Governance & Management

State President - Geraldine Hawkes

The involvement of Geraldine Hawkes’ family in Glasgow with St Vincent de Paul Society nurtured her attentiveness to the value of all people.

Since arriving in South Australia in 1988 with her husband Paul and their two children, she has visited Conferences, been welcomed by Companions in their homes, and led formation and leadership sessions for the Society in SA.

Joining Salisbury Conference in early 2020, she was elected as Regional President for Central District and in 2023 was appointed as a Vice President for SA. In August 2024, Geraldine was elected State President.

She has served on SA State Council for four years, and is a member of the National Mission, Membership and Spirituality Standing Committee. Geraldine has extensive practice of ministry, leadership and governance in various church, community and public service arenas, across Australia and in the UK.

Geraldine is motivated by a long-held commitment to see each person, particularly those experiencing deprivation, marginalisation or rejection, not as a problem to be resolved, but as a gift to be received.

“Being part of the global Vincentian community of friends reminds me daily of the beauty of every human being. It gives me the courage, strength and hope to work together to assist practically and advocate politically for processes and policies that enable the more equitable sharing of resources and for all to experience a deeper sense of self-worth.”