Congratulations Gerard O'Donnell OAM

Gerard O’Donnell, President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Doncaster Conference has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

Gerard was recognised for his service to the community through a range of organisations, including his work with the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria over the last 15 years. 

This award recognises Gerard’s commitment and selfless dedication over many years. 

This honour acknowledges Gerard’s incredible generosity, care for others and commitment to a life of service that so clearly reflects Vincentian values. 

Gerard’s journey as a Vincentian has been  far reaching and diverse and has included several leadership positions. In addition to his current role as the President of the Doncaster Conference he was previously President and Vice President of the Box Hill Regional Council. He also chaired the Overseas Partnership Committee for four years and volunteered with the Compeer Friendship Program for four years, which links adults living with a mental health challenge with friendship from a volunteer. He has also volunteered his time with the Vinnies Soup Vans.

Gerard is also passionate and dedicated to his local sporting community; he wrote a book about 100 years of the Surrey Park Swimming Club and has served as president of the Box Hill Little Athletics Club for 16 years. Gerard has also managed the Coats for the Homeless Program run by the Order of Malta Association for the last five years distributed coats and comfort items to those in need, including people who visit the Vinnies Soup Vans.

This award recognises and celebrates this tireless commitment to serving and supporting those in our community who need it the most – however he can.

Gerard’s wife, Margaret O’Donnell, is also a dedicated Vincentian and has served as the President of the Eastern Central Council and as a board member. Margaret was the recipient of an OAM awarded in 2024 for services to education and to the community.

Gerard said of his volunteer service, “I’ve been retired for ten years, and I have skills from the workforce I want to continue to make use of. The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is based on Catholic values, and I gravitate to this work to bring the love of Christ to those in need.”  

He is grateful to the people who nominated him for the award and effort they went through during the nomination process. “While the award is nice to have, it’s not why we do the work that we do,” Gerard said. 

Victorian State President Michael Quinn paid tribute to Gerard, stating: “This honour acknowledges Gerard’s incredible generosity, care for others and commitment to a life of service over decades that so clearly reflects Vincentian values.

Congratulations Gerard, and from all of us at St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, thank you for all you have done for so many in your local community and beyond.”

To see the full list of Australia Day honours, visit: https://www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2026-honours-list.