Last week we gathered with Jeff’s family, friends, colleagues, and many of the “old guard” of St Kilda to rename Avon Court as Jeff Lyons House. It was a simple and heartfelt tribute that I think perfectly matched the man.
Jeff dedicated much of his life to ensuring that people doing it tough had a chance to stabilise, recover and feel at home. He had a rare gift: seeing past a person’s chaos and recognising their potential. Even after retiring, Jeff stayed connected — offering advice, dry humour and a gentle nudge whenever needed.
The stories shared on the day reminded us how much of SCH’s DNA can be traced back to Jeff’s values: practical compassion, fairness, and putting people first. His plaque now hangs proudly at the entrance — a welcome, and a reminder that every person who walks through those doors is part of a legacy of care.
You can read the tributes and a little more about the contribution Jeff made here