Tasmanian local named Lifeline Australia’s Volunteer of the Year

Lifeline Australia has announced Tasmanian local, David Hayden, as the 2018 recipient of the Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award.

Chair of Lifeline Australia, Mr John Brogden AM, presented the award last night in Canberra, in recognition of Mr Hayden’s 24 years of service to Lifeline. Mr Brogden noted that Mr Hayden has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the charity’s vision of an Australia free of suicide through his extensive volunteering with our 13 11 14 crisis support line.

James Pirie, Chair of the Board at Lifeline Tasmania was thrilled to have a local volunteer recognised:

“In Tasmania, we have over 400 volunteers working in a variety of roles across the state. They represent a wonderful cross section of the Tasmanian community. Our volunteers range from 20 to 92 years old, and every one of them upholds the spirit of community and connection that is fundamental to Lifeline.

It’s wonderful to see David recognised tonight. He has always said to us that he lives by the idea that the only way to find fulfilment in life is by serving the community. We are all so privileged that David chooses to deliver his service here, at Lifeline Tasmania,” said Mr Pirie.

Lifeline Tasmania, CEO, Debbie Evans noted Mr Hayden’s contribution to the Lifeline team over many years:

“Mr Hayden is a very worthy winner of the Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer Award,” Ms Evans said. “He has been a wonderful mentor to our new volunteers and staff. He is a solid, committed and genuine person who resolutely believes in the importance of human connection. His input and persistence over the years, despite many changes and challenges, has been inspirational to all of us,” she said.

In addition to volunteering, Mr Hayden has made a difference to the Tasmanian community throughout his career where he travelled across the state to provide face-to-face support to people at-risk of suicide. In addition to volunteering at Lifeline, he is also a regular volunteer at a Cancer Support Centre in Hobart. David has also been awarded the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network LIFE Award.

Upon receiving the National Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer Award, Mr Hayden said:

“I am very humbled and privileged, but this evening is not really about me. It is about every one that works and volunteers at Lifeline. Every one of us makes a difference everyday. I truly believe that if you make a positive difference in someone else’s life, then it’s all been worthwhile.”

“There’s nothing like helping someone else when they reach out. I really appreciate the work that we do at Lifeline, as well as the support that we get from the staff and other volunteers,” he continued.

Lifeline Australia Chairman Mr John Brogden thanked Mr Hayden for using his heart-warming compassion and professional skill to help stop suicides.

The Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer Award recognises the outstanding efforts of the volunteering across the country. It awards volunteers who have showed excellence in their volunteer field, contributed to the community, have been an inspiration within their centre and demonstrated leadership. The winner nominated by Lifeline Australia for an Australia Day Award.

For 24/7 crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.

Note on the award:
The Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer Award – is named after Mary Parsissons – herself an outstanding volunteer.
Mary trained to become a Lifeline Crisis Supporter 25 years ago and volunteered on the phones for many years.
She then joined the Board of Lifeline Tasmania where she was President for six years, then served on the Lifeline Australia National Board for 14 years, and was the Australian representative for Lifeline International for nine years.
Mary humbly accepted the award being named after her. She hopes it will give volunteers inspiration as a wonderful way to honour their work.
The national winner will be awarded:
• The Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer Award plaque.
• All expenses paid trip to attend the Lifeline Australia Sessions and Gala Dinner
• They will be the national spokesperson/face of volunteering for Lifeline Australia
• The winner of the award will automatically be nominated by Lifeline Australia for an Australia Day Award.
Chair of Lifeline Australia, Mr John Brogden AM