'Everyone in a circle, hands in the centre, let's go, team'. Anyone who worked with Bella Ainsworth would be familiar with the spontaneous injection of energy that Bella could bring to a workday. As a natural connector and leader, Bella had the exceptional ability to generate a special kind of positive energy that had everyone on board.   

Bella's chosen career path focused on creating an inclusive and supportive community, and during her time at Lighthouse Bella's work was very much aimed at driving better outcomes and advocating for our community, particularly our region's young people.  She excelled at fostering opportunities, driving impactful projects, and facilitating meetings with diplomacy and professionalism. She also possessed an exceptional talent for being able to genuinely connect with and mentor the young people she worked to support. And of course, she always led with her trademark qualities of warmth, compassion, humour and kindness. 

Bella worked in many roles during her time with Lighthouse. Commencing as Executive Assistant Bella flourished in an organisation focused on driving positive outcomes. She went on to establish the Lighthouse Youth Leadership Table. After a stint at the Greater Shepparton City Council as Youth Development Coordinator Bella returned to manage Lighthouses Secondary and Transitions Team. Additionally, Bella was a significant contributor to the 1000 Conversations initiatives, supported the youth Haven and OLLY, and was a fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth. During the 2022 floods, Bella stepped up to help lead Lighthouse's GV Cares relief initiative that was established to ensure flood-impacted community members received food and essential items. Many remember the enthusiastic briefings and motivating pep talks Bella delivered to staff and volunteers at the start of each shift. 

Together with her husband Mitch, Bella welcomed their first child Saf to the world in May 2023. Sadly, not long after the arrival of Saf, Bella was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, after a courageous fight she passed away in July 2024. 

Bella's loss has been widely felt, especially by her close friends and colleagues at Lighthouse. Not only is Bella missed for her exceptional work that was integral to Lighthouse's growth and success, but also for her big heart and generous friendship. In honour of her impact, the Lighthouse team has come together to create a project that embodies Bella's spirit of spreading compassion and generosity and serves as a tribute to her memory. On March 11, what would have been Bella's 31st birthday the Lighthouse team commenced a 'Be Kind' project.  

The Be Kind project is inspired by a kindness campaign driven largely by Bella in 2021. A partnership with Greater Shepparton City Council, Berry Street School, and Lighthouse, the campaign saw a range of activities designed to promote positive connection and of course, kindness. 

The 2025 Be Kind project commenced with staff and several of Bella's family members joining the participants at the Family Haven in Mooroopna for a morning of Bella-inspired activities including a flower arranging workshop supported by Blooming Buckets and cupcake decorating. Staff and family wore T-shirts, with a "Be Kind' logo designed as a tribute to Bella. 

The Lighthouse team has continued to honour Bella through ongoing acts of kindness—gifting 40 pamper packs to Family Haven mums, distributing 50 coffee vouchers to community members, and sharing 10 Move and 20 Fun Planet vouchers with local youth. The Be Kind project has been made possible with the support of local businesses, staff and community members as well as Bella herself, who requested that any memorial donations be made to Lighthouse. The Lighthouse team is enormously grateful to those who chose to donate and has established the 'Bellabration Fund,' which will be utilised to continue to spread kindness.   

It goes without saying Bella is missed enormously, but her passing reminds us that kindness is a legacy you leave in the hearts of others and that of course, there can never be too much kindness in the world. The Lighthouse community will always be grateful for Bella’s lasting impact and for reminding us that whether spontaneous or planned, big or small, widely shared or quietly carried out we should always strive to Be Kind. 

Isobella Ainsworth - 11.3.1994 - 18.7.2024