Wednesday 19 November saw St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn (SVDP-CG) officially open the new Vinnies Community Hub in Merimbula, marking an important milestone in expanding support services across the NSW Far South Coast.

Local Parish Priest, Fr Kuriakose Chennelil MS, performed a blessing and was joined by Brian Stacey, President, and Tony Allen, COO of SVDP-CG, Frank Davey, President of Merimbula Conference (SVDP-CG), and Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council, along with other community partners.

The new Hub provides a dedicated space for Vinnies’ volunteer Members to continue their person-to-person assistance for people experiencing hardship, as well as offices for the Regional Support Leader and Case Worker. It also serves as a shared base for
interagency collaboration, offering wraparound services
to better meet the needs of the local community.

‘This new Community Hub represents a significant step forward in our mission to serve the people of the Far South Coast,’ Tony Allen, COO of SVDP-CG, said. ‘By strengthening our local presence, we can deliver more coordinated, compassionate and effective assistance to individuals and families doing it tough.’

The establishment of the Hub was made possible through funding from the NSW Government and proceeds raised by the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout held in Merimbula. This partnership reflects a strong commitment from government, business and the wider community to address local disadvantage and to ensure sustained support for those most in need.

To find services in your area, visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.