St Vincent de Paul Society Australia genetic logo

The St Vincent de Paul Society offers over 200 services that help people in need.

Safeguarding

Find Help

Membership NSW

Volunteering NSW

Careers NSW

Join the Social Justice Network

Vinnies Service Medallion

Vinnies Youth NSW

Donations of goods and services NSW

Gifts in Wills

Philanthropy

Fundraise for Vinnies NSW

Clothing drives, toy collections and food hampers

Corporate partnerships NSW

Financial donations NSW

Sponsorship NSW

Cause related marketing campaigns NSW

Workplace giving - community support NSW

Vinnies and the Return and Earn Scheme

Vinnies Bag O Rags

Vinnies re/CYCLE range

Vinnies Used Cooking Oil Recycling (VUCOR)

Get involved

Get Involved

<h1>Vinnies Shops</h1>
Everything you buy or donate inspires change in your local community.

Vinnies Shops

Shops

Social Justice Statements

Reports and Submissions

Modern Anti-Slavery Statements

Reconciliation Action Plan

Uluru Statement Resources

Energy NSW

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Advocacy

About us

Contact Us

History NSW

NSW Strategic Plan

Leadership NSW

Policies NSW

Mission and Formation

About Us

News and stories

NSW Media Releases

Vision Magazine

Impact Magazine

NSW Blog

Your Kind of Good Magazine

NSW Disaster Reports

NSW Annual Reports

News and Stories

| Vinnies

Home

ACT & surrounds

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

National Council

SVdP Housing Australia

Help on the South Coast When Needed Most

In a time where disadvantage and social isolation have been amplified for the most vulnerable in our communities, we’ve continued providing the same compassion, friendship and support that we’re known for across the state. In the Illawarra Region, our network of volunteers and staff have been working in line with restrictions since the pandemic began, to make sure those who need it can always get care and support.
When other services in the region closed their doors, our Coniston Hub remained open 5 days a week to make sure there was a clean, safe and warm space for people to access food, case management and see a friendly face. People come to our hubs in varying circumstances, from sleeping rough or in insecure housing, to families and the elderly struggling to make ends meet. Hub case workers connected with clients from home, to help them with accommodation, essential supplies and health and mental health services as needed throughout the pandemic.
As the need of local community increased, our Coniston Hub staff and volunteers made and distributed over 1200 meals in 8 weeks to locals in need of extra support. With many international students experiencing hardship at the nearby University of Wollongong, we worked with them to provide food relief, connecting students with our hub and delivering fresh bread to those staying on campus.

Rich Text

Image

Protected by aprons, masks, and double-strength gloves, our Illawarra Shoalhaven Vinnies Van staff and volunteers continued to deliver meals, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, fresh fruit &amp; vegetables, bread and essentials four nights a week throughout Wollongong, Warrawong, Albion Park and Bellambi. While less came out to meet the van at the peak of the crisis, we would often still see up to 30 people, maintaining social distancing measures while offering that social connection.
Throughout this time it’s been amazing to see the Illawarra Shoalhaven community come together in new ways to make sure nobody gets left behind. A group of caring locals worked together to knit beanies and scarves for visitors to the van, a much sought-after item as the days grew colder on the South Coast. We also had help with food supplies from Ozharvest, Secondbite, Aldi, David Jones, as well as local clubs WIN Entertainment Centre, Shellharbour Club and West Leagues Club, who generously provided fresh produce for the Van and hubs. Quilton and 360 also helped with daily living supplies, at a time where essentials like toilet paper were scarce and expensive.