In mid-January, Bec Bromhead was appointed to the new role of Vice President – Oceania, focused on exploring how St Vincent de Paul Society can continue to walk in solidarity with, and support, communities seeking justice in neighbouring countries of the Pacific.

In 1998, Bec’s journey with the Society began in her high school Conference in Canberra. Throughout university, she was part of a young adult conference, running kids’ camps, activity days, and sports teams. She sat on the (then) NSW/ACT State Council and Board as the Youth Representative.

She first worked for the Society as the National Council’s World Youth Day Coordinator and went on to join the NSW State Council office as the State Youth and Young Adults Coordinator. Following these roles, Bec took up two secondments for the Society in Southern Africa, supporting three National Councils to develop their youth and twinning/Assist a Student programs. Her love for international partnerships and solidarity led to her study and work in international development and participating in the National Overseas Partnerships Advisory Committee.

Bec holds a BA/BSc (International Relations/Environmental Management), ANU, a B.Ed. (Secondary), CSU, and a Masters of International Development, RMIT.

Bec’s Vincentian identity is a significant part of her life, and she has been part of Conferences in Canberra, Johannesburg, Sydney, and now Brisbane. She is passionate about the Society being an avenue for people to live their faith, as Saint Vincent said, ‘by the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brow’, as well as being a pathway to initiating or exploring deeper spirituality.

She believes that many people in the community are hungry for connection, for ways to serve others in our world through an aligned values-base, and are seeking meaning in their lives.

“The Society has a unique gift to offer our Church and our world in these areas. While Conference membership is very important to me, I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to live my Vincentian service in quite diverse ways and I think that’s important to acknowledge,” Bec says.

In her new role as Vice President – Oceania, Bec will be exploring how we can continue to walk in solidarity with those seeking justice and help ensure a strong and accessible Vincentian presence in communities.

Bec lives in Brisbane with her husband and two young children and is currently coordinating an NGO consortium that provides services for people seeking asylum.