About Us
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation inspired by the Gospel to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy. We work to offer a hand up to people in need, uphold human dignity, and build a more just and compassionate society.
For over 140 years in NSW, and as part of a worldwide Vincentian movement founded by Frederic Ozanam in 1833, we have supported people experiencing disadvantage through the dedication of members, volunteers, and employees across local communities.
Our Mission
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation guided by the Gospel and inspired by Vincentian spirituality. We serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy, working to build a more just and compassionate society.
Our Vision
We are a Catholic charity committed to offering a hand up to people in need. We do this by respecting human dignity, sharing hope, and empowering people to take control of their own future.
Our Aspiration
An Australia transformed by compassion and built on justice.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a member and volunteer‑based organisation that has been assisting people experiencing disadvantage and hardship in New South Wales for over 140 years.
The Society was founded by a 20‑year‑old man named Frederic Ozanam in 1833 who, with a group of friends, sought to alleviate the poverty and disadvantage that he saw around him in post‑revolution France. Leading by example and, with boundless energy, Frederic started what is now a worldwide movement in just 20 short years.
Today, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW currently has 12,500 members and volunteers across the state, giving tirelessly of their time. In total, we have close to 400 local member networks, known as conferences, present in communities across NSW.
Our members, volunteers, and employees support people experiencing disadvantage with practical assistance including food parcels, vouchers, financial support, help with energy bills, budget counselling, and essential household items such as furniture, clothing, and bedding. We also provide emotional support and referral services where needed.
The Society is also a leading provider of frontline services across NSW, operating around 100 local services supporting people experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, disability, mental health challenges, youth disadvantage, refugee and migrant settlement, rehabilitation, and addiction.