We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr Ros Worthington OAM. 

Ros was an exceptional philanthropist who made so much possible for Lifeline WA, relentlessly supporting and sharing our vision for a community free of suicide.  

Ros first became part of the Lifeline WA story nearly two decades ago, after losing her husband and soulmate Roscoe to suicide. Ros had always been involved in charitable work, but the devastating pain of Roscoe’s death ignited in her an intense desire to prevent more lives being lost.  

Wanting to make a difference, Ros set up a charitable foundation, soon joining forces with Lifeline WA and coming up with new ideas to raise funds for suicide prevention services and increase awareness of suicide and depression. 

As the founder of the Black Diamond Gala Dinner, Ros raised millions of dollars over the years to help fund Lifeline WA’s crisis support services so that people always have someone to talk to in their darkest moments. The glittering fundraiser has become a seminal event on WA’s philanthropic social calendar. 

At the first Black Diamond Gala Dinner in 2009, an incredible 30 people, all featured in Ros’ book Glimmer of Hope, told of how they had stepped out of the shadows to bravely and openly tell their emotion-filled stories.  

It was a poignant moment that stayed with Ros and in 2016 she founded the Out of the Shadows Walk, an annual pilgrimage through Kings Park at dawn to remember those who have died by suicide. 

Ros considered the Out of the Shadows Walk one of her proudest achievements. 

It is testament to the true and treasured legacy Ros leaves us that the Black Diamond Gala Dinner has been Lifeline WA’s major fundraiser for the past 14 years and the Out of the Shadows Walk is now a national event held annually on World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Each dollar Ros raised over the decades has represented hope and support for thousands of Australians in crisis. Because of Ros, more crisis support volunteers have been trained, more calls answered and more lives saved. 

The recipient of an Order of Australia Medal, 2015 Western Australian of the Year for Community, twice a finalist for Australian of the Year, and an inaugural inductee into the WA Women's Hall of Fame, Ros was loved and respected as a selfless Western Australian and philanthropic icon.  

Often described as “all heart”, Ros was an extraordinary woman who truly made a difference.