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

The Society is live and active

Peter Houweling has travelled far and wide over the past six months seeing the good works of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in action. <o:p></o:p>
“The atmosphere of the Society is really good – very collegial and friendly – our Conferences are live and active.” <o:p></o:p>
Heading north to Yamba, south to Albury and west to Dubbo among the many stops in his travels as State Council President, Peter has felt a profound appreciation for the dedication of all the Society’s people – members, volunteers and employees – who show compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to those in need. <o:p></o:p>
“I have met Vincentians who embody our mission daily, offering not just material assistance but hope, dignity, and human connection.”&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Rich Text

Quote

Representing the Society’s membership during an uncertain period defined by cost of living pressures and increasingly frequent natural disasters, the Society in NSW has managed to stand in contrast to other states and territories with member and volunteer numbers growing healthily through a considered membership strategy.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Engaging with as many members as possible is central to Peter’s priorities as President. He has also identified reforming governance procedures as an area of focus in order to enable greater participation for young people in Conferences and leadership roles.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Peter Houweling Commissioning Mass (Leo Tucker, Kathryn Kerr, Peter Houweling, Yolanda Saiz, Phil Coyte)

Image

Through engaging with members to understand how the Society can best support their good works, Peter has taken the responsibility of stewardship to heart. <o:p></o:p>
“At its core, stewardship is about ensuring that every action, decision, and resource is used to honour the Society’s mission of serving the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised not just today, but for generations to come.” <o:p></o:p>
As a steward of a Christian faith-based charity, Peter has sought to keep the focus on members and the values that have endured over time. <o:p></o:p>
Recently, however, that focus temporarily shifted with friends, family and Society leadership coming together for a commission mass held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Wollongong.<o:p></o:p>
“I am deeply thankful for the welcome, help, and thoughtfulness of everyone I have met. The Society is truly a special group of people united by a shared commitment to prayer and walking alongside those in need.”<o:p></o:p>
“Six months in, I am more inspired than ever. With faith, stewardship, and a deep sense of purpose, we will continue to serve with compassion, integrity, and hope.”