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<p>Nationally, the St Vincent de Paul Society offers in excess of two hundred programs and services designed to help those who are socially excluded and marginalised.</p>

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Tas Textiles Christmas gift ideas

With Christmas fast approaching, Tas Textiles is offering a range of thoughtful, Tasmanian-made gift options that bring joy while supporting meaningful employment for people living with disability. 

Based in Glenorchy, Tas Textiles has been producing high-quality knitwear and textile products since 1946, with every item crafted by a dedicated team of supported employees and skilled staff.  

Purchasing a gift from Tas Textiles means giving something unique while helping create opportunities for meaningful work within the community. 

This year’s Christmas selection includes their beautifully made school and corporate knitwear, warm woollen scarves, beanies and jumpers and a variety of hand-finished items perfect for the festive season.  

Tas Textiles also offers embroidery services for those looking to add a personal touch. 
One of the most popular choices during the holidays is the Envirowoolly range of charming, hand-stitched Tasmanian wool toys including koalas, kiwis and other native animals.  

Each Envirowoolly is stuffed with locally sourced wool and individually assembled, making every toy one-of-a-kind.  

They are a wonderful option for children, collectors or anyone who appreciates a gift with heart. 

All purchases directly support the important work of Tas Textiles and contribute to the ongoing employment of people with disability in a safe, supportive and empowering environment. 

To browse the full range or place an order, visit www.tastex.com.au or drop into the factory shop at Mill Lane Glenorchy. 



Tas Textiles Christmas gift ideas 

Vale Joe Higgins

It was with sadness that we received the news of Life Member Joe Higgins’ passing in October.
He contributed so very much to our community and was deeply loved across our membership. 
During his time with the Society, Mr Higgins worked in many roles including as a truck driver, emergency relief assistance provider and treasurer of the St Therese’s conference.  
Earlier this year he was honoured as a Life Member of the St Vincent de Paul Society for his role as a Vincentian Member over 60 years. At the time, he was very humble about the work he had undertaken over the years, but was very happy about the recognition.
The news of his passing came to us from Julia Higgins, his daughter and one of our new Board Directors and we wish to extend our sympathies and prayers to her and the rest of Joe’s family on behalf of the whole Vincentian family in Tasmania. 


Mill Lane precinct update

The St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania’s new southern precinct at Mill Lane in Glenorchy has entered an exciting new phase, with teams progressively moving into the purpose-built facility.  

The development, one of the most significant undertaken by the Society in recent years, will consolidate several key services under one roof while expanding capacity to support communities across Hobart’s northern suburbs. 

St Vincent Industries is now fully relocated and back at work, with supported employees already settled at their machines and continuing production. 

A few final items, such as staff lockers, are still to arrive, but operations have resumed smoothly in the new space. 

Tas Textiles is finalising relocation, with major equipment including the cutting table and knitting machines on the move.  

The Southern Regional Office is also progressing through its move, with the remainder of the team expected to settle into their new workspaces soon.   

Emergency Relief services are currently operating Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 - 2 from the site, and will soon be operating fully with the  dedicated emergency relief hub and food pantry.  

The new Loui’s Van kitchen will also be based permanently at Mill Lane, providing an improved home base for the service. 

In the near future Vinnies Retail begin its move into a newly refurbished space, the formerly Tas Textiles factory.  

The new store is expected to open in late December, offering improved parking, more accessible facilities and a large, modern layout for shoppers and donors. 

As the entire precinct continues to take shape, the move represents a major step forward for the Society.  

Bringing together St Vincent Industries, Tas Textiles, the Southern Regional Office, Emergency Relief services, Loui’s Van and retail operations will bring significant benefits for staff, volunteers and the Tasmanians we support. 



Mill Lane precinct update 

Spreyton turns recycling into relief for Tasmanians in need

Northwest Tasmanians now have a new way to turn their drink containers into positive community impact with the official opening of the Recycle Rewards Spreyton depot today. The new refund point is operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society. 


State President Corey McGrath said the new depot, managed in partnership with Recycle Rewards network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, provided an easy and convenient way for people to help their fellow Tasmanians.


“Every eligible container returned gets a 10 cent refund, which can be retained by customers for their own use or donated to Vinnies,” Mr McGrath said. 


“When donated to Vinnies, this adds up to real change – providing food, clothing and emergency assistance to Tasmanians doing it tough. 


“That’s things like stocking our pantries and food vans, providing financial relief to those facing homelessness, keeping our homeless relief shelters open, providing youth programs and keeping all our other services running.


“Our engagement with Tasmania’s container refund scheme also reinforces Vinnies’ dedication to the circular economy, which is central to our operations locally, nationally and globally.”


TOMRA Cleanaway General Manager for Tasmania Corey Wingard said the new partnership reflected a shared commitment to sustainability and social impact.


“Every container returned at Spreyton is a step toward a cleaner Tasmania and a stronger community, and TOMRA Cleanaway is incredibly proud to work with The St Vincent de Paul Society to make recycling easy and meaningful,” Mr Wingard said.


“Tasmanians have embraced Recycle Rewards since day one, and this new depot at Spreyton will make it even easier for the community to protect the environment and support a great cause.


“A unique advantage offered by the larger depot sites is the capacity to work swiftly through containers in quantities large and small.”


The new depot is located at Vinnies Spreyton, 8 Wigmore Road, and is open from 9.15am to 4.45pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays. Vinnies also operates a reverse vending machine at its Op Shop in Wynyard. 


Mr McGrath said the depot’s automatic sorting machine will make it much easier for sporting and community clubs, pubs, hotels and individuals to return large volumes of eligible containers. 
“Our wonderful staff and volunteers can also show people what happens when a container is donated, which is a great way to educate yourself, your children or grandchildren,” he said.  


 Spreyton turns recycling into relief for Tasmanians in need

St Vincent de Paul Tasmania launches 2025 Christmas Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society has launched its 2025 Christmas Appeal, urging Tasmanians to give what they can as more families face - hardship heading into the festive season. 


With everyday prices continuing to climb and many still feeling the strain of the past year, the Society’s Emergency Relief teams are reporting record demand for support across the state. 


State President Corey McGrath said Christmas remained one of the most challenging times of the year for those already doing it tough. 


“For most of us the festive period is a time of family celebrations and the joy of Christmas, but for far too many Tasmanians it is a time of stress and worry,” he said. 


“The number of people reaching out for help has never been higher and many are facing impossible choices between paying rent and purchasing small gifts for their children, or food and basic household items just to get by. 


“In the past twelve months, the Society has helped 3,529 families and 19,182 individuals through our Emergency Relief service, and roughly one in ten of our companions is experiencing homelessness. 


“The Society has been here for more than 125 years, but our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of the Tasmanian community. Every donation, large or small, helps provide a meal, a gift, support with an urgent bill or a safe place to stay.” 


Long-time member and volunteer Leigh Delaney, who has been involved with the Society for more than forty years, said the Vinnies Christmas Appeal played an important role in easing isolation and stress during the holiday season. 


“Everyone hopes for a safe and joyful Christmas, but sadly that isn’t the reality for too many Tasmanians,” he said. 


“The work the Society does at this time of year provides material help and encourages greater social inclusion and community connection. 


“The look on someone’s face when they receive the support they need is truly special and people are so grateful for the compassion and care our members and volunteers show. 


“When we support someone in urgent need , we are also reminding them that there are people in the community who care and want them to stay safe, warm and connected.” 


This year, Vinnies is aiming to raise 250,000 dollars to provide emergency relief and practical support to Tasmanians in need, especially at a time when pressures on families and individuals can feel overwhelming.  
Donations will help fund essential household supplies, utility assistance and other vital items for those experiencing hardship.  


The Society continues to rely on the generosity of Tasmanians to meet the growing demand and offers its sincere thanks to all who find it in their heart to support their community during the festive season. 



St Vincent de Paul Tasmania launches 2025 Christmas Appeal 

A heartfelt thank you to Heather Kent

As State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our outgoing CEO Heather Kent, for her extraordinary service and leadership over the past three and a half years.

When Heather stepped into the role in 2022, she brought more than a wealth of experience in Tasmania’s not-for-profit, health, disability and community sectors. It is fair to say that she hit the ground running.

Throughout her time, Heather was instrumental in driving forward major projects in response to Tasmania’s growing housing and cost of living crises. Under her direction, we deepened our efforts to deliver transitional and affordable housing, alongside our emergency relief, special works, community fundraising and outreach. 

Rosalie Court, the Mill Lane Precinct, Bethlehem House, Amelie House (Argyle and Warwick) have all been energized by Heather’s enthusiasm, passion and important stakeholder relationships through government, philanthropy and the community sector. These developments will stand as lasting testament to her work at The Society.

On a personal level I will fondly remember the countless early-morning meetings we shared, often in the car, sometimes accompanied by a barking dog, the quack of ducks, or the call of a peacock in the background. It’s in these moments that I saw Heather’s dedication to our vision, always ready to act, always ready to listen.

Heather never just managed, she actualised the change in culture and strategic direction our Society needed, including the enormous amount of work going into making the Society a company limited by guarantee. 

She embraced our mission and values as her own, brought staff along with her, led with empathy and integrity, and always kept our Catholic identity and Vincentian values front and centre.

Because of Heather’s tireless work, the Society is now in an even stronger place with a clear strategic path, ready for renewed energy for the future. While it is with sadness that we farewell her in this role, it is also with immense gratitude.

I am delighted that she will continue to be a part of our Vincentian family, joining us a little down the track as a member of a new Amelie Conference, continuing to serve and support those in need.

Heather is joining Palliative Care Tasmania as CEO and they are very fortunate to be gaining her energy and wisdom. 
On behalf of all Members, volunteers, staff, and those whose lives you’ve touched, thank you, Heather. May God bless you in all that lies ahead.

Corey McGrath

State President 

St Vincent de Paul Society.






Stories

Tas Textiles Christmas gift ideas

Vale Joe Higgins

Mill Lane precinct update

Spreyton turns recycling into relief for Tasmanians in need

St Vincent de Paul Tasmania launches 2025 Christmas Appeal

A heartfelt thank you to Heather Kent

Community Sleepout Burnie

Homelessness Week Wrap Up

Mill Lane Blessing

Change of company structure an important step

Tas Textiles fulfills major Woolies order

Turning pain into purpose