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Topping out in Footscray
Under a dark grey sky in the western suburb of Footscray, a milestone ceremony on the 18th floor of a new housing project shone brightly – heralding new beginnings and hope for 100+ Victorians in desperate need of safe, stable shelter.
Known as a topping out ceremony (literally signifying reaching the top of a building project), this significant event marked another commitment milestone of a partnership between St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, our subsidiary, VincentCare Community Housing and the Victorian Government.
Group CEO Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM joined St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria State President Michael Quinn, the Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing and approximately 35 guests.
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Vinnies Wallan now open!
It's all happening in Wallan with the opening of our 117th Vinnies Shop.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful customers who came and celebrated with us today, Monday 22 July.
Visit us at 61 High Street, Wallan VIC 3756 for more amazing finds and friendly smiles.
See you soon!
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THANK YOU ONE AND ALL
The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria are incredibly grateful to the 253 CEOs, business and community leaders, and their teams who stood together at the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout recognising that it’s #TimeForChange.
By spending a night out in the cold, they have not only raised much-needed funds but also heightened awareness for our homelessness services. Their efforts will leave a lasting impact, providing essential support and resources to our most vulnerable community members.
We know that there is a lot of work to be done but we thank you for standing with us and showing that together, we can make a difference. Your contributions are vital in our mission to support Victorians in need.
View the impressions of this year's Vinnies CEO Sleepout from:
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Group CEO, Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM
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FROM OUR CEO
The Human Rights Commission argues that access to adequate housing should be added to a list of rights receiving legislative protection. In May, a parliamentary committee backed the call for a Human Rights Act.
Can such a position really be made into law in Australia? Last week, this seemed possible when independent senator David Pocock and MP Kylea Tink introduced a private members’ bill in both chambers of Federal Parliament. The bill calls for “the right to adequate housing” to be included in a list of rights that should receive legislative protection.
On Census night 2021, there were more than 30,000 individuals experiencing homelessness — nearly 6,000 more than five years ago. The Victorian social housing waitlist has also surged to 67,000+ applications, up from 55,000 in March 2022, with 37,000 classified under priority housing.
At St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness.
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170 years: Bringing our history to life
Presenting an 8-metre long timeline mural with customised artwork and milestone moments, 10 of which are embedded with animated augmented reality stories from the St Vincent de Paul Society's good works.
Along with four portraits of key figures, representative of our members and volunteers, brought to life and housing videos telling their stories of inspiration, commitment, work and support to the Society...because good works.
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Celebrating 170 years
Established on 5 March 1854, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been providing support and assistance to people in need. Our history spans Melbourne's infancy in the 1850s to today, 170 years later.
As part of our 170th celebrations two major events were held, the Ozanam Oration and our in March and the Good Works Exhibition in May.
All these events celebrate our members and volunteers and the amazing journey of good works they been part of.
Learn more about these events:
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This Winter help people break free of homelessness
Your support this Winter will help vulnerable people like Luke and many more struggling with hardships can rebuild their lives.
Your gift can help make sure Vinnies is there to support them into long-term solutions, every step of the way.
DONATE NOW
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Our Stories
Footscray's Topping Out ceremony
The Big Housing Build - Footscray achieves a milestone by reaching the top of a building project.
Meet Bill & John
Grappling with homelessness for years, Bill and John are now doing great and living independently thanks to the support received.
Meet Dee
Dee had no accommodation or financial resources until she met her VincentCare support worker in a meeting that changed her life.
Meet Damien
After looking for a meal at Ozanam House six years ago, Damien now has a new life and is giving back.
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Newsroom
Find the latest news, articles, media releases, publications and more.
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“We live on the earth for a short time and should leave the world a better place.”
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