Society New Independent Living Units for Red Cliffs Red Cliffs, in North Western Victoria, is a severely disadvantaged area with an ageing population. With a lack of affordable housing and insufficient public housing, many elderly locals are at risk of homelessness. Due to cost and insecurity of tenure, rental accommodation is problematic for older people in this area. Meanwhile there are over 230 people on the waiting list for public housing with wait times for one and two bedroom units appropriate for older people currently exceeding 10 years. The St Vincent de Paul Society aims to help this situation by building nine new Independent Living Units in Red
Cliffs. The three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units will include private yards, communal gardens and car parks and will house up to 12 elderly tenants who are severely disadvantaged and would otherwise be homeless. Tenants will be supported by local St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers who will keep them connected to the local community and help them with daily activities. For more information on making a donation or for partnership opportunities for the Independent Living Units in Red Cliffs, please contact Lucy Menting, Fundraising Coordinator on 03 9895 5800. ■
John Blewonski joins as CEO of Aged Care & Community Services.
by Youth Support Services (YSS), a group set up by the Society in 1983 in response to the growing need to assist disadvantaged young people with housing, education and other essential needs. An early intervention program, Fund a Future provides nine months of secure accommodation and emotional support for young people between the ages of 15–24 who are homeless. The program has proved enormously successful since its inception in 1999 and we are now looking to expand it with ‘Build a Future’. A two year pilot, the objective of Build a Future is to provide homeless but work-ready young people aged 17-25, the opportunity to participate in employment, training and education while in stable accommodation for up to 12 months. The program will offer participants a four week employment training program to ensure they’re ready to work. On completion they are given a number of options including traineeships, work placements, further education or career counselling. In addition, they have access to subsidised private rental housing and are given the chance to develop everyday personal and living skills such as cooking, budgeting, literacy and
International Power Australia employee sparks interest in Operation Backpack Operation backpack caught the attention of International Power Australia employee Elizabeth Davidson during a recent trip to her local shopping centre in West Footscray. The scheme, devised by Richmond Marketplace in conjunction with the
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, is designed to help provide socially disadvantaged children with essential back-to-school items. Elizabeth approached the Society and submitted an application to her employer who generously donated $1,500 towards the program to buy
much needed backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, sporting goods, stationery and sun protection for children in the Braybrook area. International Power Australia entered the Australian energy market in 1996 and has grown to become the country’s largest private generator of electricity. ■
Society A NEWSLETTER FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IN VICTORIA
Residents of Vincentian Village enjoyed a special Mass and morning tea on Wednesday 9 December as they attended a naming ceremony they had been instrumental in organising. Society representatives and Geelong councillor Barbara Abley attended the event, where the facility’s houses and corridors were named. The community hub was named after Jack Dillon, a local man who was heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society over many years and instrumental in the organisation’s work in aged care. Another area was named after Kirribilli House, at the request of the residents who agreed that everyone there should be treated as ■ well as the Prime Minister.
State President Jim Grealish meets residents at the naming ceremony at Vincentian Village.
MARCH 2010
2009 Christmas Appeal
Vincentian Village names cottages
ACCS welcomes Build a Future The Fund a Future Program is run new CEO John Blewonski has joined St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) as its new CEO. John was previously the Chief Operating Officer with Anglicare Victoria and has held senior positions with Anglicare at both State and national level over the last 11 years. John brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Executive Officer of ACCS and has a long term commitment to social justice and in the provision of quality service outcomes for clients in the many communities with which we work. ■
Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is pleased to report that donations received for the 2009 Christmas Appeal are approximately on par with those of the previous year at $586,000. This is a fantastic total, despite the global financial crisis and increased pressures on many of our donors. Centering around the concept of “completing” the Christmas for those who have so much less than we do, our donors and the Australian public have rallied to help those in need during the festive season.
With the help of these donations, the Society will be able to provide help to 5,000 people a day across Australia who turn to us in need. We visit and help young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their home. We sit down and chat with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill. We provide bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly. The Society is grateful for the continued support of its supporters through whom we are able to provide the assistance that we do. To donate call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au
■
Vinnies CEO Sleepout numeracy, family reconciliation, health and fitness. We are now seeking funding from supporters to enable us to launch the program later this year. Funding will cover the employment of a coordinator and life skills trainer along with a consultant to evaluate and report on the success of the pilot. For more information about the Build a Future Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■
Much of the Society’s work is carried out through its voluntary members who visit people in their own homes and provide material assistance, support and friendship to people in need. The Society relies on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to carry out its good works. St Vincent de Paul Society is the parent company of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and has representation on their board of directors. ■
This arm of the Society was established in 2003 to provide professional services in the complex areas of: aged care, homelessness, outreach services, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services and supported-employment options. The majority of programs receive some government funding, however donations are always needed to provide services over and above the government funded level. ■
Vinnies Centres are the retail arm of the St Vincent de Paul Society and are the major source of income for the Society’s good works. Vinnies centres provide furniture, clothing and household goods to families in need. The remainder of donated goods are sold and the funds from sales are used to help fund the work of the Society. There are currently 101 Vinnies Centres trading in Victoria. ■
Contact: 43 Prospect St, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128. Phone: (03) 9895 5800 Fax: (03) 9895 5850 E-mail: info@svdp-vic.org.au
For credit card donations visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812
On 17 June 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in major cities across Australia. This annual event challenges Australian business and social leaders to sleep out for a night and experience homelessness first hand. The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is held to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to generate much needed funds to support the Society’s homeless services. CEOs sign up via the website to participate, or they can be nominated by their PA/EA, and once on board are responsible for obtaining their own sponsors. Vinnies provide a secure outdoor
venue and armed with only a beanie, a sleeping bag and some cardboard, CEOs experience a night of homelessness for themselves. Throughout the course of the night, CEOs are offered the opportunity to network with other CEOs and forge longterm relationships with the companies represented, but most go home with so much more. In Melbourne, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium.
For more information about Vinnies CEO Sleepout please contact Kellie Evans on 03 9895 5800 or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au (The new Vinnies CEO Sleepout website will be launched by April at www.ceosleepout.org.au).
■
Society
Society
President’s message Dear friends of the Society
Victorian State President Jim Grealish
At the end of March my term of office will have concluded. I would therefore like to take the opportunity of using this column to express my thanks to the many people I have been involved with in my role as President in these last four years. To my colleagues on State Council I thank-you for your leadership and sense of responsibility in the governance of the Society. All our discussions have been constructive and purposeful but there has been also a great sense of tolerance, good humour and goodwill. Your work for the Society is often unsung but it is critical to its future. It has been a pleasure to work with the management and staff of the Society. We are fortunate to have so many employees who are supportive of our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community. The talents and skills we have at our disposal are quite astonishing. I would like to thank our members and volunteers in all parts of Victoria. I have had the privilege of travelling all over the State, and I have met members and volunteers at festival meetings, jubilees, centre openings
Black Saturday – One year after the fires and other functions as well. My wife has accompanied me on many of these occasions and we have only fond memories of the way we were always made welcome, and treated with great courtesy. The work of the Society would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Unfortunately the demands made on our services mean that we have to make more calls on their generosity than we would like, but the supportive responses we receive give us the encouragement to continue the Society’s work. I leave office confident that the Society is in good shape. We have a growing number of younger members coming to the Society, and with proper nurturing they will ensure we prosper in the future. I am confident my successor will find as much satisfaction in the role as I have had in working with you. With best wishes
Jim Grealish State President
■
Convert your shares to benefit Australian charities
Medibank matching gift
ShareGift is an initiative deductible gift recipient Change a life through providing an easy taxa gift in your will. status, such as St Vincent Bequest information call 03 9895 5800 deductible way to sell de Paul Society unmarketable holdings Victoria Inc. of shares and donate Shares held in any the proceeds to charity Australian publicly without incurring listed companies brokerage fees. may be sold. You the Individuals can sell shareholder will not and donate small parcels pay any brokerage or of shares that would exchange costs, and will otherwise be expensive receive a letter of the to trade and have the share sale as a receipt to option of recommending claim a tax deduction for the St Vincent de Paul the donation. Society Victoria Inc as the recipient of The shareholder completes a the donation. Funding distributions are share sale donation form found at decided by the ShareGift Board on the www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au basis of these recommendations. ShareGift For further information on sells the shares and distributes the ShareGift, call 1300 731 632 or email proceeds to Australian charities holding info@sharegiftaustralia.org.au ■
Medibank recently made a donation of $575, matching a gift collected by a local netball team. Thanks to the netball team and Medibank for this donation. ■
CALENDAR DATES ■
Society newsletter: March 2010
■
Winter Appeal: 5 May – 29 August 2010
■
Ozanam Lecture: Thursday 3 June 2010, 7pm St Francis’ Church, Melbourne
■
Vinnies CEO Sleepout: Thursday 17 June 2010
■
Society newsletter: September 2010
■
Annual General Meeting: Saturday 13 November 2010
Sunday 7 February 2010 marked the first anniversary of Australia’s most devastating natural disaster when fierce bushfires swept across the State, causing unprecedented damage. This day has become known as Black Saturday. In the year following the tragic bushfires, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaged in significant recovery work on the ground, the financial value of which currently exceeds $3.5 million. Over the course of the last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society has responded to the Black Saturday tragedy in a range of ways. • The Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal was mounted. By the end of the first day of the appeal $44,920 in donations had been processed and by the end of the appeal, $4,000,495 had been donated by individuals, and organisations. • Assistance has been provided to 6,888 cases, by conference members (local volunteers).
• The total dollar value of assistance given in this way was $3,505,293 and was spent in the following bushfire affected areas: Alexandra, Arthurs Creek, Beechworth, Bendigo, Buxton, Callignee, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, Clonbinane, Cottles Bridge, Darlimurla, Dixons Creek, Drouin West, Flowerdale, Gormandale, Hazelwood North, Jeeralang, Jindivick, Kallista, Kilmore, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Labertouche, LeRoy, Longwarry, Maiden Gully, Marysville, Mirboo North, Mudgegonga, Myrtleford, Narbethong, Neerim South, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully,
St Andrews, Steels Creek, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Traralgon South, Wandong, Yarra Glen and Yinnar. • The nature of this assistance was as follows: 34% – furniture and household items 17% – whitegoods 16% – tools and outdoor equipment 16% – food, food vouchers and gift cards 7% – other 5% – transport, including fuel 2% – bills or other financial assistance 2% – clothing* *Note: This clothing represents assistance provided by conferences. It does not include material aid distributed through Vinnies Centres. The outstanding support of individuals, organisations and donors as well as our staff, members and volunteers during the past year has meant individuals, families and communities have been able to reestablish themselves and rebuild their lives. Thank you all for your support in the ■ wake of this disaster.
St Vincent de Paul Society receives Australia Day Award for Bushfire work On Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Nillumbik Shire Council presented its annual Australia Day Awards, where the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the Black Saturday efforts were recognised The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Nillumbik Cr Ken King and were addressed by the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Susan Alberti AO. Dr Alberti is heavily involved in medical research and is National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia. She has many other achievements in the medical and health fields and has been the recipient of various service awards. The Council makes a number of awards each year to recognise the contribution individuals and community groups make to the betterment of their communities. This year’s Community Group of the Year Awards acknowledged the tireless and inspirational work undertaken in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires. Forty-one individuals and groups were presented with special awards. The St Vincent de Paul Society was among the recipients. The Society’s award was accepted by John Hayes,
Emergency Liaison Officer for Northern Central Council and President of the Diamond Creek Conference. Approximately 200-300 people attended including local Shire Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony ■ followed the presentation of awards.
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS The following Vincentians were recently honoured with Australia Day Awards: ■
Esme Jolme – Awarded OAM, volunteer at Castlemaine Centre
■
Mary Hughes – Nominated for Casey Citizen of the Year. Member for 31 years.
■
Justin Matthys – Nominated for Casey Young Citizen of the Year in Casey Australia Day awards. Young Vinnies member.
■
St Vincent De Paul Society – Nillumbik Shire – Community Group of the Year 2010 Award as part of the Australia Day Awards
Bishop’s Family Foundation sponsors Gippsland students The Bishop’s Family foundation recently granted $6,000 to the Society to enable two Gippsland students to access higher education. Under the Society’s Tertiary Education Sponsorship (TES) Program, students from the region are provided with $3,000 to help with the cost of establishing accommodation as well as books and enrolment fees. Due to their remote location and the costs associated with moving hundreds of kilometers, accessing higher education is often
beyond the means of many families struggling to make ends meet. Launched in 1999, the Bishop’s Family Foundation provides funding for programs that assist families in the Greater Gippsland region and so the TES program was a natural fit. Their contribution provides a wonderful opportunity for the future of these students. For more information about our Tertiary Education Sponsorship Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■
Society New Independent Living Units for Red Cliffs Red Cliffs, in North Western Victoria, is a severely disadvantaged area with an ageing population. With a lack of affordable housing and insufficient public housing, many elderly locals are at risk of homelessness. Due to cost and insecurity of tenure, rental accommodation is problematic for older people in this area. Meanwhile there are over 230 people on the waiting list for public housing with wait times for one and two bedroom units appropriate for older people currently exceeding 10 years. The St Vincent de Paul Society aims to help this situation by building nine new Independent Living Units in Red
Cliffs. The three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units will include private yards, communal gardens and car parks and will house up to 12 elderly tenants who are severely disadvantaged and would otherwise be homeless. Tenants will be supported by local St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers who will keep them connected to the local community and help them with daily activities. For more information on making a donation or for partnership opportunities for the Independent Living Units in Red Cliffs, please contact Lucy Menting, Fundraising Coordinator on 03 9895 5800. ■
John Blewonski joins as CEO of Aged Care & Community Services.
by Youth Support Services (YSS), a group set up by the Society in 1983 in response to the growing need to assist disadvantaged young people with housing, education and other essential needs. An early intervention program, Fund a Future provides nine months of secure accommodation and emotional support for young people between the ages of 15–24 who are homeless. The program has proved enormously successful since its inception in 1999 and we are now looking to expand it with ‘Build a Future’. A two year pilot, the objective of Build a Future is to provide homeless but work-ready young people aged 17-25, the opportunity to participate in employment, training and education while in stable accommodation for up to 12 months. The program will offer participants a four week employment training program to ensure they’re ready to work. On completion they are given a number of options including traineeships, work placements, further education or career counselling. In addition, they have access to subsidised private rental housing and are given the chance to develop everyday personal and living skills such as cooking, budgeting, literacy and
International Power Australia employee sparks interest in Operation Backpack Operation backpack caught the attention of International Power Australia employee Elizabeth Davidson during a recent trip to her local shopping centre in West Footscray. The scheme, devised by Richmond Marketplace in conjunction with the
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, is designed to help provide socially disadvantaged children with essential back-to-school items. Elizabeth approached the Society and submitted an application to her employer who generously donated $1,500 towards the program to buy
much needed backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, sporting goods, stationery and sun protection for children in the Braybrook area. International Power Australia entered the Australian energy market in 1996 and has grown to become the country’s largest private generator of electricity. ■
Society A NEWSLETTER FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IN VICTORIA
Residents of Vincentian Village enjoyed a special Mass and morning tea on Wednesday 9 December as they attended a naming ceremony they had been instrumental in organising. Society representatives and Geelong councillor Barbara Abley attended the event, where the facility’s houses and corridors were named. The community hub was named after Jack Dillon, a local man who was heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society over many years and instrumental in the organisation’s work in aged care. Another area was named after Kirribilli House, at the request of the residents who agreed that everyone there should be treated as ■ well as the Prime Minister.
State President Jim Grealish meets residents at the naming ceremony at Vincentian Village.
MARCH 2010
2009 Christmas Appeal
Vincentian Village names cottages
ACCS welcomes Build a Future The Fund a Future Program is run new CEO John Blewonski has joined St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) as its new CEO. John was previously the Chief Operating Officer with Anglicare Victoria and has held senior positions with Anglicare at both State and national level over the last 11 years. John brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Executive Officer of ACCS and has a long term commitment to social justice and in the provision of quality service outcomes for clients in the many communities with which we work. ■
Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is pleased to report that donations received for the 2009 Christmas Appeal are approximately on par with those of the previous year at $586,000. This is a fantastic total, despite the global financial crisis and increased pressures on many of our donors. Centering around the concept of “completing” the Christmas for those who have so much less than we do, our donors and the Australian public have rallied to help those in need during the festive season.
With the help of these donations, the Society will be able to provide help to 5,000 people a day across Australia who turn to us in need. We visit and help young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their home. We sit down and chat with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill. We provide bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly. The Society is grateful for the continued support of its supporters through whom we are able to provide the assistance that we do. To donate call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au
■
Vinnies CEO Sleepout numeracy, family reconciliation, health and fitness. We are now seeking funding from supporters to enable us to launch the program later this year. Funding will cover the employment of a coordinator and life skills trainer along with a consultant to evaluate and report on the success of the pilot. For more information about the Build a Future Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■
Much of the Society’s work is carried out through its voluntary members who visit people in their own homes and provide material assistance, support and friendship to people in need. The Society relies on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to carry out its good works. St Vincent de Paul Society is the parent company of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and has representation on their board of directors. ■
This arm of the Society was established in 2003 to provide professional services in the complex areas of: aged care, homelessness, outreach services, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services and supported-employment options. The majority of programs receive some government funding, however donations are always needed to provide services over and above the government funded level. ■
Vinnies Centres are the retail arm of the St Vincent de Paul Society and are the major source of income for the Society’s good works. Vinnies centres provide furniture, clothing and household goods to families in need. The remainder of donated goods are sold and the funds from sales are used to help fund the work of the Society. There are currently 101 Vinnies Centres trading in Victoria. ■
Contact: 43 Prospect St, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128. Phone: (03) 9895 5800 Fax: (03) 9895 5850 E-mail: info@svdp-vic.org.au
For credit card donations visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812
On 17 June 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in major cities across Australia. This annual event challenges Australian business and social leaders to sleep out for a night and experience homelessness first hand. The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is held to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to generate much needed funds to support the Society’s homeless services. CEOs sign up via the website to participate, or they can be nominated by their PA/EA, and once on board are responsible for obtaining their own sponsors. Vinnies provide a secure outdoor
venue and armed with only a beanie, a sleeping bag and some cardboard, CEOs experience a night of homelessness for themselves. Throughout the course of the night, CEOs are offered the opportunity to network with other CEOs and forge longterm relationships with the companies represented, but most go home with so much more. In Melbourne, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium.
For more information about Vinnies CEO Sleepout please contact Kellie Evans on 03 9895 5800 or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au (The new Vinnies CEO Sleepout website will be launched by April at www.ceosleepout.org.au).
■
Society
Society
President’s message Dear friends of the Society
Victorian State President Jim Grealish
At the end of March my term of office will have concluded. I would therefore like to take the opportunity of using this column to express my thanks to the many people I have been involved with in my role as President in these last four years. To my colleagues on State Council I thank-you for your leadership and sense of responsibility in the governance of the Society. All our discussions have been constructive and purposeful but there has been also a great sense of tolerance, good humour and goodwill. Your work for the Society is often unsung but it is critical to its future. It has been a pleasure to work with the management and staff of the Society. We are fortunate to have so many employees who are supportive of our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community. The talents and skills we have at our disposal are quite astonishing. I would like to thank our members and volunteers in all parts of Victoria. I have had the privilege of travelling all over the State, and I have met members and volunteers at festival meetings, jubilees, centre openings
Black Saturday – One year after the fires and other functions as well. My wife has accompanied me on many of these occasions and we have only fond memories of the way we were always made welcome, and treated with great courtesy. The work of the Society would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Unfortunately the demands made on our services mean that we have to make more calls on their generosity than we would like, but the supportive responses we receive give us the encouragement to continue the Society’s work. I leave office confident that the Society is in good shape. We have a growing number of younger members coming to the Society, and with proper nurturing they will ensure we prosper in the future. I am confident my successor will find as much satisfaction in the role as I have had in working with you. With best wishes
Jim Grealish State President
■
Convert your shares to benefit Australian charities
Medibank matching gift
ShareGift is an initiative deductible gift recipient Change a life through providing an easy taxa gift in your will. status, such as St Vincent Bequest information call 03 9895 5800 deductible way to sell de Paul Society unmarketable holdings Victoria Inc. of shares and donate Shares held in any the proceeds to charity Australian publicly without incurring listed companies brokerage fees. may be sold. You the Individuals can sell shareholder will not and donate small parcels pay any brokerage or of shares that would exchange costs, and will otherwise be expensive receive a letter of the to trade and have the share sale as a receipt to option of recommending claim a tax deduction for the St Vincent de Paul the donation. Society Victoria Inc as the recipient of The shareholder completes a the donation. Funding distributions are share sale donation form found at decided by the ShareGift Board on the www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au basis of these recommendations. ShareGift For further information on sells the shares and distributes the ShareGift, call 1300 731 632 or email proceeds to Australian charities holding info@sharegiftaustralia.org.au ■
Medibank recently made a donation of $575, matching a gift collected by a local netball team. Thanks to the netball team and Medibank for this donation. ■
CALENDAR DATES ■
Society newsletter: March 2010
■
Winter Appeal: 5 May – 29 August 2010
■
Ozanam Lecture: Thursday 3 June 2010, 7pm St Francis’ Church, Melbourne
■
Vinnies CEO Sleepout: Thursday 17 June 2010
■
Society newsletter: September 2010
■
Annual General Meeting: Saturday 13 November 2010
Sunday 7 February 2010 marked the first anniversary of Australia’s most devastating natural disaster when fierce bushfires swept across the State, causing unprecedented damage. This day has become known as Black Saturday. In the year following the tragic bushfires, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaged in significant recovery work on the ground, the financial value of which currently exceeds $3.5 million. Over the course of the last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society has responded to the Black Saturday tragedy in a range of ways. • The Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal was mounted. By the end of the first day of the appeal $44,920 in donations had been processed and by the end of the appeal, $4,000,495 had been donated by individuals, and organisations. • Assistance has been provided to 6,888 cases, by conference members (local volunteers).
• The total dollar value of assistance given in this way was $3,505,293 and was spent in the following bushfire affected areas: Alexandra, Arthurs Creek, Beechworth, Bendigo, Buxton, Callignee, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, Clonbinane, Cottles Bridge, Darlimurla, Dixons Creek, Drouin West, Flowerdale, Gormandale, Hazelwood North, Jeeralang, Jindivick, Kallista, Kilmore, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Labertouche, LeRoy, Longwarry, Maiden Gully, Marysville, Mirboo North, Mudgegonga, Myrtleford, Narbethong, Neerim South, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully,
St Andrews, Steels Creek, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Traralgon South, Wandong, Yarra Glen and Yinnar. • The nature of this assistance was as follows: 34% – furniture and household items 17% – whitegoods 16% – tools and outdoor equipment 16% – food, food vouchers and gift cards 7% – other 5% – transport, including fuel 2% – bills or other financial assistance 2% – clothing* *Note: This clothing represents assistance provided by conferences. It does not include material aid distributed through Vinnies Centres. The outstanding support of individuals, organisations and donors as well as our staff, members and volunteers during the past year has meant individuals, families and communities have been able to reestablish themselves and rebuild their lives. Thank you all for your support in the ■ wake of this disaster.
St Vincent de Paul Society receives Australia Day Award for Bushfire work On Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Nillumbik Shire Council presented its annual Australia Day Awards, where the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the Black Saturday efforts were recognised The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Nillumbik Cr Ken King and were addressed by the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Susan Alberti AO. Dr Alberti is heavily involved in medical research and is National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia. She has many other achievements in the medical and health fields and has been the recipient of various service awards. The Council makes a number of awards each year to recognise the contribution individuals and community groups make to the betterment of their communities. This year’s Community Group of the Year Awards acknowledged the tireless and inspirational work undertaken in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires. Forty-one individuals and groups were presented with special awards. The St Vincent de Paul Society was among the recipients. The Society’s award was accepted by John Hayes,
Emergency Liaison Officer for Northern Central Council and President of the Diamond Creek Conference. Approximately 200-300 people attended including local Shire Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony ■ followed the presentation of awards.
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS The following Vincentians were recently honoured with Australia Day Awards: ■
Esme Jolme – Awarded OAM, volunteer at Castlemaine Centre
■
Mary Hughes – Nominated for Casey Citizen of the Year. Member for 31 years.
■
Justin Matthys – Nominated for Casey Young Citizen of the Year in Casey Australia Day awards. Young Vinnies member.
■
St Vincent De Paul Society – Nillumbik Shire – Community Group of the Year 2010 Award as part of the Australia Day Awards
Bishop’s Family Foundation sponsors Gippsland students The Bishop’s Family foundation recently granted $6,000 to the Society to enable two Gippsland students to access higher education. Under the Society’s Tertiary Education Sponsorship (TES) Program, students from the region are provided with $3,000 to help with the cost of establishing accommodation as well as books and enrolment fees. Due to their remote location and the costs associated with moving hundreds of kilometers, accessing higher education is often
beyond the means of many families struggling to make ends meet. Launched in 1999, the Bishop’s Family Foundation provides funding for programs that assist families in the Greater Gippsland region and so the TES program was a natural fit. Their contribution provides a wonderful opportunity for the future of these students. For more information about our Tertiary Education Sponsorship Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■
Society
Society
President’s message Dear friends of the Society
Victorian State President Jim Grealish
At the end of March my term of office will have concluded. I would therefore like to take the opportunity of using this column to express my thanks to the many people I have been involved with in my role as President in these last four years. To my colleagues on State Council I thank-you for your leadership and sense of responsibility in the governance of the Society. All our discussions have been constructive and purposeful but there has been also a great sense of tolerance, good humour and goodwill. Your work for the Society is often unsung but it is critical to its future. It has been a pleasure to work with the management and staff of the Society. We are fortunate to have so many employees who are supportive of our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community. The talents and skills we have at our disposal are quite astonishing. I would like to thank our members and volunteers in all parts of Victoria. I have had the privilege of travelling all over the State, and I have met members and volunteers at festival meetings, jubilees, centre openings
Black Saturday – One year after the fires and other functions as well. My wife has accompanied me on many of these occasions and we have only fond memories of the way we were always made welcome, and treated with great courtesy. The work of the Society would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Unfortunately the demands made on our services mean that we have to make more calls on their generosity than we would like, but the supportive responses we receive give us the encouragement to continue the Society’s work. I leave office confident that the Society is in good shape. We have a growing number of younger members coming to the Society, and with proper nurturing they will ensure we prosper in the future. I am confident my successor will find as much satisfaction in the role as I have had in working with you. With best wishes
Jim Grealish State President
■
Convert your shares to benefit Australian charities
Medibank matching gift
ShareGift is an initiative deductible gift recipient Change a life through providing an easy taxa gift in your will. status, such as St Vincent Bequest information call 03 9895 5800 deductible way to sell de Paul Society unmarketable holdings Victoria Inc. of shares and donate Shares held in any the proceeds to charity Australian publicly without incurring listed companies brokerage fees. may be sold. You the Individuals can sell shareholder will not and donate small parcels pay any brokerage or of shares that would exchange costs, and will otherwise be expensive receive a letter of the to trade and have the share sale as a receipt to option of recommending claim a tax deduction for the St Vincent de Paul the donation. Society Victoria Inc as the recipient of The shareholder completes a the donation. Funding distributions are share sale donation form found at decided by the ShareGift Board on the www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au basis of these recommendations. ShareGift For further information on sells the shares and distributes the ShareGift, call 1300 731 632 or email proceeds to Australian charities holding info@sharegiftaustralia.org.au ■
Medibank recently made a donation of $575, matching a gift collected by a local netball team. Thanks to the netball team and Medibank for this donation. ■
CALENDAR DATES ■
Society newsletter: March 2010
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Winter Appeal: 5 May – 29 August 2010
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Ozanam Lecture: Thursday 3 June 2010, 7pm St Francis’ Church, Melbourne
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Vinnies CEO Sleepout: Thursday 17 June 2010
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Society newsletter: September 2010
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Annual General Meeting: Saturday 13 November 2010
Sunday 7 February 2010 marked the first anniversary of Australia’s most devastating natural disaster when fierce bushfires swept across the State, causing unprecedented damage. This day has become known as Black Saturday. In the year following the tragic bushfires, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaged in significant recovery work on the ground, the financial value of which currently exceeds $3.5 million. Over the course of the last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society has responded to the Black Saturday tragedy in a range of ways. • The Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal was mounted. By the end of the first day of the appeal $44,920 in donations had been processed and by the end of the appeal, $4,000,495 had been donated by individuals, and organisations. • Assistance has been provided to 6,888 cases, by conference members (local volunteers).
• The total dollar value of assistance given in this way was $3,505,293 and was spent in the following bushfire affected areas: Alexandra, Arthurs Creek, Beechworth, Bendigo, Buxton, Callignee, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, Clonbinane, Cottles Bridge, Darlimurla, Dixons Creek, Drouin West, Flowerdale, Gormandale, Hazelwood North, Jeeralang, Jindivick, Kallista, Kilmore, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Labertouche, LeRoy, Longwarry, Maiden Gully, Marysville, Mirboo North, Mudgegonga, Myrtleford, Narbethong, Neerim South, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully,
St Andrews, Steels Creek, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Traralgon South, Wandong, Yarra Glen and Yinnar. • The nature of this assistance was as follows: 34% – furniture and household items 17% – whitegoods 16% – tools and outdoor equipment 16% – food, food vouchers and gift cards 7% – other 5% – transport, including fuel 2% – bills or other financial assistance 2% – clothing* *Note: This clothing represents assistance provided by conferences. It does not include material aid distributed through Vinnies Centres. The outstanding support of individuals, organisations and donors as well as our staff, members and volunteers during the past year has meant individuals, families and communities have been able to reestablish themselves and rebuild their lives. Thank you all for your support in the ■ wake of this disaster.
St Vincent de Paul Society receives Australia Day Award for Bushfire work On Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Nillumbik Shire Council presented its annual Australia Day Awards, where the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the Black Saturday efforts were recognised The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Nillumbik Cr Ken King and were addressed by the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Susan Alberti AO. Dr Alberti is heavily involved in medical research and is National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia. She has many other achievements in the medical and health fields and has been the recipient of various service awards. The Council makes a number of awards each year to recognise the contribution individuals and community groups make to the betterment of their communities. This year’s Community Group of the Year Awards acknowledged the tireless and inspirational work undertaken in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires. Forty-one individuals and groups were presented with special awards. The St Vincent de Paul Society was among the recipients. The Society’s award was accepted by John Hayes,
Emergency Liaison Officer for Northern Central Council and President of the Diamond Creek Conference. Approximately 200-300 people attended including local Shire Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony ■ followed the presentation of awards.
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS The following Vincentians were recently honoured with Australia Day Awards: ■
Esme Jolme – Awarded OAM, volunteer at Castlemaine Centre
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Mary Hughes – Nominated for Casey Citizen of the Year. Member for 31 years.
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Justin Matthys – Nominated for Casey Young Citizen of the Year in Casey Australia Day awards. Young Vinnies member.
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St Vincent De Paul Society – Nillumbik Shire – Community Group of the Year 2010 Award as part of the Australia Day Awards
Bishop’s Family Foundation sponsors Gippsland students The Bishop’s Family foundation recently granted $6,000 to the Society to enable two Gippsland students to access higher education. Under the Society’s Tertiary Education Sponsorship (TES) Program, students from the region are provided with $3,000 to help with the cost of establishing accommodation as well as books and enrolment fees. Due to their remote location and the costs associated with moving hundreds of kilometers, accessing higher education is often
beyond the means of many families struggling to make ends meet. Launched in 1999, the Bishop’s Family Foundation provides funding for programs that assist families in the Greater Gippsland region and so the TES program was a natural fit. Their contribution provides a wonderful opportunity for the future of these students. For more information about our Tertiary Education Sponsorship Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■
Society New Independent Living Units for Red Cliffs Red Cliffs, in North Western Victoria, is a severely disadvantaged area with an ageing population. With a lack of affordable housing and insufficient public housing, many elderly locals are at risk of homelessness. Due to cost and insecurity of tenure, rental accommodation is problematic for older people in this area. Meanwhile there are over 230 people on the waiting list for public housing with wait times for one and two bedroom units appropriate for older people currently exceeding 10 years. The St Vincent de Paul Society aims to help this situation by building nine new Independent Living Units in Red
Cliffs. The three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units will include private yards, communal gardens and car parks and will house up to 12 elderly tenants who are severely disadvantaged and would otherwise be homeless. Tenants will be supported by local St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers who will keep them connected to the local community and help them with daily activities. For more information on making a donation or for partnership opportunities for the Independent Living Units in Red Cliffs, please contact Lucy Menting, Fundraising Coordinator on 03 9895 5800. ■
John Blewonski joins as CEO of Aged Care & Community Services.
by Youth Support Services (YSS), a group set up by the Society in 1983 in response to the growing need to assist disadvantaged young people with housing, education and other essential needs. An early intervention program, Fund a Future provides nine months of secure accommodation and emotional support for young people between the ages of 15–24 who are homeless. The program has proved enormously successful since its inception in 1999 and we are now looking to expand it with ‘Build a Future’. A two year pilot, the objective of Build a Future is to provide homeless but work-ready young people aged 17-25, the opportunity to participate in employment, training and education while in stable accommodation for up to 12 months. The program will offer participants a four week employment training program to ensure they’re ready to work. On completion they are given a number of options including traineeships, work placements, further education or career counselling. In addition, they have access to subsidised private rental housing and are given the chance to develop everyday personal and living skills such as cooking, budgeting, literacy and
International Power Australia employee sparks interest in Operation Backpack Operation backpack caught the attention of International Power Australia employee Elizabeth Davidson during a recent trip to her local shopping centre in West Footscray. The scheme, devised by Richmond Marketplace in conjunction with the
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, is designed to help provide socially disadvantaged children with essential back-to-school items. Elizabeth approached the Society and submitted an application to her employer who generously donated $1,500 towards the program to buy
much needed backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, sporting goods, stationery and sun protection for children in the Braybrook area. International Power Australia entered the Australian energy market in 1996 and has grown to become the country’s largest private generator of electricity. ■
Society A NEWSLETTER FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IN VICTORIA
Residents of Vincentian Village enjoyed a special Mass and morning tea on Wednesday 9 December as they attended a naming ceremony they had been instrumental in organising. Society representatives and Geelong councillor Barbara Abley attended the event, where the facility’s houses and corridors were named. The community hub was named after Jack Dillon, a local man who was heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society over many years and instrumental in the organisation’s work in aged care. Another area was named after Kirribilli House, at the request of the residents who agreed that everyone there should be treated as ■ well as the Prime Minister.
State President Jim Grealish meets residents at the naming ceremony at Vincentian Village.
MARCH 2010
2009 Christmas Appeal
Vincentian Village names cottages
ACCS welcomes Build a Future The Fund a Future Program is run new CEO John Blewonski has joined St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) as its new CEO. John was previously the Chief Operating Officer with Anglicare Victoria and has held senior positions with Anglicare at both State and national level over the last 11 years. John brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Executive Officer of ACCS and has a long term commitment to social justice and in the provision of quality service outcomes for clients in the many communities with which we work. ■
Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is pleased to report that donations received for the 2009 Christmas Appeal are approximately on par with those of the previous year at $586,000. This is a fantastic total, despite the global financial crisis and increased pressures on many of our donors. Centering around the concept of “completing” the Christmas for those who have so much less than we do, our donors and the Australian public have rallied to help those in need during the festive season.
With the help of these donations, the Society will be able to provide help to 5,000 people a day across Australia who turn to us in need. We visit and help young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their home. We sit down and chat with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill. We provide bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly. The Society is grateful for the continued support of its supporters through whom we are able to provide the assistance that we do. To donate call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au
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Vinnies CEO Sleepout numeracy, family reconciliation, health and fitness. We are now seeking funding from supporters to enable us to launch the program later this year. Funding will cover the employment of a coordinator and life skills trainer along with a consultant to evaluate and report on the success of the pilot. For more information about the Build a Future Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■
Much of the Society’s work is carried out through its voluntary members who visit people in their own homes and provide material assistance, support and friendship to people in need. The Society relies on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to carry out its good works. St Vincent de Paul Society is the parent company of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and has representation on their board of directors. ■
This arm of the Society was established in 2003 to provide professional services in the complex areas of: aged care, homelessness, outreach services, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services and supported-employment options. The majority of programs receive some government funding, however donations are always needed to provide services over and above the government funded level. ■
Vinnies Centres are the retail arm of the St Vincent de Paul Society and are the major source of income for the Society’s good works. Vinnies centres provide furniture, clothing and household goods to families in need. The remainder of donated goods are sold and the funds from sales are used to help fund the work of the Society. There are currently 101 Vinnies Centres trading in Victoria. ■
Contact: 43 Prospect St, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128. Phone: (03) 9895 5800 Fax: (03) 9895 5850 E-mail: info@svdp-vic.org.au
For credit card donations visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812
On 17 June 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in major cities across Australia. This annual event challenges Australian business and social leaders to sleep out for a night and experience homelessness first hand. The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is held to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to generate much needed funds to support the Society’s homeless services. CEOs sign up via the website to participate, or they can be nominated by their PA/EA, and once on board are responsible for obtaining their own sponsors. Vinnies provide a secure outdoor
venue and armed with only a beanie, a sleeping bag and some cardboard, CEOs experience a night of homelessness for themselves. Throughout the course of the night, CEOs are offered the opportunity to network with other CEOs and forge longterm relationships with the companies represented, but most go home with so much more. In Melbourne, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium.
For more information about Vinnies CEO Sleepout please contact Kellie Evans on 03 9895 5800 or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au (The new Vinnies CEO Sleepout website will be launched by April at www.ceosleepout.org.au).
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