A sacred beginning for our mission ahead
Victoria's State Council Commissioning Mass held at St Anthony's (Alphington) on 31 May.
The State Council Commissioning Mass at St Anthony's Alphington Catholic Parish was a sacred beginning for the mission ahead.
“After more than 25 years with the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, these moments still move me deeply. It wasn't just ceremony – it was about blessing the hearts that now guide our mission forward,” said Brendan Podbury, State Council President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria.
The Rule reminds us that leadership is about service. Real leadership happens in the quiet moments when members and volunteers sit with someone who's lost everything, when council members make difficult decisions guided by our values, not convenience.
The new State Council office bearers are commissioned and ready to serve. They are:
- Marian Power as Vice President, Membership Mission & Spirituality
- Susan Dornom as Vice President, Special Works & Projects
- Natasha Smith as Vice President, Youth
- Shane O'Meara as Treasurer
- Joshua McLeod as Secretary
They join Central Council Presidents:
- Margaret Gearon from Eastern Central Council
- David Forrest from Northern Central Council
- CP Singh from Southern Central Council
- Kerry Thomas for Western Central Council
- Sandra Demagistris from Gippsland Central Council
- Anne Kotsiakos from North Eastern Central Council
- Michael Ryan from North Western Central Council
