Alan’s Vincentian Vocation

Alan Hanson has been offering a hand up to his local community for more than half his life.

First joining the St Vincent de Paul Society as a member of the Mosman Conference in the early 1970s, Alan has remained a constant fixture in the Broken Bay Central Council for decades, where he is currently involved with the Asquith Conference.

“I’ve been very lucky in my life. I [feel] that you need to give something back,’ says Alan.

Becoming involved after speaking with his parish priest following Mass one Sunday, Alan regards his years of service as another vocation, alongside being a father and husband.

“I look at it from a spiritual side that God gave me a nudge and said, ‘you ought to be doing something.’

“I thank God for my vocation as a Vincentian. I’ve met a lot of nice people in my role as a Vincentian.”

Playing an active role as part of the Redfern Task Force, providing support to people facing hardship in the City of Sydney, over the years, the support he provides alongside fellow members through home visitations has remained constant throughout his time as a member.

“You go to somebody’s front door, and you say, ‘I’m from the St Vincent de Paul Society,’ and they welcome you in.”

Alan’s dedication to giving back to the community saw him awarded an OAM in 2024 – an honour he credits as recognition of the good works of the Society as a whole.

“It’s a great brand. It opens a lot of doors and people are glad to see somebody responding to their assistance."

We’re so grateful to have members like Alan who give of themselves each day to live out the mission of the Society.

Thank you for your years of service helping to shape a more just and compassionate society!