Whilst the awareness of Support Act has been building steadily over the years, there are many people who could benefit from a phone call to Lindy Morrison but who don’t know Support Act exists. At all times Support Act protects its clients’ anonymity and all Casework is carried out anonymously. We are often asked “what exactly does Support Act do” and although we can’t name any of our clients, some have kindly written personal “testimonials” which show how Support Act has helped them in a time of need. These letters below make emotional reading and reinforce why Support Act and its aims and endeavours are so relevant!!!
Testimonial 1
When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Christmas Eve and was told I needed to have an operation, my wife and family got pretty worried, as you can imagine. The first few days we were in shock, not understanding just what it was yet that we had to deal with. As things panned out and we came to start understanding the aspects of my condition, we could now start looking at how we were going to try and get through this episode on the other levels as well - i.e surviving - the reality of not being able to work for at least 6 weeks whilst recovering, and how we were going to pay the bills. Fortunately we were aware of the work and help that Support Act had undertaken for various people in need in the past, so we decided to make contact to see if I was eligible for their grant.
Much to our relief the information that came back via the National Welfare Co-ordinator was extremely positive and helpful, so we were able to get the ball rolling straight away with my application. When there were any questions we needed to ask we were dealt with in a thoughtful and professional manner, and all our correspondence was done with minimal fuss and clear explanations. We count ourselves to be very lucky to have been able to contact and be assisted by this great organisation, and can only hope that the service that it provides can be available to all those that require a helping hand in times of need.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out the those behind the scenes at Support Act, and to the people that initiated the idea for the grant in the first place - those that could see a valid and very real future need for Support Act to exist and help support the industry that has given so much enjoyment to people in Australia and around the world.
Testimonial 2
I would like to thank the Support Act and in particular Lindy Morrison for the grant I received. After the death of my husband whom had contributed to the musical industry for many many years, the Support Act Grant acknowledged that and helped me in my time of greatest need. I found Lindy to be a very compassionate and caring person, she goes out of her way to make things possible and this is done efficiently and with heart.
Testimonial 3
Support Act are a remarkable organization. They recognized and assisted me in restabilising myself in a particularly difficult time. Their work and support is very appreciated and much needed. Thank you Support Act.
Testimonial 4
In February 2008 my daughter lost her father and I lost a friend.
Alan was a gifted musician who traveled the world performing and recording. While he filled many passports over the years, in more recent times he had been ill. Despite his ill health, he always found a way to assist in the support of our daughter. Alan died at 40 years of age with no known will and minimal financial assets.
After hearing about Support Act Limited, from a musician friend, I approached them to seek assistance with funeral expenses. SAL not only contributed to the funeral expenses, they also provided a grant for our daughter, to assist with her ongoing life expenses for a year.
This consideration for the surviving family truly impressed me. It demonstrated a level of consideration I did not expect, and placed emphasis on the provision of financial assistance in a way which best suited our circumstances.
For me the face of Support Act Limited was Lindy Morrison. The emotional and logistic support provided by Lindy, was immeasurable. Prior to my dealing with Lindy Morrison and SAL, I would not have thought such a level of service and sensitivity possible from a ‘corporate entity’. Their name is a true reflection of their charter.
The claims process was straight-forward and easy. In all instances, Lindy was informative, prompt to act and flexible in her approach.
I cannot speak highly enough of Lindy and the SAL Board. I will always remain grateful and humbled by the support we received in a time of deep sorrow, distress and need. Thank you. Class Act! Support Act.
Testimonial 5
My name is Sally, My husband Charlie and I have 5 children. Charlie made a living as a musician in both original and cover bands and by composing for the last 26 years of his short life. In 2009 he passed away from a huge battle with cancer. He left me with our 5 kids aged between 2 and 18.
Support act helped me to fill out the necessary paper work after Charlie passed away and was able to grant me $3000 towards the children's educational expenses. What a huge and amazing thing to be able to get!
I am forever grateful and know that Charlie will be able to "Rock the universe" knowing that The music industry has stepped up and helped musicians and their families in their time of need!
Testimonial 6
I have been involved in the Australian music industry, firstly as a musician, performer, songwriter and then as a producer for more than four decades. During my career I have been fortunate to work with some of Australia's premier bands and entertainers. In 1997 I was diagnosed with organ failure. This was devastating news but I was fortunate to have been given the gift of life by an anonymous organ donor. Due to my long illness I was unable to work for many years not only prior to my transplant but post operation also. What money I had managed to save soon dwindled and what possessions I had were soon sold, including my “stock in trade” my cherished instruments, just so I could pay my medicals, put food on the table and pay the rent, but again this money soon ran out as well.
Two years after my operation however it had become very difficult to survive from one day to the next. I was personally demoralised and financially destitute. My credit card was maxed to it's limit and I couldn't cover my most basic expenses. I was thousands of dollars in debt with no light at the end of the tunnel whatsoever and falling further and further into debt, day by day. I had actually considered taking my own life many times and probably would have if not for the support of my family and out of respect for my anonymous donor and the medical staff that had worked so hard to save my life, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
It was about this time that I was informed of Support Act Ltd. but as desperate as I was, my foolish pride would just not allow me to make the phone call to ask for assistance, I had always been a go getter and had never had to ask for help from anyone. What would people think of me having to ask for assistance?, I couldn't bare the ridicule or innuendo, but eventually I did, I simply had to do something. As it turned out my fears were totally unwarranted, for after speaking with Lindy Morrison I was assured that not only could Support Act help, but any assistance offered and or accepted would be totally confidential, non judgemental and would be undertaken with absolute anonymity.
Support Act helped me with financial assistance over three years in paying many bills that otherwise would not have been paid at all and in doing so allowed me the breathing space to concentrate on mending physically and mentally, but more importantly their benevolence helped me regain the confidence to get back out in to the real world. I am now reasonably well and have finally worked myself completely free of debt and although I will probably never perform live again due to numerous on going health issues my life is more than fulfilled working with several charities of which I am now associated, writing music and by occasionally working with young musicians careers when the opportunity arises. More recently I have just completed my first fictional novel which I hope to soon have published and to top it all off, I have lived to see the birth of my two grandchildren, life is good.
I don't believe that I would be here now if I hadn't have made that call to Support Act Ltd whom I shall forever be indebted to for helping turn my life around, especially to one in particular who works tirelessly behind the scenes and who afforded me non-judgemental support and helped me during my darkest moments in regaining my life, a woman whom I have come to know, respect, and admire, Lindy Morrison.
From a very thankful beneficiary, thank you Support Act Ltd.
Testimonial 7
Lindy and the team at Support Act were there when I needed them most.
I was too proud (an unfortunate affliction affecting many musicians) to ring them when I found myself out of action for months due to emergency neuro-surgery, even thought I was well aware of their presence. My sister wrote an email plea to Lindy. I was contacted almost immediately and verbally assessed by a sympathetic, kind and understanding Lindy. A few days and some light bureaucracy later and I was given substantial financial relief based purely on my perceived contribution to the Australian music industry over the course of 20 or so years.
To say that this gift eased my situation financially and mentally would be an understatement. It was an absolute godsend and the only real assistance I had during my hardship apart from the care of my immediate family.
Lindy is a certified angel in my book and the foundation should be supported and encouraged by the entire music industry. You never know when you may need it yourself and I hope that you never do, but it's there should the worst happen.
Support Act need your help now. You may need theirs when you least expect it. They are there for you. Support Support Act.
Testimonial 8
I am writing this letter to compliment the people at Support Act Limited on what a wonderful job they do for those in the music industry who are experiencing hard times.
I have first hand knowledge of your organisation as I am a carer to one of your clients.
Whenever I have had a need of anything for the person I care for Lindy Morrison is always there to advise and help me.
Support Act Limited has dedicated staff, always willing to help. I fully support the work they do for the people of the music industry.
Testimonial 9
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Support Act for their financial assistance.
In 2005/6 my ability to work as a professional musician was severely compromised by Lymphoma and the subsequent chemotherapy treatment. With no sick leave and an uncertain future I was very pleased to accept help from Support Act.
The assistance from Support Act helped provide a teaching aide for my son at Primary School and this enabled him to continue learning. Support Act contributed greatly to the quality of his education.
I thank Support Act for their generous help.
Testimonial 10
Here’s a little note to thank you and all at Support Act for your help and work in helping sort out my diabolical financial situation. You have taken a lot of worry out of my situation which as you know was a bit of a lightning strike on my sensibilities. My hope is that at some stage I will be well enough to be able to partake in some sort of benefit or fundraising for Support Act.
Testimonial 11
Thank you and your colleagues once again for all your support.
Musicians.......... an amazing group of people!!! Hoping you get to do all the things you love over the Christmas season and again a huge thank you!