Georgie Parker
Lifeline National Ambassador
7 time logie winning Actress
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
I am supporting Lifeline because I think it is a fabulous organization and anything that helps people lead a better life gets my support. I think stress and its impact on our lives is greatly underestimated so anything that will draw attention to, and help us deal with stress in our lives gets my support.
In your career what kind of stresses and pressure do you face?
The stresses in my career are many. There is the expectation of performance, it is a job that people can openly criticize, the hours are excruciatingly long at times and you are often away from home. In a creative sense you've got a room full of different people trying to tell the same story - which of course creates lively debate! Most difficult are the hours away from your family.
Apart from these specific issues you have the normal stresses that go with being a working parent.
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
I listen to music. I try not to think too much about what I have just done that day, and spend time with my family. I also exercise as frequently as possible.
What will you do on the 24th of July 2008 to support Stress Down on 24/7?
I am going to catch up with an old friend, spend time with my daughter and fill the house with good music.
Lauren Burns
Olympic gold medallist, corporate speaker, student
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
I have always admired the support Lifeline gives to the community. Their training programs are wonderful, providing people in need with someone who they can turn to in a crisis, no matter how big or small. Sometimes just having a person to talk to is all that is needed. It is wonderful that lifeline provides this service.
In your career what kind of stresses and pressure do you face?
At the moment I am just sitting my final exams, so that would be my greatest stress at the moment. I am always a busy and energetic person so stress to me has always resulted in doing too many things and trying to simplify my life.
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
Catching up with friends, cooking, knitting, reading. Oops, that’s 4.
What will you do on the 24th of July 2008 to support Stress Down on 24/7?
I have clinic at school that day, but I will take time to breathe and take things one at a time. I might even take a good book in with me on the train.
David Timothy Schwarz
Media Presenter
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
It is a wonderful organisation who has helped many people I know.
In your career what kind of stresses and pressure do you face?
Public Scrutiny on a daily basis. Performance pressures
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
- Play Golf
- Catch up with friends
- Spend time with the family
What will you do on the 24th of July 2008 to support Stress Down on 24/7?
I’ll be doing AFL activities at MSAC with Coach Approach who are providing workplaces with the opportunity to “Stress Down” and interact with some of Australia’s highest profile athletes.
Ben Ross
Rugby League Player (Cronulla Sharks)
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
It is so important for those that feel isolated and in trouble to have someone to turn to. Sometimes your friends and family are not always available, and it is fantastic to know, that with a simple phone call, you are able to talk to someone who cares.
In your career what kind of stresses and pressure do you face?
Football is not only a physical sport, but a mental sport. I face the pressure of performing well, not letting my teammates down and not letting myself down.
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
When I am feeling stressed I usually go for a surf, swim or jog. I find it is a great way to relax while being healthy at the same time.
What will you do on the 24th of July 2008 to support Stress Down on 24/7?
On the 24th of July, I will be encouraging my team mates to purchase the lifeline stress down slippers so that we can wear them and relax between training. It will help us chill out before we beat the Broncos that night!
Dr. John Tierney
Corporate Government Relations Adviser
National Patron, Lifeline Australia
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
Lifeline is such a vital frontline service because it is the only one that is available to all Australians in crisis, 24 hours a day.
In your career what kind of stresses and pressure do you face?
Managing the government relations needs of a wide range of corporate and pro bono clients, often involves a lot of pressure when their demands on my time start to coincide, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
- Work from home one day a week.
- For the first time in a 40 year career, take a full and relaxing lunch break.
- Go to the movies and watch shows that are “escapist.”
What will you do on the 24th of July 2008 to support Stress Down on 24/7?
Dress casually and as well as the lunch break take a full and relaxing morning tea and afternoon tea break and encourage all my work colleagues to do come with me (except the Managing Director).
Jon Farriss
Musician INXS
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
I believe Lifeline does a great job within the community by offering support to anyone, for any reason, and for any hardship, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In your career what kind of stresses and pressure do you face?
Over the many years of my career I have faced stresses including enduring endless travelling, and physical exhaustion. Even when I’m sick or having a bad day, there’s the pressure of putting on a great show for our audience and having to meet loads of people. Of course there’s often tolerating public and media scrutiny and trying to maintain long distance relationships. Rock and roll is fun but can be dangerous for your mental health too.
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
- I find if I can find a quiet place and listen to some soothing music and think of calming, positive thoughts, that can really help.
- If I can, I’ll go for a long walk and enjoy the good things around me, birds, trees, architecture, children playing, etc.
- Also if I can, I’ll have a warm bath, light some candles and incense and simply meditate on anything positive and reassuring.
What will you do on the 24th of July 2008 to support Stress Down on 24/7?
I will be with the INXS boys writing, so I will make sure we are all wearing Lifeline comfy slippers and get everyone to turn down a bit!
Patrick Brammall
Actor (Canal Road, The Alice, Home & Away)
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
I’m supporting Lifeline because [it] helps people who are finding things hard on their own. When you feel like you can’t talk or be understood by anybody you know, you need somebody else to talk to. That’s what Lifeline is, and it’s essential.
What are three things you do to Stress Down?
- Exercise… My favourite thing is throwing a Frisbee or a ball with someone. If I can’t do that, I’ll swim, go to the gym or do yoga.
- Try and get to the ocean. Looking out over the sea is such a calming thing; it makes me feel like a small part of very big picture…
- Sleep and read. I love my sleep and my body regulates itself better when it’s rested… Finding a nice spot with a cup of tea and reading it is one of the great pleasures.
- I know there’s no fourth option, but I SWITCH OFF MY MOBILE PHONE… Being easy to get a hold of is way over-rated.
What will you do to Stress Down on 24/7?
Whatever needs to be done on the day to find a balance. If I’ve been really busy, I’ll slow down. If I’ve been too idle or slow, I’ll make sure I get active. Maybe some frisbee’s on the cards.
Joe Roff
Past Australian Rugby Union Player
Why are you supporting Lifeline?
It is important to know there is a non-judgmental outlet that might not be available in our own lives. Whether we don't have anyone close to us, or we are too proud, too stubborn, or too afraid to talk to those around us….it is still important to be able to talk to someone.
What are three things you do you usually do to Stress Down?
As long as I am wearing thongs, have my headphones on, and have a flat white coffee in my hand, there is nothing for which I can get stressed about.
What will you do to Stress Down on 24/7?
I have just returned from living abroad so I am trying to find a job. It can be stressful, so on 24/7 I think I will just not worry about it - for that day I will sit (as per above), waiting for that job to come and find me.
