Jeff Lyons

Jeff Lyons was a co-founder, early staff member, and a central architect of what became St Kilda Community Housing.

There is simply no way to tell the story of our organisation without acknowledging Jeff’s influence, commitment, and persistence. Jeff was driven by the idea that housing is not a commodity reserved for few, but a civic obligation and community responsibility.

Jeff built that culture through decades of service, advocacy, community action, and patient, practical tenancy support.

Jeff held a particularly strong connection to Avoncourt (now known as Jeff Lyons House). Under his stewardship, Avoncourt became a home for all — including people with highly complex personal lives and needs. His belief was unwavering: the hardest lives deserve the strongest commitment.

Jeff retired in 2018 but continued to remain closely connected. He checked in on progress, offered guidance, and stayed proud of the preservation of purpose and values. His death in 2024 was felt deeply.

Jeff’s legacy is not historical — it is lived daily in the ongoing work of St Kilda Community Housing and in the continued existence of community-embedded housing for people facing hardship in Port Phillip.