“I want to use my photography to get people talking about mental health and to spread the message that, with the right support, people can overcome challenges. For people contemplating suicide, there is hope.”
This raffle was drawn on the 1st November 2021 - Congratulation to the winner of the 'Be Better Than Yesterday Giveaway 2 Giveback raffle' Gregor McGregor.
To watch a reply of the live draw on our Facebook page click here
A big thank you to Matt Richards whose efforts have seen $3,000 raised for Lifeline Hunter. Lifeline Hunter is very gracious for this donation which will contribute to providing counselling services and support in our local community.
A Newcastle photographer is using his art to help him and others to be better and have good mental health, while raising awareness about suicide prevention.
Matt Richards accidently got into photography less than two years ago after buying a new phone. He started taking photos of Lake Macquarie and of the Hunter’s beaches and ocean baths. Friends took notice and encouraged him to take more photos. After buying a camera and a drone his hobby has developed into a side social enterprise.
Mr Richards has gone through his own challenges and struggles over recent years. The father of two went through a divorce, his mum died unexpectedly, and he lost his best mate to suicide.
Last year Mr Richards had the idea to raffle one of his prints to raise funds for Lifeline Hunter. Hoping to raise $1,000, he raised $10,000. He wants his raffle to be an annual Mental Health Month event. This month he is raffling an oak timber framed print of a photo he took of Newcastle from the water.
“I have a fascination with the ocean and this photo is of the water wrapping itself around the city. To me, this photo symbolises how as a community, we have worked together and got behind each other to get through the challenges of the COVID pandemic and come out the other side.”
Tickets in the raffle are $10 each. There are discounts for multiple ticket purchases.
To purchase tickets visit https://rafflelink.com.au/bbtyg2g2021
The raffle closes October 31.
Mr Richards will also donate $100 from the sale of each of his A1 prints to Lifeline Hunter ongoing. People purchasing prints this month will also get 15 free tickets in the raffle. A1 prints supporting Lifeline Hunter can be purchased from Be Better Than Yesterday Website and Instagram account (@bebetterthanyesterday), or purchased directly from Mitch Revs Gallery, 437 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300.
This initiative is raising funds for Lifeline Hunter's suicide prevention and crisis support service.
