What’s happening?
Mackay locals are joining Australians across the country for Do It For Dolly Day on 8 May.
The annual campaign asks people to Go BLUE to End Bullying.
Schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, community groups and individuals are holding events and fundraising activities.
The campaign is led by Dolly’s Dream in memory of Dolly Everett.
Dolly took her own life eight years ago at age 14, after ongoing bullying.
Her parents, Kate and Tick Everett, have since helped build Dolly’s Dream into a national movement.
Funds raised go directly to bullying support services and anti-bullying programs.
These include the 13 DOLLY bullying support line on 13 36 55.
The support line and web chat are delivered with Kids Helpline and Parentline.
Kids and teens can access the web chat 24/7 through the Dolly’s Dream website.
Why it matters?
Bullying remains a serious issue for young people across Australia.
Dolly’s Dream says bullying no longer stops at school.
It can follow young people through their phones, into bedrooms and into sleep.
Sally Sweeney, Head of Dolly’s Dream, said the campaign remains urgent.
“Bullying doesn’t stop at the school gate, it follows young people via their phones into their bedrooms and into their sleep. That’s why Do It For Dolly Day and the funds we raise this week matters so much.
“We’re closer than ever to reaching $2 million. Every Australian who goes BLUE today brings us one step nearer to a world where no child being bullied feels alone or without support.
“If you or a young person you know is struggling with bullying, please call 13 DOLLY on 13 36 55 or use the web chat through the Dolly’s Dream website. For kids and teens, it’s there 24/7.”
Local Impact
Mackay is among the Queensland communities taking part in this year’s campaign.
In postcode 4740, one school, four workplaces and two individuals registered to fundraise.
Their support adds to a larger Queensland effort across schools, local businesses, sporting clubs and families.
Earlier this week, Ms Sweeney called on Queenslanders to take part.
“We’re calling out to everyone in Queensland to Go BLUE on Friday 8 May to end bullying. Help us reach $2 million for the first time to fund our vital bullying support programs.
“The response from Queensland communities so far has been extraordinary. We’re seeing schools, local businesses, sporting and community clubs, individuals and families right across the state register to fundraise, and it’s not too late to join them by signing up at doitfordollyday.org.au”
By the numbers
- Mackay postcode 4740 has seven registered fundraisers, including one school, four workplaces and two individuals.
- Across Queensland, 265 fundraisers had signed up before Do It For Dolly Day.
- Nationally, more than 2,000 schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, community groups and individuals registered to fundraise.
- One in four Year 4 to Year 9 students in Australia report being bullied every few weeks or more.
Zoom In
Dolly’s Dream is aiming to raise more than $2 million in a single day for the first time.
Every dollar raised goes towards support services and anti-bullying programs.
These include the 13 DOLLY support line, web chat, in-school kindness workshops, self-worth programs and anti-bullying education.
The organisation also supports parents through the Beacon Cyber Safety App.
Kate Everett, Co-founder of Dolly’s Dream, said the support shown in Queensland was deeply personal.
“To see so many Queenslanders register to Do It For Dolly Day in our daughter’s honour is incredibly moving. Every single person who signs up to fundraise is helping create a kinder, safer world for young people.”
Speaking on Do It For Dolly Day, Ms Everett said the national response continued to matter.
“Eight years on, the love Australians have shown for Dolly and for our cause never ceases to move us.
“Today, we’re asking every Australian to go BLUE and help us reach $2 million for the very first time.
“Every single dollar goes straight to supporting the many thousands of kids and families impacted by bullying right now across Australia. We want them to know they’re not alone, that there is support available through our 13 DOLLY (13 36 55) bullying support line and web chat and the Dolly’s Dream website.
“Please donate if you can at doitfordollyday.org.au”
Zoom Out
The campaign is being marked across Australia.
Registered events stretch from Boonah in Queensland to Longford in Tasmania.
They also include Katherine in the Northern Territory and Esperance on Western Australia’s south coast.
Queensland’s highest fundraiser registrations include Boonah, Gympie, Bundaberg, Beaudesert and Mackay.
The campaign brings a national message into local communities, including Mackay.
It asks people to stand against bullying, support families and help young people seek help earlier.
What To Look For Next?
The focus now is on the final fundraising total from Do It For Dolly Day.
If the campaign reaches its goal, Dolly’s Dream will pass $2 million in a single day for the first time.
Mackay residents can still donate, register or seek support through Dolly’s Dream.
Support is available through 13 DOLLY on 13 36 55 or the web chat at dollysdream.org.au.
