St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Newsletter 239 October- November 2008
A PUBLICATION FOR SOCIETY MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS AND S TA F F
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VINCENTIAN O P E N E D
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F R I D A Y
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The much-anticipated opening of the new aged care facility, Vincentian Village, was held at Hamlyn Heights, Geelong on 5 September 2008. The facility was officially opened by the Honourable Jan McLucas and blessed by Bishop Christopher Prowse, pictured left with Aboriginal author, Betty Pike, the St Vincent de Paul Society’s State President, Jim Grealish, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services’ Chair, Pam Macklin and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Kent. Vincentian Village is now home to the 91 residents who were relocated from Rosalie and Vincentian Houses. The new facility incorporates numerous environmentally sustainable initiatives, including rain water harvesting to supply garden, toilet and laundry needs; water-wise landscaping; low energy-use appliances; and thermal massing techniques to help maintain a comfortable internal temperature for the residents. Vincentian Village incorporates an innovative sensory garden, named The Wade Foundation Garden, which makes use of the latest knowledge about dementia and its alleviation through landscaping techniques. The garden has been planned to engage the elderly, and those at risk of or suffering from dementia, to ensure they enjoy the meandering paths through the gardens within a safe and contained environment. Senator McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, represented the Honourable Justine Elliot MP, Minister for Ageing. Senator McLucas officially opened the facility in the company of the donors, residents and their families, and members, volunteers and staff of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Bishop Christopher Prowse performed a blessing of the new facility. General Manager Aged Care, Claire Schmierer said, “We are thrilled to be able to provide this outstanding facility for our residents.” Thank you to all of our donors and supporters who contributed to the new facility. Pictured left, in the new sensory garden at Vincentian Village, is Cameron McNaughton from The Dawn Wade Foundation.
VILLAGE S E P T M B E R
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2 Advertising Caution... From time to time the Society is inappropriately approached by advertisers who try to solicit our support to advertise with them. Recently this has occurred in country Victoria as well as two Society offices interstate. These organisations aim to convince those approached that the advertising in question was indeed requested, approved and that payment is now due. Please be aware of organisations who approach you using this method of solicitation and refer these contacts to our marketing team 03 9895 5800 if unsure. Remember: It is your right to query any approaches made.
U P D AT E State President ’s Update BY JIM GREALISH
Dear Fellow Vincentians, Volunteers and Supporters Even a quick reading of this edition of Societynews will reveal a Society on the move. We have stories about the Vincentian Village at Hamlyn Heights Geelong, notice of six new or renovated Vinnies Centres and a new Vinnies Budget Grocery store opening in Mildura. The real stories are not the buildings themselves but the continuing vision of communities seeing needs and then going about meeting them. We also pay tribute to two long serving members. However, there is also a flip side to this edition, and that is the rather long list of recently deceased members, volunteers and family members. We will also pray for each of these men and women on the list. The list will also serve as a reminder that the Mass for Deceased Members will take place at the St Francis’ Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne on Tuesday 11 November 2008 at 7pm. Let us pray for others as we will one day, want others to pray for us. The St Vincent de Paul Society’s Deceased Members, Volunteers, Family and Friends Annual General Meeting must take Joan Best Member, Kilmore Conference place each year. Edward (Ted) Clark Member, Maffra Conference Customarily we alternate each year John Cook Member, Kooweerup Conference between metropolitan and country Jack Costello Member, Sorrento Conference areas. This year the Annual General Mike Dubeki Member, Heidelberg Conference Janet Evans Member, Donvale Conference Meeting will take place at the Sir Ian Alan Flannery Member, Lilydale Conference McLellan Centre, Mooroopna Margaret Fletcher Member, Kilmore Conference Recreation Reserve, Cnr Midland Leo Fyffe Member, Preston Conference Highway and Echuca Road, Mona Jennings Member, Drouin Conference Mooroopna on Saturday 15 Phillip Jones Son of Les & Bev, Hoppers Crossing Conference November 2008 at 11am. Irene Lee Founding member, Warragul Conference In addition to the formal Fay Leversha Volunteer, Vinnies Centre - Castlemaine Maureen McAndrew President, Bennettswood Conference proceedings, we promise you an Bill McCann Member, St Joseph’s Cobram Conference interesting guest speaker, and the Joan McCart Member, Belgrave Conference chance to meet fellow Vincentians Marie McCarthy Wife of Joseph, Wonthaggi Conference over a light lunch. Gerry McInerney Member, Langwarrin Conference Copies of the 2007-2008 Annual Bill McLennan Member, West Brunswick & Kensington Conferences Report, Financial Report and general Frank McNeill Member, Brighton Conference Terry Monagle Member, Kensington Conference brochure will be available. We Geoff Nee Member, Caulfield South/Elsternwick Conference encourage you to distribute these Maureen O’Malley Wife of Col, Drysdale Conference documents widely through your local Bruce Patterson Member, Murrumbeena Conference networks. Dr Bill Quilty Member, St Brendan’s Shepparton Conference As we have found this year, from Kathleen Quirk Member, Bright Conference little things big things can grow. The Gwen Ramadge Wife of Keith, Moreland Conference Society’s good works have Patricia Rutledge Vinnies Centre - Castlemaine Noel Rodgers Member, Ascot Vale Conference generated good responses from the Len Roper Member, Geelong Conference wider community, as seen through Nora Simkin Member, Casterton Conference the generous drought support given Anne Singleton Member, Chelsea Conference by Metricon Homes as well as the Maisie Slattery Mother of Kevin, Hawthorn Conference support given by Sunbeam during Thera Van Kampen Member, Norlane Conference the hard Winter months. Seriously Ill Member, Volunteers, Family and Friends With every best wish Anne Carroll Daughter of Dan, Blackburn South Conference Jim Grealish To ensure correct acknowledgement please forward any requests for prayers to State President Philip Mackey by phone on 03 9895 5837 or email philipm@svdp-vic.org.au.
Prayers are requested for...
U P D AT E LILYDALE
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CARMEL RETIRES AFTER 16 YEARS
Dear Editor, 16 years ago the Lilydale St Vincent de Paul Society Centre was founded by Bernie McCann and his wife, both passionate Vincentians who have since retired. One of the first volunteers at the centre was Carmel Blake and for 16 years she worked there on a weekly basis. Carmel has been a valued and respected member of the Lilydale team and when she finally retired in March 2008, she was farewelled with a morning tea at St Patrick's. She also received a Certificate of Appreciation for her long and devoted service to the Vinnies. Her tremendous support will be missed at the Lilydale Centre. I hope your members will be interested in our tribute to Carmel; as we know volunteers are the lifeblood of our Society. Yours sincerely Coral Bonini Mount Evelyn Conference
BEQUESTS
How to include the Society in your Will
There are a number of different ways in which you could include a bequest to the St Vincent de Paul Society in your Will. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that your family is provided for. Once this provision has been made it is possible to include a bequest to the St Vincent de Paul Society in a number of different ways. z
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Specific bequests are gifts of particular articles of property, eg a house, shares, furniture, etc. Pecuniary bequests are gifts of a specific sum of money. Contingency bequests are made only when the executor of an estate cannot distribute the estate as planned in the Will. Residuary bequests are made up of the remainder of an estate once pecuniary and specific bequests have been distributed.
A popular way of including a charity in a Will is to include a proportion of the residue of an estate. A suggested Will clause can be found on our website vinnies.org.au/vic under the section "How you can help". Alternatively contact Sue Pitt, Bequest Co-ordinator on 03 9895 5821.
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Amazing People.... The following story was provided to State Council’s Youth Representative, Penny Badwal and we thought you might enjoy hearing about this inspiring story of one young person's faith and perseverance. The story was provided by a Caritas staffer based in Papua New Guinea and serves as a refreshing reminder that World Youth Day is more than road closures and, at its best, is about opening up new possibilities. “Just got back from filming one of the youth from here preparing for World Youth Day. She started two years ago selling bananas. Then she made enough from that to buy a bag of peanuts. Then from that she made enough money to buy seeds and to grow and sell vegetables. Then from that she had enough to buy "loose" chickens and feeder (Didn't have enough money for a carton of day-old chickens so bought them "loose" (singly). The second lot of chickens got half eaten by a dog. Now she has just sold her third batch of 52 chickens and is raising a big pig and got new chicken delivery while I was there. She has fully paid her air travel to Australia and is now saving for her "pocket money." She half completed Grade 1 only and has no other formal education.”
National Style & Identity Guide In 2006 National Council produced the "National Style and Identity Guide" which endeavours to bring a visible consistency in the way the St Vincent de Paul Society presents itself throughout Australia. The guide also includes information on how to correctly use the Society’s logo, appropriate wording, etc. Limited copies are available. For a copy of the guide contact Central Administration on 03 9895 5800.
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VBG MILDURA | OPEN FOR BUSINESS On Monday 18 August 2008, Bishop Peter Connors, Bishop of Ballarat and Mildura Rural City Council Mayor, John Arnold officiated together at the opening and blessing of Vinnies Budget Grocery in Mildura. The Vinnies Budget Grocery in Mildura has been operating since 25 June 2008. Initially for four days per week and now it is trading five days per week from 9am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The idea for this store came about when the Vinnies Centre relocated to 79 Pine Avenue and the Society was left with an empty building which they owned. Bob Pollock, the then Regional President of the Society in Sunraysia, set about enthusing the Mildura Rural City Council, the local community, other welfare agencies and church communities to become involved in setting up a store modeled on the one already operating in Wendouree, Ballarat. Over the past 18 months much planning, negotiating, advertising, recruitment and training of volunteers, as well as hard work has taken place to ensure its opening. The Mayor John Arnold commended the St Vincent de Paul Society for the good work it does during difficult times faced by our local community especially at this time with the effects of drought and lack of water for horticulture. He also stressed how heartening it is to see community organisations working together for the good of the whole community.
Bishop Peter Connors
Danny Cotching and Bob Pollock
Vinnies Budget Grocery is open to all members of the community and it is encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the many volunteers who work in the store and gain necessary experience and confidence to equip them to move into the paid workforce.
Captain Charles: Engineer of Charity Recently I was privileged to attend the launch in Sydney of a biography of Charles O'Neill, founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society in New South Wales in 1881. Written by Vincentian Stephen Utick, and entitled “Captain Charles, Engineer of Charity� it is an absorbing account of the remarkable life of this engineer, parliamentarian, inventor and philanthropist in three countries of Scotland, New Zealand and Australia. O'Neill died a pauper in the slums of Sydney's Rocks area in 1900. Copies may be ordered via me, at $39.95, or I am happy to lend my copy to anyone interested. Contact details phone 03 9819 3766 or email kevs@deakin.edu.au Kevin Slattery Elizabeth Bond Archives, St Vincent de Paul Society
Mayor John Arnold
U P D AT E
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METRICON DIGS DEEP FOR DROUGHT RELIEF
S Metricon staff help local Vinnies volunteers pack food hampers in Mooroopna
S u n b e a m | Wa r m s u p W i n t e r Sunbeam recently donated over $71,000 worth of heaters to the St Vincent de Paul Society's annual Winter Appeal in Victoria. State President Jim Grealish said, "This generous donation of 480 1200W Convection Plus Heaters, each valued at $149, will make a huge difference to the people we assist. Distribution has been possible through our members and services in the Western metropolitan area to people who we know were struggling during Melbourne’s cold Winter months." For over 150 years people have turned to the Society in their time of need. Our voluntary members offer practical support and friendship to assist their needs but it is through the generosity of those who choose to make a donation to the Society that our members, volunteers and staff can continue to offer the right support at the right time. Sunbeam's Category Manager Seasonal Products, Adam Tacey said, "This donation to the St Vincent de Paul Society is an acknowledgement of the organisations good work within the community. As a proudly Australian company Sunbeam is happy to support those in need by providing our heaters."
Pictured right, the heaters were presented to Yarraville Conference member, Liz Taylor and Footscray's Matthew Talbot Soup Van volunteer, Harry Griffiths by Sunbeam's Victorian State Sales Manager, Andrew Downie on Wednesday 30 July 2008. Liz, who is also one of the Society's Membership & Development Officers, regularly sees the needs of people in the Eastern Central Council region she oversees. "Last year, the Eastern Central Council provided assistance to the value of over $1.4 million to more than 26,000 families. In Yarraville we assisted 492 families and individuals, 216 of the people assisted had a mental illness or disability. "The conference works tirelessly to support the local community and is often called out to locations such as boarding houses and substandard accommodation. These heaters will bring a little warmth to people who may have struggled through this year’s cold Winter. So we are extremely grateful for the donation," Liz said.
With the severe drought affecting much of Victoria, Metricon has developed a drought assistance program to help people in country Victoria. Over the next 12 months, Metricon will donate $100,000 to our conferences in the Goulburn Valley Region to help assist people struggling due to the effects of the drought. Money will be raised from the sale of each home sold in the region and will go towards providing material assistance and support to people in need. "No water is a real issue that's affecting the areas we're operating in with farming families that have been forced to move from their homes, horticultural businesses that have closed and those who can't afford to provide food, clothing or school books and uniforms for their children," said Tania Moyle, Metricon Shepparton Area Manager. Mooroopna Conference President, Bernie Trevaskis is looking forward to working with Metricon to help people in the area who are really suffering. "With the money we receive from Metricon, we can focus on providing material assistance, support and friendship," said Bernie.
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Congrats Jack, you’re a legend The Frankston Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society recently gathered to celebrate 60 years of service by Jack Cass to people in need living in Frankston. The celebration also marked Jack’s retirement from Society work. Paul McCarthy, Conference President said Jack personified the object of the Society to do 'Good Works'. 1948 was a leap year and turned out to be lucky for us as Jack certainly leapt into service with the Society. Jack’s only means of transport back then was a bicycle and he would ride to his calls. His companions were Mr Burns (of Frankston's Burn's Fine Frocks) and Mr Linton of the now famous Linton's Nursery. Things were looking up as in 1954 Jack was able to put away the bike and drive around in his first car. Apart from his 'official duty' calls, we found out that Jack had been moonlighting as well. He has still not confessed, but we know that Jack has been working as a courier/taxi; regularly transporting quite a number of people to medical and other appointments that they could not get to otherwise.
Photo: Newspix/News Limited
S l to r: Mornington Regional President, Paul McCarthy, Membership & Development’s Mohana Maity, Southern Central Council President, Kevin Owens and Jack Cass We also know that Jack has also, on different occasions offered the sanctuary of his home to people in desperate need. A rare but special moment came in 1998 when he received the honour of a Parish award in recognition of his service to the community. His humility and the genuine care provided to clients is crystal clear for all to see. He has always treated people with dignity and given them individual attention. Everyone he has visited and all who have worked with
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S l to r: Wimmera Regional Council President, Bride Schaefer, Horsham Conference President, Adrian Fernee, North Western Central Council President, Allen Moloney
Jack have been so much better for his kindness and practical Christianity. Jack’s gentle spirit and quiet good humour also seems to have rubbed off on all the people he has visited. However, as fellow conference member Terry Shannon joked, "In a way I'm glad he's moving on, he makes the rest of us look pretty ordinary." God bless and thank you Jack. Kevin Owens Southern Central Council President
YEARS OF SERVICE
Adrian Fernee was invited into membership of the Horsham conference as a youthful 25 year old in April, 1958 At that time the conference work included the delivery of Christmas hampers, supplying firewood and tending gardens. Hospital visits were done weekly, with members bearing gifts of rosary beads, medals and scapulars as well as sweets and cigarettes to the patients. Adrian has served as president, secretary and treasurer at various times over the years. In a concise history of the Horsham Conference (formed on the 13 August 1954) Adrian recalled the spiritual advisor in the early days, treating members to musical entertainment in the "Bull and Mouth" after meetings, and the sorting and baling of clothing with the heaviest members assigned with the task of jumping up and down inside the press, well before OH&S was even considered! Adrian's interesting story has been passed on to the Society's archives. On Tuesday 15 April at Dadswell's Bridge, following a "Walking with Ozanam" program, conducted by Gordon Carter, Adrian was presented with a 50 years badge and certificate by N.W.C.C. President Allen Moloney, who drew on the Epistle of St James 3 14:17 to illustrate the relationship of "Faith and Good Works."
U P D AT E Vinnies Centres
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ALTONA NORTH | OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Vinnies Centres has recently implemented a restructure within its zones and administration. There are now seven zone areas / Zone Managers (down from nine) addressing the operational management needs of Vinnies Centres in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Vinnies Centres The following centres are now open or will be opening soon: z
Altona North 99 Dohertys Rd Altona North 3025
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Boronia 2/405 Dorset Rd Boronia 3155
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Geelong CBD 164 Moorabool St Geelong 3220
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Mentone 34 Nepean Hwy Mentone 3194
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Rosebud (opening soon) 1069 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud 3939
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Bayswater (reopening soon) 700 Mountain Hwy Bayswater 3153
Note: We are proud to announce that the Vinnies Centre in Bayswater will be reopening soon. Following the devastating fire, there has been an outstanding effort by members, volunteers, staff and the community to rebuild this centre and thank you to everyone involved.
Vo l u n t e e r R e c r u i t m e n t Coordinator appointed Melissa Waters has been appointed to the role of Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator within Centres Administration. Part of Melissa’s role is to act as the central contact point for all potential volunteer enquiries and to coordinate vacancies across all volunteerengaging programs. For all volunteer enquiries contact Melissa on 03 9895 5865.
S Sorting line at the new Altona North warehouse is ready for business Every year the average Australian woman will buy approximately 102 items of clothing. The trend of buying clothes for a season and then throwing them away, is having a damaging effect on our environment through increasing landfills. With the opening of the new state of the art warehouse in Altona North, Vinnies is working to solve this problem by providing Victorians with the option and ability to recycle pre-loved clothes. Each year, the majority of donated clothing, goods and furniture making its way to the warehouse or donated directly to Vinnies Centres, can be reused in some capacity. Once sorted by the warehouse, items are distributed to one of the 98 Victorian Vinnies Centres. Here, blankets, school books and clothes in excellent condition are often given directly to families and individuals in need. Items that are not given away are sold, generating income for the Society and providing funds for our welfare works. Stephen Buckley, Manager of the Vinnies warehouse is pleased with the improved layout and storage facilities which will enable his team to sort and redistribute more donated goods. The warehouse has an increased floor space from 3,100m² to 4,300m² and has the ability to utilise mechanised sorting methods in the future. "As an organisation committed to reducing landfill, the new warehouse
will make recycling Victoria's pre-loved goods much more efficient. We are also working on further environmental initiatives including a waste reduction program and developing partnerships with peak recycling bodies in Victoria," said Stephen. "Through the new facilities provided we are hoping to reduce waste by a further 15%." Altona North will also boast one of the newest Vinnies Centres, located adjacent to the warehouse. Officially opened by the St Vincent de Paul Society's State President Jim Grealish and blessed by the Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne Most Reverend Christopher Prowse on Thursday 9 October 2008, the centre offers a wide range of quality goods for resale to the comminity. So if you are interested in clothing, furniture and household items at reasonable prices, Altona North is really worth checking out.
S New Vinnies Centre in Altona North
U P D AT E Vinnies & The Ampersand Walk
A beautiful Melbourne spring day, Sunday 5 October 2008, was the setting for the second annual Ampersand Walk. Ampersand, a group that encourages volunteering in students, held the walk to publicise how young people can get involved in charity work. This year the St Vincent de Paul Society was one of four charities chosen to benefit from the proceeds. Thirty-two Vinnies supporters took part in the 30km walk which followed the Capital City Trail along the Yarra and through the inner suburbs on Melbourne. With the walk taking place in mental health week, it was only fitting that any money raised went towards our
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S Vinnies team “Are we there yet?” included Jan Isherwood, Jean Jeanes, Lorraine Lloyd and Joanne Edwardes
Compeer program - a friendship based program matching volunteers and people receiving treatment for mental health issues. Our supporters raised over $3,200 for Compeer.
Homework Tutoring Program Coordinator The St Vincent de Paul Society and Centacare Melbourne are running a homework tutoring program for children who are educationally disadvantaged. The program operates in Dandenong, 8 to 10 hours per week including Saturday mornings. The volunteers tutor students from Grade 5 through to Year 8. The coordinator’s role involves developing and overseeing the program and includes resource management, student supervision and interaction, strengthening ties with the local community. Teaching or training experience will be favourably considered for this paid position. For further information please contact Mohana Maity on 9895 5873 or 0448 359 537
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S Vinnies team “Gentlemen of Kokoda (GOKS)” included Ian Maddison, David Parkin, Ron Woodard and Peter Schokman
HEART
On the 10 September 2008, Storm Design held their annual Art with Heart exhibition. The brainchild of this marketing company, Art with Heart exhibited paintings produced by local artists, celebrities and the team at Storm Design. All paintings were then auctioned to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society soup vans. The night proved to be a great success with over S Vannies Greg Green and 250 people attending. Local caterers provided Sharon Chapman finger food while Brown Brothers donated the wine. A number of businesses also donated items that were sold in "mystery envelopes". Later in the night, Russell Smith, one of our soup van coordinators spoke to attendees about the role of the soup vans and then performed for guests with his didjeridoo.Thank you to Storm Design for all their hard work in putting on this event. The exhibition raised over $25,000 for our soup vans.
Christmas Appeal 10 November 2008 - 31 January 2009 Annual General Meeting Sir Ian McLellan Centre Mooroopna Recreation Reserve Cnr Midland Hwy & Echuca Rd Mooroopna 15 November 2008, 11am Mass for Deceased Members St Francis Church Cnr Elizabeth & Lonsdale Sts Melbourne 11 November 2008, 7pm Contributions to Societynews are always welcome. Email to: dianneb@svdp-vic.org.au or send to: The Editor Societynews St Vincent de Paul Society Locked Bag 4800 Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850 We endeavour to include as many items as possible in each issue.