By Stephanie Robinson, CEO, Lifeline Central West
Dear Friends of Lifeline Central West,
Would you believe that the very first thing I ever did for Lifeline was almost 30 years ago? Long before I was CEO, I was a young mum living on a 6,000-acre property out on the Bridle Track near Bathurst — a world away from my childhood on Sydney’s North Shore.
Life was rugged. Trips to town meant parking the 4WD by the river, rowing groceries (and toddlers!) across in a tinny, then loading everything into the farm ute on the other side. I had dreamed of wide-open skies, riding horses, dogs by my side, and the smell of rain on the land. But I soon learned that rural life was not all golden canola fields and lambs in paddocks. It was tough, lonely, and demanded resilience.
When the millennium drought hit, I saw first-hand the devastation: barren land, exhausted stock, and communities weighed down by impossible choices — feed or cull, sell or hold on. It was heartbreaking. I didn’t know how to help, but I knew I had to do something. So, naively perhaps, I organised a raffle to raise money for Lifeline’s drought support. With the help of local businesses and mums from playgroup, we sold tickets everywhere — even in the rain at Mount Panorama during the Bathurst 1000! We didn’t hit the $10k goal I ambitiously set, but what mattered was that people came together for something bigger than themselves. That was my first step with Lifeline.
Full Circle
Fast forward three decades and here I am, CEO of the very organisation I once fundraised for. Life has a way of weaving unexpected connections. Even as a teenager, I’d been inspired by Wendy Carver OAM, my mum’s childhood friend and a long-time Lifeline leader. Watching her dedicate her life to people in crisis left an imprint on me — one that’s only grown stronger with time.
Looking back, I see a thread: a deep belief that life driven by purpose is a life fulfilled. Whether you call it faith, fate, or simply the universe nudging us forward, I know I’ve landed in the place I’m meant to be.
Walking Together
We cover over 300,000 km². We’re needed, and yes, we’re stretched. But we will never stop showing up, because this work matters.
The good news? You can be part of it. Whether by volunteering, fundraising, sharing your skills, or simply spreading the word — every action strengthens the safety net we’re weaving together.
This is not my journey alone. It’s ours. And I am so grateful to walk alongside you.
With gratitude,
Stephanie Robinson
CEO, Lifeline Central West