Lighthouse

Community News


March 2024

From the Executive Officer

It has been a busy start to the year at Lighthouse. Our backbone team have focused on driving local research that outlines the challenges and opportunities in our region. This together with listening deeply to the community, allows Lighthouse to advocate effectively, bridge gaps, and foster positive change.


The cost of living crisis has brought new challenges and a surge in demand for basic needs. Agencies juggle with supporting increased referrals and calls for support. Leaders and staff working to help the community are doing an incredible job managing increased complexity, and I acknowledge the work of many across the Greater Shepparton region. I am also incredibly proud of the Lighthouse team for their passion in assisting our families and young people and their dedication to continually seeking innovative solutions to address local issues.


This edition of Lighthouse Community News highlights several of the campaigns our staff have been working on that shines a light on local challenges while leveraging resources from volunteers, community members and local businesses to wrap around and support our young people and families. Furthermore, Lighthouse staff support our local schools with tailored place-based solutions that bring new opportunities and connections for their students. I urge you to please check out our volunteering section to see how you can help us scale our impact in local schools, campaigns, and programs. 


On a final note, Lighthouse, The Fairley Foundation and Greater Shepparton Foundation, are planning a Philanthropic Summit to be held during May. The summit is designed to empower voices and drive change linking philanthropic solutions for systemic transformation in Greater Shepparton. If you're interested in learning more, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for a discussion.

To all our supporters, volunteers and partners we thank you for contributions in driving the change we wish to see. I hope you enjoy reading the latest news from Lighthouse.

Regards

Amy Robinson, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project

arobinson@gslp.com.au

300 'Laptops with Love' delivered!

The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is thrilled with the continued success of the Laptops with Love Program. Since its establishment in 2021, this collaborative initiative has delivered over 300 laptops. Generously donated, refurbished, and gifted back to the community, these laptops break down educational barriers and empower children and adults to engage and achieve their educational and...

READ MORE...

Bike and Scooter Muster - a huge success

Our 2023 Bike and Scooter Muster saw over 200 wheelie items rounded up. So many we could barely fit them all in our storage facility!

The Pit Stop crew, students and volunteers have all been working hard...

READ MORE...

New wheels for Pit Stop


The Pit Stop program got off to an exciting start this year with the delivery of a brand-new dedicated Pit Stop ute! Our Pit Stop crew are regularly out and about picking up and delivering bikes, scooters and other large items, so our new Toyota Hilux ute...


READ MORE...

Help support our young people with our 'Breaking Down the Barriers' campaign


We believe that an investment in our young people is an investment in the Greater Shepparton region. Visit our donate page to explore how you can assist with helping our young people reach their full potential and thrive.

Explore DONATION options

OLLY and SAM

Throughout term 1, OLLY participants are heading to SAM for a series of Creative Arts Storytelling workshops providing young people with the opportunity to get creative, engage with community and learn about future career pathways. We can't wait to see these young people create! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates,

Follow OLLY on Facebook     

New Hours for OLLY

OLLY offers a base where young people aged 12-17 can pop in after school for a snack or a meal, learn a new skill or just sit and relax. In 2024, OLLY is now open from 1pm-3pm and for young people aged 18+.


OLLY is at GoTafe, 152-200 Fryers Street, Shepparton (next to the basketball court). 

Learn more about our OLLY program

The latest news from the backbone team

Data and evaluation are key to informing our work at Lighthouse which is why our backbone team are continuously working to ensure our information is up-to date. Over the past 12 months Lighthouse has lead and participated a number of initiatives that deliver and connect with the most current information:


  • In September, 2023 Lighthouse launched 1000 Conversation 3.0 to check in with our community and understand the issues of greatest concern. Our team are currently assessing the information and we look forward to sharing the learnings in the coming months.


  • Lighthouse's Data, Monitoring and Evaluations Manager, Sarah Pain is working closely with stakeholders to deliver the State of Greater Shepparton Children's Report. A collaboration between Greater Shepparton Communities for Children, the Best Start Partnership and Lighthouse the report sees the 2018 Report updated, utilising the latest AEDC data.


  • In 2023 Lighthouse engaged consultancy firm Social Ventures Australian to conduct an independent evaluation. In case you missed it, a copy of the report can be accessed here.


  • Late last year Lighthouse, Greater Shepparton Communities for Children, and the Department of Education hosted a Collective Impact Workshop for local leaders. The purpose of the workshop was to deepen understanding of systems change and to explore how a collaborative approach can help to address our communities complex issues. To learn more about the workshop click here.

We want you, to join the Crew!

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project welcomes volunteers to join the crew and make a positive difference to the lives of young people in our region. We offer a range of volunteering opportunities, from helping out at OLLY, assisting at the Family Haven, teaching a new skill at Pit Stop or supporting a young person in the TAC/Berry Street L to P driving program.

 

Many of our local schools also run their own programs, including reading programs, woodwork or hands-on learning activities, meals programs and much more. Additionally, schools welcome individuals or community groups who would like to teach skills such as sewing, knitting, multimedia, or gardening. The possibilities are endless!

 

Flexibility is key. The Lighthouse team understands that life is busy, so hours can be made to fit your schedule. Click here to learn more about joining the Crew or contact Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Fuller on 0404 091 758.  



Call out for Car Seats

Do you have a car seat you no longer require? The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is seeking donations of car seats appropriate for 0-4 year-olds. 

Learn more

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Lighthouse offers a second newsletter for staff working in schools called, 'Schools Connect'. Click here to sign up.