Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 19   Guest: Lisa Renato Business Name: Lifeline Loddon Mallee Website: www.lifelinelm.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisamrenato   Topics Covered / Introduction to Lifeline Loddon Mallee: Lisa Renato introduces Lifeline’s mission, explaining its critical role in providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. She shares how the organisation serves regional communities and why local awareness is essential.   / Lifeline’s Local and National Impact: Lifeline operates 24/7 crisis support services through call centres in Bendigo and Mildura, staffed by nearly 100 volunteers. While most people recognise Lifeline’s national hotline (13 11 14), many are unaware of the regional centres that answer these calls. In addition to crisis support, Lifeline delivers mental health first aid, suicide prevention training, and domestic violence awareness programs.   / The Scale of the Crisis in Australia: Lifeline Australia answers approximately 1.3 million crisis calls annually, with 2% classified as imminent suicide risk. Financial stress, loneliness, and economic challenges are driving an increase in calls. Locally, the Loddon Mallee call centres answered 22,000 calls last year, reflecting the high demand for support in the region.   / Volunteerism and Community Engagement: Volunteers at Lifeline not only contribute their time but also gain valuable skills in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awareness. These skills often extend into their personal and professional lives, allowing them to support friends, family, and colleagues in distress. Since COVID, recruiting and retaining volunteers has become more challenging, making community engagement and flexibility crucial in maintaining a strong team.   / Leadership in a Non-Profit Environment: Transitioning from the corporate world to non-profit leadership required Lisa to rethink traditional business strategies. Instead of focusing on sales and profits, her leadership now centres on volunteer engagement, trust, and accountability. She shares how she moved away from micromanagement and embraced outcome-based leadership to create a culture where volunteers and staff feel valued and motivated.   / Fundraising and Sustainability: With 75% of its annual funding needing to be raised independently, Lifeline Loddon Mallee relies on a mix of revenue streams. The organisation operates a thrift store as a social enterprise, providing affordable goods while generating income to support crisis services. Additionally, they offer mental health first aid training to businesses and community groups. The Hello for Hope campaign unites local businesses and individuals in fundraising efforts, demonstrating the power of community-driven support.   / Suicide Prevention and Regional Challenges: In 2022, Australia recorded 3,249 deaths by suicide—nearly double the national road toll. Men account for 75% of suicides, with rising rates among men over 65. Lisa highlights the need for targeted community initiatives that encourage early intervention and support. By increasing awareness and equipping people with the skills to recognise distress, Lifeline is working towards its vision of a suicide-free Australia.   / Personal Growth and Lessons in Leadership: Lisa reflects on her leadership journey, emphasising the importance of delegation, trust, and flexibility. She has learned to create an environment where team members take ownership and feel safe to contribute ideas and take risks. By fostering a culture of psychological safety, Lifeline Loddon Mallee encourages innovation and adaptability in its mission to support those in crisis.   References Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au Lifeline Loddon Mallee: www.lifelinelm.com  Crisis Support Hotline: 13 11 14 (Available 24/7) Mental Health First Aid Training: www.lifelinelm.com/start-training