With the COVID-19 pandemic, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria found itself in an extraordinary situation. Our 165-year tradition of face-to-face, hands-on approach suddenly became an issue which needed to be refreshed due to the new government guidelines regarding limiting social contact. And that is exactly what we have done! Rest assured, we are here and we will continue to play a vital role in helping people who need it most.

Our critical services will remain true to the Society's mission, while also keeping the health and wellbeing of our members, volunteers and employees top of mind.

  • Our Welfare Call Centres are open.
  • Our Conferences are making visits to deliver food and other assistance.
  • Our Vinnies Soup Vans are operating outside of curfew hours only (curfew is in effect from 8pm-5am).
  • Our Vinnies Metropolitan Shops are now temporarily closed but you can still support us online through our eBay store.
  • Our Vinnies NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) team are still taking calls.
  • Our Bushfire Assistance service continues to help people impacted by Victoria's recent fires.

Yes, our services are a little different at the moment but we are still providing assistance to people and communities in need, just as we have throughout our long history in Victoria. We are here for you.

Changes to our current works are:

Conference Home Visits - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE OPEN WELFARE ASSISTANCE LINE  1800 305 330
    MONDAYS-FRIDAYS    10.00AM-3.00PM

 

 MELBOURNE METRO  

We have clarified with DHHS that we can continue our modified service as it currently operates. Advice is to operate outside of curfew hours only (curfew is in effect from 8pm-5am).
   
 REGIONAL   

No change under Level 3 restrictions. No entering homes and still visiting in pairs.


Please note:

  • Vinnies will endeavour to continue services to people in need during this critical time.
  • Our Call Centre volunteers are available, Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 3.00pm.
  • Our home visit service is now being organised over the phone. 
Vinnies Soup Vans - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE OPEN WELFARE ASSISTANCE LINE  1800 305 330
    MONDAYS-FRIDAYS    10.00AM-3.00PM

 

 MELBOURNE METRO  

We have clarified with DHHS that we can continue our modified Soup Van program as it currently operates. 
Advice is to operate outside of curfew hours only (curfew is in effect from 8pm-5am). 
   
 REGIONAL   

No change under Level 3 restrictions.

____________________________________________________

We are still here but the Vinnies Soup Van service has changed!

While our street runs have been suspended you can still contact us for assistance with food by calling:

Vinnies Welfare Assistance Line is 1800 305 330 (Monday–Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm).

Over the phone, we will determine your situation and make a personal arrangement of how we can reach you with these essentials. Examples of the support we can offer include food hampers for individuals and families, and food parcels for those with little or no cooking facilities.

Changes to this service are due to the government’s COVID-19 health directive to limit social contact which will reduce the risk to the people we assist and to our volunteers. 

Rest assured, that once this crisis is over, our Vannies will be back on the streets with their trademark soup and a smile.

Vinnies Shops - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE PARTIALLY CLOSED CHECK MY LOCAL SHOP  
  CHANGES TO OPERATION NEW SHOP HOURS  
  METROPOLITAN SHOPS TEMPORARILY CLOSED  
   REGIONAL MONDAYS-SATURDAYS 10:00AM-4:00PM  
  SUNDAYS CLOSED  
       
 MELBOURNE METRO  

All metropolitan shops are currently closed.

Our online offering remains open with our Ebay store: https://www.ebay.com.au/str/vinniesauctions

No receiving of donated goods is possible.
   
 REGIONAL   

No change – Regional shops will continue to operate under level 3 restrictions.


The good news? You can still visit our eBay store.

We thank you for your understanding. Our Melbourne Vinnies volunteers look forward to welcoming you back into their Vinnies Shop soon.

Remember: It is through your generous donation of goods and finances that we are able to provide our services. We do not receive any government financial assistance. 

PLEASE CHECK YOUR LOCAL VINNIES SHOP FOR CHANGES TO OPERATION AND TRADING HOURS.

Welfare Call Centres - Stage 4 update
STATUS:   SERVICE OPEN WELFARE ASSISTANCE LINE  1800 305 330
    MONDAYS-FRIDAYS    10.00AM-3.00PM

 

 MELBOURNE METRO  

Box Hill Call Centre continues to operate with a remote operating model. Opening times, number and service remains the same – Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 3.00pm. 
CALL 1800 305 330
   
 REGIONAL    No change under Level 3 restrictions.


Please note:

  • Our volunteers are continuing to man the Welfare Assistance Line but be aware that greater waiting times might be experienced. 
  • Health questions will be asked at the time of the call.
  • Rest assured, that once this crisis is over, our services will be back to normal.
Assistance Centres - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE CHANGED Interviews are to be arranged on
an appointment-only basis.		  
       
 MELBOURNE METRO  

Remain closed.
   
 REGIONAL   

Remain closed or operating as a modified service.

 

Bushfire Assistance - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE OPEN   CALL 13 18 12

 

 MELBOURNE METRO   No change - Call centre remains remote on 13 18 12
   
REGIONAL    No change – remains a member assessment by phone
Vinnies NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE OPEN PHONE INTERVIEWS 03 5229 8829
       
 MELBOURNE METRO  

No change – remains a phone service 03 5229 8829
   
 REGIONAL    No change – remains a phone service 03 5229 8829


The Vinnies NILS team are here to help if you need a safe, fair and affordable credit alternative to purchase goods or services that will improve quality of life for individuals and families on low incomes.

Phone interviews will be conducted or you can visit https://www.vinniesnils.org.au/ for further information.

Changes to this service are due to the government’s COVID-19 health directive to limit social contact which will reduce the risk to people we assist and to our volunteers.

Rest assured, that once this crisis is over, our services will be back to normal.

Material Assistance - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE OPEN   CALL 13 18 12

 

 MELBOURNE METRO   We are anticipating that we will be able to provide emergency material aid throughout the metro area where we have available stock and we get the formal approval of the Department of Health
   
REGIONAL    No change to material assistance provided through regional shops
Education Programs - Stage 4
STATUS:   SERVICE ONLINE EMAIL US TO JOIN linette.etheredge@svdp-vic.org.au

 

 MELBOURNE METRO   No change – remains an online offering only.
   
REGIONAL    No change – remains an online offering only.


We are still here but our Education Programs have changed!

While our normal programs are suspended due to COVID-19, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria has developed online education programs that provide a fun way to stay connected and continue to develop your skills.

All Education Programs are running via zoom with primary, secondary and VCE programs running on both Tuesday and Thursday 3.30-5pm.

Each week we will offer you six activities, we will ask you to send us something and then we will finish with a song. Most activities will have links to online videos to help and guide you along.

If you and your children would like to receive our education activities online each Wednesday please email linette.etheredge@svdp-vic.org.au and the education team leader will add your name to the email list.

Changes to this service are due to the government’s COVID-19 health directive to limit social contact which will reduce the risk to people we assist and to our volunteers. 

Rest assured, that once this crisis is over, our programs will be back to normal.

Youth Services
STATUS:   SERVICES ON HOLD QUERIES YOUTH@SVDP-VIC.ORG.AU
      SCHOOLS@SVDP-VIC.ORG.AU

 

We are still here but while our Youth Services are temporarily on hold for now, but our young Vinnies teams are helping out in various areas across the Society.

For example Shannon and Jacob have been volunteering in the Bushfire Assistance Call Centre and assisting people when they call in needing help. We also have multiple young Vincentians working across Soup Vans, Retail and the eBay Store. 

While child related activities have been put on hold for now, Young Vinnies teams are looking at ways to stay connected with the children and teens they support. To spread some Easter joy, we recently had our Teen Camp committee and Casey Young Vinnies groups set out to deliver hampers of chocolate to those they serve. Maintaining these relationships are at the forefront of all Young Vinnies teams.  

School workshops, services and programs are also currently on hold. We are being adaptable with the changes and are pleased to offer Skype sessions for interested schools. Want us to host your next Mini Vinnies virtually? Or run through a Vinnies workshop? Please contact the Youth Engagement Team to book in a session via schools@svdp-vic.org.au

We are pleased to add a new dimension to the Footsteps of Frederic (FOF) Program, through FOF Goes Live! This year it kicked off in February with a retreat but now, with the inability to have face-to-face sessions, is another example of the Society reimagining how we deliver programs so that they can continue. 

Changes to this service are due to the government’s COVID-19 health directive to limit social contact which will reduce the risk to people we assist and to our volunteers. 

Rest assured, that once this crisis is over, our services (Teen Camps, Kids Day Out, College Open Day and Roadshow) will be back to normal.

Should you have any queries at this time please contact the Youth Engagement Team via youth@svdp-vic.org.au

Prison Visitation
STATUS:   TEMPORARY HALTING AND
  STOPPING OF SOME SERVICES

 

  • Prison face-to-face visits to cease.