The St Vincent de Paul Society in WA

160 years of Hope, Help and Humanity in WA

In 2025, the St Vincent de Paul Society in Western Australia known to many as Vinnies WA, proudly celebrates 160 years of service to the community. It’s a milestone that reflects not just the longevity of our organisation, but the enduring compassion, commitment and action of generations of Western Australians dedicated to helping those doing it tough.

A Legacy of Compassion Since 1865

The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris in 1833 by a 20-year-old university student, Frédéric Ozanam, who, alongside a group of peers, sought to put his Catholic faith into action. In response to the widespread poverty and inequality he witnessed in post-revolutionary France, Ozanam believed that true charity required more than words; it required walking alongside people in need and serving them with dignity, respect, and love.

Inspired by the life and works of St Vincent de Paul, a 17th century French priest known for his deep compassion for the poor, Ozanam named the society in his honour. The group began conducting ‘home visits’ to those living in poverty, a practice that remains central to the Society’s mission around the world today.

The Society was introduced to Australia in 1854, and by 1865, a small but dedicated group of lay Catholics had established the first Western Australian conference in Fremantle. Their mission was simple yet profound: to offer direct, personal assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship, without judgement.

From these humble beginnings, the Society has grown into a statewide movement of hope and help. Over 160 years, our Vincentians, volunteers and staff have responded to the changing needs of our community. From the Great Depression and post war recovery to modern day challenges like housing stress, cost of living, mental health challenges, family and domestic violence and societal pressures.

Our Impact Today

In the past year alone, the Society in WA supported more than 61,000 people across Western Australia, offering help to individuals and families experiencing hardship, homelessness, domestic violence, financial distress and social isolation.

This work is made possible by a dedicated network of more than 3,000 members, volunteers and staff, who provide hope and practical support in times of crisis. Our services include:

• • Emergency Relief: Providing food, financial aid, clothing and other essentials.
  • Housing and Homelessness Services: Including crisis accommodation, transitional housing, and support services.
  • Mental Health and Recovery Support: Tailored programs supporting stability and wellbeing.
  • Youth and Family Services: Outreach, education and practical help for vulnerable families.
  • Financial Counselling and Advocacy: Helping people manage and recover financial control.
  • Retail Stores: Over 50 Vinnies Shops across WA fund our programs and services while offering affordable goods.

Every service we offer is grounded in the same values that have guided us for 160 years dignity, respect, compassion, and hope.

Powered by Community, for Community

What makes us truly unique is the heart of the people behind it. From our Vincentians and volunteers conducting home visits, to our retail shop teams, to our dedicated support staff and donors. We are powered by community, for community.

In celebrating 160 years, we honour the legacy of all who have walked with us in our mission. Their commitment has transformed lives, uplifted families, and made Western Australia a better place for everyone.

Join Us for the Next Chapter

As we reflect on our past, we look to the future with the same spirit of service and determination. The challenges may evolve, but so too will our resolve to stand with those in need.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Society in WA over the years. Together, let’s continue building a more compassionate, just and inclusive WA for the next 160 years and beyond.

The meaning of social justice for the St Vincent de Paul Society

When we speak about social justice we go to the heart of what the St Vincent de Paul Society stands for. We are called, as Vincentians, to feed, clothe, house and assist our brothers and sisters who are forced onto the margins of society.

In assisting people who are denied equality and dignity we make a prophetic statement about the dignity and equality of all people in God’s sight.

In asking the simple question about the causes of injustice we issue a prophetic call to all people of good will to work creatively to build equality and justice into our society. Especially through our national and state councils we give voice to those who are voiceless, standing with them and advocating for them.

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Western Australia has sought to create a more just and compassionate society by responding directly to needs identified in the community through local parish based volunteer groups since 1865.

The Society is made up of dedicated men and women of all backgrounds and ages who have made a commitment to the mission of the Society.

The St Vincent de Paul Society provides a helping hand to many West Australians through food assistance, material aid, budget advice, shelter, advocacy, friendship and support.

In the spirit of its founder, Frederic Ozanam the Society’s core work continues to be Home Visitation – whereby members and volunteers visit people in need in their home, offering them hope and comfort through emergency relief assistance.