Celebrating our good works
The St Vincent de Paul Society was established in Melbourne at St Francis’ Church on 5 March 1854. This was the first Australian conference and our first president was Fr Gerald Ward who brought the Society to Australia.
Today the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria continues to serve people in need and are at the heart of everything we do.
With our 10,000+ members and volunteers we provide help to people whose daily struggles include putting food on the table, paying energy bills and ensuring their children remain at school to obtain an education. Each person is treated with deep compassion and provided with assistance tailored to their situation.
Call Centres
Our Welfare Call Centre is a valuable and integral part of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and for many Victorian’s seeking assistance is their first contact point with the Society. Operating five days a week, the dedicated volunteer team connects people to the services they need and provide hope to families across the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Conferences
Across Victoria we have 240+ conferences, local volunteer member groups, who provide personalised support to people in need. Assistance includes paying accommodation and education costs, food and cost of living expenses such as utility and pharmacy bills. They also provide emotional support, budgeting advice and advocacy.
Education
We believe that education equals opportunity. We run after-school programs that promote the social, emotional and academic confidence of the young people who attend. Our programs have helped scores of students unlock their educational potential.
Overseas Development
We provide support to people in developing countries, fostering links and cultural exchange.
Resettlement
We provide a range of services to support asylum seekers and refugees to rebuild their lives and establish a home in their new country.
School Engagement
We have a rich history of engaging with young people to build values-based leadership skills, facilitate fundraising, lead advocacy and run volunteer programs. We support Mini Vinnies programs for primary schools and College Conferences for secondary school students.
Soup Vans
Our soup vans operate at various locations in metropolitan and regional Victoria. The services are run almost exclusively by volunteers, delivering meals, hampers, friendship and support to people experiencing poverty and homelessness.
VincentCare
Established in 2003 by the St Vincent de Paul Society, VincentCare provides support services for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and disadvantage throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Vinnies NILS
Vinnies NILS is our no-interest loan scheme providing safe and no-interest credit for people on low incomes to purchase household goods.
Vinnies Shops
Our 110+ shops make up one of the state’s oldest and most respected social enterprises, with the first opening in 1926. They are supported by our dedicated volunteers and material donations from the community. Profits go back into local communities, helping to fund our welfare programs.
Vinnies Youth
Vinnies Youth represents young volunteers aged 17 and over who contribute to the works of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, often through Young Adult Conferences and Special Works programs.
Our Inspiration
