The Lifeline Direct Executive Team are responsible for leading Lifeline Direct toward meeting the mission of an 'Australia free of suicide'.
We are here to make sure that no-one has to face their darkest moments alone and we aim to do this by making sure we are available for people in a time, place and a way in which they seek our help.
Chris's role is to provide direction, purpose and vision that in turn makes sure that our efforts are focused on those who seek our help and that the services we provide make an impact.
"As CEO of Lifeline, I'm inspired by the resilience of those we support. Their stories fuel our mission to create lasting change. Together, we can build a brighter future, one life at a time".
Kugan is an accomplished Executive Director - Finance with more than 25 years of executive leadership and financial management experience across the not-for-profit, payments, banking and financial services sectors.
He is passionate about supporting purpose-driven organisations that create meaningful social impact and is committed to strengthening services that ensure no person in Australia faces their darkest moments alone.
With extensive expertise in strategic finance, operational leadership and organisational transformation, Kugan brings together commercial acumen and mission-focused outcomes to support sustainable growth, service excellence and community impact.
He is highly experienced in financial controllership, strategic and operational planning, financial analysis, governance, risk management, business continuity, project management, and organisational transformation.
“Having seen the profound impact crisis support, suicide prevention, and volunteer services have on individuals and communities, I am passionate about contributing my finance and executive leadership experience to strengthen organisational sustainability, enhance volunteer and frontline support services, and help deliver meaningful outcomes for those who need support most.”
Michael Were is the Executive Director – Supporter Engagement. He leads our Retail, Community Training as well as Marketing and Fundraising teams. Each team is devoted to ensuring that we have the resources and funding needed so that we are able to deliver Crisis Support, as well as delivering suicide prevention training programs across NSW and Victoria where Lifeline Direct operates.
“Lifeline plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe. It is incredibly rewarding to play a part in ensuring that no one faces their darkest moments alone”
Alison leads our Human Resources and Compliance, Governance & Risk teams that are focused on enabling Lifeline Direct to deliver it’s services through our people.
“Everything we do at Lifeline plays a part in providing crucial services to our communities and I am privileged to lead a team that supports organisational needs, develops capability and enhances performance”
Geoffrey Norman is the Executive Director- Service Delivery. Geoffrey leads the teams delivering crisis support and specialist counselling along with the teams that ensure Lifeline delivers timely and high quality services.
“Having seen the positive impact Lifeline Services have on individuals and communities it drives me to be part of an organisation that contributes so much across Australia”