Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Catherine Vaara

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Catherine is the CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast where she is well known for her expertise in crisis support and suicide intervention and prevention. She has led Lifeline Mid Coast with a focus on staff development and continuous improvement of Lifeline services.

She has a BA majoring in psychology and sociology from the University of New England.

Catherine has continued her education in her field of expertise and has certificates in clinical supervision, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), neuro linguist programming (NLP) mental health and human resources.

Catherine has been an active participant on many Lifeline reference groups working in areas such a service development, policies and procedures.

As the CEO of a regional Lifeline Centre, Catherine regularly participates in local mental health forums and community presentations focusing on suicide prevention awareness.

Di Bannister

Telephone Crisis Team and Training Manager

Di Bannister has been a dedicated member of Lifeline Mid Coast since 1995, starting as a Volunteer Telephone Counsellor and face-to-face counsellor and monitor. Di holds a diploma in counselling, has studied tertiary-level psychology, and possesses a TAE qualification.

Di's dedication and commitment to helping others made her the perfect candidate to become the Crisis Team Manager and Training Manager from 2012. Di continues to manage and act as the lead trainer for the 13 11 14 Crisis Support Team, excelling in training, managing, and supporting her team. In addition to this role , Di also offers community training programs such as Accidental Counsellor, All About You, Mind Your Mates, and DV-Alert that teach life-saving skills to the Mid Coast community.

Kelly Saidey

Suicide Prevention and Postvention Manager

Kelly began her journey with Lifeline Mid Coast in 2014 as a telephone crisis supporter while studying psychology at Charles Sturt University. In 2018, Kelly took on the role of Suicide Prevention and Postvention Manger.

Kelly and her team of Lived Experience of Suicide Mental Health Peer workers deliver suicide bereavement groups, suicide attempt groups, the Hospital to Recovery program and soon to launch a carers group for people caring for someone who lives with suicide ideation. Kelly has a keen interest in personal development and helping others find the care and support they need to live their best lives possible.

Patti Parsons

Office Manager

Patti is a long-serving employee of Lifeline Mid Coast, starting out as an Administrative Assistant in 2007 before taking on the role of Office Manager in 2010.

Patti has extensive experience in Administration, Payroll and accounts processes. Patti is committed to our values and purpose of supporting those in crisis and works tirelessly in the community to fundraise and raise awareness for a variety of community projects.

Jade Scullion

Peer Support Suicide Prevention and Postvention Services

With extensive experience in mental health support, Jade has worked across various programmes, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI), Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Programs, the Supported Discharge Program, and the Transitional Housing Program. Jade's interest in the field was initiated through voluntary work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes, where she first began to work with individuals embarking on personal growth and recovery. These roles have deepened Jade's appreciation for the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach, facilitating appropriate referrals for support, as well as a respect for individuals' capacity to take ownership of their recovery, in achieving optimal outcomes for consumers.

Jade is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Science, exploring the intersection of mental health and the environment to promote holistic well-being. Using her multifaceted skills, Jade runs the Hospital to Recovery Program, is an Eclipse Group Co Facilitator & is a Peer Facilitator at the Friday Wellbeing Group.

Ebanie Martin

Community Engagement Coordinator and Disaster Preparedness

Ebanie is currently undertaking her Psychology - Honours degree focusing on social and community psychology. This background in psychology and her passion for helping others led her to volunteering as Crisis Support Volunteer on the 13 11 14 phone lines, thus starting her journey with Lifeline.

She then took a position in the Bushfire Recovery program, supporting communities recovering from the 2019/2020 bushfires that devastated many Australian regions, including the Mid Coast. Since the conclusion of that project, Ebanie has been working as the Community Engagement Coordinator for Lifeline Mid Coast, harnessing her skills to connect with and provide a Lifeline presence for the local community.

Our Staff