Our story
In 2013 a group from The Wesley Centre for Life Enrichment visited the Prahran Mission in Chapel Street. 18 months later in February 2015 the three city Churches in Geelong – St. Mary’s (Catholic Church), Christ Church (Anglican) & Wesley Uniting Church in Yarra Street reviewed social needs in Geelong and focused efforts on addressing homelessness and social isolation.
For the next 18 months the three Churches gathered together to form a planning & management group: Wendy Leigh, Michael Nolan, Gary McIlvena, Des Younghusband, Peter Gador-Whyte (minister at Wesley), Colin Hastings and other reps attended. Visits were made to the St Kilda Mission, Prahran Mission & the St Mary’s House of Welcome in Brunswick to inspect operational structures & how to do things well.
We began to invite people to become volunteers & looked at training for these folk.
Our values
Inclusion
Breaking down barriers to include people who feel isolated & disengaged.
Compassion
Standing beside people and respecting their unique stories.
Dignity
Honouring the worth of each person regardless of their circumstances.
Community
Connecting people to each other and the wider community.
Diversity
Respecting our differences and learning from each other.
Our Mission
To provide a safe and welcoming place for people to meet and be supported as valued members of our community.
Our Vision
To improve the life and wellbeing of people living in the Geelong area who maybe homeless, lonely and socially isolated.
All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.
What we do
The Lazarus Centre is a place for people to feel safe and welcome. Somewhere where they can take a shower, wash and dry their clothes, have a light lunch, participate in activities, meet with volunteers and receive support from specialist homelessness staff.
All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.
Open 7 days a week
Connect vulnerable people with service they need
Provide meals, showers, clothes and company
Supportive Envorment
Board members
Darryl Thomas OAM
Board Chair
Darryl works at the Geelong Cemeteries Trust as the CEO. He is the board chair of Lazarus Community Centre as well as other community group boards in Geelong.
Anne O'Loughlin
Board Member
Anne is the Principal and Head of Family Law at Coulter Roache Lawyers. Alongside Lazarus Community Centre, she also works in the community as President of the Geelong Law Association and as Deputy Chair of the Board of MacKillop Family Services.
Michael Nolan
Board Member
Founding member, volunteer, fundraiser and current board member, Michael was named one of the Westfield Local Heroes for 2019 and has spent a lifetime in community pastoral care and service.
Gareth Kent
Board Member
Gareth is an experienced Property Valuer with over 16 years’ experience.
Matthew Le Maitre
Board Member
Matt is the Managing Partner at Advisory Partners. Matt brings a wealth of financial experience and knowledge to Lazarus Community Centre.
Chantelle Hall
Board Member
Chantelle is a UX & Web Strategy Manager at Arthur St Digital. Chantelle is passionate about assisting businesses & people to reach their potential. She is excited to be apart of Lazarus, helping people in our community.
Chelsea Lane
Board Member
Chelsea is an Optometrist. After volunteering for two years at Lazarus Community Centre, she joins the board keen to continue the important work done at Lazarus and connecting with the community.
Stephanie Davie
Board Member
Our local partners & supporters
Our promise to you
Without your loyal support, we couldn’t do what we do. Lazarus Community Centre Geelong relies on our great team, mostly volunteers, and the kind donations from our community to help those in our community who need it most.
It is our promise to keep doing everything we can to provide a supportive environment at Lazarus Community Centre.