-
Vinnies celebrates International Women's Day 2023
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is proud to recognise the outstanding contribution of women across the Society on International Women’s Day.
-
Election assembly unites for the common good
Vinnies NSW members and leaders were among a host of organisations united for the common good as part of the Sydney Alliance’s 2023 State Election Assembly.
-
Help at any stage is valuable
Help at any stage is valuable Thursday 21 February So much has changed in Megan’s life since receiving help from the St Vincent de Paul Society. “Had you asked me a couple of years ago, do I see myself...
-
Our door is always open
Our door is always open Tuesday 14 February When someone reaches out for help, not sure where to turn in a time of crisis, the mentality of the Vinnies Assist team reassures that there is no wrong door. Lissa Votano, who...
-
Homeless: Hidden in Plain Sight
Homeless: Hidden in Plain Sight 13 February 2023 Livingston Armytage is many things – he’s a human rights lawyer, an expert photographer, and a volunteer at the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Matthew...
-
From little things, good works grow
From little things, good works grow Monday 6 February Bringing up close to five decades of service as a member and president of the Lindfield conference, Eric Atkins has called time on his tenure with the Society,...
-
Dame Beverley Kerr of the Order of St Gregory the Great remains remarkably humble
Dame Beverley Kerr of the Order of St Gregory the Great remains remarkably humble 25 January 2023 From left to right: Bishop Brian Mascord, Bev Kerr, and her husband Alex Bev Kerr, the St Vincent de Paul Society...
-
I Believe in Christmas Miracles
Each year since we delivered a Christmas hamper to Brian and his mother, he has delivered a hamper in return to Vinnies to be provided to someone in need.
-
Sharing a story of support
Sharing a story of support Tuesday 13 December Sarah Cullen is a Resource Assistant at the Mary Mackillop Outreach service and a stroke survivor. Sarah recently spoke at a roundtable discussion for Society employees...
-
Man of the People
Ian Wray is a long time Vinnies volunteer in Dubbo and recipient of the 2022 Orana Senior Volunteer of the Year.
-
"This is bigger than us" - the state of Housing Stress
Over 34,000 people sought assistance from members of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in the past year. More than half were experiencing chronic housing stress
-
Continuing a spirit of youth
Activate, the Society’s first statewide youth conference, brought members and volunteers together for an inspiring day of connection.
-
The human cost of high prices - Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2022
The human cost of high prices 21 November 2022 Through our Christmas Appeal, we are highlighting the pressures faced by Kelly, one of thousands of people turning to the Society due to the rising cost of living....
-
What Goes on at Vinnies
What Goes on at Vinnies Vinnies Shops take many moving parts to run. It all starts in the back, with Pat and his colleagues in logistics. Pat has been involved since the late 1990s in Vinnies Shops, driving the truck to...
-
Towards a more equitable and sustainable future: Rosalie Rendu Forum 2022
The 2022 Rosalie Rendu Forum saw an acclaimed group of women highlight Climate Justice: working together for a more equitable and sustainable future.
-
Fabulous Fashion Finds
Fabulous Fashion Finds Friday 14 October 2022 People are more aware than ever of their environmental impact and ethical choices, making second hand items at Vinnies Shops highly sought after. Buying second hand means...
-
Curious collectables at Vinnies Shops
Curious collectables at Vinnies Shops Monday 10 October 2022 For the right buyer, some collectables are worth the price, especially if they are a cultural artefact with a rich history. Mittagong Vinnies was donated 4...
-
Discover a treasure at Vinnies Shops
Discover a treasure at Vinnies Shops Wednesday 5 October 2022 We are celebrating 100 Years of Vinnies Shops in NSW this October by offering customers the chance to uncover hidden treasures across the state. From humble...
-
Starting afresh from turmoil
Starting afresh from turmoil Tuesday 27 September 2022 “I was tired all the time from being in fight or flight.” For years, Wendy craved the stability most people take for granted. Growing up under fraught...
-
Local hero recognition for Vinnies Support Centre Coordinator
Local hero recognition for Vinnies Support Centre Coordinator Jane Marsh is a Support Centre Coordinator working at the Hurstville Vinnies Support Centre and a finalist to be named one of this year’s Westfield...
-
Student volunteers bring the passion, opportunity, and change
Student volunteers bring the passion, opportunity, and change National Student Volunteer Week runs from 8-14 August 2022 This year’s theme for National Student Volunteer Week is “Passion. Opportunity....
-
Tiny Tones makes a big sound
Tiny Tones makes a big sound Tuesday 19 July 2022 There are many facets to Jyran’s life. One of the earliest and most enduring has been music. “As a kid I listened to the radio with my mum and always felt...
-
The beats of Zoe's version
The beats of Zoe’s version Friday 15 July 2022 Many people experienced a downturn in productivity during the last COVID-enforced lockdown. In Zoe’s case, she found an outlet that took her passion for writing...
-
Coming back after years apart from music
Coming back after years apart from music Tuesday 12 July 2022 “It’s like falling off a bike and getting back on again” Julie hadn’t played the guitar in over 30 years. Now, in her sixties,...
-
Something to look forward to
Something to look forward to Friday 8 July 2022 The Ozanam Learning Centre provides a welcoming environment for all comers to gain skills and express themselves. For Heather, a regular to the service in recent years, the...
-
Music brings you together
Music brings you together Tuesday 5 July 2022 “Music, for me, has a power to save, a power to move, a power to create.” There is heft to a life lived in the way Tom speaks about music and song writing....
-
Housing highlighted at Social Justice Forum
Housing highlighted at Social Justice Forum Tuesday 31 May 2022 St Vincent de Paul Society members from across the state converged on Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney for a day of advocacy and connection as part of...
-
We have the technology
We have the technology Thursday 12 May 2022 The Vinnies Bushfire Community Development Program is helping people affected by the Black Summer fires build up resilience, in the event of another disaster. One of the ways...
-
Vinnies Winter Appeal - helping families like Leah and Charlotte
Vinnies Winter Appeal – helping families like Leah and Charlotte Wednesday 11 May 2022 This year, our Winter Appeal is focused on ending domestic violence, the campaign’s theme is Make it Stop. To help us do...
-
A lifetime of good works
A lifetime of good works Thursday 5 May 2022 Maurice O’Donoghue speaks with more than a hint of humility when reflecting upon his years of service as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society. “I have just...
-
Making an impact beyond the night
Making an impact beyond the night Monday 2 May 2022 The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is just one night of the year where business and community leaders come together to gain a glimpse into the difficulties of homelessness....
-
"My life could be a whole lot different"
“My life could be a whole lot different if I didn’t have the opportunity to come here” Thursday 28 April 2022 Ryan has had time to dwell on the past. Right now, he is choosing to look ahead. Going down...
-
From nowhere to go, to free and independent
From nowhere to go, to free and independent Thursday 21 April 2022 When the day finally arrived for Anne to move into a home of her own, a wave of feelings hit. “Free was the main one,” she recalls. “I...
-
Getting a foot in the door - OLC hosts job readiness workshop
Getting a foot in the door – OLC hosts job readiness workshop Wednesday 20 April 2022 Staff from EST10, one of Sydney’s leading recruitment agencies, recently hosted a free job readiness workshop at the...
-
Support in a time of need
Support in a time of need Tuesday 19 April 2022 The Vinnies CEO Sleepout has been making a difference every year since 2006 to thousands of lives in need of a hand up across Australia. As the event heads into its 17th...
-
"I can be part of a larger effort"
"I can be part of a larger effort" Monday 11 April 2022 “I can clearly recall the confronting moment of hearing the heartfelt and gut wrenching story from someone who had been homeless and still trying to...
-
Responding as One Society
Responding as One Society 6 April 2022 Gail Gaudron, St Vincent de Paul Society Lismore Central Council President, reflects on the response taken by the Society one month on from the floods that devastated the Northern Rivers. In the face of so much...
-
Connect and make change #CEOSO22
Connect and make change #CEOSO22 Monday 4 April 2022 Vinnies is putting out the challenge for business and community leaders to make a difference on 23 June by signing up for the 2022 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Now in its...
-
Homelessness doesn't have one box
Homelessness doesn’t have one box Monday 28 March 2022 Daniel Munk is the Chief Executive Officer of the Aster Group, an Illawarra hospitality group overseeing Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club. Taking part...
-
Our people in action
Our people in action 23 March 2022 Vinnies is responding to the floods that have wrought destruction throughout the Northern Rivers by sending staff from across the Society to assist with the clean-up and recovery...
-
I'll remember that all my life
I’ll remember that all my life 22 March 2022 Colin is one of the many people Vinnies has been able to assist with funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal. You can help communities impacted by flooding in...
-
Knowledge to bring about change #CEOSO22
Knowledge to bring about change #CEOSO22 Monday 21 March 2022 Since 2006, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has been raising funds and awareness in an effort to put an end to homelessness and hardship. Having grown from humble...
-
Giving people time to talk
Giving people time to talk 18 March 2022 Vinnies is responding to the floods that have devastated the Northern Rivers by providing financial, material and emotional support to people in need through its network of...
-
I've never ever seen water like I saw the other day
I’ve never ever seen water like I saw the other day 16 March 2022 Stacey is one of the many people Vinnies has been able to assist with funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal. You can help communities...
-
Be part of something bigger - register for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout today
Be part of something bigger - register for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout today Monday 14 March 2022 The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is back again for its 17th year across Australia to help put an end to homelessness and hardship....
-
Where am I going to walk away to?
Where am I going to walk away to? 14 March 2022 Renata is one of the many people Vinnies has been able to assist with the funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal. You can help communities impacted by flooding...
-
Left to pick up the pieces
Left to pick up the pieces 11 March 2022 Lee is one of the many people Vinnies has been able to assist with the funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal. You can help communities impacted by flooding in northern...
-
"The water came up and now they’ve lost everything."
“The water came up and now they’ve lost everything.” 9 March 2022 Carole Isaacs only recently started her role with Vinnies supporting communities impacted by the black summer bushfires. Within weeks of...
-
How Lismore pulled together before and during the floods
How Lismore pulled together before and during the floods Monday, 7 March 2022 Tracey Doherty is a member of the Vinnies bushfire recovery and community development team but, living near Lismore, she was caught up in the...
-
"We all have passion for working here"
"We all have passion for working here" Wednesday 9 February 2022 Sylvana Gibson is deeply passionate about her role as a Vinnies volunteer. “I had always been interested in Vinnies, so when I found out...
-
Keeping on the right track
Keeping on the right track Monday 7 February 2022 Had Tyler not reached out to Vinnies for support, he envisaged a grim future that fortunately never came to pass. “I’d either face jail or be living on the...
-
'Life was just me, my dog and alcohol...'
‘Life was just me, my dog and alcohol…’ Friday 4 February 2022 Phil Dawber, a resident at John Purcell House, Vinnies’ residential accommodation for men in Nowra, shared his story during the...
-
I wouldn't be where I am today without Vinnies
I wouldn’t be where I am today without Vinnies Wednesday 2 February 2022 Christine* is one of the many people we have been able to assist in times of hardship. In her own words, she describes the support she has...
-
A chance to make better memories
A chance to make better memories Monday 31 January 2022 “Before I came to Vinnies I was desperate to escape my husband – the domestic violence, alcohol, gambling, abuse – I had to escape to keep my...
-
"I wouldn't be where I am today without Vinnies"
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Vinnies” Friday 28 January 2022 When Zoie reflects on the advice she wishes she could have imparted to herself before coming to Freeman House, she offers words...
-
Denim thrift flips at West Ryde Vinnies
Denim thrift flips at West Ryde Vinnies Thursday 23 December 2021 As comfortable clothing became the centerpiece of fashion while Australians locked down this year, a classic 70’s look has made an unexpected...
-
Christmas for the kids at Marian Centre
Christmas for the kids at Marian Centre 21 December 2021 Throughout the year, the staff at Elsie’s and Marian Centre have been helping women and children escape domestic and family violence. Part of this is making...
-
Safety and Serenity at Marian Centre
Safety and Serenity at Marian Centre Monday 6 December 2021 The Marian centre is one of 11 Vinnies refuges for women and their children escaping domestic violence in NSW. This essential service provides long-term support...
-
Christmas at Vinnies Redfern Support Centre
Christmas at Vinnies Redfern Support Centre 30 November 2021 The members, volunteers, and staff at the Vinnies Redfern Support Centre have been busy preparing Christmas hampers and donated toys for distribution to...
-
Art for All - Community Stories on Brougham Lane
Art for All - Community Stories on Brougham Lane Friday 26 November 2021 In the heart of Woolloomooloo, Brougham Lane Street Art Gallery is a Community Development project developed by Ozanam Learning Centre in...
-
Conversations on the Shadow Pandemic: Rosalie Rendu Forum 2021
Conversations on the Shadow Pandemic: Rosalie Rendu Forum 2021 Friday 22 October 2021 “We can’t prevent domestic violence unless we have accountability for the people who use it. Until we can have a...
-
Helping Bushfire-Hit Communities Recover and Rebuild
Helping Bushfire-Hit Communities Recover and Rebuild Wednesday 13 October 2021 In the pain caused by the pandemic, the impacts of devastating bushfires and ongoing recovery process for communities in NSW is often...
-
Welcome and Safe at Fred's Place
Fred's Place in Tweed Heads is a drop-in service for people experiencing homelessness and other kinds of disadvantage that sees 80-125 people every day.
-
One million test kits, and counting...
One million test kits, and counting… Vinnies helps make NSW safer during the pandemic. Friday 3 September 2021 Vinnies supported employees have just reached a major milestone by hitting the one million mark in...
-
How can we Help?
How can we Help? Thursday 18 August 2021 On the other side of every assistance call, there is a person who is giving their time to make a real difference within their local community. Vinnies members are the heart of the...
-
Noah's Playground Revamped
Noah’s Playground Revamped Thursday 5 August 2021 Three senior representatives of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW recently visited the refurbished playground at the Ulladulla facility of the regional Noah’s...
-
Night Patrol Offers Much More than a Meal
Night Patrol Offers Much More than a Meal Thursday 5 August 2021 More than 1,100 people were found to be sleeping rough during the most recent NSW Statewide Street Count held earlier this year. Almost half of those...
-
An Agent of Change
An Agent of Change Wednesday 4 August 2021 National Student Volunteer Week’s 2021 theme is Agent of Change and for Damien Ha, this sentiment resonates with him. Having joined during his final years in high school...
-
"Roll up your Sleeves" for Community Kindness
“Roll up your Sleeves” for Community Kindness Tuesday 3 August 2021 The joint project to vaccinate people in at-risk groups against COVID-19 at the Ozanam Learning Centre in Woolloomooloo has seen more than...
-
Papal honour for Armidale's 'Go to Man'
Papal honour for Armidale’s ‘Go to Man’ 15 July 2021 Left to right: Paul Burton, Armidale Central Council President; Don Hewitt, Member, St Augustine’s Armidale Conference; Paul Robinson,...
-
Sleeping Out for Systemic Change
Sleeping Out for Systemic Change Monday 31 May 2021 On any given night more than 116,000 people experience homelessness in Australia. According to data from the most recent census, New South Wales accounts for the...
-
75 Years and Counting
75 Years and Counting Friday 28 May 2021 Sharing the wonderful news of our Trundle Conference Member, John Kearney, who this year at the age of 94, celebrates his 75 years of service with the St Vincent de Paul Society....
-
Giving Young People a Kickstart
Giving Young People a Kickstart Thursday 27 May 2021 In the current pandemic climate where the number of people seeking work outweighs available jobs, young people can be at a disadvantage due to a lack of experience....
-
"Meeting people where they're at"
“Meeting people where they’re at” – services supported by the Vinnies CEO Sleepout Wednesday 25 May 2021 “I really don’t like it when people label someone as...
-
"If it wasn't for those beautiful people at Vinnies, I wouldn't be here today."
“If it wasn’t for those beautiful people at Vinnies, I wouldn’t be here today.” Tuesday 25 May 2021 Joan’s husband of 50 years died, and her own children turned against her. They told Joan...
-
Recycling for Eco Energy
Recycling for Eco Energy Students are Warilla High are putting their eligible recycling to great use. Since partnering with Vinnies Return and Earn, the school have become nearly all powered through solar energy, raising...
-
New Vinnies Conference launched at Matthew Talbot Hostel
New Vinnies Conference launched at Matthew Talbot Hostel Across NSW there are over 4,100 members who belong to a Vinnies Conference. Conferences can be found in more than 350 communities throughout the state and are made...
-
Connecting through creativity
Connecting through creativity Along with providing people with a place to sleep, regular meals and medical treatment through our various Vinnies services across the state, we also offer a range of programs allowing...
-
The house Don helped build
The house Don helped build The 14th of February 1966 is known as the day Australia introduced decimal currency. The day also marked a significant moment in the life of Don Hewitt who began an association with the St...
-
Getting back on his feet
Getting back on his feet You might remember the story of David, who became the face of last year's St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal. We caught up with him ahead of Christmas, when he dropped by one of our...
-
Social housing debated in NSW Parliament
Social housing debated in NSW Parliament Over the past two years, our members and staff have been hard at work campaigning for the NSW Government to invest in more social housing. Defined as secure and affordable rental...
-
Ballina's homeless can now access personal support
Ballina’s homeless can now access personal support Ballina has a spectacular location, sitting at the mouth of the Richmond River and providing a base for visitors flocking to the pristine beaches, from Angel's...
-
Bushfire recovery funds help Drake rebuild
Bushfire recovery funds help Drake rebuild Drake's sewing circle is leading a revival of the community hall, thanks to Vinnies bushfire recovery funding and donations from an anonymous Vinnies volunteer. Oddly, this...
-
New social housing opens in Cardiff
New social housing opens in Cardiff In mid-January, St Vincent de Paul Housing (SVDPH) officially opened its new social and affordable housing complex, the Rendu Apartments, in Cardiff, west of Newcastle. As part of the...
-
Guiding Joanne to a better life
Guiding Joanne to a better life Joanne suffered years of abuse at the hands of her partner. When he finally left, she was unprepared for the pain he would continue to inflict. Cut off from her finances, caught in a...
-
Excerpt: The Social Sector in NSW - Capitalising on potential for growth
Excerpt: The Social Sector in NSW - Capitalising on potential for growth Wednesday 17 March 2021 St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, Jack de Groot This article originally appeared in the Equity Economics report The...
-
Women in Leadership: Vinnies recognises International Women's Day
Women in Leadership: Vinnies recognises International Women’s Day Monday 8 March 2020 At Vinnies NSW, we are incredibly proud of all the women who contribute to our aspiration of bringing about a more just and...
-
Drake Locals Patching up after Bushfires
Drake Locals Patching up after Bushfires Wednesday 13 January 2021 If a stitch in time saves nine, the revival of Drake is in good hands with its Sewing Circle set to ramp up through a bushfire recovery grant from St...
-
Hospitality at Heart
Hospitality at Heart Monday 11 January 2020 Committed to social justice issues through their schooling at McAuley Catholic College in Grafton, students in the hospitality program have banded together to prepare meals for...
-
Arts Revival Granted
Arts Revival Granted Monday 4 January 2021 Bushfires came to Tenterfield early in 2019, decimating national parks, and then returned in September to destroy homes and businesses, and take lives. The region had long been...
-
Helping Homeless in Ballina
Helping Homeless in Ballina Monday 21 December 2020 ‘Tis the holiday season and the temperature – and the surf – is up on the NSW far north coast. But the great outdoors isn’t so wonderful if...
-
Unconditional Support to Recover
Unconditional Support to Recover Wednesday 16 December 2020 Everyone’s story is different. For women and children escaping domestic violence, tailored support helps address the needs of the family and provide...
-
Safety and Comfort in Community
Safety and Comfort in Community Thursday 10 December 2020 Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for children in Australia, with one in four children exposed to domestic violence throughout...
-
A Path to Positivity
A Path to Positivity Wednesday 2 December 2020 In times of need, Vinnies is there to support those who need it most. As one of Vinnies oldest services, home visitation is a core part of the work we do in assisting people...
-
"It's Never Too Late"
“It’s Never Too Late” Monday 23 November 2020 Domestic and family violence is alarmingly common, with one woman per week killed at the hands her a current or previous partner. To help support the many...
-
Always Was, Always Will Be - NAIDOC Week 2020
Always Was, Always Will Be NAIDOC Week 2020 Thursday 12 November 2020 The Marian Centre – one of our crisis accommodation and case management services – yesterday unveiled a new plaque of acknowledgement...
-
Compassion Through Crisis – Rosalie Rendu Lecture 2020
Compassion Through Crisis Rosalie Rendu Lecture 2020 Friday 16 October 2020 This Anti-Poverty Week, the 2020 Rosalie Rendu Forum brought together a collection of exceptional women to discuss how the disruption created by...
-
Power Prices on The Rise In NSW
Power Prices on The Rise In NSW Thursday 15 October 2020 The average cost of electricity in New South Wales has risen by more than $500 over the past decade according to new research from Vinnies. As part of our...
-
Seagulls Prepare for Fred’s Place Sleepout
Seagulls Prepare for Fred’s Place Sleepout Friday 2 October 2020 Seagulls staff members are supporting the fundraiser for Vinnies Fred’s Place in Tweed Heads on Friday 23 October. Seagulls Club Finance...
-
Deborah Knight to Host NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout
Deborah Knight to Host NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout 23 September 2020 We are excited to announce that our NSW Community Sleepout virtual event will be hosted by Nine and 2GB personality Deborah Knight! The virtual...
-
Breaking Barriers to Inclusion
Breaking Barriers to Inclusion Friday 11 September 2020 We all deserve to be able to participate and enjoy what life has to offer. At Vinnies, our Access and Inclusion team are encouraging organisations and business to...
-
Selfless Dedication Earns Life Service Award
Selfless Dedication Earns Life Service Award A much-loved member of the Parkes community in western NSW, Sr Kathleen Barker has volunteered in the local Vinnies Parkes shop for 35 years. At a recent Mass ‘Sr...
-
Sport House Spirit Drives Container Collection for Vinnies Return and Earn
Sport House Spirit Drives Container Collection for Vinnies Return and Earn Friday 4 September 2020 St Brigid’s Catholic Parish Primary School in Gwynneville held a container drive last month where more than 2,000...
-
Helping Provide Support for Ballina’s Homeless
Helping Provide Support for Ballina’s Homeless Monday 31 July 2020 When the concept was first discussed more than a year ago to create a support service for Ballina’s homeless, it received strong support from...
-
Local Communities Supporting Locals in Need
Local Communities Supporting Locals in Need Friday 28 August 2020 Across NSW there are more than 4,000 members and 9,000 volunteers helping Vinnies make a difference in local communities every day. The dedication of our network allows us to keep costs...
-
A Safe Space to Grow
A Safe Space to Grow Wednesday 26 August 2020 When people fall on hard times Vinnies services are there to get them back on their feet. In the heart of Sydney the Ozanam Learning Centre provides disadvantaged members of...
-
Virtual Sleepout Will Support Tweed Homeless
Virtual Sleepout Will Support Tweed Homeless Tuesday 25 August 2020 Hosted for the past three years by Seagulls Club, the community sleepout for Vinnies homeless service Fred’s Place will be a live-streamed...
-
Remembering Those Who Have Left Us
Remembering Those Who Have Left Us Friday 21 August 2020 Caring for those who come to us seeking help is central to the Society’s mission, and nowhere is this better personified than at Sydney’s Matthew Talbot Hostel and Vinnies homeless...
-
Sponsor Support for Sleepout Success
Sponsor Support for Sleepout Success Tuesday 18 August 2020 In its 15th year running, our Vinnies CEO Sleepout took on a different form raising over $5.7 million! Hosted virtually for the first time ever, CEO’s...
-
Vinnies Youth Leading The Way
Vinnies Youth Leading The Way Wednesday 12 August 2020 Young people have always been a major part of the work we do at Vinnies. Going back to our origins in 19th century France, our founder Frederic Ozanam organised a...
-
Rebuilding After the Fires
Rebuilding After the Fires Monday 10 August 2020 Recently we launched the Vinnies NSW Bushfire Community Development Program to support communities affected by the devastating ‘Black Summer’ bushfire season....
-
Escaping Domestic Violence in a Pandemic
Escaping Domestic Violence in a Pandemic Friday 6 August 2020 For women and children experiencing domestic and family violence at home, coronavirus restrictions have played a part in the ability to access support. With...
-
Finding a Home at Edel Quinn
Finding a Home at Edel Quinn Wednesday 5 August 2020 Vinnies runs more than 25 homelessness accommodation services across NSW. These are places where people can find safety and a path forward after experiencing...
-
Vinnies’ Commitment to Social and Affordable Housing
Vinnies’ Commitment to Social and Affordable Housing Monday 3 August 2020 During Homelessness Week, Vinnies is joining organisations and people around Australia to call for more social housing in response to the...
-
Bushfire Grants to Help Communities Recover
Bushfire Grants to Help Communities Recover Monday 27 July 2020 We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new grants program to help communities rebuild and recover from the Black Summer bushfires. The Vinnies NSW...
-
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind Friday 24 July 2020 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vinnies has welcomed the Government’s increase to the JobSeeker rate and the new JobKeeper scheme. Combined, these have ensured more than four...
-
“People still need support”
“People still need support” Monday 20 July 2020 2020 has been a year we will never forget – unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. Since March, the coronavirus has upended all our lives with...
-
Leaving a Legacy of Love
Leaving a Legacy of Love The expression ‘age is just a number’ has never been truer than for Vinnies supporter Doreen. With a long history of helping others, at 86 years of age she continues to give to those...
-
Vinnies Support Women and Girls With Help From Supre Foundation
Vinnies Support Women and Girls With Help From Supre Foundation In Australia, domestic and family violence is the main cause for homelessness for women and girls. When a victim leaves an abusive relationship, it often...
-
Take Action to Raise the Rate for Good
Take Action to Raise the Rate for Good Tuesday 14 July 2020 Today Vinnies is joining a national day of action calling on the Australian Government to raise the rate for good. More than 1.6 million people are receiving...
-
A Powerful Way to Make a Difference
A Powerful Way to Make a Difference Australians are a generous bunch. Most of us give to charity, even if we’re not wealthy ourselves. We do what we can to support our neighbours. Yet most of us aren’t aware...
-
Have You Made the Plan of Your Life?
Have You Made the Plan of Your Life? Monday 13 July 2020 You’ve probably planned what you’ll eat for dinner tonight. Maybe you know what you’ll be doing this weekend, or you’ve plotted out your...
-
Hospitality in Times of Hardship
Hospitality in Times of Hardship Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, homelessness services such as our Matthew Talbot Hostel have been essential in keeping people safe and protected. While capacity has been reduced due...
-
“Vinnies has been a lifesaver for me”
“Vinnies has been a lifesaver for me” Ray has seen more hard times than most. Having battled drug use, homelessness and family tragedy, the support of Vinnies has helped during his times of need. Becoming a...
-
Staying in Touch Through Isolation
Staying in Touch Through Isolation Among the many issues confronting people as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of social isolation has taken a major toll. With health and government officials advising...
-
Lifting the Veil on the Stigma of Poverty
Lifting the Veil on the Stigma of Poverty Now four months since face masks and restrictions became the new normal, colder weather conditions and eased social distancing measures are creating the perfect storm for a...
-
Friends of Fred’s Place Rally to Help Homeless
Friends of Fred’s Place Rally to Help Homeless Friday 26 June 2020 Winter is the toughest time for people living rough on the streets or sleeping in cars, couch-surfing, or cheap caravan parks and boarding houses....
-
Help on the South Coast When Needed Most
Help on the South Coast When Needed Most Wednesday 24 June 2020 In a time where disadvantage and social isolation have been amplified for the most vulnerable in our communities, we’ve continued providing the same...
-
Today Show ‘hero’ donates $10,000 prize to Vinnies
Today Show ‘hero’ donates $10,000 prize to Vinnies 22 June 2020 ‘Local hero’ winner Tony Cranney (right) donated his $10,000 prize to Vinnies Gymea Conference President and Sutherland Regional...
-
From Sleeping on the Street to a Hotel Suite
From Sleeping on the Street to a Hotel Suite Monday 22 June 2020 For the past two months, Vinnies has been working alongside the NSW Government to ensure people sleeping rough can find safe accommodation during the...
-
Insurance Industry Comes Together For Vinnies CEO Sleepout
Insurance Industry Comes Together For Vinnies CEO Sleepout On Thursday 18 June more than 1,500 business and community leaders will brave the cold as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout – held online for the first time...
-
Support Beyond the Sleepout
Support Beyond the Sleepout For the past 15 years the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has seen business and community leaders brave the cold and get educated about Australia’s homelessness crisis while raising much-needed...
-
Community Compassion in Cowra
Community Compassion in Cowra There is a common misconception that rough sleeping and homelessness only occurs in our major cities, but that’s simply not the case. According to the NSW Government’s latest...
-
Filthy Rich and Sleeping Out
Filthy Rich and Sleeping Out On any given night, 116,000 people are experiencing homelessness across Australia. In SBS’s Filthy Rich & homeless, five high-profile Australians hand over their phones, wallets and...
-
Tune In to Support our Most Vulnerable
Tune In to Support our Most Vulnerable Since 2006, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has been one of the largest fundraising events on the Australian calendar. Raising close to $60 million to support Vinnies’ homeless...
-
Shop Preloved from Home – Vinnies Shop Now on eBay
Shop Preloved from Home – Vinnies Shop Now on eBay Since the coronavirus pandemic began, consumer behaviour has seen a significant shift. At the start of April, Australian fashion and leisure sales dropped by 18%...
-
Vinnies Takes the Lead with Circular Fashion Initiative
Vinnies Takes the Lead with Circular Fashion Initiative Wednesday 3 May 2020 Every item has an impact. With the current fast-pace of fashion consumption, nearly 6000 kilograms of clothing and textile waste goes to...
-
"There is No Shame in Asking for Help"
"There is No Shame in Asking for Help" Monday 1 May 2020 Over the past few months we have received thousands of calls from people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. While social distancing measures have...
-
In This Together for National Reconciliation Week
In This Together for National Reconciliation Week Vinnies NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we walk and work. Across many and diverse nation groups, from the Bundjalung people in the north of our state to the Yuin nation...
-
Helping the Central Coast Community through COVID-19
Helping the Central Coast Community through COVID-19 The coronavirus pandemic has caused major upheaval to many aspects of life. For Vinnies, the number one priority has been ensuring we are there to support vulnerable...
-
Building Hope Brick by Brick
Building Hope Brick by Brick Friday 22 May 2020 At Vinnies, we believe everyone deserves the safety, security and stability that a home brings. Right now there are more than 100,000 people waiting for social housing in...
-
Local Legend Recognised For Remarkable Efforts
Local Legend Recognised For Remarkable Efforts Wednesday 20 May 2020 Last week the Today Show’s Sarah Stewart surprised one of our volunteers, Tony Cranney, who had been nominated as an Aussie Hero. Recognised for...
-
Vinnies and Coronavirus: Answering Your Questions
Vinnies and Coronavirus: Answering Your Questions Wednesday 20 May 2020 As an organisation working with vulnerable members of the community, we are always mindful of the health and safety of the people we assist....
-
Vinnies Volunteers Changing Communities and Lives
Vinnies Volunteers Changing Communities and Lives Volunteers are the backbone of who we are at Vinnies. We are so thankful to all 14,000 members and volunteers who go above and beyond to give their time supporting their...
-
Connecting with Family this National Families Week
Connecting with Family this National Families Week Friday 12 May 2020 If there is one thing we all know, it's the importance of family. National Families Week is held every year between 15 and 21 May celebrating...
-
Generous Donations Helping Community Wellness
Generous Donations Helping Community Wellness Wednesday 13 May 2020 Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the increase in poor mental health, fear and loneliness is palpable, and our members and staff have seen a...
-
Supporting Youth to Thrive
Supporting Youth to Thrive Monday 11 May 2020 For children and young people, having a place to connect with themselves, grow and achieve their goals is important to guide them toward a positive future. Vinnies offers a...
-
"With Gratitude and Affection, Mary"
"With Gratitude and Affection, Mary" Wednesday 6 May 2020 Recently, the Today Show and IGA reached out to Vinnies to connect with five households doing it tough during COVID-19, who would appreciate some extra...
-
Community Spirit Lifting Coffs Harbour through COVID-19
Community Spirit Lifting Coffs Harbour through COVID-19 Monday 4 May 2020 Amid the fear and suffering of coronavirus, communities are coming together to support one another. The staff at Pete’s Place, a Vinnies...
-
Checking in on Our Most Vulnerable
Checking in on Our Most Vulnerable Friday 1 May 2020 Every day at Vinnies we work to ensure everyone has a safe place to sleep. From our crisis accommodation services, building over 500 social and affordable housing...
-
The Relationship Between Domestic Violence and COVID-19
The Relationship Between Domestic Violence and COVID-19 Wednesday 29 April 2020 Like other Vinnies essential services for people facing homelessness, the Our Lady of the Way women’s refuge is still running during...
-
How to Stay on Top of Your Energy Bills during Coronavirus
How to Stay on Top of Your Energy Bills during Coronavirus Monday 27 April 2020 We’re all doing our bit by staying at home during the COVID-19 outbreak – but that means we’re using more household power...
-
Keeping Kids Cheerful through COVID-19
Keeping Kids Cheerful through COVID-19 Friday 24 April 2020 In times of hardship, it’s amazing to see how our community comes together. Our new volunteer, Paul, got in touch after COVID-19 struck. As a Qantas...
-
Donate Items for People in Need through NSW Hotels
Donate Items for People in Need through NSW Hotels Thursday 23 April 2020 Every two years, NSW hoteliers band together to fundraise for Vinnies’ homelessness services through a gala dinner. This year, those plans...
-
“We Still Have a Home… We Have Vinnies to Thank for That”
“We Still Have a Home… We Have Vinnies to Thank for That” Wednesday 22 April 2020 The South Pacific nation of Samoa lies seven hours’ flying time from Australia. Its climate, the surrounding...
-
“Give it a Year or Two, Things Will Be Better Than Ever”
“Give it a Year or Two, Things Will Be Better Than Ever” Monday 20 April 2020 Ross Alexander took the call when he was working down in Lennox Head, two-and-a-half hours from his house near Nymboida, looking...
-
Vinnies Brings Hope in Hard Times
Vinnies Brings Hope in Hard Times Friday 17 April 2020 Here in NSW, Vinnies services including crisis accommodation and food vans for people experiencing homelessness are still up and running wherever we have the...
-
Vinnies NSW Welcomes Evictions Moratorium – With Some Reservations
Vinnies NSW Welcomes Evictions Moratorium – With Some Reservations Thursday 16 April 2020 Vinnies welcomes protections for NSW renters introduced this week by the State Government, but there is still work to be...
-
Sowing the Seeds for a Flourishing Future
Sowing the Seeds for a Flourishing Future On any given night 28,000 young people go to sleep in Australia without a safe and secure place to call home. Whether in overcrowded dwellings, couch surfing, rough sleeping or...
-
“Without Vinnies I don’t know where I’d be”
“Without Vinnies I don’t know where I’d be” Monday 13 April 2020 After losing her job, battling mental health challenges and navigating the minefield of Centrelink, Lynn was ready to re-enter the...
-
Help for a Young Family Struggling Through Coronavirus
Help for a Young Family Struggling Through Coronavirus Wednesday 8th April 2020 With a baby on the way and a toddler at home, it was terrible timing when the coronavirus caused Mark to lose his job. To make matters even...
-
Bled Dry by Drought, Beaten by Bushfires
Bled Dry by Drought, Beaten by Bushfires Monday 6th April 2020 Julie and Darren Sage at a bushfire recovery event. Photo courtesy of The Port Macquarie News. Darren Sage says he’d already been “bled...
-
Compassionate Communities Joining the Kindness Revolution
Compassionate communities joining the Kindness Revolution Thursday 2 April 2020 “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always...
-
Here’s How Our Government Can Help People Through Coronavirus
Here’s How Our Government Can Help People Through Coronavirus Wednesday 25 March 2020 The coronavirus pandemic is pushing more Australians into unemployment, housing stress and poverty – and Vinnies is...
-
Surreal Silence After the Chaos of Bushfires
Surreal Silence After the Chaos of Bushfires Monday 23 March, 2020 Vinnies continues to support people recovering from the bushfires, even as the coronavirus crisis unfolds across the country. To date we have distributed...
-
Bushfires the Cruellest Cut for Sawmill Workers
Bushfires the Cruellest Cut for Sawmill Workers Wednesday 18 March 2020 Vinnies is helping bushfire-impacted families and communities every step of the way towards recovery. We have distributed $10.6 million across...
-
Moving the Needle on Fashion Waste
Moving the Needle on Fashion Waste Monday 16 March 2020 You’re invited! What: The Empty Shop – a ‘reverse pop-up shop’ where you can give old clothes a new life Where: Chatswood Chase in Sydney,...
-
Accessible Communities – There’s an App for That
Accessible Communities – There’s an App for That Three in every four people with a disability report they feel anxious about visiting places they have not been to before due to worries about accessibility. We...
-
Living in an Old Bus After Bushfires
Living in an Old Bus After Bushfires Monday 9 March 2020 Donate to the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal to aid communities in recovery like Nymboida. Bushfire damage in Nymboida, in the NSW Northern Rivers region. Even in a...
-
Power to the People
Power to the People Saturday 7th March 2020 Vinnies continues to distribute funds every single day to help bushfire-impacted families and communities on the road to recovery, having distributed $10.3 million nationally...
-
Women Leading the Way to a Better World
Women Leading the Way to a Better World Friday 6 March 2020 Vinnies women come together on International Women’s Day to celebrate our achievements and continue to drive change to create a better, more equal world....
-
Jack de Groot Recognised in Australian Social Sector
Jack de Groot Recognised in Australian Social Sector Tuesday 3 March 2020 The social sector is filled with passionate individuals who have dedicated their careers to make positive change in the social community. This...
-
From Fires to Floods – Recovery is Still Months Away
From Fires to Floods – Recovery is Still Months Away Monday 2 March 2020 Vinnies continues to distribute funds generously donated to the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal, supporting people as they enter the long recovery...
-
Vinnies Vans Bringing Communities Together
Vinnies Vans Bringing Communities Together For people who are on the fringes of society, our Vinnies Vans offer much more than a meal. Providing a welcoming space for everyone to come together, enjoy a meal and know...
-
Australian Poverty in 2020
Australian Poverty in 2020 21 February 2020 ACOSS & UNSW Sydney launched their latest report, ‘Poverty & Inequality in Australia’, this morning at our Crisis Accommodation Service, Vincentian House....
-
Back to School with Operation Backpack
Back to School with Operation Backpack 18 February 2020 The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for kids and parents alike. For those who are struggling to cover the basics, it can be a daunting occasion....
-
Looking Forward After Losing Everything
Looking Forward After Losing Everything 14 February 2020 Vinnies is continuing to support people impacted by the devastating bushfire crisis by distributing relief funds, emotional support and providing food, water,...
-
Rappville Resolves to Rise from the Ashes
Rappville resolves to rise from the ashes 11 February 2020 Vinnies is continuing to distribute bushfire relief funds and provide food, groceries, clothing, fuel vouchers, and other essentials for people suffering through...
-
From Paradise to a Horror Movie
From paradise to a horror movie 1 February 2020 On a sunny weekend, families tow their boats down to Lake Conjola and set them out into the gentle water. Kids run down to the shoreline shouting with glee. There are...
-
January Is Ending, But The Bushfire Crisis Burns On
January Is Ending, But The Bushfire Crisis Burns On 31 January 2020 It’s been a challenging start to 2020, with relentless bushfire danger tormenting many Australian communities right through January. Vinnies has...
-
Vinnies in Action at Batemans Bay
Vinnies in Action at Batemans Bay 25 January 2020 Up bright and early this morning Vinnies volunteer and President of Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn, John Feint hopes to have the opportunity to meet with Minister Andrew...
-
Vinnies Bushfire Appeal – How we’re helping
Vinnies Bushfire Appeal – How we’re helping 20 January 2020 The Vinnies Bushfire Appeal has so far raised more than $12 million to support people impacted by the unprecedented fires devastating communities...
-
Southern Highlands Schools Donate Emergency Essentials
Southern Highlands Schools Donate Emergency Essentials 18 January 2020 Local schools throughout the Southern Highlands have come together to support those affected by the devastating bushfires. In a show of solidarity...
-
Vinnies Members Stepping Up During Bushfire Crisis
Vinnies Members Stepping Up During Bushfire Crisis 16 January 2020 Anne Hayward and members from our St. Patrick’s Conference in Sussex Inlet provided assistance to over 500 people affected by the bushfires that...
-
Vinnies Volunteers Meredith & Mouna Lend a Helping Hand
Vinnies Volunteers Meredith & Mouna Lend a Helping Hand 14 January 2020 When our members Meredith and Mouna saw the news about the bushfires, they immediately put up their hands to help those affected. Last week, they...
-
Canada Bay Community Brings Smiles This Christmas
Canada Bay Community Brings Smiles This Christmas 23 December 2019 City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas and a group of locals helped bring some Christmas cheer to their sister city Parkes Shire Council with over...
-
Vinnies Housing Summit
Vinnies Housing Summit For far too many people, the cost of living in our State is impossible. We know that for people on low incomes, all it takes is a sudden crisis like getting sick or losing your job and you can lose...
-
Census results - Sydney unaffordable
Census Results - Sydney Unaffordable Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Living in inner Sydney has become unaffordable for all but the few, and rising housing costs means that the city is quickly being...
-
Brutal Workers Comp Cuts Hurt Those Trying to Get By
Brutal Workers Comp Cuts Hurt Those Trying to Get By Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW As most of us prepare for New Year's Eve celebrations, it is distressing to see the impacts of a 2012 state...
-
Complaints About Electricity Not Surprising
Complaints About Electricity Not Surprising Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW It comes as no surprise to me and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW that 74 per cent of complaints to the Energy & Water...
-
Where is our moral compass?
Where is our moral compass? Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Ali came to Australia alone by boat in 2012 fleeing persecution in Iraq. His serious health issues, some brought on by the trauma he’s...
-
Kneejerk (re)action isn’t good enough
Kneejerk (re)action isn’t good enough Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Away from the media frenzy of Martin Place over the last while, the Department of Family and Community Services, NSW Police...
-
Affordable Housing in Parliament
Affordable Housing in Parliament Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW On Thursday 3 August, Vinnies is making history by taking a petition of 16,300 signatures to the NSW Parliament to have the issue of...
-
Vinnies Housing Petition
Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
-
Bringing dignity to asylum seekers
Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies) are working in partnership to support people who arrived in New South...
-
Vinnies Sleepout
Vinnies CEO Sleepout - more than a fundraiser Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Thursday will be my first Vinnies CEO Sleepout. I’ll be joining over 360 fellow CEOs in Sydney. We’ll be aiming...
-
Members Petition Success
Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
-
NSW Labor Housing Plans Welcomed
Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
-
Homelessness – the potential to implement a widespread housing first policy
Homelessness – the potential to implement a widespread housing first policy Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW For some, maintaining a tenancy can be as difficult as finding a rental property in the...
-
Social and Affordable Housing Fund
Social and Affordable Housing Fund Brian Murnane CEO of Amélie Housing For the last three years I have found myself completely enmeshed in the process which has now seen Amélie Housing, the community...
-
Berejiklian’s Focus on Housing Welcomed by Vinnies
Berejiklian’s Focus on Housing Welcomed by Vinnies Story appeared in the Daily Telegraph. Gladys Berejiklian has staked housing affordability as one of her priorities. This comes as welcome news to those of us...
-
The 2017 Resolution that Needs to be Implemented
The 2017 Resolution that Needs to be Implemented Jack de Groot, CEO Sleepout St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Minister Stokes has entered the 2017 year with resolve. Long may this initial foray to confront the housing...
-
Affordable Housing Target is Not Enough
Affordable Housing Target is Not Enough Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW I welcome the front page story in the Sydney Morning Herald today about the Greater Sydney Commission’s (GSC) commitment to...
-
Poverty in Australia 2016
Poverty in Australia 2016 – the Right to Home Jack de Groot, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society NSW On the weekend I attended the launch of the ACOSS Poverty in Australia 2016 Report. It puts the numbers behind the...
Blog
