Brendan Podbury was elected State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria on 14 February 2026 to take effect from 20 February.

Brendan is a long-standing Member of the Society since joining as a Conference Support Officer in 1998 and as a Conference Member since 2002.  He has held numerous leadership and governance roles, most recently completing a four-year term as Northern Central Council President in 2025.

Brendan brings extensive experience in community and faith-based leadership, with a deep commitment to social justice, pastoral care and volunteer development. His background includes youth work and ministry, and more than two decades of service in charitable and mission-focused settings. Within the broader Society, he has contributed to strategic planning, leadership development and the Congress and Beyond process, helping to strengthen Vincentian formation and embed Congress outcomes into practical structures, policies and ways of working.

Known for his collaborative and values-driven leadership style, Brendan combines a deep respect for the Vincentian tradition with a practical approach to change management in volunteer-based organisations.

He lives in Northcote with his wife Helen, and they have three adult children and three grandchildren.