The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Oceania Partnership Program (OPP) is a joint initiative of the Oceania National Councils that aims to strengthen National Councils in the region through shared learning, strategic planning, joint initiatives, mutual support, and coordinated resourcing, all grounded in Vincentian values. Representatives of the Society from across the Oceania region gathered in Auckland, New Zealand, from 9 to 12 April for the Oceania Partners Forum Meeting.

Attendees included National Presidents and delegates from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), alongside members of the International Territorial Vice President (ITVP) Oceania team, program leaders, and Secretariate staff. Ralph Middlecamp, Deputy President General, represented the Council General International (CGI) at the meeting. Together, through talks, workshops and opportunities for networking, they focused on strengthening collaboration and shaping the future direction of the OPP.

The meeting was chaired by ITVP Oceania, Paul Trezise, a Member from Canberra/Goulburn who has been appointed by the President General of CGI as his representative in the region. Australian representatives from the ITVP Oceania Team included Lachlan Dent, ITVP Oceania Youth Coordinator, and Patrick Wallis, ITVP Oceania Formation and Training Representative (online).

Delegates from National Council of Australia included: Mark Gaetani, National President (online); Rebecca Bromhead, Vice President Oceania; Kevin McMahon, OPP Standing Committee Chair and Australia Representative on Commission for International Aid and Development (CIAD); Toby oConnor, Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Secretariate.

A key outcome of the meeting was the development of the SSVP OPP Strategic Plan 2026–2029. Facilitated by Rebecca Bromhead, participants were guided through a process to identify priorities, including governance, leadership development, financial sustainability, communications and collaboration. The meeting concluded with unanimous support for the Strategic Plan, which will be formally endorsed at the next virtual Oceania Partners Forum meeting.

Formation and leadership featured prominently during discussions, highlighting the importance of equipping Vincentian leaders with both practical skills and strong spiritual foundations. Financial sustainability and safeguarding were also identified as critical priorities. Participants explored ways to strengthen governance, diversify funding sources, and implement consistent safeguarding practices across all National Councils. Kevin McMahon highlighted the importance of alignment with CIAD processes to strengthen coordination and improve the effectiveness of international assistance across the region.

The importance of Twinning relationships and international solidarity was reinforced through examples of partnerships supporting education, community development, and humanitarian initiatives. Participants agreed that Twinning is more than financial support; it is a relationship grounded in mutual faith, dignity and solidarity; and integral to the Society, as outlined in The Rule.

Youth engagement was also recognised as an essential and driving force for the Society. In his presentation, Lachlan Dent highlighted the need to create pathways for younger Members across Oceania to participate in leadership and service activities, ensuring the continued vitality of the Vincentian mission.

Participants also acknowledged and thanked former ITVP Oceania Zone Coordinator, Keith Norton, for his dedicated service and his significant contribution to strengthening the region through his leadership and commitment. The success of the OPP continues to be made possible through the generous support of the Australia and New Zealand National Councils.

Reflecting on the importance and outcomes of this meeting Paul Trezise said, “This was a great opportunity for new presidents in the Society to get to know each other and to gain an understanding of the Oceania Partnership. The new strategic plan sets a clear, agreed path forwards for the next three years.”

Forum delegates are hopeful that the ongoing collaboration through the OPP will continue to develop and strengthen the Society across Oceania for years to come.