Lifeline has announced Sydney musician, Dara Hayes better known as DJ Tigerlily as its national ambassador to help drive its mission of tackling Australia's national suicide emergency.
Hayes, 24, has been outspoken on a number of issues relating to mental health since she launched onto Australia's DJ scene in 2011.
Best known for her mermaid blue hair, Hayes regularly speaks about body image, online bullying and anxiety via her social media platforms.
"Suicide prevention and positive mental health are issues that are very close to my heart," Hayes said in a Lifeline statement.
"Over the past 10 years I've struggled with my own mental health battles -– from beating anorexia as a teen and dealing with severe anxiety attacks to, now, trying to manage an ongoing battle with stress and self-concept."
Suicide in Australia
- The overall suicide rate in 2014 was 12.0 per 100,000 in Australia. This is the highest rate in 10 years
- The most recent Australian data (ABS, Causes of Death, 2014) reports deaths due to suicide in 2014 at 2,864, this equates to almost eight deaths by suicide in Australia each day
- Most deaths by suicide in Australia are males, accounting for about three-quarters. However, during the past decade, there has been an increase in suicide deaths by females
- The suicide rate amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is more than double the national rate. In 2014, suicide accounted for 5.2% of all Indigenous deaths compared to 1.8% for non-Indigenous people
The announcement comes as the charity launched a fundraising campaign that will see 24-year-old Hayes run the New York Marathon in November.
"In becoming a Lifeline Ambassador, I want to ensure more young people grow up in an environment where they feel safe and supported to speak about their own experiences with suicide, as well as depression, anxiety, isolation, and pain," Hayes said.
In March, Hayes was the subject of a nude photo scandal which was leaked without her permission and digitally altered.
Together with Dara, we hope to take further steps to tackle the national suicide emergency faced in Australia. We can do this through promoting connection, compassion and conversation -– key barriers to suicidal behaviour.
Hayes addressed the incident on social media, labelling it a violation of her privacy and used it as an opportunity to stand against victim blaming.
Lifeline Australia CEO Pete Shmigel said Hayes understands the positive influence she can have on other young Australians.
"Together with Dara, we hope to take further steps to tackle the national suicide emergency faced in Australia. We can do this through promoting connection, compassion and conversation -– key barriers to suicidal behaviour," Shmigel said.
Ahead, we recount DJ Tigerlily's best online moments, from standing up against cyber bullying and sexism to spreading self-love.