Our Queensland Structure
Peter Dougherty
State President
As State President, Peter is committed to supporting Members, Volunteers and Employees to continue delivering the Society's mission with faith, compassion and practical service. He values collaboration, stewardship and ensuring the Society remains focused on the people and communities it serves.
Peter has been a Vincentian for nearly 30 years and is based in Gladstone. When he was first introduced to the Society, he quickly recognised a strong alignment between the Society's work, his Catholic faith and his commitment to social justice.
Throughout his time with the Society, Peter has served in a range of leadership roles, including Rockhampton Diocesan Central Council President, before being elected State President in June 2026.
Upon Peter's election as State President he shared his vision for the Society:
- To remain focused on our mission and ensure our Good Works continue to support those most in need
- To strengthen and support Members, Volunteers and Employees in carrying out the Society's work safely, effectively and sustainably
- To continue addressing housing insecurity through community housing projects and practical support initiatives
- To grow our commitment to reconciliation and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- To build strong connections across Queensland by listening to local communities and supporting the diverse work of Conferences, Programs and Special Works
- To ensure the Society continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its Vincentian values and faith tradition
Joe Duskovic
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, Joe Duskovic is driven to support the Society to serve people in need with dignity, compassion and respect, and to advance social justice, equity and the common good across Queensland.
Joe joined Vinnies in 2013, bringing extensive experience across governance, legal, risk, audit and property functions.
He is a strong believer in servant leadership and values-based decision-making, grounded in stewardship, trust and a deep respect for the dignity of every person.
Through his leadership, Joe has supported the strengthening of governance frameworks and the delivery of major initiatives, including housing and property programs that respond to growing pressures on individuals and families across Queensland.
Joe believes in collaborative, purpose-driven leadership that empowers people, builds capability and enables meaningful outcomes for communities.
He has a proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing change and supporting organisational sustainability within complex, mission-driven environments as St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland continues to evolve to meet growing community need.
Joe remains committed to guiding the future of St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland and supporting its Members, Volunteers and Employees to work together in service of the Mission. He is focused on ensuring the Society continues to meet growing community need across Queensland, grounded in the Vincentian spirit of dignity, compassion and hope.
How the St Vincent de Paul Society is structured
We are part of an international organisation, led by thousands of amazing volunteers, members, and staff, to serve those in need in our communities.
In Australia, the St Vincent de Paul Society works under a federated model. Every State and Territory has a central office or headquarters that manages the day-to-day operations and needs of the people in that state.
While we operate as separate entities, we work closely together every day to advocate for, and help, disadvantaged communities right across the country. By focusing on our own backyard in Queensland, we can quickly adapt to the needs of our communities – be it through responding to natural disasters or a personal/family crisis requiring assistance with housing, clothing, and food.
Dioceses
The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland structure is made up of eight Dioceses.
Within each Diocese we have Regional Councils, Conferences, Youth Programs, Special Works, Committees, and Vinnies stores. Each Diocese brings together and leads their members in a collective mission - to help people in their local district. They provide governance support and are there to help meet the individual needs of their region, which may be vastly different to the next.
State Council and Members
The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland State Council operates as the board for the state. The State Council is ultimately responsible for the overall governance of the Society, its subsidiaries and all its Councils and Conferences.
The President of State Council is the Society's representative on the National Council of St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.
State Council Members include:
- Peter Dougherty, State President
- Patricia McMahon, Vice President
- Nick Herron, Vice President
- John Hollamby, Vice President
- Shane Blakeley, Vice President
- Dan Carroll, State Treasurer
- Susan Dann, State Secretary
- Juliana Mahon, State Youth Representative
- Maree Harmon, Brisbane Diocesan Central Council President
- Clare Johnston, Far North QLD Diocesan Central Council President
- Peter Ryan, Northern Diocesan Central Council President
- Philip Cranny, Rockhampton Diocesan Central Council President
- Tony Moore, South Coast Diocesan Central Council President
- Peter Duffy, Western Diocesan Central Council President
- Mark O'Brien, Toowoomba Diocesan Central Council President
- Brian Headford, Townsville Diocesan Central Council President
- Br Damien Price, Spiritual Advisor
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