Lighthouse Foundation is honoured to share a deeply meaningful milestone: the acquisition of Diana Gibson Village, an extraordinary and generous gift from our long-time supporter, Diana Gibson AO.
Last year, Diana purchased the adjoining property to our Youth Resource Hub at 15–17 Adolph Street, Cremorne, offering it as her living legacy to Lighthouse. It is a gift grounded in compassion and a profound belief that every young person deserves safety, stability, and a place to belong.
On any given night, at least 6,000 young people in Victoria are experiencing homelessness, many of them navigating trauma and instability, not having a safe or supportive environment to call home.
Having been raised by her grandparents after the loss of her mother at a young age, Diana understands firsthand the importance of care and security. Her story reflects the very heart of the Lighthouse Model of Care — ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity to grow up in a loving, supportive environment.
We are incredibly grateful for Diana’s vision and generosity, which will create lasting impact for generations of young people.
What will Diana Gibson Village be used for?
Diana Gibson Village will be a vibrant, welcoming and multi-purpose space designed with young people at its centre.
The Village will include:
- Spaces for art and creative therapy, supporting healing and self-expression
- Safe, informal areas where young people can relax, connect and feel at home
- Access to computers and digital resources for education, job searching and skills development
- Opportunities for training programs and workshops
- Engagement with corporate partners, including initiatives such as the upcoming Lighthouse Community Pantry, which is expected to save over $200,000 in grocery costs for our homes and hubs
More than just a physical space, Diana Gibson Village will be a place where young people feel safe, supported and empowered to build their futures.
Hosting Deborra-Lee Furness for an afternoon of reflection
We were recently privileged to welcome long-time Lighthouse patron and advocate, Deborra-Lee Furness, to Diana Gibson Village for a special afternoon of reflection.
Deborra-Lee shared her journey with Lighthouse spanning more than 20 years, including her connection with Lighthouse founder, Susan Barton AM.
Together, they reflected on their childhood experiences, their shared journeys through adopting children, and their unwavering commitment to reforming a system that too often fails vulnerable children and young people.
We were grateful to also hear from Patron and Head of Partnerships, Jo Stanley, and Board Member, Amit Holckner, on their passion for Lighthouse’s mission.
Everyone spoke passionately about a belief that sits at the core of Lighthouse’s work:
no child should ever be without a safe and loving home.
Their reflections captured the very essence of Diana Gibson Village; a place grounded in care and belonging.
Q&A with Diana Gibson AO
Can you share how you first came to know about Lighthouse, and what inspired you to become involved?
I read about Lighthouse just after it started – maybe about 30 years ago. I wanted to become involved because of my childhood – with my mother dying and my grandparents looking after me, I felt a connection to children who had lost their parents or were on their own. I think it’s in my nature to look after people who are less fortunate as I was very fortunate and that’s continued throughout my life.
What is it about Lighthouse’s mission that resonates most deeply with you, and are there particular areas of the work you feel especially passionate about?
I think it’s really wonderful to be able to provide accommodation for homeless young people and to support them – even into further education.
Your generous gift of the Diana Gibson Village will have a lasting impact. What hopes do you hold for this space, and what kind of legacy would you like it to create for the young people and community it will support?
My hope is that children are shown kindness and caring and feel loved within the Lighthouse community. I hope they are equipped with skills and career pathways for their future lives.
I’d like the space to have a bright and creative atmosphere, perhaps with some artworks around, but most of all for it to be welcoming and for there to be no judgement.
We are deeply grateful to Diana for this remarkable gift. Diana Gibson Village will stand as a lasting legacy of compassion, helping young people feel safe, seen and supported — now and into the future.
