60 years of service in Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale Conference celebrates six decades of service to East Gippsland

For 60 years, when East Gippsland families had nowhere else to turn, they called the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria in Bairnsdale. 

This Sunday, the Bairnsdale Conference marks that milestone with a special 60th Anniversary Celebration Mass to give thanks to the many members whose kindness and dedication have touched thousands of lives over the years across one of Victoria's most vast and challenging regions.

Established on 28 June 1966, the Bairnsdale Conference has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers into a vital institution, providing emergency housing, financial assistance and personal care to individuals and families in need across East Gippsland.

Paul Heaton-Harris, Bairnsdale Conference President said, “We are very proud to be celebrating 60 years of ‘good works’ in the community, and I want to thank our members, past and present, whose generosity and commitment have touched so many lives across East Gippsland throughout the years.

Bridging distance in a vast region

In a region where long distances can be as isolating as any hardship, the commitment of the Bairnsdale team led to the establishment of outreach services in Lakes Entrance and Orbost, extending help as far as Mallacoota - ensuring that even the most remote communities know they are not on their own.

“In a region as large as ours, distance can be a real barrier. That is why our outreach matters so much. 

“Whether it is Lakes Entrance, Orbost or as far as Mallacoota, we aim to make sure people know they are not on their own,” said Mr Heaton-Harris. 

A lifeline through Black Summer and beyond

The Society's capacity to adapt has never been tested more than during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires. As communities across East Gippsland were devastated and then cut off, Bairnsdale became a critical relief hub - a place people could come to for emergency support, practical assistance and human connection when they needed it most.

That same spirit of responsiveness continues today, as the Conference works to address the rising challenges of homelessness, mental health, and domestic and family violence across the region.

A legacy carried forward

For Albert Pruscino, who has volunteered with the Bairnsdale Conference for 20 years, the work has always been about something larger than the help itself - it is about what is possible when a community leads by example.

Albert Pruscino said, “By our good example, we hope more people come to us."

New generations of volunteers are now continuing that legacy, with new conferences currently being established across the region - a sign that the spirit of the Bairnsdale Conference is taking root in the communities it has long served.

Continuing to adapt and extend to Orbost

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria continues to adapt to the needs of the community with the Bairnsdale Assistance Centre providing an outreach service into Orbost every Thursday between the hours of 10am – 2pm.

The service provides more than a ‘hand out’, it focuses on providing a ‘hand up’ for all members of the community. Types of support may include: school education expenses, emergency short term accommodation for the homeless or a shelter kit, car registration, prescription cost, household items, food, household bills, advocacy and referrals.

The assistance centre is now running out of Orbost Library with the second Thursday of every month at the Hospital. 

“We are extremely grateful to the staff of the Neighbourhood House and Orbost Regional Health Service for their ongoing support,” Mr Heaton-Harris said. 

To make an appointment, please phone the Neighbourhood House Reception on 03 5154 6742.

Join the 60th Celebration

The community is warmly invited to join the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria in celebrating 60 years of East Gippsland neighbours helping neighbours. A special 60th Anniversary Celebration Mass will be held this Sunday 28 June at 9:30am, followed by morning tea. All are welcome.

VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

• Community members with Vinnies members and volunteers  
• Morning tea fellowship gathering following the Mass 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:    Aleksandra Jevremovic | Account Coordinator 
                                     ajevremovic@keepleft.com.au  | +61 451 653 672 

ABOUT THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

The St Vincent de Paul Society and its wide network of members and volunteers provide practical frontline support, advocacy and friendship for the most vulnerable members of our community. Key services include home visitation; Vinnies Shops; youth programs; soup vans; assistance for asylum seekers and refugees; education and tutoring; and professional accommodation and health services through VincentCare. The St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria has more than 10,500+ members and volunteers, and more than 60,000 across Australia. Internationally, the Society operates in 149 countries and more than 950,000 members. To find out more visit www.vinnies.org.au/vic .