What Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project does

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project (GSLP) is a registered Australian charity and ACNC-registered non-profit collective-impact backbone organisation established in 2014 in the Greater Shepparton region of Victoria. Its mandate is to improve outcomes for children and young people from conception through career by removing practical barriers to opportunity and convening cross-sector partnerships. GSLP operates a portfolio of nine core programs — OLLY (youth after-school program at GOTAFE Shepparton campus, for ages 12-24), Family Haven (early-years family support in Mooroopna), Pit Stop (hands-on skills training in small engines, bikes and craft), Laptops with Love (refurbished-device redistribution), Community Hubs, GV Cares (emergency food and relief), 1000 Conversations (community engagement), Primary Projects, and Towards Reconciliation — supplemented by sub-programs including Take pART, Capeabilities, L2P driving mentoring, Bike and Scooter Muster, Car Seat Donations, the Schools Connect newsletter, and two Food Ladder greenhouse projects scheduled for 2026 operation. The organisation has no proprietary technology platform and no AI/ML capabilities; it is structured as a relationship-driven community services organisation with two physical sites (Kialla headquarters and Mooroopna Family Haven) and delivery embedded inside schools, TAFE campuses, and community venues.

All programs and services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries, and there is no commercial product, pricing model or paid sales motion. Revenue is generated entirely through a diversified mix of government grants, philanthropic foundation grants, corporate donations, community fundraising, and in-kind support. The single largest confirmed funding stream is $4 million in ongoing funding from the Victorian State Budget announced in July 2023; this is supplemented by grants from the Fairley Foundation, Greater Shepparton Foundation, Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation, CMV Group Foundation, McEwen Foundation, FRRR, federal Building Stronger Communities, and corporate donors (Tatura Milk/Bega Group, APCO Foundation, Morris Car Club, Rotary clubs), as well as individual donations via the Raisely platform. The organisation's go-to-market is community-led: access occurs via school referrals, community hubs, drop-in attendance at Family Haven, and partner organisations, with no paid acquisition channels.

GSLP operates with 11-50 employees (specific headcount not disclosed) and is governed by an independent Board chaired by Adam Furphy, with Amy Robinson serving as Executive Officer following the 2022 transition from founding EO Lisa McKenzie. Cumulative measurable outputs across its programs include over 11,000 positive engagements at The Haven/OLLY, 600+ families supported by Family Haven, 300+ refurbished laptops gifted, 200+ bikes and scooters restored, 2,657 flood-relief food hampers delivered, $138,000+ in direct flood-relief distributions, and 562 free laundry loads plus 626+ volunteer conversation hours through its Orange Sky partnership in its first year.

Name

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project

Legal name

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project

Website

https://gslp.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is a registered Australian non-profit and collective-impact backbone organisation that delivers free, place-based programs — including OLLY, Family Haven, Pit Stop and Laptops with Love — for children, young people and families experiencing disadvantage across Greater Shepparton, Victoria, funded entirely by government grants, philanthropic foundations and community donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Youth and Family Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK)

Keywords

• Youth community programs
• Family support services
• Collective impact nonprofit
• Place-based initiatives
• Educational outreach programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kialla West

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and community donations are solicited through the Raisely fundraising platform and direct giving campaigns (e.g., '10 for 10' anniversary appeal). Community members donate bikes, laptops, car seats, and funds. No commercial revenue generated from beneficiaries.
2. Government Grants and Philanthropic Funding: Lighthouse receives multi-year ongoing funding from the Victorian State Budget ($4 million secured in 2023), as well as grants from foundations (Fairley Foundation, Greater Shepparton Foundation, Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation, McEwen Foundation, FRRR, etc.) and government programs. This is the primary source of operational funding.
3. Corporate and Community Donations: Local businesses, service clubs (Rotary), and corporate foundations (CMV Staff Foundation, APCO Foundation, Tatura Milk/Bega Group) provide monetary donations, in-kind support, and sponsorship for programs and events.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is a community-led collective impact backbone organisation that delivers place-based programs and partnerships for children, young people, and families in the Greater Shepparton region of Victoria, Australia. Its core offerings include after-school youth programs (OLLY), early-years family support (Family Haven), hands-on skills training (Pit Stop), refurbished laptop donations (Laptops with Love), community hubs, and emergency response (GV Cares). All services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries and funded through government grants, philanthropic foundations, corporate sponsorships, and community donations.

Product overview

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project operates as a collective impact organization with a portfolio of interconnected programs addressing youth welfare, education, and community support. The core offerings include OLLY (youth after-school program), Family Haven (early years family support), and Pit Stop (hands-on skills training), complemented by material support programs like Laptops with Love, Bike and Scooter Muster, and Car Seat Donations. Additional programs span primary school initiatives (Take pART, Capeabilities), emergency response (GV Cares), community engagement (1000 Conversations, Community Hubs), and reconciliation efforts. The organization connects with GOTAFE and local schools as primary delivery partners, with most programs designed to remove barriers to education and opportunity for young people and families in the Greater Shepparton region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pit Stop Hands-on learning and re-engagement program for young people offering practical skills through small engines, car maintenance, bike restoration, and craft activities at Wodonga TAFE Shepparton Campus.
• OLLY (Opportunities and Life Links for Youth) After-school program for young people aged 12-24 located at GOTAFE Shepparton campus, providing access to food, positive social and learning experiences, and connection to relevant services including employability training pathways.
• Family Haven Mooroopna-based early help program supporting families with children under five, providing connections to health, education, and community services, peer support, and practical assistance without requiring referral.
• Laptops with Love Program refurbishing donated retired laptops from partner organisations and gifting them to students and community members to reduce educational barriers and digital exclusion.
• Community Hubs Evidence-based community centres supporting culturally diverse women, preschool children, and families through hub-based services and programs.
• GV Cares Emergency response initiative activated during crises (COVID-19 lockdowns, floods) to deliver food hampers and essential supplies to community members.
• Schools Connect Newsletter School-specific e-newsletter for staff in Greater Shepparton schools featuring Lighthouse programs and opportunities to assist students and families.
• Capeabilities After-school sports program for children aged 8-12 who love sports but need extra support to participate, covering basketball, soccer, football, tennis and more.
• Take pART Art and craft activities for Grade 5/6 students during lunch breaks to build friendships and positive mental health support during school transitions.
• L2P (Learner to P-Plate) Program Partnership with Berry Street providing volunteer driving mentors to help young people complete their required 120 hours of supervised driving practice.
• Bike and Scooter Muster Donation drive collecting unused bikes and scooters for restoration and gifting to community members, supporting both sustainability and youth skill development.
• Food Ladder Projects School-based greenhouse installations producing fresh fruit and vegetables to support school meal programs and reduce food insecurity.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11,000+ positive engagements recorded at The Haven/OLLY programs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Fairley FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 May 2024Co-host of the Greater Shepparton Philanthropic Summit (May 2024) alongside Greater Shepparton Foundation and GSLP. In 2011–2012 commissioned reports on disadvantage in Shepparton that led to Lighthouse's establishment in 2014. Introduced the Food Ladder concept to Lighthouse. Fairley Foundation founder Andrew Fairley is a key supporter of the Food Ladder greenhouse projects.
• Greater Shepparton FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 May 2024Co-host of the Greater Shepparton Philanthropic Summit (May 2024). The Foundation transitioned from The Community Fund Goulburn Valley in 2018 and is a key philanthropic partner providing Liftoff Scholarships for students. Continues to co-convene philanthropic summits with Lighthouse.
• Orange Sky AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2023Partnership delivers a free community laundry service from Family Haven in Mooroopna. Orange Sky volunteers provide laundry facilities and non-judgemental conversation. In the first year (Oct 2023–Oct 2024) supported 562 loads and 626+ conversation hours. Orange Sky covers volunteer coordination; GSLP provides the facility; St Alban's Anglican Church and Gouge Linen provide additional support.
• St Alban's Anglican Church, MooroopnacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Orange Sky laundry service initiative at Family Haven, Mooroopna. Provides ongoing facility support alongside GSLP.
• Gouge Linen and Garment ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business partner covering utilities for the Orange Sky laundry pod at Family Haven, enabling the free laundry service to operate.
• GOTAFE (Goulburn Ovens TAFE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership established 2022–2023 to host OLLY (Opportunities and Life Links for Youth) at the GOTAFE Shepparton campus. OLLY replaced The Haven program and provides after-school space for young people aged 12–24 with food, social and learning experiences, and links to employability training. The partnership strengthens connections to vocational education and employment pathways.
• ArdochcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Artist in Residence program delivered at Gowrie Street Primary School, Mooroopna Park Primary School, and Mooroopna Primary School (Term 2, 2024). Ardoch funding supports First Nations artists delivering cultural, artistic, and storytelling programs. Also partners on the Learning Through Lunch program at GOTAFE.
• Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-delivers the Creative Arts Storytelling workshop series with OLLY participants over six weeks. Artists and facilitators guide young people through filmmaking, poetry, and painting. Student artworks were featured in the 2024 Shepparton Arts Festival 'Exploring the Present Through Our Past' exhibition.
• Food LaddercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational not-for-profit providing innovative greenhouse systems for schools. Lighthouse secured funding to establish two Food Ladder greenhouses at Gowrie Street Primary School and Mooroopna Park Primary School (expected operational by start of 2026). Each greenhouse will produce 250kg+ of fresh produce annually for school meal programs and families. Lighthouse coordinates the project with schools, volunteers, and community groups.
• Goulburn Murray WatercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDonates retired laptops in bulk to the Laptops with Love program. Partner since program launch in December 2021.
• Goulburn Valley WatercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDonates retired laptops in bulk to the Laptops with Love program. Partner since program launch in December 2021.
• Goulburn Valley Grammar SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDonates retired laptops in bulk to the Laptops with Love program. Partner since program launch in December 2021.
• Advance Computing and Data Parts SheppartoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRefurbishes donated laptops for the Laptops with Love program, ensuring devices are ready for gifting to children and families. Partner since program launch in December 2021.
• Greater Shepparton City CouncilcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDonates retired laptops to the Laptops with Love program. Also partnered on the GV Cares emergency response initiative and the Mooroopna community mural project. Key local government partner.
• Rotary Club of Shepparton CentralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Gowrie Street Primary School, facilitated by Lighthouse. Rotarians join Year 6 students on excursions and support mentoring. Club volunteers assist at Book Fairs and various Lighthouse initiatives.
• Shepparton Central Rotary ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports Lighthouse's mentoring partnership at Gowrie Street Primary School and the 123Read2Me Book Fair event. Rotary volunteers assist at multiple Lighthouse initiatives.
• Culture & Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-delivered the Harmony Champs anti-racism leadership program across Greater Shepparton primary schools (2021–2022). Awarded the Multicultural Award for Excellence in the education category. Lighthouse staff Lisa Lynch and Sarmed Yassin co-delivered the program with Culture & Co. CEO Mohammed Yassin.
• Berry Street — L2P ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLighthouse partners with Berry Street's L2P (Learner to Passenger) program to provide volunteer driving mentors who help young people complete their 120 hours of supervised driving required for their 'L' plates.
• Right Lane ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacilitator for the Greater Shepparton Philanthropic Summit (May 2024), led by founder and chair Dr Marc Levy. Provides strategic consulting support to community organisations.
• Shepparton Central, South, and Shepparton Rotary ClubsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree local Rotary clubs contributed to the Food Ladder greenhouse projects as community supporters.
• Watters Electrical and Kreskas Brothers TransportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business supporters who contributed to the Food Ladder greenhouse installation projects.
• Shepparton FoodsharecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on GV Cares emergency food relief during 2022 floods. Shepparton Foodshare's premises were cut off during floods; GV Cares sourced food from 20+ supermarkets and delivered 2,657 hampers.
• Greater Shepparton City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorked with the Incident Control Centre (ICC), VicSES, and Victorian Fisheries Authority during the 2022 flood response. Partner in GV Cares emergency coordination.
• Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-OperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducts cultural tours for Lighthouse staff at Rumbalara in Mooroopna, led by Uncle Lance James and Aunty Cheryl Bourke, covering Yorta Yorta history, the Cummeragunja walk-off, and local First Nations culture.
• ABC HeywirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-funded the ABC Takeover Youth Summit in May 2022 that generated youth-led initiatives including Triple H, REACH workshops, and the Bangarra Dance Company Rekindling program.
• The Bridge Youth ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReceived FRRR funding alongside Lighthouse to deliver a Triple H (Humanity Helping Homelessness) awareness event on 15 November, addressing youth homelessness in Greater Shepparton.
• 123Read2MecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit delivering free second-hand books to children. Supplied 10,000+ books to Greater Shepparton schools. Partnered with Lighthouse and Rotary for Book Week events at Gowrie Street Primary School, where every child chose five books to take home.
• Sydney Dance Company BangarracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBringing the Rekindling Dance Program to Shepparton in 2024 — a cultural dance program that weaves Elder stories into student choreography. Lighthouse coordinates student participation and community engagement for the three-gathering program.
• Shepparton ToyotaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Toyota dealership providing sales and support service for the purchase of a new Toyota Hilux ute dedicated to the Pit Stop program for picking up and delivering bikes and other large donated items.
• Southern Cross AustereominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedia partner assisting with the Bike and Scooter Muster campaign, providing promotional support.
• My Ride and Leading EdgeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal bike retailers providing drop-off points for community members donating bikes to the Bike and Scooter Muster.
• Tatura Milk (Bega Group)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStaff collected and donated pantry staples to support Family Haven during May, contributing to cost-of-living support for families.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mission Australia: Large national nonprofit delivering homelessness, youth, and family services across Australia. Comparable in target population (disadvantaged children, youth, families), funding model (government + donations), and program mix of community-based social assistance and emergency relief.
• The Smith Family: Australia's largest children's education-focused charity, delivering programs that support disadvantaged young people through education, financial assistance, and mentoring. Directly comparable as a national-scale nonprofit operating school-, family-, and youth-facing programs funded by donations and government grants.
• Orange Sky Australia: Volunteer-led nonprofit providing free laundry and shower services to people experiencing hardship. Directly comparable as an existing GSLP partner delivering free services to disadvantaged Australians via volunteer mobilisation; an obvious model peer for service-delivery scale.
• Lighthouse Foundation: Australian nonprofit providing long-term supported housing and therapeutic care for disadvantaged young people. Comparable mission (children and young people facing entrenched disadvantage), funding model (donations and philanthropy), and place-based program design.
• Berry Street: Major Victorian social-services organisation providing family services, out-of-home care, and youth programs. Directly comparable — Berry Street is an existing GSLP partner via the L2P program and operates a similar mix of family/youth services funded by government and philanthropy.
• Ardoch: Australian education-focused nonprofit supporting children and young people in disadvantaged communities through school partnerships, mentoring, and literacy programs. Comparable as an existing GSLP partner targeting the same beneficiary population (primary-school-aged disadvantaged children) via school-based delivery.
• Foodbank Australia: Australia's largest food-relief charity, sourcing and distributing food to people in need. Comparable to GV Cares — both deliver emergency food relief during regional crises, funded by donations, corporate partnerships, and government support.
• Brotherhood of St Laurence: Melbourne-based social justice organisation focused on disadvantage, ageing, and research. Comparable as a Victoria-headquartered nonprofit delivering community programs, advocating for systemic change, and combining direct service delivery with evidence-building — closely aligned with GSLP's collective-impact and research approach.
• The Frontyard (Melbourne City Mission): Melbourne-based youth services hub operated by Melbourne City Mission providing accommodation, material aid, and outreach for young people experiencing disadvantage. Comparable to OLLY as a drop-in youth space delivering food, social connection, and service referrals to at-risk young people.

Emerging players

• StriveTogether: US-based collective-impact network supporting place-based cradle-to-career partnerships for children and young people. Comparable as an explicit collective-impact backbone organisation model that aligns philanthropic, government, education, and community actors — directly analogous to GSLP's stated backbone role in Greater Shepparton.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/greatersheppartonlighthouseproject
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greater-shepparton-lighthouse-project

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project