Celebrating 100 years of good works in support of the Toowoomba community

On Saturday 18 October, the St Vincent de Paul Society in Toowoomba marked an incredible milestone as the Holy Name and St Patrick’s Cathedral Conferences celebrated their centenaries.

From helping Toowoomba families after two world wars, to supporting locals through the Great Depression, financial crises, and now the current cost-of-living and housing crisis’s, the Society has continually adapted to meet the changing need of the local community.

Across the Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, nearly 200 Members and more than 500 volunteers dedicate their time to assisting vulnerable community members and answering calls for help from anyone in need.

To celebrate the centenaries, a Mass was led by Bishop Ken Howell, followed by an afternoon tea and cake cutting, honouring the Society’s past and present Members and volunteers who continue the Vincentian mission of doing good works to support vulnerable people in the local community.

Members of both Conferences gathered to reflect on a century of walking alongside people facing hardship and homelessness, a need that is only growing.

President of the Holy Name Conference, Victor Miani, said the St Vincent de Paul Society has always taken a long-term view when helping those in need.

“Being a Vincentian is about more than providing material support. It’s about giving a hand up, not a hand-out, walking with our Companions, and helping them see a way forward.”

In the last financial year, the Society reached and assisted 35,380 locals in the Toowoomba Region, making it the fastest-growing region of need in Queensland according to the Society’s requests for help.

Today, the Society delivers practical services that help create lasting change, including housing and homelessness programs and back-to-school initiatives, while also offering Companions something even more valuable: their time.

President of the St Patrick’s Cathedral Conference, Ann Best, said the generosity of the Toowoomba community has been incredible over the years.

“There is always a need for good works in our community. Every act of kindness and local support, whether through donations, volunteering, or shopping at Vinnies stores, helps us continue providing these essential services.”

The Holy Name and St Patrick’s Cathedral Conferences extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to their good works over the past 100 years, and welcome anyone who wishes to join and continue this vital mission.