Four Decades of Silent Service Recognised with National Honour
A 76-year-old woman from Bedford, Western Australia, has received one of the nation's highest volunteering honours for her more than four decades of answering calls from Australians in crisis. Tina Baldwin was named Lifeline Australia’s Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for 2025, a testament to her 41 years of dedicated service.
During her remarkable tenure as a Crisis Supporter with Lifeline WA, Ms Baldwin has personally taken over 33,000 calls, providing a compassionate ear to countless individuals in their most vulnerable moments.
A Legacy Born from Radio and Personal Promise
Ms Baldwin's journey with the crisis support organisation began in the early 1980s, operating behind the scenes during 6PR’s Nightline program. Radio host and long-time Lifeline WA ambassador Graham Mabury had identified that distressed listeners needed someone to speak with off-air, and Ms Baldwin stepped into that crucial role.
Her work during those formative years helped shape the very foundation of Lifeline WA's crisis support service as it operates today, establishing her as one of its earliest and most committed volunteers.
Her dedication is also deeply personal, rooted in a promise she made to her late husband, Daniel. "When Daniel died, I made a promise to him that I would continue the fantastic work that Graham started, and Lifeline WA continues to deliver," Ms Baldwin shared. "That’s just the kind of person I want to be."
The Power of Listening in Times of Crisis
Lifeline WA chief executive Lorna MacGregor stated that the impact of Ms Baldwin's service on both the organisation and the wider community is immeasurable. "Forty-one years of volunteering is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud of Tina’s dedication and compassion," Ms MacGregor said.
"She epitomises the caring, empathy and commitment that make volunteer Crisis Supporters so vital in preventing suicide and ensuring that no West Australian has to face their darkest moments alone."
For Ms Baldwin, the most meaningful part of her work are the moments when a caller ends the conversation feeling truly heard. "I can’t fix their situation. But I can listen and so often, that’s what people need most," she explained.
As one of Lifeline WA’s longest-serving volunteers, her national recognition highlights the thousands of unseen acts of kindness that sustain the 24/7 crisis line.
A Critical Time for Community Support
The announcement coincides with Lifeline WA preparing to launch its annual Lights for Lifeline WA campaign. The need for both funding and new volunteers is particularly acute during the upcoming holiday season.
"Next month our Volunteer Crisis Supporters will handle more than 10,000 calls with people seeking support at what can be one of the loneliest and most vulnerable times of the year," warned Ms MacGregor.
The service aims to raise $390,000 throughout December to fund the training and support of more volunteers like Tina, ensuring this lifesaving work can continue for all West Australians.
Lifeline provides 24/7 support via its crisis line 13 11 14, text service 0477 13 11 14, or through online chat.
