28th November 2007 saw the official opening of St John of God Foundation's latest Victorian Horizon House in Bendigo, Victoria. A large group of local Bendigo community supporters and youth services employees gathered together and were joined by some of the St John of God Sisters; hospital Executive team and staff; and Foundation management at the opening ceremony.

Horizon House Project General Manager, Hon Mike Board called upon Bendigo Project Patron, Mr Alan Powney to cut the ribbon and declare the home officially open. Mr Powney acknowledged the passion of the local Committee led by Chairman, Mr Robert Cook. Professor Michael Quinlan, Chairman of the St John of God Foundation who travelled from WA also gave thanks to the local community for their support and paid tribute to Sister Assumption Neary, Sister Columba Howard and Sister Rosarii Carroll. The Sisters had travelled from Ballarat to be part of the day and their pioneering spirit and dedication provides the basis for the Horizon House program.

Father John Naughton conducted a blessing ceremony on the property and which has ensured the house will become a welcoming environment for the youth in need.

The community partnership led by the St John of God Foundation and St John of God Hospital, Bendigo sees a welcome upgrade to the property, provided by Loddon Mallee Housing Service on a peppercorn lease and will be supported by Davellen Consulting & Ampersand Australia Psychologists in providing the framework for the program.

The housing renovation and upgrade would not have been possible without the assistance of the St John of God Hospital Bendigo and their Maintenance Department; special thanks to Michael Hogan, Chief Executive Officer and Michael Giles, Director of Support Services and the following sponsors:

Alan Herdman
A.W. Nicholson Pty Ltd
Bendigo Bulk Carpets
CV Benchtops
Fitzpatrick Home Hardware
Grant Condor Painting
Mitre 10 Bendigo
Paint Right Bendigo
PW & ML Coppock – Joinery
Sandhurst Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Simon Rosa Landscaping
Steve Macqueen Electrical

Thank you all for your tremendous support!

The Horizon House Project continues its success in providing a solid foundation for young people to learn the skills required for independent living, pursue their education and develop trusting and fulfilling relationships before moving on to the next phase of their life.

Bendigo Committee

If you are interested in supporting the Horizon House Project please contact the Foundation Head Office on (08) 9382 4292 alternatively you may This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .