On Tuesday 27 October 2026, Lighthouse Foundation celebrated 35 years of caring for children and young people experiencing homelessness at a special evening at Government House, hosted by our Patron-in-Chief, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria.
It was an opportunity to say thank you to many of the people who have been part of the Lighthouse story since 1991. In the beautiful surrounds of the State Drawing Room, we brought together carers, staff, volunteers, Board members, Patrons, supporters and partners. Some have been alongside Lighthouse since the very beginning, while others have joined us more recently. Each has played a part in shaping the organisation we are today.
A night to remember at Government House
As guests arrived through the gates of Government House, there was a wonderful sense of connection and celebration.
The Governor opened the evening by reflecting on Lighthouse’s 35-year journey, the children and young people at the heart of our work, and the community whose support has made it all possible. She also shared her personal reflections on Lighthouse’s impact, having witnessed our work firsthand at the opening of Orly House earlier this year.
It was a true honour to have our Patron-in-Chief host such a significant milestone, and her continued support means so much to everyone at Lighthouse.
Lighthouse CEO Brenda Boland followed, reflecting on the vision and determination of Founder Susan Barton AM, whose decision to open her home to young people in need of a safe place to stay laid the foundations for Lighthouse Foundation.
Brenda acknowledged the extraordinary contribution of the carers, staff, volunteers, Community Committees, supporters and partners who have carried that vision forward, as well as the Victorian Government’s ongoing partnership. She also reminded guests that while there is much to celebrate, there is still work to do to end youth homelessness.
Following the speeches, the Governor stayed to meet guests, and the room filled with conversation, laughter and stories shared between people who, in many cases, have walked alongside Lighthouse for decades.
35 years of safe homes and caring relationships
The Lighthouse story began more than 40 years ago, when Susan Barton AM opened her own home to young people who had nowhere safe to go. Driven by a belief that every child deserves a safe place to call home, surrounded by people who care about them, Susan’s actions marked the beginning of something much bigger.
In 1991, she formally established Lighthouse Foundation. Since then, we have supported more than 1,650 children and young people experiencing homelessness and trauma.
While Lighthouse has grown considerably over the years, the belief at its heart has never changed. Our trauma-informed Lighthouse Model of Care recognises that a safe home is just the beginning. Children and young people who have experienced trauma need stability, time and consistent, caring relationships to heal, grow and thrive.
Through our homes and therapeutic support, we work alongside young people to build the confidence, skills and connections they need as they move towards independence. And our support doesn’t end when they leave a Lighthouse home. Through On For Life, we continue to walk beside young people as they navigate the next stages of their lives.
Image above featuring: Susan Barton AM with Terrie Barton, one of Lighthouse’s first employees and a guiding force within the organisation, who continues to work with us 35 years on.
The community behind Lighthouse
For 35 years, Lighthouse has been shaped by the generosity and commitment of a remarkable community.
Our foster care, kinship care and family support carers open their homes and hearts to children and young people who need a safe place to belong. Our staff and volunteers bring care and dedication to their work every day, while our supporters, philanthropic and corporate partners, and wider community contribute their time, skills, connections and resources.
A special acknowledgement goes to our Community Committees and their volunteers, whose ongoing commitment creates opportunities, connections and practical support for the young people in our care. Their contribution helps young people feel included and connected to the communities around them.
It was wonderful to have so many people who have played an important role in Lighthouse’s journey join us for the celebration. Among those attending were our Board Chair, Len Warson, and Board members Amit Holckner, Catherine McQueen, Mike Day, Loralle Slater and Luke Weaver. We were also pleased to welcome Christine Campbell, Board member, Patron and lived experience advocate, and David Leeton, Life Member and former Board member.
We were delighted to be joined by our Patrons Vicki Standish AM, Sally Capp AO and Jo Stanley, whose ongoing support and belief in our work mean so much to Lighthouse. We also acknowledge Vicki Vidor OAM, Life Member and Founding Patron of the Young Parents and Babies Program, for her longstanding contribution to Lighthouse and the program.
We also acknowledge Leonie van Raay, whose generosity made Leonie’s Place, our kinship and family support program hub, possible. Her contribution continues to help children stay connected to family.
More broadly, we thank the many funders who, for decades, have made our work possible. They have stood beside every project and every appeal, and made possible the special moments and experiences we want our children to enjoy. In true Lighthouse spirit, they are the aunts and uncles who have paved the way for our children’s needs to be met.
We are grateful, too, for the Victorian Government’s partnership and support. Ending youth homelessness takes a collective effort, and progress is only possible when government, philanthropy, business and the wider community work together.
Finally, a special thank you to our official partner Natio for the keepsake pin that supporters took home to mark this milestone, a lasting reminder of 35 years of Lighthouse.
Looking ahead
Thirty-five years on, we are proud of what this community has achieved together. But our work is far from done. Too many children and young people across Victoria still have nowhere safe to call home.
As we look to the future, our commitment remains the same as the day Susan first opened her door: to make sure every young person has a safe and stable home, the support and relationships they need, and a sense of belonging.
Thank you to Her Excellency and the team at Government House for hosting such a special evening, and to everyone who has been part of the Lighthouse story over the past 35 years.
Here’s to the next chapter and to ending youth homelessness, together.
