Lifeline Canberra’s beloved South Side Bookfair is set to return this weekend, but in a new location. Due to renovation works at the Southern Cross Basketball Stadium, this winter’s event will take place at the National Convention Centre from 13–15 June, offering thousands of second-hand books and other items, while continuing its mission to raise life-saving funds for Lifeline Canberra’s crisis support line.
The bookfairs are much more than a treasure trove for readers, they are Lifeline Canberra’s largest fundraising events and play a vital role in supporting the organisation’s life-saving work.
“The bookfairs are our largest fundraising events, with every dollar raised directly supporting our 13 11 14 crisis support line and suicide prevention services,” said Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson.
“The community donates books, our dedicated volunteers carefully sort, clean, and breathe new life into them, and thousands come out to buy and give them a second home. It’s a shared effort that turns stories into support, and books into hope.”
These events not only help fund crisis support services but also play an important role in supporting mental health. As Ms Leeson explains, “community events like our bookfairs play a vital role in supporting mental health. They bring people together in a way that fosters connection, purpose, and belonging — all of which are critical to wellbeing.”
Whether it’s someone donating a box of books, a volunteer spending hours sorting titles, or a family spending time together browsing the stalls, every action contributes to something bigger.
“These events create space for conversation and community, offering more than just a transaction — they offer a moment of joy, connection, and shared experience,” said Ms Leeson.
But while the bookfairs offer a joyful and community-driven way to support Lifeline, the need behind them is serious — and growing.
“There is increasing pressure on our crisis line — and the local data makes that heartbreakingly clear. In the ACT alone, we lost 56 lives to suicide last year — more than one person every week. Every one of those lives represents a devastating loss to families, workplaces, and communities,” Ms Leeson said.
“At Lifeline Canberra, we continue to see rising demand for our crisis support line, with more people reaching out in moments of acute distress, loneliness or hopelessness. Our trained volunteers are responding to thousands of calls, day and night, to ensure that no one has to face their darkest moment alone.”
At the heart of everything Lifeline Canberra does are those incredible volunteers — compassionate, committed individuals whose tireless efforts help save lives.
“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Lifeline Canberra. Without them, we simply couldn’t provide 24/7 support to those in crisis,” said Ms Leeson. “From the voices on the end of the 13 11 14 line to the hands behind the scenes at our bookfairs, every volunteer plays a vital role in keeping our services running and our community supported.”
So come on, Canberra — your support isn’t just appreciated, it’s crucial. Whether it’s volunteering, donating or simply showing up to these events, every action helps Lifeline Canberra continue its vital work.
“Community support is absolutely essential — it powers our services, fuels our volunteers, and reminds people they’re never alone,” said Ms Leeson. “Every person has something to offer — a skill, a service or a story — that can make a real difference. Whether you’re a corporate partner, a creative, a communicator, a connector, or someone simply willing to lend a hand, your unique contribution helps bring our mission to life in powerful and meaningful ways.”
Those wanting to donate books or other items, such as magazines, CDs, DVDs, games, or jigsaws, can do so at the drop-off point at the Bookfair, or year-round at the Mitchell Book Shed and Book Lovers Lane at the Fyshwick Markets. You can also contact the Lifeline Canberra team to arrange a time for larger donations. All details are available at lifelinecanberra.org.au
Lifeline 13 11 14
