Peter welcomed as new State President

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s new State President, Peter Dougherty, says it takes something special to be a Member of the Society.

“You must be both resilient and compassionate. When someone comes in our door and needs help, for the time they’re with you, they’re the most important person in the room,” he said.

The Gladstone resident has been with the Society for nearly 30 years, taking on the role of State President from 1 June 2026 as he prepares to help lead the Society’s community support across the state.

The previous State President, Patricia “Trish” McMahon (pictured with Peter), was the Society’s first female State President in its 130+ year history in Queensland.

“Over the last four years, Trish has had to deal with some very complex and potentially explosive situations and always handled them in a calm and considered manner,” Peter said.

“She’s left big shoes to fill, but I’m excited about taking on the role. I know I have a really good team behind me who do very important work in our communities.

“My focus as State President will be on our mission.

“What we want to do – help Queenslanders in need – is clear. It’s my role to help facilitate that work and ensure our teams are appropriately resourced.

“It’s important to recognise the great work of those who have come before me and continue to build on that.”

Mr Dougherty said the last few years had been a time of great challenge for the Society, with rising housing and living costs, but also one full of growth and opportunities.

“We have many housing programs under construction right now, and it’s exciting to see them near completion as we prepare to welcome our new residents with a safe and supported place to live,” he said.

“We also have a lot of opportunity to build on our reconciliation work and continue to work with and support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait companions and partners in our communities.”

Mr Dougherty said throughout his community support work with the Society, the words of Matthew 25 were often in his mind – ‘whatever you do for the least of your brothers and sisters, you do for me’.

“Even after 30 years with St Vincent de Paul, every day feels like you’ve achieved something special.”

Prior to 1 June, Mr Dougherty was the Society’s Diocesan President for Rockhampton.

For more information about Membership with the St Vincent de Paul Society, visit vinnies.org.au/get-involved/become-a-member