Teeing off for a cause: St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Charity Golf Day to support local community

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW will host its inaugural Charity Golf Day in Wagga Wagga next month to raise vital funds in support of its services in the region. 

Locals are invited to tee off at the Wagga Wagga City Golf Club on Friday October 17 for a fun-filled day on the course, including nearest to the pin and longest drive to build up some healthy competition. For supporters on the sidelines, there will be live music, a barbeque, inspiring guest speakers and a silent auction.

The community fundraiser will raise money for the new Vinnies Van coming to Wagga Wagga providing food, connection, and support for those doing it tough. The money will also go towards continuing local programs. Last year, 2,500 people were supported by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members in the area, with $408,000 in financial and material assistance. 

Solange Frost, Regional Director Operations South, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, said “We’re encouraging locals, businesses and families alike to get involved. Whether you’re on the course, or on the sidelines, you’ll be helping deliver essential services to locals doing it tough.”

Guest speakers on the day include, Yolanda Saiz (St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO), William Foley (current Pararoos footballer) and Chris Christofi (Reventon CEO, 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout highest fundraiser)

Sponsors for the event include HMC Group Solutions and Bowyer Air, as well as other local supporters such as Riverina Wholesale Bakery, Sun Rice Group, Smallmon Brothers Waste and Recycling, Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club and Wagga RSL. Sponsorship opportunities for the day are still available at nsw.vinnies.org.au/golfday. 

Demand for support from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in the region continues to grow each year due to rising house prices and cost-of-living pressures. Out of those seeking assistance, one in three are experiencing housing stress, while one in four are in need of food. These essentials are becoming increasingly difficult to afford for residents.

“In the past year alone, thousands of locals have turned to our members for support. Going without food, behind on rent, it’s becoming a daily reality for many in our community,” said Ms Frost. 

To meet these needs, the Society NSW will be introducing a new Vinnies Van for Wagga by the end of the year. Through this service, locals will not only be able to receive warm meals, but also access the services available to them to find subsidised housing, assistance with bills, clothing, education and more.

Ms Frost said, “The new Vinnies Van will be an essential frontline support to meet the growing need in Wagga. As more families face housing and food insecurity, this mobile outreach service will allow us to meet people where they are, providing more than just food, but a safe place to connect with long term, wrap-around support.”

To get involved, locals are invited to register a team, sponsor holes, donate a prize, or simply donate online. To find out more or get involved, please visit nsw.vinnies.org.au/golfday.