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Lighthouse
Community News
July 2024
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From the Executive Officer
At the Greater Shepparton City Council Volunteer Awards held earlier in the year, I reflected on the amazing impact of our volunteers and how lucky we are to have so many dedicated individuals who generously give their time in various ways. In particular, I want to express my gratitude to those who volunteer as mentors.
Personally, I have been fortunate to benefit from the guidance of mentors throughout my career. Their support and thought leadership have not only fostered my personal and professional growth but have also contributed significantly to the overall impact and growth of Lighthouse.
Last year, I was nominated by Federal Member Sam Birrell for the Kilfinan Executive Mentoring Program. After a robust selection and matching process, I was thrilled to be accepted into the program, which saw me paired with Martin Foley.
Martin served as the Member for Albert Park in the Victorian State Parliament from 2007 until his retirement from politics in November 2022. He has played a leading role in several Health and Social Care Portfolios—most notably as the Minister for Health during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Australia’s first Minister for Equality. With his background in government, community organisations, and industrial relations, Martin’s strategic thought leadership and knowledge of place-based, collective impact have been invaluable. Additionally, Martin's strategic view of our region in comparison to the state has provided a wealth of knowledge to tap into.
To Martin and all those who have shared their expertise, I thank them for giving their time. More broadly, I acknowledge how mentors help to create a supportive, collaborative environment that drives collective progress and resilient communities, and I highly encourage both mentors and mentees to seek opportunities to connect. The impact of such volunteerism on our community cannot be overstated.
Of course, strong communities rely on broad support and I invite you to explore this edition of Lighthouse Community News and read about the contributions of staff, volunteers, leaders, supporters and fellow organisations who are working to drive better outcomes in our region. Happy reading.
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Philanthropic Summit Collaboration | On May 24, 2024, local leaders, community representatives, and funders came together for the Greater Shepparton Philanthropic Summit. Hosted by The Fairley Foundation, the Greater Shepparton Foundation, and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project the event provided an opportunity to share insights, discuss strategies, and address local challenges... | |
Top honour for former Lighthouse EO, Lisa McKenzie
The Lighthouse team congratulates our former and founding Executive Officer Lisa McKenzie on being awarded an OAM for her service to the community as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. We thank Lisa for her tireless work and dedication in creating a movement that...
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OLLY meets SAM video
OLLY participants recently took part in a workshop series, developed and led by SAM over six weeks. The program engaged local artists and facilitators who delivered workshops on artistic mediums such as filmmaking, poetry, and painting.
For further insights and to hear from those involved in the program watch Exploring Our Past Through Our Present, a video production by River Loizou
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Support from community for community
Most of us have items at home or in our workplace that we no longer need but are in perfectly good working condition. Lighthouse sees this as an opportunity. By collecting and redistributing specific items such as bikes, computers and car seats at scale, we can tackle issues such as transport and independence, access to education and the cost of living pressures.
In recent years Lighthouse's Bike and Scooter Muster, Laptop Collection and Car Seat Callout have seen our community donate a growing tally of items. Through our own programs and via local schools and support organisations Lighthouse is well-placed to ensure items find their way to community members who need a little support to empower them to overcome some of life's challenges.
The Lighthouse team is delighted with the success of our redistributing programs and we look forward to growing and expanding these into the future. Stay tuned!
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317
Bikes & Scooters
since January 2020 to June 2024
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380
Laptops
since December 2021 to June 2024
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62
Car seats
since January 2020 to June 2024
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If you are an individual who would like to donate a bike, scooter or car seat or an organisation with retired laptops please contact Lighthouse via info@gslp.com.au or visit our website www.gslp.com.au
Please note: Lighthouse has criteria regarding the items we accept. This is to ensure that items gifted meet safety standards and are useful to the recipient. Items that do not meet the required criteria will not be accepted.
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Evelyn Anderson Lighthouse Volunteer Feature
Evelyn Anderson is a long-term volunteer with Lighthouse and has supported many initiatives over the years. Recently, Lighthouse connected Evelyn with Mooroopna Park Primary School where she is volunteering with their Healthy Eating Program.
The Healthy Eating program operates daily, providing students with nutritious meals and snacks. Evelyn dedicates 2-3 hours, one day a week to the program and spends the time helping out in the kitchen. "I don't really have a set task or specific job description; I usually just ask or I just jump in and do whatever needs doing," Evelyn shared.
Evelyn initially chose to volunteer with Lighthouse because she admired our organisation's mission and passion for making a difference in the lives of young people in Greater Shepparton. "So much thought has been put into supporting our kids for their future," she explained.
She continues to volunteer because she finds the experience rewarding and enjoys the opportunity to give back to her community in a positive way. "I look forward to volunteering each week at the school. I really enjoy seeing the joy on the kids' faces and helping to prepare healthy, delicious meals for them," she said.
Volunteering for a few hours a week in a school can make a big difference to students and staff and helps to create a ripple effect generating positive outcomes for our entire community. To Evelyn and all our volunteers we say a huge thank you for generously giving your time and helping to build a community where young people feel cared for and supported.
Lighthouse is always on the lookout for individuals who, like Evelyn, are interested in supporting young people. Many local primary schools are seeking volunteers to assist with meal and garden programs, reading support, hands-on learning and craft activities and much more. Schools welcome individuals, or groups of friends or work colleagues and they can often offer flexible and accommodating hours. Lighthouse's Primary Projects & Education Officer, Belinda Senini ensure volunteers are matched with a school and program that is the best fit for all involved.
To learn more about volunteering with a primary school or to discover Lighthouse's other volunteering opportunities, visit www.gslp.com.au. Alternatively, contact our Primary Projects & Education Officer, Belinda Senini at 0417 011 695 or our Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Fuller at 0404 091 758.
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Artists in Residence Program
Throughout term 2, Lighthouse partnered with Ardoch to deliver the Artist in Residence program at Gowrie Street Primary School, Mooroopna Park Primary School, and Mooroopna Primary School. The 5-week program provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with a First Nations artist and learn about First Nations culture...
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Cheers to our Family Haven volunteers
A special shout out to our Family Haven volunteers who, in May, attended the Greater Shepparton City Council Volunteer Recognition Awards as nominees for the Volunteer Team award.
Our Family Haven volunteers do an amazing job assisting our families and staff and we congratulate them all for this wonderful acknowledgement and thank them for all their support.
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Shining the light on the Family Haven
The Family Haven recently welcomed Martin Foley who was eager to learn more about the program. Funded in partnership with GV Health Foundation and St Albans Anglican Church the Family Haven is a fantastic example of a grassroots, early intervention model supporting children and families in our region.
Martin chatted with program Coordinator Courtney, about ensuring timely referrals to services, health and allied health professionals as well as the support of material aid, and food and nutrition education provision through our onsite cook and partnership with Foodshare. Family Haven volunteers also had an opportunity to chat about why they love contributing and fostering such positive relationships within our community.
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Morris Car Club's donation to Pit Stop
In a generous show of community support, the Morris Car Club has donated $4,000 to the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project’s Pit Stop program. This generous donation was raised during the club's 24th National Rally, held in Shepparton in April 2024.
The Morris Register’s National Rally, hosted in Victoria every eight years, made its debut in Greater Shepparton this year, drawing over 100 iconic vehicles from all over Australia. The week-long event, which featured a variety of activities and displays, was a significant success, with more than 200 participants....
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Supporting Diversity
June was Pride Month, so we thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the wonderful work of the Diversity Project Greater Shepparton delivered by Uniting Vic.Tas.
The Lighthouse team was lucky enough to have a visit from the Diversity Project's Georgie Poort, who delivered an educational session for staff...
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Community supports Kazadi
Lighthouse aims to ensure all young people in Greater Shepparton thrive, so when we recently heard about up-and-coming sports star Kazadi and the barrier he was facing, the team came together to think of the best way to assist Kazadi and his family in overcoming their current challenges...
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