Susan Barton - The Giving Spirit
The book 'The Giving Spirit' is for women. All women who want to be moved, inspired, and motivated. For those who have the good fortune of knowing what their life's passion is, and those still searching. The stories shared in this book by the 20 wonderful women featured, exemplify The Giving Spirit.
These are women who are passionate, motivated and determined to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
But these women do more than just give. We have selected a chosen few from the book to speak with Femail, to find out just what it is that enlivens their giving spirit and how they feel to be featured in this wonderful book.
Hopefully after reading these enlivening and inspiring interviews, your Giving Spirit will be unleashed and together we can all work to provide a little more empowerment, freedom, love and hope to the world...
The latest Giving Spirit is the fabulous and kind-hearted Susan Barton
Your full name:
Susan Barton
Place of birth:
Born in Canberra, but grew up in Melbourne.
Organisation Featured in 'The Giving Spirit":
The Lighthouse Foundation for young homeless.
What was your first job?
At the Bank of New South Wales. As a relief officer so I assisted in a number of different roles.
What does being featured in "The Giving Spirit" mean to you?
I see it as a celebration of women's commitment to the community and the goodness of the human spirit. It is valuable to meet other people, such as those featured in the book to be inspired to keep going.
If you were given 5 blank cheques, you could write any amount on them and give them to anyone, whom would you give them to?
This is an interesting question, I wonder if doing this would change the destiny of the organisation/person I give a cheque to and whether this may prevent them from following the path they are meant to.... however playing along I would give the first cheque to the Lighthouse Foundation, to allow our team to continue the excellent work that they do opening homes for young people. Then I would give the other cheques to the United Nations, Australian's Against Child Abuse, Autism Australia, and finally I would recognise the following four organisations who we work closely with, K.I.D.S, Kids Under Cover, Mirabel and Ardoch with the final cheque to share.
What is an ideal day for you?
Arriving at Lighthouse and knowing that every one of our young people are safe, happily enjoying a home life and traveling well and knowing that my family is happy and well.
What do you find most amazing about human nature (people)?
Spirit of hope and courage.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
An image of Galadriel from "Lord of the Rings" springs to mind! I would like to be sitting back feeling really proud of all that the Lighthouse Foundation has achieved to make a difference in the lives of our homeless young people, especially the most vulnerable of our kids in the community.
What is the most rewarding aspect about what you do?
Knowing that young people are alive that may not have been without a family and a Lighthouse home and that none have committed suicide.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you set about changing?
I would want to ensure that all portfolios are permeated with a sense of social responsibility. For all politicians to ask, "How can I help my community?" For all politicians to spend time to listen and hang-out with the "ordinary people" and spend some time in their shoes.
What things do you hope people will take away with them after reading 'The Giving Spirit'?
That ordinary people can do anything, and the power of groups of people coming together with a common goal.
Have you ever encountered a life-changing experience? If so, can you briefly share the story with us?
Motherhood has been a personal life-changing experience.
The life-changing experience that started me on the path to the work we do with the Lighthouse Foundation was visiting a third world country and having a child die a few hours after I had been holding it in my arms. I knew that this shouldn't happen and there must be something that I could do about it. It has felt like a calling over the years, as I don't see myself as choosing this role, it has often felt like life pulled me towards this path and has kept me going. I only have to trust in spirit (and take a little action).
- Michelle Palmer
Buy it now at
These are women who are passionate, motivated and determined to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
But these women do more than just give. We have selected a chosen few from the book to speak with Femail, to find out just what it is that enlivens their giving spirit and how they feel to be featured in this wonderful book.
Hopefully after reading these enlivening and inspiring interviews, your Giving Spirit will be unleashed and together we can all work to provide a little more empowerment, freedom, love and hope to the world...
The latest Giving Spirit is the fabulous and kind-hearted Susan Barton
Your full name:
Susan Barton
Place of birth:
Born in Canberra, but grew up in Melbourne.
Organisation Featured in 'The Giving Spirit":
The Lighthouse Foundation for young homeless.
What was your first job?
At the Bank of New South Wales. As a relief officer so I assisted in a number of different roles.
What does being featured in "The Giving Spirit" mean to you?
I see it as a celebration of women's commitment to the community and the goodness of the human spirit. It is valuable to meet other people, such as those featured in the book to be inspired to keep going.
If you were given 5 blank cheques, you could write any amount on them and give them to anyone, whom would you give them to?
This is an interesting question, I wonder if doing this would change the destiny of the organisation/person I give a cheque to and whether this may prevent them from following the path they are meant to.... however playing along I would give the first cheque to the Lighthouse Foundation, to allow our team to continue the excellent work that they do opening homes for young people. Then I would give the other cheques to the United Nations, Australian's Against Child Abuse, Autism Australia, and finally I would recognise the following four organisations who we work closely with, K.I.D.S, Kids Under Cover, Mirabel and Ardoch with the final cheque to share.
What is an ideal day for you?
Arriving at Lighthouse and knowing that every one of our young people are safe, happily enjoying a home life and traveling well and knowing that my family is happy and well.
What do you find most amazing about human nature (people)?
Spirit of hope and courage.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
An image of Galadriel from "Lord of the Rings" springs to mind! I would like to be sitting back feeling really proud of all that the Lighthouse Foundation has achieved to make a difference in the lives of our homeless young people, especially the most vulnerable of our kids in the community.
What is the most rewarding aspect about what you do?
Knowing that young people are alive that may not have been without a family and a Lighthouse home and that none have committed suicide.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you set about changing?
I would want to ensure that all portfolios are permeated with a sense of social responsibility. For all politicians to ask, "How can I help my community?" For all politicians to spend time to listen and hang-out with the "ordinary people" and spend some time in their shoes.
What things do you hope people will take away with them after reading 'The Giving Spirit'?
That ordinary people can do anything, and the power of groups of people coming together with a common goal.
Have you ever encountered a life-changing experience? If so, can you briefly share the story with us?
Motherhood has been a personal life-changing experience.
The life-changing experience that started me on the path to the work we do with the Lighthouse Foundation was visiting a third world country and having a child die a few hours after I had been holding it in my arms. I knew that this shouldn't happen and there must be something that I could do about it. It has felt like a calling over the years, as I don't see myself as choosing this role, it has often felt like life pulled me towards this path and has kept me going. I only have to trust in spirit (and take a little action).
- Michelle Palmer
Buy it now at
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