast and Lifeline Mid Coast, “Reach for Help” is now in its fifth year, with five regional cinemas set to participate.
Between 25 September and 1 October, $1 from every ticket sold at Majestic Cinemas Port Macquarie, Riverside Movies Kempsey, Nambucca Cinema Centre, Sawtell Cinema, and Belgrave Cinema Armidale will be donated to support Lifeline services within their local communities.
“We pride ourselves on ‘sticking up our hand’ to support a variety of causes in all our local areas via our cinemas, and we have done so for many years”, said Mr Dell.
“After being touched personally by the grief of a suicide, I knew we could do more, especially when we are all feeling the stresses and strains of the last few years.
“Reach for Help” week is an annual event held in honour of my daughter Maddy and every other family that has lost loved ones – in the hope we can help to prevent it happening in future.”
This year’s event will run during the first week of the September school holidays, with Regional Cinemas hoping the timing will boost attendance and help raise substantial funds for the charity and its vital cause.
“Our business is a place of entertainment; it can also be a place of education and we can use our voice to inform our local communities of the support services that are available to them.
“The school holidays always bring out extra moviegoers and the fact it is also the fifth anniversary of losing our Maddy, it’s fitting that we can commemorate her life, raise funds, and educate others to Reach for Help all at the same time”.
Funds raised during “Reach for Help Week 2025” will support Lifeline in delivering “Support After Suicide” groups in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Suicide Prevention and Postvention Manager for Lifeline MidCoast, Kelly Saidey, said that suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged between 15 and 44.
She has a message for anyone who might be struggling.
“Connect with Lifeline Mid Coast for support groups in our local community or call 13 11 14 anytime.
“Reach out early for support, so you are not facing your darkest moments alone.”
The Regional Cinemas have a great selection of movies out for the school holidays for kids and families including Australian hit Kangaroo, Bad Guys 2 and Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.
There will also be screenings of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and One Battle After Another, for the grown-ups.
The community is encouraged to head to the cinema these school holidays, to not just beat the boredom but to also help raise much needed funds to support the wonderful work Lifeline does within the local community.
*If you or someone you know needs support, the following services are available 24/7.
Lifeline – 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au.
MensLine 1300 789 978 mensline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 kidshelp.com.au.
By Rikki WALLER
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