At 11am on March 1, 1969, the first call came in to Lifeline South Coast's new 24/7 telephone crisis line.
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In that first year, volunteer crisis supporters took just over 750 calls - supporting people struggling with suicidal thoughts, relationships, loneliness, addiction, abuse, grief and much more.
Fifty years later, the same struggles exist - but what has changed is people's willingness to seek help which means Lifeline's services are in more demand than ever.
"That first year volunteers took 757 calls; in 2018 they took 23,815 calls," Lifeline South Coast CEO Rachel Norris said.
"But while the volume of calls has increased, and society has changed in many ways, the stresses people are under, and the loneliness they feel, remains the same.
"For our crisis supporters, there's still somebody there on the end of the line in distress and needing support at a very challenging time in their lives."
To celebrate the 50-year milestone, the dedicated crew of around 100 volunteer crisis supporters took part in a 50-hour phone marathon which finished - fittingly - at 11am on Friday, March 1.
Volunteers took 430 calls during the marathon, stopping at the end to reflect on the service's 50 years of history and achievements.
Lifeline Australia chair, and former state Liberal leader, John Brogden was there to congratulate staff on the worthy work they undertake.
"For 50 years volunteers have been sacrificing their own time to answer calls from people in deep crisis, and saving lives every day," he said.
"It shows incredible devotion and it's a big task - you're asking people to sit on the phone and deal with people on the end who are incredibly upset and often suicidal."
Mr Brodgen has had his own battles with mental health; attempting suicide in 2005 after stepping down from the Liberal leadership after a fall from grace.
"I know how dark that space can be, but knowing there's a place like Lifeline that's there 24/7 can really help," he said.
"… so I'd encourage people to pick up that phone because no-one should suffer in silence.
"Even if you think no-one cares, Lifeline does. Even if you think no-one wants to listen, Lifeline does."
Mr Brogden said Australian Bureau of Statistics figures revealed suicide was on the rise, forcing organisations like Lifeline to do even more to help.
"It breaks our heart to see suicide increasing but we know Lifeline continues to make a difference, and in the future we're looking at ways to reach even more people," he said.
That includes a text service, and an online chat, which Lifeline is currently trialling at sites across Australia.
Lifeline South Coast chair GP Kate Manderson said as well as the telephone support line, the organisation ran a range of other programs and services to increase awareness around mental health, and the support available.
"We are chipping away at the stigma of mental health," Dr Manderson said.
"We know people are more likely now to recognise when they're unwell, or someone around them is unwell, and they're more likely to seek help.
"It's part of the conversation now, when it never used to be."
Ms Norris gave thanks to all the volunteers, without whom she said Lifeline would not be able to operate.
"We are extremely grateful to each and every one of our past and present volunteers for the contribution they have made to our organisation and to people in crisis," she said. "Together we have been saving lives for 50 years."
Those in need of support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
