Albury-Wodonga Lifeline crew supports Triple J Hottest 100 countdown

The national radio station will again harness the huge reach of its popular annual music poll to highlight the work of Australia's leading provider of crisis support and suicide prevention.

The local Lifeline crew is encouraging the Border community to join them on the Noreuil Park foreshore from 12pm to 7pm on Saturday, January 22 to share in the countdown.

CEO Stacy Read said the event, which will include a barbecue by Albury Hume Rotary, was an opportunity for the community to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention.

"We'd love you to come along with a towel and your mates and sit back on the foreshore and listen to the music together," she said.

"It is really critical for the community come together and to connect and raise awareness on issues that affect us all."

The latest ABS data shows nine Australians are dying by suicide every day.

And suicide remains the biggest killer of young Australians, accounting for one-third of deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds.

Lifeline receives more than one million calls, text messages and web chats every year, which equates to a call every 30 seconds.

Currently they can't answer all those calls.

"We've received more calls in 2021 than ever in our 60-year history," Ms Read said.

"COVID-19 has delivered some of the toughest years many have faced and our young people have been particularly affected."

Ms Read said Lifeline's partnership with Triple J helped reach an important demographic - young people.

With a large audience at its fingertips, Triple J plans to not only drive awareness but raise money for the organisation that helps young people in crisis when they need it most.

As part of its campaign, Triple J is asking its audience to donate to Lifeline or buy a Hottest 100 T-shirt for $39 - the same amount it costs Lifeline to answer a call.

Ms Read, who was recently appointed CEO of Lifeline Albury-Wodonga, is focusing her efforts on strengthening the organisation to fulfill its vision to be "the port in the storm" for those in crisis.

"The strength and stability of the organisation comes from its people," she said.

"Volunteers are and continue to be the backbone of Lifeline Albury-Wodonga ..."

Ms Read also urges everyone in the community to act as a Lifeline ambassador by reinforcing the message "it's okay not to be okay" and to reach out for help.