Recognition. Understanding. Support.

With compassion, confidentiality and respect, Lifeboat assists survivors of abuse by Catholic Church clergy and their families across Australia.

You Are Not Alone

No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, support is available. Lifeboat provides practical help, understanding and support to survivors and their families.

Give Hope. Offer Support. Make a Difference.

Your support helps provide practical assistance, understanding and care to survivors and their families.

Do you need support?

We listen with compassion, understanding, and a strong sense of community.
You’re not alone.

Helpful resources

Find helpful information, services, and tools designed to support you when things feel tough.

Help with a Donation

With your support Lifeboat Geelong can provide much needed assistance to those whose lives have been damaged by abuse.

IN CONVERSATION

Father Kevin on 3AW

A candid radio interview with Neil Mitchell

OUR MISSION

Recovery Begins with Being Heard

At Lifeboat Geelong Foundation, we provide compassionate, practical support for survivors of church and institutional sexual abuse. Our work is built on dignity, trust, and the belief that no one should face the impact of trauma alone. Through emotional support, advocacy, financial assistance, and connections to community services, we help survivors rebuild confidence, regain stability, and reconnect with hope for the future.

Find helpful Resources

Find reliable, easy‑to‑use resources that offer direction, reassurance, and practical support. From crisis assistance to wellbeing tools, these materials are built to help you feel informed, connected, and supported as you work through life’s challenges.

Initiatives That Bring Hope
and Connection

See how our projects work to address real needs in the community through hands‑on support, advocacy, and connection. These initiatives help people regain confidence, rebuild their lives, and feel part of a caring, supportive network.

Stories

"I first walked through the doors of Lifeboat Geelong at a time when I felt completely untethered. For years I had carried the weight of experiences I never thought I’d speak about again, especially not to someone connected to the church. But the moment I arrived, I was met with warmth rather than judgment, and that alone felt like a small miracle.

Michael

"Before finding Lifeboat Geelong, I had spent years trying to outrun memories I didn’t want to face. I’d been let down before when I tried to talk about what happened to me, so I stopped trying. It wasn’t until a friend gently pushed me toward Lifeboat that I even considered opening up again.

Sarah

Podcast appearances

Latest news & events

Father Kevin in The Age – Legal tactics leave lives in ruins

July 28, 2026

As a priest, I wonder what Jesus would say about the Christian Brothers crying poor What would the Pope make of recent reporting that reveals the Christian Brothers in Australia is set to declare itself bankrupt after shifting at least $500 million in assets into a separate legal entity, making it inaccessible to church child abuse victims seeking compensation?

2026 Lifeboat End-of-Year Barbecue

July 28, 2026

Lifeboat Geelong Foundation warmly invites members of the Lifeboat community, Committee members, volunteers, supporters, friends and their families to join us for our 2026 End-of-Year Barbecue.

Support Lifeboat Geelong Through the Combined Parishes Annual Raffle

July 28, 2026

The Combined Parishes Annual Raffle is a long-running Victorian fundraising initiative that enables Catholic parishes and approved charitable organisations to raise funds for their important work.