By AIDAN KNIGHT
IN an example of remembrance and advocacy, Traralgon resident Katie Bazzinotti has raised an impressive $30,230 for Lifeline Australia, in the name of mental health support and suicide prevention.
On January 11, Bazzinotti shaved her head in honour of her late brother Thomas, whom she lost to a mental health battle five years beforehand.
Katie’s fundraising campaign was created via Lifeline’s ‘Be Yourself’ movement, an operation within the organisation that allows individuals to launch their own personalised appeal to raise money for the same cause – mental health support and suicide prevention.
Katie’s initial goal was only $2000, and she was overjoyed to see the many people push past that target in solidarity with the cause, thanks to social media and word of mouth promoting the cause.
“My brother also shaved his head before taking his own life and it was a cathartic experience to do the same,” Katie said.
“I chose to shave my head to raise funds as my hair has often been a form of self-expression, having adorned many different colours and styles over the years – but never shaved before.”
Kate’s husband Jake also shaved his own head, a pledge he made as the donations got close to the proposed target.
Mental health challenges are a big concern in the Latrobe Valley. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 Census data, 12.2 per cent of Latrobe Valley residents reported having a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, which is higher than the Victorian state average of 8.8 per cent.
Further, a report by the Gippsland Primary Health Network indicates that 37 per cent of adults across Gippsland have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression at some point, compared to 32 per cent across Victoria. These statistics underscore the importance of mental health initiatives and support services in the region.
For Katie, the journey of reaching, and then surpassing this goal was deeply emotional, which she uses as a motivator to continue to advocate and promote mental health awareness and services.
“A lot of memories – both good and bad – have passed through my mind, but the overwhelming support has made it worthwhile,” she said.
“I’ve become very aware of my own mental health and regularly check in with family and friends.
“It’s so important to keep the conversation going. Always check in with people, be open to hearing hard things, and be helpful in finding resources.”
By sharing her story, Katie strives to inspire other people to do the same, and also to implore others to seek help if needed. The money raised will support Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis hotline, community education programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing suicide rates across Australia.
Donations to Katie’s campaign closed on January 25, but anybody can begin their own campaign at: fundraise.lifeline.org.au/be-yourself-be-the-answer
For anyone in crisis, Lifeline is available 24/7 at 13 11 14, or via text at 0477 13 11 14.
