Narrabeen's Dave Lawler - who is ''taking it to the Lake'' this year for the Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row
This weekend, people across Australia are rowing in Gotcha4Life’s 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness (13–14 Sept), raising funds to build a suicide-free future.
From surf clubs to workplaces to schools, 60+ teams will row in relay for 24 hours, all linked by a national live stream. The goal is $600,000 to help 12,000 more Australians with programs that give them the skills to connect, speak up and seek help.
Every day, nine Australians die by suicide*. Each loss represents family, friends and a community left reeling. This September, Australians will row to help change that.
From midday Saturday 13 September to midday Sunday 14 September, teams in surf clubs, rowing clubs, gyms, schools and workplaces will row in relay for 24 hours in Gotcha4Life’s 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness – the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser.
These rowers across the country are turning effort into action, raising funds for programs and resources that give Australians the skills to speak up, seek help and stay connected.
Every day, Gotcha4Life’s workshops show the difference they make, focusing on connection, early prevention in schools and equipping people to manage the moments before crisis hits.
Launched by Avalon locals Mel and Nathan Wellings in 2018 after losing one too many loved ones to suicide, the Row has grown from one surf club to multiple locations nationwide. Together, participants have raised vital funds to reach over 30,000 people and their wider communities with life-changing Gotcha4Life’s programs and resources.
“We never imagined it would grow like this,” said co-founder Mel Wellings.
“What started as one surf club trying to make a difference has become a national movement. To see so many people rowing together – knowing every dollar raised is helping save lives – it’s pretty special.”
Nathan and Mel - Saturday September 13 at Avalon Beach SLSC for the row--off (start)
What makes the event unique is its round-the-clock live stream, linking every site from Avalon Beach to Adelaide. Through the midnight hours, teams can see each other on screen, cheering and urging one another on.
“No one rows alone,” said Gotcha4Life Founder Gus Worland.
“That’s the point – in life, no one should have to go it alone either. The 24 Hour Row shows what happens when communities come together. Because it’s through connection that we can build a mentally fit future where suicide is never an option.”
Gus with the Bilgola Boaties crew - just one of several local teams rowing the distance
As this Sunday's edition goes to press there are:
- 822 Participants rowing for mental fitness
- 62 Teams rowing for mental fitness
- $423,430 Funds raised so far
Dave Lawler: Taking it to the Lake
However, it's not just in the surf clubs and schools this year - one participant is 'taking it to the lake!'.
A favourite of the news service, and the council's Citizen of the Year for 2025 Australia Day Awards, Kevin Lee contacted us earlier this week to let us know about Dave Lawler's 24 Hour Paddle at Narrabeen Lakes.
Kevin said:
''My friend Dave Lawler is taking part in this weekend’s “24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness” as part of Gotcha4Life annual fund raising activities.
Dave Lawler’s challenge for the weekend has an extra twist as Dave will be paddling his kayak in the lake for 24 hours.''
''Dave’s supporters will paddle beside Dave to provide motivation as we will have either 1 or 2 hours (or more) shifts.
This is the first time that I have heard of someone paddling in the lake for 24 hours straight. (This task will be much harder than sitting on an indoor rowing machine.)
We plan to start from Lake Park, North Narrabeen this Saturday 13 Sept at 10am and we will finish Sunday 14 Sept, 10am.''
The link to Dave’s profile and Fund Raising activity can be found here.
Dave set himself a goal to reach $500 for this year's Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row - so far he's amassed over $2,000.00.
Kevin lends more insight, explaining:
''Dave Lawler is a die-hard North Narrabeen / Narrabeen local. Dave has lived here all of his life. Dave is a member of Narrabeen Beach SLSC and he was an active member of the Narrabeen Sharks.
Whilst Dave served as Director of Surf Sports (Aug 2022 - Jul 2025), he was instrumental in assisting our Board of Directors nominate me for 2025 Northern Beaches Citizen of Year Awards. It is an Award that I have gained on Thursday 22 January 2025 and I am forever grateful to our Board of Directors and especially Dave’s support.''
Dave Lawler’s son Jordy Lawler, is a famous surfing icon - Jordy won GWM Sydney Surf Pro last year (Wed 15 May 2024 - Jordy's Celebratory Profile page here). Dave Lawler’s father is John Lawler and John was a Life Member and original historian of Narrabeen Sharks (Narrabeen JRLFC).''
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Kevin with some of the Narrabeen SLSC Masters at January 2025's Curlewis Carnival at Palmy
True to form, this local legend, supported by his team of other Narrabeen legends, set off on Saturday in glorious sunshine.
Dave Lawler and Kevin Lee
The Dave Lawler support team, ready to rock'n'row: one big family of paddlers from North Narrabeen, Narrabeen and North Curl Curl
Dave is joined by hundreds of others and thousands of their supporters.
We checked in with the Dave Lawler crew Sunday morning and HE DID IT!
LEGEND!!!
2025 Locations
NSW crews starting at 12pm:
Avalon Beach SLSC Team, Avoca Beach SLSC, Barrenjoey High School, Be Athletic Fitness, Bilgola Boaties, Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, Bulli SLSC, Colliers Newcastle, Dave Lawler Team, F45 Avalon, Fort Street High School Team, Gotcha4Life Family & Friends, Joeys & Monte, Long Reef SLSC, MacMasters Beach SLSC, Mighty Moruya Surf Club, Mona Vale SLSC, Mosman Rowing Club, NABSC Balgowlah Boys, NBSC Mackellar Girls, Newcastle Grammar School, Newcastle Rowing Club Team, Nobbys SLSC, North Bondi SLSC, North Steyne SLSC, Ocean Beach SLSC, Palm Beach SLSC, Ritual x SWRSLSC, Row to Paradise, Sapphire Coast Outrigger Canoe Club, Scottech Plumbing, Soldiers Beach SLSC, South Curl Curl SLSC, South Maroubra SLSC, Tathra Surf Club, Umina SLSC & Friends, UTS Haberfield Rowing Club, Wanda SLSC, Whale Beach Boaties, Wollongong Whales 24 Hr Row Team
QLD crews starting 12pm:
Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club, Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC, Palm Beach SLSC, Team AllBodz, Victoria Point State High School Community
VIC crews starting 12pm:
Melbourne University Boat Club (MUBC)
SA crews starting 11:30am:
Seacliff SLSC
Row your way
If you can’t join in on the official event weekend, 13–14 September 2025? No worries, you can still take on the challenge your way.
Row Your Way gives you and your team the flexibility to complete your 24 hours of rowing anytime between:
- 8–14 September 2025 (the week before), or
- 15–21 September 2025 (the week after)
Whether you row four hours a day over six days or split it into shifts—how you do it is up to you.
Can’t make those dates either? You can choose your own dates, or reach out to the Gotcha4Life 24Hour Row team and they’ll help you make it happen.
You’ll still be part of the movement, raising vital funds for Gotcha4Life and helping build a mentally fit future.
How you can help out
Let's all get behind this epic event. The 24-Hour Row started right here on the Avalon Beach surf club balcony, their crew page here for this year's Gotcha4Life 24Hour Row. Mel and Nathan Wellings put ideas into action and, with the support of our boaties, the 24-Hour Row fundraiser was hatched. Drop in to your local Surf Club this weekend, say hi, show your support and contribute if you can.
For more information on the 24 Hour Row or to donate to the cause to support building a mentally fit future, visit: 24hourrow.com.au
The donation function will stay open for a few weeks after Sunday, so please, chip in a bit if you can.
This year, Gotcha4Life is aiming to raise $600,000. Every $50 raised funds one more person to take part in a mental fitness program. That means Gotcha4Life will be able to help 12,000 people with the skills to have meaningful conversations, recognise when someone’s struggling and feel confident reaching out.
The event is proudly supported by Major Partner Shaw and Partners Financial Services, alongside Surf Life Saving NSW and Rowing NSW.
About Gotcha4Life
Gotcha4Life was established as a health promotion charity by media personality Gus Worland in 2017, and since then, has been on a mission to inspire and enable all Australians to take action to build their mental fitness.
They develop and deliver evidence-based preventative campaigns, programs and initiatives which give individuals, families and communities the skills to build emotional muscles, strengthen social connection, and encourage help-seeking behaviour so they are better equipped to get through life’s ups and downs.
Their ultimate vision? A suicide-free world where no one worries alone. Find out more: www.gotcha4life.org.
If anyone needs support right now, please connect with a Mental Health Professional for confidential 1-on-1 support and advice by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14, who are there to listen and support.
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