By Stuart Kavanagh
The world-famous Broken Heel Festival is just around the corner. The annual event, which celebrates the theatrical release of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, is set to span five days from September 8 through to September 12.
Featuring top Showgirls, Bio Queens, Drag Queens, Drag Kings and DJs, the festival is a celebration catering to every corner of Australia’s diverse community.
This year the spiritual home of Priscilla, The Palace Hotel, and Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast have announced that LLBHC2C will be the official charity of choice for the festival. All funds raised will go toward supporting the development of the LLBHC2C training program focused on helping members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
LLBHC2C Chiel Executive Officer Scott Hammond reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advocate for more support in the face of rising suicide rates in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Locally, we are developing an Accidental Counselling training that will be specifically tailored to the LGBTIQA+ community,” he said.
“The funds raised through this partnership with organisers of the Broken Heel Festival will support the continued development and piloting of this specific training course,” Mr Hammond added.
The training program includes a four-hour course geared towards equipping participants with practical skills to aid emergency situations appropriately when professional help isn’t immediately available.
Lifeline has been a lifesaver for the community in Far West NSW for over half a century.
The organisation’s programs and services have been crucial in saving lives for more than 57 years.
Broken Heel Event Manager and co-owner of The Palace Hotel, Esther La Rovere, said Lifeline’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community was crucial when considering which charity to partner with for the event.
“Lifeline’s continued commitment to providing a safe space for the LGBTIQA+ community through access to suicide prevention services, along with specific programs aimed at reducing suicide rates amongst LGBTIQA+, was a significant factor in this decision.”
Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast will have a presence at the Broken Heel festival from September 9 to 11 from 6 pm until late.
“Our presence will include counsellors for anyone who may need to talk to someone immediately.
There will also be opportunities to ask more about our services, programs, and training that we offer,” LLBHC2C Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator Emma Cullen said.
Ms Cullen added, “We are grateful and excited for this opportunity to be part of a diverse event within Broken Hill and know that our presence will be helpful for all who attend. The event continues to promote a positive message through inclusion, which is something we are proud to be part of.”
For anyone in need of crisis support, Lifeline services run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone can access these services via:
– Phone on 13 11 14
– Text at 0477 13 11 14
– Web chat at Lifeline Crisis Online Chat Service | Lifeline Australia
If you would like to volunteer or if you would like more information about Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast, visit their website at www.llbhc2c.org.au, or you can call the Broken Hill Connect Centre on 0880877525.
