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Copyright 2002 Nationwide News Pty Limited Sunday Herald Sun (Melbourne) Homeless face brighter future By CATHERINE LAMBERT FAMOUS faces have given a new face to a group of young homeless Victorians. Sarah O'Hare, Hugh Jackman, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Toni Collette are among 30 famous Australians who painted the faces of Lighthouse Foundation residents. The faces have been collected in a coffee table book, 10 Lightyears. Leading fashion designer Collette Dinnigan created one of the most strikingly glamorous portraits -- a face painted white and decorated with feathers and glitter. "I get asked to do so many different things and it's really difficult sometimes because you can't give to everyone," she said. "Even though I knew this one would take a bit of time, I wanted to do it because it says more than just donating money and it was a really important cause. "A lot of these people come from very dysfunctional backgrounds, but they really do want to make a go of it and it's important as part of a community to re-invest and to help those who really need it. "After all, none of us know where we, or our children, will be one day. "Destiny is not in our control." Others who contributed to the book include Shane Crawford, Peter Brock, Lauren Burns, Ross Stevenson, Akira Isogawa and Rachel Ward. It took Dinnigan about two hours to paint her subject's face -- Lighthouse volunteer Lisa Jane Ryan -- but she thought about the concept for weeks. "I really liked the whole idea of the mask," she said. "You never really know what is quite behind it. "There is always that sense of mystery, masquerade and fun. You can always have fun." The models who "donated" their faces included five Lighthouse volunteers and 25 residents, aged 15 to 22. Up to six people live in each of the Lighthouse Foundation's seven homes in Victoria, with two full-time adult carers. 10 Lightyears costs $95 (AUS). For a copy, contact the Lighthouse Foundation on 9824 2406 or e-mail office@lighthousefoundation.org.au Back to News
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