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REFLECTIONS ON NAIDOC WEEK 2025 - STRENGTH, VISION AND LEGACY

This NAIDOC Week, we reflect on the 2025 theme — The Next Generation: Strength, Vision &amp; Legacy. This theme recognises 50 years of NAIDOC Week and honours the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the vision of young leaders, and the enduring legacy of Elders and ancestors.
This NAIDOC Week, we proudly stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as we celebrate the theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision &amp; Legacy.”&nbsp;
It is a time to honour the enduring strength of First Nations communities, the visionary leadership of young Indigenous Australians, and the powerful legacy of Elders who have paved the way for justice, resilience, and cultural pride.
At the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, we recognise that true reconciliation begins with listening. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices faced by First Nations peoples and reaffirm our commitment to walking together in partnership, guided by respect, compassion, and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
We believe that empowering the next generation is key to building a future where Indigenous voices lead the way in shaping policy, community, and national identity. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and continue to advocate for truth-telling, treaty, and meaningful co-design of services that reflect the wisdom and aspirations of First Nations communities.
This week, and every week, we celebrate the rich cultures, achievements, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We invite all Australians to join us in learning, listening, and acting—so that together, we can build a legacy of unity, justice, and hope.
To honour and listen, the Society is pleased to participate in a range of activities across the Queensland, including our involvement at the upcoming Musgrave Park Family Fun Day on 11 July, the largest NAIDOC Week event of its kind in Australia.

- CEO Kevin Mercer and State President Patricia McMahon

STATE BUDGET ADDRESSES SOARING DEMAND FOR HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT

A near $600m in funding for homelessness support and $5.6b in social housing funds included in&nbsp; yesterday's State Budget announcement will go some way to relieve pressure from growing demand faced by&nbsp; homelessness support organisations such as Vinnies Queensland.
CEO Kevin Mercer welcomed funding of $209m for homelessness services, $366m for crisis&nbsp; accommodation and head leasing and more flexible access to social and affordable housing&nbsp; funding, saying last year’s record social housing build announcement needed to be partnered with&nbsp; immediate homelessness solutions.
“With the state housing waiting list recently exceeding the 50,000 Queenslanders mark, last year’s&nbsp; announcement of 53,500 social homes by 2044 is even more important to deliver in response to our&nbsp; housing crisis,” Mr Mercer said.
“What we need now is immediate solutions to help those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness&nbsp; while these homes are being built, and the State Budget includes some funding to support this.
“This issue remains critical – one of the missing pieces for Queensland right now is access to&nbsp; medium-term housing, for people moving between short-term crisis and long-term accommodation, and a $5.6b investment into new social and community housing initiatives should help address that.”
Mr Mercer was encouraged by the continuation of cost-of-living support with the back-to-school&nbsp; boost and electricity rebate indexing, but there is still further opportunity to boost homelessness&nbsp; prevention by helping Queenslanders struggling with rising rent costs to maintain tenancies.
“Cost of living support is homelessness support – Queenslanders are feeling a lot of financial&nbsp; pressure in keeping up with rising rent and general costs of living,” he said.
“Sometimes a single rent increase can be enough for people to become at risk of losing their home.
“While we also appreciated numerous measures to support victims of domestic and family violence,&nbsp; the number one cause of homelessness for Australian women and children, there is an opportunity&nbsp; to invest in more preventative measures such as family and financial counselling services.”
Mr Mercer also acknowledged initiatives to invest in education and remove financial barriers of entry&nbsp; for primary school students, as well as reducing costs for Queenslanders to access medical&nbsp; services.
Vinnies Queensland, the state’s largest homelessness support provider, is currently working on&nbsp; building more than 500 social and affordable homes across Queensland for people in need, with the&nbsp; first site in this project – a 60-unit housing facility in Nerang on the Gold Coast – breaking ground&nbsp; earlier this month.
The organisation recently raised $2.5m for this project as part of its recent Vinnies CEO Sleepout&nbsp; event, which saw more than 550 Queensland leaders sleep out in support of homelessness.
In the last financial year, Vinnies Queensland provided more than 128,000 nights of accommodation&nbsp; and supported more than 1,300 Queenslanders experiencing homelessness to secure sustainable housing.&nbsp;

VINNIES CEO SLEEPOUT RAISES $2.5M FOR HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT

On Thursday 19 June, hundreds of Queensland’s business and community leaders traded their comfy and warm beds for cardboard on cold concrete or sand for the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
2025 was a record year for the Sleepout – the biggest fundraising event in our annual calendar – raising more than $2.5m for homelessness and housing support across Queensland!
All three Sleepout sites, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, broke their fundraising records.
It was a very special year for all regions – Brisbane saw the event come to the Gabba Stadium for the first time, as the Gold Coast team celebrated their 10th&nbsp;CEO Sleepout and the Sunshine Coast team celebrated a record fundraising total of more than $170,000, more than doubling last year’s event!
“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an important event for our Society – not just because of the funds raised that go to homelessness support, but it’s also our chance to engage and educate our community leaders about the issue,” CEO Kevin Mercer said.
“Hundreds of leaders come to the Sleepout, passionate to learn more about the realities of homelessness, what our Society does in support and what they can do themselves to be part of the solution.
“In an absolutely tremendous record year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has seen more than $2.5m raised to help build long-term affordable and social housing across Queensland – delivering real, long-term solutions to homelessness for Queenslanders in need.”
The night also included plenty of guest speakers and panellists, activities and events and videos showcasing lived experiences with homelessness.&nbsp;
A big thank you to all organisers, participants, ambassadors, guest speakers and volunteers who helped make this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout the biggest one yet.
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<figcaption class="c_c_6c088258" data-automation-id="captionElement-imageRead">The Gold Coast team celebrate their 10th Sleepout anniversary at CBUS Stadium.</figcaption>
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<div class="imagePlugin hasCaption" data-alignment="Center" data-captiontext="Our Sunshine Coast Sleepout, held on the beach at Maroochy Surf Club, broke new records for 2025!" data-imagenaturalheight="450" data-imagenaturalwidth="600" data-imageurl="/sites/news-events/SiteAssets/SitePages/Page(1)(4)/3084408545.png" data-listid="1ba1a54d-3ce7-466a-bcd0-b8dcc8c1f906" data-overlaystylesisbold="false" data-overlaystylesisitalic="false" data-overlaystylesoverlaycolor="light" data-overlaystylesoverlaytransparency="0" data-overlaystylestextboxcolor="dark" data-overlaystylestextboxopacity="0.54" data-overlaystylestextcolor="light" data-overlaytextstyles="{&quot;textColor&quot;:&quot;light&quot;,&quot;isBold&quot;:false,&quot;isItalic&quot;:false,&quot;textBoxColor&quot;:&quot;dark&quot;,&quot;textBoxOpacity&quot;:0.54,&quot;overlayColor&quot;:&quot;light&quot;,&quot;overlayTransparency&quot;:0}" data-siteid="2570d797-c389-44ea-8fd1-a4e9a1a9bbb8" data-uniqueid="9a2b07d5-07b2-44f4-ae73-df8bb4256f92" data-webid="df2f8c57-53ff-4477-aac2-e6943e1af18d" data-height="542.2655639648438" data-width="723.020751953125" data-widthpercentage="61.06513602412341" data-uploading="0">
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<div class="b_a_7e087bb2 c_a_7e087bb2">The Sunshine Coast team celebrated a record year at Maroochy Surf Club.</div>
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FROM HOME SELLER TO HOMELESS AND BACK - ALEX SIGNS UP FOR CEO SLEEPOUT CHALLENGE

Noosa real estate agent Alex Harris is dedicated to helping people find their dream home; but just 13 years ago she had none to call her own.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“In 2012 I got really sick – if I kept working, I was going to die. It was that bad,” she said.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“I had to close my business, I had no funds and slept on a bench in my mother’s garage for seven months.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“I had always worked so hard in my life – within one year I found myself with no income, no support, no place to live. It was a very dark time.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“Homelessness is more common than people think and it can happen at any time – something like illness, divorce, loss of a job can be enough to change your life forever.”&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Wanting to help lift others out of the cycle of homelessness, the Noosa4Sale Managing Director has signed up for her fourth Vinnies CEO Sleepout.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Returning to Brisbane, Maroochydore, and the Gold Coast on 19 June, the CEO Sleepout brings together local community and business leaders to raise vital funds for homelessness support, including building affordable homes to help Queenslanders out of homelessness for the long-term.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
In the last financial year, Vinnies Queensland provided more than 128,000 nights of accommodation to people in need and supported more than 1,300 Queenslanders experiencing homelessness to secure long-term housing.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“When I was at my lowest, I was too embarrassed to reach out for support. I was from a successful business background so it was shocking to find myself in that situation,” Alex said.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“If I could do it all again, I wouldn’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
“I know Vinnies does an incredible job helping, not just those who are homeless but those struggling with poverty or cost of living, so I had no hesitation getting involved.”&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
To sign up, learn more or donate to the CEO Sleepout, visit <a href="https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ceosleepout.org.au</a><o:p></o:p>

NERANG PROJECT BREAKS GROUND ON FIRST OF 500 HOMES

June marked a historic moment in Vinnies Queensland’s 130-year legacy – we’ve officially broken ground on the first of 500 new homes for Queenslanders in need. 
On Thursday 5 June 2025, we hosted a sod-turning ceremony at the Nerang site on the Gold Coast, where 60 social and affordable housing units will soon take shape.&nbsp;
More than 60 Staff, supporters, and special guests attended the event, joined by our construction partners GFG Projects and Plus Architecture, who led the site’s design.  
Vinnies Housing Chair, Dennis Innes, opened the proceedings, followed by speeches from:   &nbsp;
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<li>The Hon. Samuel O’Connor, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth </li>
<li>Colin Wheeler, representing the Vinnies CEO Sleepout Ambassadors </li>
<li>Kevin Mercer, CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.  </li>
</ul>
“Starting with 60 units in Nerang, this initiative is about more than providing a roof – it’s about creating safe, affordable homes and offering wrap-around support to help residents build a better future”, Mr Mercer said of the 500 Homes program. 
The Queensland Government is co-funding the 500 Homes project at Nerang, along with developments in Newtown (Toowoomba – 27 units) and Bundaberg (60 units), which will also break ground later this year. Funds raised through the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout have been vital in securing land and capital for these projects. 
Once construction is complete, Vinnies Housing will manage the Nerang complex and provide wrap-around support to residents, helping them transition out of homelessness and reconnect with the community.  
Congratulations to everyone involved. Breaking ground on the first of 500 Homes for Queenslanders is a significant step forward, and one we can all be proud of.  
We look forward to welcoming the first residents in mid-2026.

QUEENSLAND'S BIGGEST OP-SHOP TREASURE HUNT IS BACK!

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Vinnies Queensland is set to bring back the state’s biggest op-shop treasure hunt with Finderfest 2025 — a thrilling 10-day golden treasure hunt and giveaway where savvy shoppers can uncover hidden gems and win their share of over $70,000 in prizes!&nbsp;
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Running from Friday 23 May to Saturday 31 May, Finderfest will take the op-shop treasure hunt to a whole new level, rewarding shoppers with amazing prizes while supporting Queenslander’s doing it tough with proceeds from every purchase going back to support the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Queensland’s golden girls and this years’ Finderfest ambassadors, Mollie O’Callaghan, reigning Olympic champion in the 200-meter freestyle, and Alexa Leary, three-time gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer, are diving in and urging Queenslanders to make a splash in the race to uncover the golden rewards.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Golden Tokens will be hidden in all Vinnies stores across the state, ready for shoppers to find, scan the QR code and go in the running to win five major prizes, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Golden Groceries: $20,000 in IGA vouchers to spend at IGA&nbsp;
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Golden Getaway: $15,000 in Flight Centre vouchers to spend on travel&nbsp;
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Golden Fuel: $5,000 to spend on a years’ worth of fuel&nbsp;
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Golden Ticket: $5,000 to spend on entertainment&nbsp;
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Golden Cash: $5,000 to help ease any financial burdens&nbsp;
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Beyond the search for golden tokens, there are more ways to strike gold, with every purchase during Finderfest earning an entry into the Golden Giveaway and unlocking a go at the Spin-to-Win Instant Prize Wheel. Shoppers will spin a virtual prize wheel for a 1-in-5 chance to win instantly from a range of prizes including:&nbsp;
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$100 IGA gift card&nbsp;
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$50 fuel gift card&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Vinnies Gift Card ($5, $10, $50, $100)&nbsp;
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The more you op-shop till you drop and hunt for treasures in different stores, the more Golden Tokens you’ll uncover — giving you even more chances to win big and give back to Queenslanders in need.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Five-time Olympic gold medallist Mollie O’Callaghan is encouraging Queenslanders to join the race, have fun and support a cause making a real difference for everyday Aussies.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Vinnies Finderfest Golden Giveaway — whether you walk away with a major prize or hit the jackpot on the spin-to-win, every visit to Vinnies makes a difference. It’s a fun, rewarding way for Queenslanders to come together and support a great cause," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Both O’Callaghan and Alexa Leary share a long-standing connection to Vinnies — not just as supporters but as individuals who have experienced firsthand the power of community generosity.&nbsp;
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“My family has been donating items to Vinnies for as long as I can remember — I’ve grown up loving the idea of giving things a second life. Donating and recycling is such a simple yet powerful way to give back, helping others in the community find what they need at an affordable price,” Mollie said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Three-time gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer Alexa Leary said she was passionate about giving back to others, and was excited to see Queenslanders get behind Finderfest.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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“Vinnies has always been a place I love to shop and donate to and giving back has always been important to me. I saw first-hand how powerful it is when I was in the Royal Brisbane Hospital. When I couldn’t move, it was other people who stepped up, donating their time, money and energy to help me,” Alexa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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“Now, I want to pay that forward and that’s why I’m part of the Finderfest Golden Giveaway, encouraging everyone to get in store and shop second-hand at Vinnies. Proceeds from every purchase helps support the community and make a real difference in someone’s life,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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While Finderfest is a thrilling event with life-changing prizes, it’s also a critical fundraiser helping Vinnies Queensland continue its mission to support Queenslanders in need — from those experiencing homelessness and emergency relief crises, to individuals struggling with everyday costs such as groceries and food.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Vinnies Queensland General Manager, Drew Eide said Finderfest 2025 is an exciting way to bring people together while raising awareness of increasing financial stress in the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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“With cost-of-living pressures, a housing crisis, and financial stress affecting more Queenslanders than ever, Finderfest is a golden opportunity for shoppers to have fun and win life-changing prizes while also directly supporting Vinnies’ vital services,” Drew said.&nbsp;
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“We’re incredibly grateful to our major sponsors, IGA QNN and Flight Centre, for helping make this event possible, as well as our dedicated volunteers, staff, and of course the shoppers who continue to support Vinnies and the community.&nbsp;
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“Fresh off the excitement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Finderfest is the perfect way for Queenslanders to channel their competitive spirit, chasing the Golden Giveaway in-store with a chance to strike gold, just like our incredible athletes,” he said.&nbsp;
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Proceeds from every purchase at a Vinnies store contributes to providing food, shelter and essential support for Queenslanders in crisis.&nbsp;
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For more details on how to join the race to win gold this Finderfest, visit <a href="/finderfest.com.au">finderfest.com.au.</a>&nbsp;<a href="/finderfest.com.au"></a>
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A LIFE WITH PURPOSE: SYLVIA'S JOURNEY WITH VINNIES

For Sylvia Lewis, volunteering at Vinnies isn’t just about lending a hand — it’s about&nbsp; belonging to something bigger.
After nearly a decade at the Vinnies Springfield store, Sylvia has become more than just&nbsp; a volunteer, she’s family.
“I don’t call it a community. I call it my Vinnies family,” she says. “They’re the people&nbsp; who show up for you.”
“I started over nine years ago when it was a much smaller shop,” said Sylvia. “Now it’s&nbsp; grown and so have the connections I’ve made.”
Today marks the start of <a href="https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/">National Volunteer Week </a>(19 - 25 May), a national celebration of volunteers like Sylvia who make our communities a better place to live.
After being overlooked for work at age 62, Sylvia found a new chapter through&nbsp; volunteering.
"No one wanted to employ me because of my age. But then I came to&nbsp; Vinnies, and they welcomed me with open arms. They tell you a different story, one of&nbsp; value, purpose and inclusion.”
Sylvia is not alone in her experience.
In Australia, many individuals past the average&nbsp; retirement age struggle with social isolation and a lack of purpose. Research shows that&nbsp; around 16% of Australians aged 65 and over experience loneliness, while 11% are&nbsp; socially isolated. . Sylvia’s sense of purpose and joy in giving back is contagious. “There’s nothing worse&nbsp; than sitting at home by yourself,” she says. “When you’re on your own, it’s so good to&nbsp; meet people. You find camaraderie, friendship and a reason to get up in the morning.” Today, Sylvia volunteers several days a week and is a staple of every sale day, often&nbsp; welcoming shoppers with a smile as part of her “meet and greet” duties.
“There’s no wondering what to do with your day. You get up, pack your lunch, and you&nbsp; have your whole day planned. It’s so rewarding, it really is.”
Over the years, Sylvia has done just about everything — from pricing books and toys to&nbsp; colouring and ordering stock. As a keyholder and one of the most familiar faces in the&nbsp; store, she’s the first to offer help, guidance, or simply a kind word to both customers and&nbsp; fellow volunteers.
The deep bonds she’s formed at Vinnies extend beyond the shop floor. “I’m in the&nbsp; middle of moving house, and four of the volunteers are coming to help me. That’s the&nbsp; kind of bond we have.”
With adult children who cheer her on and lifelong friends made through Vinnies, Sylvia&nbsp; is a shining example of the difference volunteering makes — not just for the community,&nbsp; but for those who give their time.
“I had my 70th birthday two years ago and 28 people from Vinnies came,” she said.
“You think you’re alone, but you’re not. The friendships, the laughter, the purpose… it&nbsp; means everything.”
If you’d like to learn more about supporting your local community by volunteering for&nbsp; Vinnies Queensland, visit vinnies.org.au/qld/volunteer, email&nbsp; volunteering@svdpqld.org.au or go in store and chat with the team.

VINNIES CEO SLEEPOUT CALLS ON QLD LEADERS TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST HOMELESSNESS

As Queensland’s housing affordability hits record lows, Vinnies Queensland is calling on business, community, and government leaders to step up, sleep out, and take part in the 2025 CEO Sleepout, hosted across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast on 19 June.
2025 will be a special year for the CEO Sleepout, with the Gold Coast celebrating their 10th anniversary of the event and the Brisbane Sleepout moving to a new venue – The Gabba stadium in Woolloongabba.
The 2025 CEO Sleepout was officially launched yesterday, 3 April, with Vinnies Queensland hoping to raise $2.5m for homelessness support across the state.
Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the scale of our state housing crisis was immense but was even more reason to not give up on helping those facing homelessness.  
“To put things in perspective, The Gabba has a capacity of 42,000 seats,” he said. 
“If you filled every single seat with a Queenslander on the social housing waiting list considered at ‘high risk’ of homelessness, you’d still be about 5,000 seats short.
”The CEO Sleepout events across Queensland will raise crucial funds to build affordable and social housing across Queensland, ensuring vulnerable individuals and families have a safe place to call home, as well as equipping our Members to support those experiencing homelessness. 
The Sleepout was officially launched yesterday, 3 April across all three locations.
Vinnies Queensland CEO, Kevin Mercer, is calling on Queensland leaders to take action, highlighting the urgent need for safe and affordable housing. 
“Brisbane is now the second most expensive city to live in across Australia, with rent prices soaring by more than 30% in just three years. For thousands of families, the cost of living is unbearable, and more people than ever are turning to Vinnies for help,” Mr Mercer said. 
“With rental vacancy rates dropping to 1% and below across the state, people are struggling to find stable housing, and homelessness is becoming a reality for many.” 
To meet this growing need, Vinnies Queensland has launched a project to build 592 homes to provide to vulnerable Queenslanders, with access to both secure housing and wrap-around support services to keep residents out of homelessness for good. 
“The CEO Sleepout is a way for business leaders to come together, experience just a small part of what too many Queenslanders face daily, and raise the vital funds needed to build more homes and provide critical support, Mr Mercer said. 
In the last financial year, Vinnies QLD’s homelessness services supported more than 1,300 people out of homelessness to sustainable housing and provided more than 128,500 nights of accommodation.  
The funds raised from the CEO Sleepout are vital in ensuring we can keep up with the growing demand for support to ensure no Queenslander is left behind.  
For more information, or to register for the 2025 Sleepout, visit <a href="http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/">www.ceosleepout.org.au</a>.

A LONG JOURNEY TO RECOVERY AHEAD FOR FLOOD-IMPACTED NORTH QUEENSLAND

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland warns recovery could take years for flood-impacted residents across northern Queensland, but it’s not a journey they need to go through alone.
Far North Queensland President Veronica Innes said recovery will be a slow and arduous journey, but not an impossible one.
“We still receive regular requests from people who were hit by Cyclone Jasper, and that was back in December 2023,” she said.
“It can be a very slow process and it’s important we all support our communities through it.”
Townsville President Brian Headford said volunteer Members across impacted regions had already started to deliver clothing, food, bedding and school supplies to impacted regions, but said the real work begins once the floods waters clear.
“Our focus is on supporting residents with long-term recovery,” he said.
“Thankfully some of the highways, including to Ingham, have re-opened and we can start to deliver resources in regional impacted areas.”
CEO Kevin Mercer said flood-impacted residents could reach the St Vincent de Paul Society for help by calling 1800 846 643.
“There will come a time when the waters have receded and disasters like these begin to fade from the news and the rest of the country will seem to have moved on. But the financial, physical, and emotional impacts will still be felt by residents of North Queensland for months and even years to come,” he said.
“Regional Queenslanders are known for their strength and courage – but I do encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to not be afraid to reach out for help.
“We are tough, but we still look after each other – that’s the Queensland way.”
Financial donations to support impacted residents can be made at <a href="https://www.vinnies.org.au/northqldfloodappeal2025">vinnies.org.au/northqldfloodappeal2025</a>
The State Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance payments are also available for impacted residents by contacting <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">qld.gov.au/disasterhelp</a> or calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

FLOOD APPEAL LAUNCHED IN SUPPORT OF NORTH QUEENSLANDERS

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has launched a state-wide North Queensland Flood 2025 Appeal to support flood-impacted residents of North Queensland as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
The Society will work directly with impacted residents to support with immediate emergencies like food, clothing and accommodation as well as long-term support in rebuilding homes and resupplying essential household items.
Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercer said it was important that impacted residents did not have to face the long journey of recovery alone.
“St Vincent de Paul has more than 130 years’ experience helping Queenslanders through extreme weather events, from floods to bushfires,” he said.
“Once the flood waters start to recede, we expect there will be thousands of residents faced with the task of rebuilding their homes and their lives.
“Our Members will be there to support those impacted with long-term recovery efforts.”
Mr Mercer said flood-impacted residents could reach the St Vincent de Paul Society for help by calling 1800 846 643 or visiting vinnies.org.au/qld
“For anyone who has seen these devastating events and want to help, we are welcoming donations in support of families and individuals who have been impacted,” he said.
“When things get tough, that’s when Queenslanders step up to help each other.
“We’ve helped thousands of families rebuild their lives in times of disaster, and as long as our Society is around, we will continue to help those when it’s most needed.”
Donations are accepted at <a href="https://www.vinnies.org.au/northqldfloodappeal2025">vinnies.org.au/northqldfloodappeal2025</a>
The State Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance payments are also available for impacted residents by contacting qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPORT REQUESTS SKYROCKET AS FAMILIES STRUGGLE UNDER FINANCIAL PRESSURE

For the third year in a row, state charity St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has reported a record number of requests for back-to-school support, as more families struggle to afford the basics amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 
CEO Kevin Mercer said requests for help with 2024 back-to-school expenses through the organisation’s Children’s Education Fund had increased 8.6% since last year and 35% since 2022. 
Uniforms – which cost an average of $245 for primary students and $469 for secondary students in Queensland – were the most requested item, followed by textbooks.  
Research from Australian website Finder found that one in seven Australian families said they would have to go into debt to afford back-to-school costs for 2025. 
“We’ve heard from parents across the state who are desperate for their child to not fall behind in their education but can barely afford to pay the rent each week,” Mr Mercer said. 
“A full set of school supplies, including textbooks and a uniform, can cost anywhere between $600 and $1,200 – that’s no small amount for families already falling behind with rising rent and grocery costs. 
“Many parents we’ve talked to are embarrassed at the idea of sending their kids to school in ill-fitting or tattered old uniforms – it can make their kids a target of bullying or they’re worried about judgement from other parents and teachers. 
For the 2025 school year, the state charity received 2,211 requests through the Children’s Education Program, representing 5,610 students. 
If you’re struggling with rising costs of living, you can reach Vinnies Queensland by calling 1800 846 643 during business hours.   
If you’d like to help support struggling families, including with educational expenses, you can donate to Vinnies Queensland at vinnies.org.au/donate

VINNIES PREPARES TO LAUNCH HERVEY BAY'S LARGEST OP SHOP

Hervey Bay will soon be the home of one of the largest Vinnies shops in Queensland.
After all, when you’re dealing with the whale capital of Australia, it’s important to go big.
The expansive 1,500m2 Vinnies on Boat Harbour Drive is set to make a real splash for local op-shoppers and bargain hunters in the lead up to the grand opening on Saturday 7 December.
The massive Vinnies, opening at the former BCF site, is set to become the most popular Vinnies in Queensland, thanks to its prime location, impressive size, strong team of volunteers, and a real appetite for op-shopping in the region.
Treasure seekers are invited to explore a wide range of pre-loved clothing, homewares and more at the new store, which promises to be a shopping destination like no other in the area.
Replacing the current Hervey Bay store – already one of the top three performing stores in the state – the new thrift haven is expected to be a Queensland leader in sales.
Shoppers can explore a treasure trove of pre-loved fashion and goods, with proceeds directly supporting local residents in need.
Opening day will also feature a sausage sizzle, face painting and Vinnies voucher giveaways to celebrate the new Shop!
Vinnies Queensland Northern Retail Operations Manager, Linda de Blasio, said the opening of the store marked a significant milestone for the Society, reflecting the rising demand for sustainable and affordable shopping options during challenging economic times.
“This is an exciting step forward as we open the doors to Hervey Bay’s largest op-shop,” Linda said.
“We’re proud to meet the needs of style-savvy, budget-conscious, and environmentally aware shoppers who are choosing second-hand as a sustainable way to shop.”
Linda highlighted the success of the May and June 50% off sale, which delivered the biggest retail sales week on record for the organisation.
“This demonstrates just how much Hervey Bay residents value affordable and eco-friendly shopping,” she said.
“In the 2023-2024 financial year alone, Vinnies sold 9.3 million pre-loved items, keeping quality goods out of landfill while generating vital funds to support our work in local communities.”
In the last 12 months, Vinnies Queensland on the Fraser Coast supported around 5,000 locals in need with more than $210,000 in emergency support.
“At a time when many Queenslanders are feeling the strain of the cost-of-living crisis, every purchase made at Vinnies helps us deliver essential services like food, housing assistance, and support programs to those who need it most,” Linda said.
“Shopping at Vinnies here in Hervey Bay isn’t just about finding great bargains — it’s about making a difference in the lives of people doing it tough.”
The store is located at 130-140 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay, and will open from 9am on Saturday, 7 December.
To find your local Vinnies Shop, visit vinnies.org.au/qld/shops

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