THE RESULTS
Planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation are embedded in Lighthouse's way of working. We are continuously reflecting, learning and adapting our approach. Monitoring and evaluation are as much about measuring the quality of the process and learning as it is about outcomes.
Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project: Social Return on Investment FY2024-2026
In 2023, Lighthouse engaged Social Ventures Australia (SVA) to evaluate the social value and impact created by our organisation, our programs and our initiatives.
In 2026, Lighthouse and SVA continued this work and again, the SVA team collected extensive qualitative and quantitative data through interviews, surveys and document reviews.
Over the three years from July 2023 to June 2026, Lighthouse had a broad impact and reach across its programs and the community.
Social Return on Investment Ratio
SROI ratio 3.8:1
Lighthouse's activities have delivered a SROI ratio of 3.8:1 based on the investment and operations in the three -year period between July 2023 and June 2026.
That is, for every $1 of cash invested, approximately $3.80 of social and economic value was created.
Key findings from the 2026 SVA Evaluation Report
Lighthouse the region's sole place-based collective impact backbone organisation - an indispensable community safety net.
Lighthouse's direct programs deliver profound early-intervention and developmental benefits for children, youth, and parents
Lighthouse operates with unique agility, bridging the gap between residents and services, while rapidly piloting interventions to address community need.
Lighthouse has built a national reputation for embedding authentic community voice and pioneering data-driven decision-making.
Without Lighthouse's backbone co-ordination, local service delivery would lack critical co-ordination, leaving some programs unmonitored and high-needs cohorts unsupported.
Lighthouse's backbone structure yields substantial financial and social leverage across the region.
“The place that changed my life for me. I always recommend people to come here for a better future. keep doing what your doing – its helping the community lots. Family Haven helps you feel heard and understood, I have everything I dreamed of having because of here.” – Quote from outcomes framework surveys
Key recommendations from the 2026 SVA Report
Clarify the backbone role and transition programs to co-delivery. This is to maintain a clear boundary between Lighthouse’s core function as a lean, systems-level "backbone" integrator and its direct service delivery.
Deepen community ownership. This is a strength of Lighthouse and should continue with further involvement of those with lived experience by expanding (for example) youth leadership
Establish shared outcomes frameworks. Lighthouse has a role to play to lead this across the sector
Establish the “Lighthouse Model” as a leader for place-based systems change. This could be achieved in partnership with a research agency to document Lighthouse’s methodology and lead policy advocacy to secure long-term funding and influence broader sector reform, establishing Lighthouse as a nationally recognised benchmark and policy leader for place-based systems change
Continue to build long-term financial sustainability and investment readiness. This can be achieved by continuing to embed longer term funding agreements and towards trust-based philanthropy
Continue to strengthen nuanced value measurement and shared data systems. This could include ongoing monitoring through the State of Greater Shepparton Children’s Report dashboard (anchored to the ARACY Nest Framework) to provide auto-updating, shared population data for community-wide planning and partner grant applications.
“Kids increased confidence, increased engagement and academic improvement will come but it’s about the kids feeling they have a sense of belonging and a sense of worth. [Lighthouse is] opening the door to opportunities they may not have had resources to participate in and the joy for the kids is massive.” – Quote from consultations
Previous Evaluation Reports
Sustaining Social Infrastructure - May 2023 an Evaluation Report by SVA
Clear Horizons compiled an Evaluation Report released in February 2020
