For the next three years Murray Mandel has pledged to travel the country and raise money by busking for Lifeline.

The 64-year-old has been on the road since March 6, starting in Canberra and is travelling anticlockwise around Australia ending back in the nation’s capital.

Along the way playing at outside and inside malls and supermarkets for two and a half to three hours, three to five times a week.

With the hope that passers-by will enjoy the soothing classical guitar music, read about the Lifeline organisation and maybe make a donation in support.

Murray was performing outside the Mudgee Town Centre at the Coles entrance on Monday and will be the same location again on Tuesday from 11am.

Before arriving in Mudgee he was doing the same at Dubbo and Wellington, and will head to Bathurst for the next five days then onto Lithgow on his journey around Australia.

It’s early days in the long haul journey, but Murray said he’s already heartened by the support he’s received.

“It’s unbelievable the support I’ve received from so many people, passers-by say ‘you’re doing a great job’ and they thank me very deeply for what I’m doing,” he said.

“The donations so far, directly from passers-by, are already around $3,700.

“That’s from 31 performances so far in ten weeks.”

It’s a big commitment, however, Murray said that it’s his “privilege” to do his part for Lifeline and help their work in helping those experiencing violence, abuse, mental illness, bullying, suicidal thoughts or attempts, stress from family or work.

“My main aim is to reach out, raise public awareness and remind as many Australians as possible of the importance of Lifeline,” he said.

“Lifeline is a very, very important national humanitarian, charitable organisation.

“As we all know there are far too many people experiencing personal crisis.

“So it is a privilege for me to undertake this important fundraising project.”

For Lifeline call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.