Members of the 20th South Australia State Council of St Vincent de Paul Society gathered at Adelaide’s St Francis Xavier Cathedral on 16 May for their formal blessing ceremony. Also attending was the Society’s National President Mark Gaetani.

State Council President Geraldine Hawkes assumed the role on 8 October 2024, following the conclusion of Brad Hocking’s term and the official handing over of the presidency.

Geraldine’s formal involvement with the Society in South Australia began in 2020 when she became a member of the Salisbury Conference. Her connection to the Society, however, has deep roots as her father was an active member of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Glasgow, where Geraldine was born.

Geraldine established strong relationships with the Society during her employment with the Archdiocese of Adelaide, leading spiritual formation and leadership sessions for various groups. Her extensive experience across a broad range of church and community organisations has further prepared her for the State President role.

Geraldine’s vision for the Society is one that embraces a ‘spirituality of encounter,’ ensuring that everyone who engages with the St Vincent de Paul Society is positively impacted. R