Preparations are going well for the inaugural famoUS- Live to Shine fundraiser, with approximately 100 tickets sold for the event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Hollywood inspired cocktail party at Dubbo’s Lazy River Estate on Saturday, February 17, aims to raise money on behalf of Lifeline Central West.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44.
The famoUS group – which consists of nine men and women from Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine - aim to lift the stigma that surrounds mental health by hosting the cocktail party and auction.
famoUS spokesperson Rebekah Bullock said so far 100 tickets had been sold.
“Which is great but we would love to sell more to raise even more money for Lifeline,” she said.
“We will have a red carpet to set the scene for a Hollywood inspired evening because we are all famous and deserve to live to shine in our own skin.”
Ms Bullcok said the auction on the night include items that have all been generously donated which allows the auction profits to then be donated to Lifeline in Dubbo.
“The famoUS squad are all getting very excited and also a little nervous because we really want to raise as much money as possible for Lifeline Central West,” she said.
“We have been working closely with Lifeline who have assured the committee that money we raise through the event will be funnelled directly to enhancing the call centre services in Dubbo as they move into new premises in Brisbane Street later this year.
"This will mean that Lifeline can reach into more of our surrounding rural communities.
“Lifeline provide such an essential service to our community and because each of us on the committee have been touched by mental illness or suicide it is very dear to our hearts.”
Ms Bullock said the famoUS committee want to show leadership in the community about saying that it’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling.
“And it’s okay to ask someone how they are travelling. Country people are very resilient but sometimes we are also almost too stoic. famoUS is all about lifting the stigma,” she said.
Ms Bullock said the committee really encourage people to buy a ticket and come along.
“It’s a great reason to frock up and feel famous for a night and make a difference,” she said.
“We also acknowledge and appreciate the support of Tanya Forster from the Macquarie Health Collective whose backing has made the event possible.”
Some of the auction items include a Today Show experience, a Canberra weekend getaway with flights and accommodation and a Raider game, signed Wallabies jersey, an elegant catered High Tea, artwork, accommodation and dinner package from Hermitage Hill Country Retreat, Love Merino garments, and much more
The committee will also be having an online silent auction – which will go live after ticket sales close and will be happening on the night.
The famoUS-live to shine online silent auction will open Sunday @32auctions.com
There will also be plenty of special guests on the night including Dan Conn, former NRL footy star turned model and wellness guru and also a national Lifeline and RUOK Day ambassador who will be talking about his own personal experience with depression and how he overcame it.
Fay Jackson, Deputy Commissioner with the NSW Mental Health Commission will also be there on the night to support the committee.
Fay has a lived experience of bipolar disorder and is general manager with Flourish Australia.
Wellington man, Joe Mason will be the MC and music will be played by Peter Riley and a few of his special guest performers.
Tye Gordon from Thikkabill Vibrations will also do a special cultural performance.
Tickets are still on sale until Sunday midnight and are available at www.123tix.com.au