Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland regions. 

Through a range of services and programs, we provide crisis support, mental health and wellbeing services, community assistance, counselling and other essential supports that help people navigate life's challenges.  Our work is driven by a commitment to fostering hope, resilience, and stronger, more connected communities for all. 

If you would like to support Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland and the work Lifeline does for individuals and communities, please consider Donating or Volunteering your time.

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Our History

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland was established in July 1975 as a 24-hour telephone counselling service founded by a group of visionary local ministers.  From humble beginnings, receiving approximately 600 to 700 calls per year, the organisation has grown into Australia's largest regional Lifeline Member Centre and a vital source of support for communities across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. 

Over the past five decades, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland has expanded significantly, developing a wide range of face-to-face and community-based program and services to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families and communities. Key initiatives have included emergency relief, financial counselling, family and youth support services, gambling help, domestic and family violence services, mental health and wellbeing programs, crisis intervention, and community recovery support. 

As community needs grew, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland expanded its regional presence, opening centres in: 

• Dalby (1991)
• Warwick (1997)
• St George (1998)
• Charleville (1999)
• Roma (2010)
• Cunnamulla (2010)

In addition to our community services, we operate 13 Lifeline retail shops throughout the region. These stores not only provide affordable, quality goods for local communities but also generate vital funds that help sustain our services. Donations received through our retail network are reinvested into programs that support people experiencing crisis and hardship. 

In 2015, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland became the first not-for-profit organisation to receive the Heritage Bank Business Excellence Award for Business of the Year, recognising its outstanding contribution to the community and commitment to service excellence. 

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland proudly celebrated five decades of service, compassion and community impact. 

Today, the organisation operates across a vast service area of more than 400,000 square kilometres, delivering over 35 programs and services to communities throughout the region.  Supported by more than 150 staff members and 200 volunteers, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland continues to provide hope, help and healing to thousands of people each year.