Congress

Congress 2023+

The National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia held a National Congress on 27-29 October 2023.

Image: (standing) Andy Rajapakse of Rotary International, moderator Geraldine Doogue AO, Mark Gaetani, SVDP National President

(sitting) Rebecca Bromhead, Society Member and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Diocese of Parramatta.

5 people sitting on a stage 2 women and 3 men facing the camera and smiling.

Congress 2023+ brought together Society Leaders from across Australia to reflect on the Society’s strategic vision on critical matters relating to membership, mission and spirituality, and to guide the direction of the Society into the future.

The program included keynote presentations and workshops to capture the views of members on key future challenges, and opportunities for spiritual reflection and renewal.

A room full of people seated, facing a stage with 2 large screens.

2 men facing the camera and smiling, one has a beard and glasses and is wearing a hat the other holds a folio

Image: Brendan Kerin (L) and Mark Gaetani (R)

The Conference theme - Journeying Together, Revitalising our Mission, asked us to:

Reflect on our purpose

Share best practices and success stories that are occurring across the country

Think creatively and find ways to engage and support new members and volunteers

Contribute to a culture of community and collaboration that aims for continuous improvement

A round table with 5 people seated at it in discussion

3 young people sitting at a round table talking to each other in a room full of people at other tables

This milestone event, the first Congress since 2017, provided a unique opportunity for Society leadership to come together to explore common obstacles and realities facing the Society as a whole, as well as each State and Territory Council and Conferences Australia-wide.

Congress 2023+ will be a crucial step in the Society’s membership revitalisation agenda, following Vincentian leaders discussing barriers to membership and envisioning what our good works and conference involvements should, look like in the time ahead. 