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“Let us do, without hesitation, whatever good lies at our hands…” Frederic Ozanam

Become a memBer

The primary basic unit of the St Vincent de Paul Society is the Conference. The Society makes no distinction regarding gender, wealth, occupation, social status or ethnic origin. Additionally, age is no barrier, as there are opportunities to become a Member through ‘Mini Vinnies’, a primary school based part of the Society, or through high school Conferences, young adult conferences, or the standard conference made up of people of all ages.

As a Member, you will meet like-minded people who seek to make a difference within their community.

Become a Volunteer

Another important aspect of the Society is its many dedicated and passionate volunteers. Our volunteers are at the core of the Society’s good works, and give generously of their time to help those less fortunate.

maKe a FInancIal DonatIon

The Society’s major lifeline has been the generous financial assistance our loyal donors have given over the years.

This support assists the many activities undertaken by the Society. Donations can be directed to a specific special work or general works. You can make a secure donation online by visiting our website www.vinnies.org.au/qld, or by calling 13 18 12.

maKe a GIFt-In-KInD

In addition to monetary donations, material donations are also imperative to the Society’s operations. Items such as food, clothing, furniture,

cookware, toys, books and manchester are always in great need. Families in need are given these items free of charge and surplus items are sold at centres to support our activities.

HelPInG HanDS

The ‘Helping Hands’ program allows donors to make a periodical commitment to the work of the Society and receive only one tax-deductible receipt each year. For more information, please contact the Society.

WorKPlace GIVInG

Individuals or groups of employees can take part in this program by donating a small amount each fortnight, which is deducted from employee’s salaries by their payroll department, and then forwarded to the Society.

corPorate SPonSorSHIP

If you are a business looking at partnering with a charity, you can contact the State Administration Office to discuss ways in which your company can support one of Australia’s largest and most respected charitable organisations.

to maKe a BeQueSt

You can support those in need by making a bequest to the Society in your Will. Through remembering the Society in your Will, you will ensure your legacy lives on through the assistance you generosity provides.

To find out more about how you can help the St Vincent de Paul Society, please call the State Administration Office on (07) 3010 1000 or visit www.vinnies.org.au/qld.

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do…” Helen Keller

HoW You can HelP

2 | St VIncent De Paul SocIetY QueenSlanD

Contents

How you can help 2

The Society’s patrons 4

Spirituality 4

About the Society 5

State Council 6

A snapshot of state-wide statistics 7

State President’s report 10

Chief Executive Officer’s report 11

Archbishop’s message 12

Key achievements 13

Committee reports 16

Diocesan reports 22

Vale 28

Government funding 29

Acknowledgments 30

Statement by the Council 32

Financial report 33

Contact details 47

the hand of Christ blesses the cup

the hand of love offers the cup

the hand of suffering receives the cup

Vision statement

The St Vincent de Paul Society aspires to be recognized as a

caring Catholic charity, offering a ‘hand up’ to people in need.

We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope and

encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

mission statement

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic

organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving

Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and

by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.

our Values

The Society seeks to deepen the faith of all its Members

through its good works, integrating the social and ethical

teachings of the Catholic Church. These values acknowledge:

• the presence of Christ in all individuals

• human rights of all individuals

• a commitment to social justice

The Society welcomes as Members Christians of other

confessions, or people of other faiths, who sincerely respect and

accept the Society’s identity and its principles.

Its ministry through person to person contact embraces

every form of aid, including social justice, to alleviate suffering

and promote the dignity and integrity of mankind.

The Society serves everyone, regardless of creed, opinion,

colour and origin.

St VIncent De Paul SocIetY QueenSlanD | 3

Culture oF tHe PoorAs a Vincentian for some 42 years in the St

Vincent de Paul Society, it is my wish to give readers some insight into the ‘Culture of the Poor’. This culture is found in every community, including our own, where individuals and families have been caught in the poverty trap for generations.

Unless you walk the walk with these people caught in the poverty trap, you would have no idea of the situation that they face from day to day. It is indeed very difficult for those who have always had enough money, or have experienced short periods of financial difficulties to enter into the mind of a person who has never had enough.

The response required for this type of problem is not simple - it is a very complex one. It is not food, money, direction, or criticism. In some cases, it would require a radical change to some of our social structures. In today’s society there appears to be an economic monopoly which aims to

become richer to the detriment of the poor. All politicians must strive to manage State

affairs for the common good of all, which in itself demands a service in truth. In other cases, all that may be needed is to give these people a hand to get up on their feet for the first time, so they can progress out of the poverty cycle.

What is really required from us as human beings is a caring response. This comes from our being genuinely concerned about the poor and the marginalised, whatever their need.

Malcolm Muggeridge was struck by the link Mother Teresa made between the Mass and the Sisters’ work of caring for people in need. Mother Teresa stated to him and her Sisters:

“This morning, we were at mass and we saw how reverently the priest held the Body of Christ at the altar.

“Today in the streets, we will meet the needy, the sick, the mentally ill, the homeless and the dying. We must likewise hold them reverently, for they too are the body of Christ.”

It is indeed a principle that all Christians need to put into practice when dealing with each other and the poor, if we really want to live as Christ taught.

Your Brother in ChristBrian Moore

St VIncent De PaulBorn in Southern France in 1581, St Vincent de

Paul was ordained in 1600 as the Patron Saint of Christian Charity. After relocating to a village outside France, he was compelled to help the poor in France when he saw the desperate circumstances of those that seemed to be abandoned.

BleSSeD FreDerIc ozanamThe St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in

Paris in 1833 by twenty year old university student Frederic Ozanam.

Frederic was a loving husband and devoted father; he achieved greatness as a gifted scholar, a dedicated teacher, a generous Christian and a gentle, but effective reformer. True to the example of St Vincent de Paul, he creatively sought to respond to those needs with sensitive charity and to replace class struggle with just relationships.

tHe soCietY’s Patrons

sPiritualitY

“if we are really called to carry the love of God far and wide, if we are to inflame the nations with this fire, if we have the vocation of setting the world on fire, if it is so, then how much must i burn myself with this fire.”

“You must not be content with tiding the poor over the poverty crisis. You must study their condition and injustices which brought about such poverty with the aim of long term improvements.”


aBout tHe soCietYThe St Vincent de Paul Society’s 40,000

Members and volunteers work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia. Internationally, the Society operates in 130 countries and has over 950,000 Members.

Members of the Society are people who live out their faith in action by visiting people in their homes to provide support, friendship and material assistance. This practice is known as home visitation, and is carried out by local St Vincent de Paul Society conferences (local branches).

Conferences are typically Parish or school based groups of people who respond to calls for assistance from people in the local community, and work closely with the Society’s Vinnies Centres of Charity.

People who are being assisted by conference Members are often provided with furniture, clothing and household goods free of charge through the centres. Centres also offer affordable clothing and goods to the wider community.

The profit from the sale of stock from the centres is used to provide resources and support to people in need.

The Society has also developed many Special Works that include hostels for the homeless, facilities for the aged and assistance for families in need.

tHe soCietY in QueenslanDThe St Vincent de Paul Society has been

helping Queenslanders in need since 1894. Every day, the Society’s 7,500 Members and volunteers help those who are struggling to take control of their lives whilst restoring their dignity; providing a hand up, not just a hand out.

During the 2007 / 2008 financial year, the Society in Queensland supported almost 380,000 people in need and provided more than $16.4 million in financial and material assistance.

The Society differs from most charitable organisations in that our Members and volunteers are at the core of what we do, and without their dedication, our diverse range of services would not be possible.

There are 215 Parish conferences in Queensland, whose active Members and volunteers deal face-to-face everyday with people in crisis: those who have no money to pay bills, no place to call home, no food to feed their families, or who are victims of abuse in one form or another.

The Members and volunteers are supported by some staff; however costs are kept to a minimum, allowing more money to go directly to those who are requiring the Society’s assistance.

HistorY oF tHe soCietY in QueenslanD

The depression of 1893 prompted the formation of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Queensland. During this time, a disastrous flooding of the Brisbane River, followed by a severe drought, caused great hardship.

The first Queensland conference was formed in Brisbane in February 1894 at Red Hill – one of Brisbane’s poorest areas at the time.

With increasing social problems, further conferences were created, with seven established by 1910. In 1944, fifty years after the commencement of the first conference, 92 conferences had been established throughout the state.

Today, the Society has 215 Parish conferences in Queensland, and approximately 7,500 Members and volunteers who are committed to providing ‘a hand up, not just a hand out’ to those in need.

merivale Street office


state CounCil

John Campbell State President

Peter Maher CEO

Brian Moore Senior Vice President

Claire Schneider Vice President

Peter Richards Vice President

Marama Moore State Youth Representative

Kathryn Hester State Treasurer (to May 08)

Fr Edgar Blain State Council Spiritual Advisor (to Dec 07)

Mervyn Powell Gold Coast/Country Diocesan President

Ron Klease Toowoomba Diocesan President

Lindsay Wratten Western Brisbane Diocesan President

Allan Harris Northern Brisbane Diocesan President

Ron Sullivan Townsville Diocesan President

Peter Dougherty Rockhampton Diocesan President

Chris Davidson Vice President (to Oct 07)

Jerry Mcauliffe Far North Qld Diocesan President

Ron Beauchamp Brisbane South/City Diocese


a snaPsHot oF state-WiDe statistiCs

Outcomes for people requesting assistance

Main source of income of those assisted

Comments These figures indicate that the profile of groups most likely to seek assistance from the Society are:

• people aged 25-44, with families, but without an immediate source of income. This group would include persons who have no entitlement to pensions or allowances and those who have been denied benefits.

• on pensions or allowances, such as disability pensioners or those on carers allowances.

Note: These statistics should be read in conjunction with the Society’s audited annual financial statements and the commentaries contained in this Annual Report.

Age groups of people assisted

HelPinG serViCes statistiCs

Mission focused statistics 2007-08 2006-07

Numbers of requests for assistance 159,361 137,380

Estimated nos. of people helped 380,000 370,500

Total nos. Members and volunteers 7,416 7,305

Direct financial assistance provided $ 6.5m $ 5.5m

Total cost of helping services $16.4m $14.1m

Financial assistance provided 42%

in-kind assistance provided 35%

referred to another sVDP service 15%

referred to another service provider 1%

no assistance provided 7%

Government pension or allowance 43%

Wages and salary earners 6%

other income incl. child support and super 1%

no income 39%

not determined 10%

0-16 44%

17-24 8%

25-44 32%

45-64 12%

65 and over 4%


state PresiDent’s rePortover the past twelve months, great progress has been made by the st Vincent de Paul society Queensland in the multitude of activities we undertake on a daily basis.

To ensure we leave a legacy of support, Vincentians and volunteers must continue to look to the future, and plan ways in which we can pass the torch of the Society onto the next generation.

We cannot do our good works alone, and we cannot do it forever. Together, we must actively strengthen our Member base, and educate the community about what the Society does.

The first step towards a vital focus on Membership came with the establishment of a special Membership committee to assist Councils and Conferences to sponsor new Members.

As always, the progression of the years sees further strengthening of the bond of St Vincent de Paul family: the Vincentians, volunteers and staff working together as one, in the hopes of making a difference to the lives of people in need.

The bond was reinforced at the annual President’s weekend this year, which was held at Caloundra, and was attended by the new National President, Syd Tutton. The weekend saw a coming together of the Society family to engage with one another, and attend workshops on a number of sessions sharing our valuable skills and knowledge, from spirituality to management.

This year has seen a massive increase in the overall cost of living, and therefore has placed an increase in the demand on our services and urgency in the importance of our work in providing housing and working to break the cycle of homelessness. Two of our stand-out projects to combat homelessness include our Mackay Lodge, and the Families Back on Track (FBOT) project, on the Gold Coast.

The Lodge established in Mackay last year continues to break records with full occupancy,

no rental arrears, a healthy bank balance and tenants who made it their home. FBOT is in the final stages of approval by the various Government Departments and has gone to tender. This, together with other projects in the pipeline, will provide much needed quality accommodation for the homeless and will, in addition, provide a ‘hand up’ through supportive programs designed to provide necessary life skills to break the cycle of homelessness.

Our relationships with all levels of government have been strengthened this year. In many instances, they have come to us for advice and to offer us management rights for some of their initiatives. As a result of our contacts with the federal government, a major forum on homelessness was hosted by the National Council and held here in Brisbane, at the request of the Federal Minister for Housing and the

Status of Women, the Honourable Tanya Plibersek. Our exceptional social justice work has given us many opportunities to be a strong voice for the voiceless.

Our dedication to helping the indigenous community saw us form an indigenous committee, and we look forward to creating positive in-roads in the lives of our indigenous community.

Continued support has been given to the many refugees and migrants that come to our shores and many family reunions have

resulted because of the no interest travel loans available to them. The continued tutoring support provided by VoRTCS (Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support Program) saw the program expand with two full time staff now employed.

Every person who is part of the St Vincent de Paul Society family, from our volunteers, staff, Members, donors and sponsors, makes our good works possible.

I wish to pass on my sincere thanks to each and every one of you. Your generosity of spirit, your caring hearts and your love for one another, means we can continue to offer not just a hand out, but a hand up, to those in need.

John Campbell State President


CHieF eXeCutiVe oFFiCer’s rePorti have pleasure in reporting to you the progress made in enhancing the society’s capacity to deliver human services, provide corporate support and to raise funds during the financial year 2007-2008.

Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the significant State Government support for the Society’s work in providing services for people who are homeless and those suffering from housing stress. The State Government’s $3 million support for the Families Back on Track development on the Gold Coast and their continuing support for our Mackay Lodge have been important milestones achieved during the year. The Society’s new models of supportive housing have also attracted the interest of the new Federal Government with the Minister Tanya Plibersek attending the Society’s Homelessness Forum in Brisbane during the year.

We continue to work on developing Parish partnerships to help respond to the need for affordable housing in several areas.

Secondly, I am pleased to report that there has been steady improvement in both the coverage and the quality of the specialised services offered to people in disadvantaged circumstances right across the state. The Society’s Family Intervention Services have been extended to Mt Gravatt, the Redlands, Stones Corner, Wynnum and Gympie; services for people with disabilities in Toowoomba have been expanded and newly accredited for the quality of their services; the Home Modification Program, so important in helping seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes, has been able to more than double its client numbers, renewed funding for Refugee Settlement programs secured and our Emergency Relief Programs extended into new areas.

This year the Society responded with local solutions to the Mackay Floods and to the Equine

Flu epidemic, with the latter involving an innovative program of relief services for those in the horse industry, helping many in uniquely distressed circumstances and strengthening the Society’s reputation with the State Government for our ability to respond to real human need with locally-based disaster relief.

Our ability to provide services to those in need is very much reliant on the Society’s capacity to raise funds. During the year, the State Council agreed on an ambitious, five year plan to expand our fundraising programs and the targets set for the first year were achieved. New corporate support was obtained for our ‘No Interest Loans’ Scheme from the National Australia Bank, and the State-wide program designed to improve the effectiveness of our Centres of Charity and their associated Depots continued.

The Society’s governance and administrative arrangements underpin much of what has been achieved in 2007-2008, but the Society could not achieve the range and extent of its services to the poor if it were not for the unique Society brand of cooperation between Vincentians, volunteers and staff. State Council has continued to direct improvements in the way the Society operates and there have been a number of highlights during the year. These include a

New Staff Collective Agreement, re-organisation of the Committee structure including the establishment of an Audit Committee and a Workplace Health and Safety Committee and training for State Council Members.

I would like to thank the Society’s State President, John Campbell and Members of State Council for their support during a year of continuing expansion and improvement, and pay tribute to the Society’s Members, volunteers, staff and donors for their continuing support. Much has been achieved and, with your help, the Society can continue to serve the people of Queensland in our great tradition of care and compassion.

Peter Maher Chief Executive Officer


arCHBisHoP’s messaGeWith decreasing numbers of Catholics attending mass, we must find new ways to encourage Catholics to return to worship if we are to bear witness to the love of Christ.

As well as worship, Christians can bear witness to the Gospel through the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Its mission is to work with the poor, helping them and deepening their awareness of Jesus Christ.

Through their work, Members fulfil their responsibilities as children of God by participation in the mission of our Lord. St Vincent de Paul Society founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam created an organisation dedicated to care for the poor of the world, driven by the inspiration of St Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederick Ozanam and supported by the personal prayer of the Society and its Members.

As a result, the Society is a movement based on prayer and spirituality without which it would be a movement for good, valuable in itself, but falling far short of the inspired vision of Frederic Ozanam and ultimately of Jesus Christ.

I congratulate the St Vincent de Paul Society for the excellent work it does. Let us together work for a more just and compassionate world.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Revered John A Bathersby DD Archbishop of Brisbane

29 September 2008


KeY aCHieVements

resPonDinG to tHe HousinG Crisis“The Society’s vision goes beyond the

immediate future, looking towards sustainable development, and protection of the environment for the benefit of future generations…” The Rule: 7.3

The acceptable standard of living is to have access to medical treatment, when needed, to warm clothes, bedding when it’s cold, and a substantial meal at least once a day.

The reality is: not everyone in Australia is that lucky.

Queensland has the country’s second highest number of people who are homeless, at almost 27,000 people. This figure, combined with knowing more than half a million Australians are now living in housing stress, means the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s work in responding to the housing crisis has never been more important.

Forging strong partnerships with all levels of government, during 2007 / 2008 the Society continued its good works on a number of housing initiatives, affordable housing and responded rapidly to emergency accommodation needs.

Families back on track (FBOT)Fundraising for the Gold Coast Country

Diocese FBOT, a 27 unit, supportive housing development for single parents and their children, has continued throughout the year. The project has progressed to the stages of receiving final Gold Coast City Council building and development approvals, the appointment of an independent project manager, and the project being put out to tender to the marketplace.

Milton Street, Mackay – Father Kevin Treacy Lodge

In August 2007, Fr Kevin Treacy Lodge was officially opened by the Hon. Tim Mulherin MLA, Member for Mackay and Queensland’s Minister of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Fr Kevin Treacy Lodge provides medium to long term accommodation for 18 single persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Many low income people struggle to find affordable accommodation in the Mackay region due to the resources boom being experienced.

Nebo Road, MackayThe residence at Nebo Road is a former motel

consisting of 21 units, plus a 3 bedroom manager’s unit. In response to the February 2008 Mackay floods, the Society entered into a three month lease for management rights of this property for the specific purpose of accommodating persons displaced as a result of these floods.

Subsequently, the Red Cross emergency evacuation centre was able to be closed as displaced persons were relocated to Nebo Road. This lease was extended until November 2008 in order to accommodate homeowners who were uninsured or tenants in the private rental market and needed temporary accommodation whilst repairs were undertaken to their flood affected residences.

Commenced Parish partnershipsThe Society has been working closely with

various parishes across Queensland to utilise existing vacant buildings and houses as accommodation in response to the housing affordability crisis. The first such Society and Parish partnership was commenced in Ipswich in late June 2008. The Society is working on bringing other properties into new housing stock for families in need.

Toowoomba Disability Services expanded and accredited

The Toowoomba Disability Services opened a third house for men with disabilities under the Crisis and Emergency funding program. In March 2008, the Toowoomba Disability Services were officially accredited as a service provider under the Disability Services Queensland service standards by external accreditation agency SAI Global.


Father Kevin treacy lodge in mackay

resPonDinG to natural Disasters“Charity must never look behind, but always

forward, because the measure of its last benefits is always very small, while the present and future miseries it must release are infinite…” Frederic Ozanam

A number of devastating natural disasters struck Queensland during 2007 / 2008. The Society provided assistance in the following ways:

Continuing support for persons recovering from Cyclone Larry in March 2006.

During the Equine Flu epidemic from August 2007 to February 2008 disaster relief was provided by local Vincentians to persons in need as a result of the quarantine restrictions affecting people in the various horse industries (e.g. working, breeding, racing, harness and recreational) and horse related industries (e.g. farriers, track riders, trainers, jockeys, horse transport, etc.)

Immediate disaster relief for the Emerald flood in January 2008 was provided by local Vincentians to flood affected persons within the first few days of the flood.

Immediate disaster relief was provided by local Vincentians to flood affected persons after the February 2008 Mackay flood.

CamPaiGninG For soCial justiCe“The Society is concerned not only with alleviating

need but also with identifying the unjust structure that cause it. The Society is therefore, committed to identifying the root causes of poverty and to contributing to their elimination. In all its charitable actions, there should be a search for justice…” The Rule: 7.1

Home Energy Emergency Assistance (HEEA)The Society worked closely with the

Department of Mines and Energy and the Department of Communities to implement the HEEA Phase 1 program over the finance critical three month window from December 2007 to February 2008.

Vincentians were able to assist families in crisis and help avoid disconnection by utilising the generous $155,000 in funds provided by the Queensland Government for this scheme. Many families in need were able to enjoy their Christmas meal and get their kids back to school in the New Year with their electricity remaining connected as a result of this scheme.

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) expandedThrough the generosity of the National

Australia Bank, the Society was successful in obtaining access to $200,000 in funding for the

Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale celebrates Global Fiesta at Ipswich with fellow festival-goers


expansion of the Society’s NILS program from Brisbane to across Queensland. The scheme allows people to purchase essential household appliances, such as fridges and whitegoods, they otherwise would not be able to afford.

Interest rate cap on pay-day lending schemesThe Society has been working with many

organisations to lobby the Queensland Government to introduce more rigorous legislation around pay-day lending schemes. This included capping interest rates to 48% per annum. Draft legislation was opened for public comment in

November 2007 and the legislation including the 48% cap came into effect in July 2008. The aim of this new legislation is to provide some level of protection and certainty for vulnerable low income people whom the Society regularly assists with large debts from expensive pay day loans.

CHristmas aPPeal 2007 anD Winter aPPeal 2008

The people of Queensland generously supported the Society’s Appeals, raising almost $1 million for our good works.

tHe liVes We touCH

“I cannot express in words how grateful I am

for all you have done for us, for the doors you have

opened and more importantly for the doors you

have stopped closing.

“all I can say is thank you, thank you so much,

and hope that you feel that you have helped a

worthy cause. I hope you have a merry christmas

and a happy new year, for that is what you have

given us, not only this year but last year too.”

“...It’s through the kindness of others that I

have truly learnt that I can ask for help without

feeling that I am failing my children…”

“over the last two year period, my husband

and I have had some financial difficulties, so

sometimes it’s been quite hard.

“But thanks to you, the beginning of 2008 now

I know I will be able to bring them all of the

opportunities we could not afford…”

Children’s Education Fund

“Just wanted to let you know that we have not been in contact for a little while because our son michael became very ill. He went to heaven five days before christmas in 2006. He was only 15 years and ten months old.

“the last 18 months have been very difficult and a struggle and it is ongoing. We did always want to help out but for a while we just couldn’t get to it.

“We would like to thank the St Vincent de Paul Society ourselves as they have helped us when we were not coping. In christmas 2006 they provided hampers of food and presents for our kids when we were devastated and had only returned from the hospital in Brisbane. also again in 2007 at christmas we received a hamper with special christmas food and presents for our children.

“It was such a lovely surprise for all of us and a little treat at such a hard time of year for us. We can’t thank you all enough.

“God Bless all at St Vincent de Paul.”


Committee rePorts

soCial justiCe CommitteeThe Social Justice Committee continued its

good works this year by providing a voice for the voiceless in Queensland on a range of issues. Consisting of representatives from each Diocese, the Committee meets monthly.

During the financial year, the committee advocated for the following issues:

• Improvement in the housing and rental situation

• Active dialogue with relevant parties regarding energy and gas costs

• Supported the State Government’s move to put a cap on interest rates and charges imposed by short term money lenders

• Support by the government for no interest loan schemes (NILS)

• Put in submissions urging stronger harm minimisation procedures in the gambling industry

• New Zealanders who have moved to Australia without any means of support

• Liaised with government and department representatives regarding discrepancies in Centrelink payments

• A review of education costs

• Taxi services that are reluctant to meet the needs of disabled

• The difficulties migrants and refugees face in attaining a driver’s licence

Organisational accomplishments:

• Initiated and played integral roles in events such as October 2007’s social justice training and forum day, as well as

• Increased the committee to almost 80 Members

CHilDren’s eDuCation FunDSince its inception in 1988 by Ray and Jo

Scanlon, the children’s education fund has been providing financial assistance to students, through items such as school levies, excursions, uniforms or books at all school levies.

• A total of 410 applications were received

• A total of 853 students were assisted

• $271,361.83 in total was distributed


“Charity is the samaritan who pours oil on the

wounds of the traveller who has been attacked.

it is justice’s role to prevent the attack.”

FreDeriC ozanam

sassY (sCHools, aDults anD sPeCial suPPort For YoutH)

SASSY works to connect youth with the Society by developing programs throughout Queensland to engage school, students and marginalised families.

The key focus has been on the formation of youth conferences across the Diocese, and building the profile of the Society through the youth agency network.

Major achievements and accomplishments

• Youth conferences formed throughout the state as a means by which young people may work on and through social justice issues in their local communities.

• Advertising campaigns and promotional materials were generated for all schools, both state and non government.

• Buddies Days continue to spread throughout the state through the good works of both youth facilitators and young adult volunteers alike.

• Months of preparation and organising for World Youth Day 2008 was undertaken, particularly in the training and formation of the Queensland World Youth Day contingent.

• We continued our involvement with Schoolies Week, maintaining a supportive presence.

CommuniCations anD FunDraisinG The two key focuses of the State

Communications Plan are - improved levels of both public awareness and internal understandings and – annual increases in the overall levels of fundraising income. During 2007-08, targets have been met or surpassed in each of these key focus areas.

Public awareness

• During the year media releases were issued on a range of topics and Society spokespersons were increasingly sought out by the media for comment on many issues concerning poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, household costs, including rising rent, grocery and electricity costs.

• Press, radio and television coverage of the Society reached more than 4.1 million people in Queensland, with the commercial value of the coverage estimated as $1,784,800.

• High profile public campaigns about homelessness and the housing crisis were

conducted and Society spokespersons were widely seen and heard in all relevant public policy debates. A special booklet on the experiences of homelessness and housing stress was published and widely distributed to politicians and community leaders.

Internal communications

• Society publications including the National Council’s The Record, State newsletters such as SVDP Calling, In Good Hands and Blue Bulletin were distributed regularly to all Conferences, Councils and special works

• Brochures, posters and special envelopes were widely distributed to support Conference fundraising.

FundraisingThe targets contained in the State Fundraising

Strategic Plan called for an increase of 20% in funds raised from appeals conducted by State Office. During the year gross fundraising income from appeals conducted by State Office rose from and $1.318 million in 2006-07, to $1.606 million in 2007-08, representing an increase of 21.78%. The number of active donors to the Society also increased by 13.6%.

Bequests

• 33 Bequests were finalised during 2007-08

• 14 bequests have been notified but not completed

• 92 In-Memoriam gifts were received totalling $5,788

LegalThe property committee seeks to meet the

absolute perimeters of State Council policy through providing advice about the suitability of properties for Society purposes including all aspects of location, structure, financial returns and value for money.

• Two properties were acquired

• Five properties were disposed of

• 19 lease options were exercised for further terms for Vinnies Centres and other Society properties

• 14 new lease documents were executed for new and or relocated Vinnies Centres and other Society properties

• 24 upgrading and renovation projects were completed


HousinGThe aim of the housing committee is to

provide safe, secure and affordable housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to advocate for the homeless in order to create a just and inclusive society.


• The completion of the Policies and Procedures Manual to govern the housing program

• Moving towards accreditation as a housing provider (Accreditation testing is on 9 February 2009)

• Expansion of the housing program by working with local parishes, Vincentian Conferences etc for greater housing stock

• Basing the Housing Program firmly in the doctrine of the Incarnation

• Exploring initiatives to provide housing for those in greatest housing need

Highlights of the last year

• Completion of the Mackay Housing Project

• Creating substantial tenders for further housing stock

• Working with three local parishes in Brisbane for specific housing outcomes

• Playing a large role in the success of the Human Face of Homelessness Forum in Brisbane in July 2008

• Assisting in bringing the Families Back on Track Housing Project on the Gold Coast to fruition

• Foundation of a separate Committee for housing and homelessness issues

New initiatives and other news

• Creating partnerships in the wider community for better housing outcomes

• Housing issues and the Society’s input have featured strongly in the local press and media

mental HealtH CommitteeThis year saw the establishment of the mental

health committee as a separate body from the previous committee that saw this initiative combined with housing and homelessness.

Key focusThe purpose of the mental health committee is

to encourage conferences throughout Queensland to adopt helping people with mental illnesses as a special work of the conference, and to support conferences that do so.


• During the year, the Committee successfully established a network of Vincentians throughout Queensland with an enthusiasm for supporting this ministry.

• Vincentians were invited to participate in Mental Health First Aid courses to deepen their understanding of people in need with mental illnesses.

• Steps were taken to educate and facilitate innovative mental health support programs, of which State Council has agreed to support a trial of the Compeer program, a buddy program which matches appropriate volunteers from the community with people who suffer with mental illnesses.

• The overarching key accomplishment of the committee has been putting support for people with mental illnesses on the agenda for the Society in Queensland.

VinCentian VoCational DeVeloPmentThe role of the Vincentian vocational

development committee is to further the development of Vincentians in the five virtues essential to promoting love and respect for the poor. Education in the following areas has promoted this development:

• Spirituality

• The ethos of the Society

• Psychology of the poor and the Vincentian volunteer

Volunteers at the charters towers road, townsville celebrate national Volunteers Week


“Charity must never look behind, but always forward, because the measure of its last benefits is always very small, while the present and future miseries it must release are infinite”

FreDeriC ozanam

• The concept of a hand up, not just a hand out

• When a charity is not charitable

• Interviewing techniques

• Confidentiality and social justice

Being a Member of the St Vincent de Paul Society is not an achievement, but a commitment to grow in personal holiness. Therefore, ongoing personal spiritual vocational development is a necessary condition for the success of our work.

oVerseas PartnersHiP anD DeVeloPment

The main aim of the Overseas Development Committee is to provide assistance, mainly through health, hygiene and education, to the Asia Pacific Region, including Papua New Guinea, Kiribati and Solomon Islands.

Key focus of the committee

• Assist a student fund

• Pakistan literacy project

• Twinning with overseas Conferences

• Re-establishing the Society in Papua New Guinea

• Providing goods in kind to Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati

• Providing medical supplies to 190 missions, small hospitals and first aid posts overseas

Some of the projects involve

• Fish vending

• Cow bank

• Goat bank

• Grameen bank

• Revolving business project – self help

• Provision of items such as sewing machines, tools, medical supplies, hospital furniture, walking sticks and glasses, furniture and bikes

• Computers for Kids programs


• 23 teachers were assisted through the Pakistan literacy project, equating to $28,010

• $78,280 was raised for Christmas and Easter grants

• A dental van, fully equipped plus an x-ray unit, donated by Queensland Health was sent to Kiribati

• Raised $51,000 towards bringing youth from our twinned countries to celebrate World Youth Day

• Assisted 1467 students with $102,662 in funds raised

• The St Martin’s Chemist Conference has sent an average of nine parcels a week to the value of $143,068, each weighing an average of nine kilograms and containing essential basic medical supplies

• Supported projects such as building water tanks, and contributed to food and nutrition programs

miGrants anD reFuGeesApproximately 22 million people worldwide

are currently classified as refugees because they face a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their country of nationality. The Society supports refugees through three main programs: household settlement, support for those on temporary protection visas and English language tutoring.

Assistance

• Refugees airfares No Interest Loan Scheme - $250,000 loaned

• VoRTCS - 300 families

• Ipswich Settlement Service - 140 clients

There are 1400 refugees arriving and settling in Queensland annually as part of the Federal Government’s humanitarian resettlement programs. The Society assists refugees across Queensland. The main types of assistance are:

• Household Goods Assistance upon settlement in Toowoomba, Cairns and Townsville (DIAC funded)

• Support, material and financial assistance to Temporary Protection and Bridging Visa holding awaiting an Immigration outcome (society funded)

• English language tutoring via our VoRTCS (Volunteer Refugee Tutoring and Community Support)

• Refugee Airfares No Interest Travel Loans Scheme (Society funded)

• St Peter’s and Paul’s Woodridge Refugee Sewing classes (Society funded)

• Ipswich Settlement Grants program (DIAC funded)

• Training and Mentoring program (Society funded)

• World Refugee Day celebrations and community festival at Annerley Soccer Club (Brisbane City Council, DIAC and Society funded)

Vincentians continue to assist migrants and refugees on a daily basis across Queensland in their mission of serving some of the most disadvantaged persons in Queensland.


Elderly lady on age pension paying $480 per fortnight in rent leaving her $40 per week for groceries medication and bills. She is living on noodles as this is all she can afford.

DioCesan rePorts

BrisBane soutH / CitY DioCese

President Ron Beauchamp

The activities for the Diocese extend across four regions: northern suburbs, Nundah, south east suburbs and South Brisbane.

Key focus

• There has been an ongoing search for a new warehouse, as well as reduction in Vinnies shop numbers due to rapidly escalating rents and general overheads. The Diocese is also looking to establish ‘super shops’.

• The Diocesan Administration has developed skills in key staff to prepare local budgets, as well as a capacity to research, write and tender for new business.


• Stability in the Diocese came with the election of Ron Beauchamp as the Diocesan President.

• A significant improvement in the financial viability of the Diocese to better service the poor and disadvantaged was seen.

• A new Call Centre is being established at Buranda, jointly funded by Brisbane South/City Diocese, Western Diocese and Gold Coast Country Diocese.

• There was over $175,000 surplus from Vinnies shops this past year.

• $385,000 was provided for in kind assistance by Buranda, Vinnies shops and Lawnton.

Special Works

• The Vinnies shops were painted and received upgraded signage.

• Special Works are being established at Buranda by the South Brisbane Regional Council.

• The Family Intervention Service received $288,299 grants for the next three years from the Department of Child Safety.

nortHern DioCese

President Allan Harris

The Diocese covers the northern segment of the Brisbane Archdiocese to Childers in the north, to Kingaroy in the west.

Key focus

• The Northern Brisbane Diocese Council, in


conjunction with Regional Councils, and, most importantly, each and every individual conference Member, is working to continue to deliver ‘a hand up, not just a hand out’ to those most in need within our area.

Special Works

• The Ozanam House men’s hostel facility at Nambour, which offers overnight accomm-odation and meals for the homeless, will be redeveloped over the next few years. A committee has been formed to undertake this task.

• The Gympie Child and Family Program has been established and is functioning at full capacity. In Maryborough, the program stretches as far north as Bundaberg.

• An extended support program called Give a child a chance is being established to aid families unable to meet education costs due to financial costs. After a lengthy survey process, nearly 2,000 children in the Diocese were identified as being in need of support to ensure they can access the levels of education available to them. We are also in negotiations with Trans-Link regarding the supply of transport in the area.

• The Hervey Bay area is becoming a concern due to the increase in demand for assistance. Initial work to enable the construction of extended premises has been undertaken by conference Members at the local level. Further plans for expansion will be the next step.

Items of interest

• Plans are being drawn up for the Rigby Street Premises in Nambour, encompassing a sorting and distribution centre for the Sunshine Coast retail outlets. Provisions will be made for offices and meeting rooms for regional meetings and staff as well.

• The Family Intervention Services operation at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast is running well; funding for this sector is due for renewal and hopefully satisfactory working arrangements with the State Government department can be re-negotiated.

overseas development committee’s Jerry mcauliffe fostering in Bougainville


GolD Coast anD CountrY DioCese

President Mervyn Powell

The Diocese covers the southern segment of the Brisbane Archdiocese from the southern Brisbane suburbs to the border, east to Redlands City and west to Beaudesert.

Key focuses and initiatives

• A key focus of the Diocese is to have the Families Back on Track project begin construction during the next financial year. This project will allow the emergency accomm-odation of up to 108 individuals in 27 self contained units.

• The Gold Coast Diocese will continue to focus on ensuring our Vinnies Centres are operating effectively and efficiently and are providing the support, both financially and economically, to our customers and conferences.

• The Diocese plans on purchasing two new five tonne trucks as replacements in its aging fleet at the Arundel Depot, as well as setting up a new distribution warehouse in Yatala.


• The Home Energy Emergency Assistance scheme was utilised by 19 conferences. Over 108 claims were made with the average claim per household of $211.28 being provided in assistance.

• The Beaudesert and Mount Tamborine Vinnies Centres provided direct financial support to their conferences in the Logan/Albert region, freeing up funding normally provided by their Regional Council.

• The Anawim program successfully sold two of their houses, allowing them to donate over $500,000 to the Families Back on Track Project.

Special Works

• Approximately 226 volunteers participated in Depot or Centre works this year. A new store was opened at Capalaba, while Jimboomba and Yatala were relocated, and Burleigh was closed.

• The paperwork for the Families Back on Track project is finally completed, and the project will go to tender early in the next financial year.

• The Child and Family Program continues to offer professional support to many families and individuals. It is funded by the State Child Safety and Communities departments, and has successfully negotiated three more years of funding for the Family Intervention Service.

• Food is provided at a low cost to our conferences through our Beaudesert Food Division, and enables them to support those in need throughout the community. Conferences provide this food at no cost to those that would otherwise go hungry.

• During this fiscal period, the Department of Housing funded Home Assist Secure Gold Coast South assisted a total of 2,704 households and provided 8,836 in total services.

• A large increase in funding was received by the Home Maintenance and Modification (HACC) program for 2007/2008 and beyond in order to help the elderly and disabled remain in their homes. In the last year, a total of 15,320 jobs were undertaken and 7,896 clients were assisted.

• Various schools have donated text and reading books throughout the year as part of overseas partnership development, and many conferences are providing used spectacles and sunglasses for the St Martin’s Chemist Conference. There has also been generous support across the Diocese for Assist-a-Student, Pakistan Literacy Project and Twinning program.

tooWoomBa DioCesan rePortPresident Ron Klease

The Toowoomba Diocese covers the Darling Downs, south to the border through Warwick and Stanthorpe, west to the border and north to Taroom.

Key focus

• The key focus for the Diocese this year has been to deepen the spirituality of our Members by participating in sessions and festival meetings focusing on going back to the basics of Frederick Ozanam’s ideals and works.

• Another key focus was to ensure all Vinnies Centres are compliant with national signage, workplace health and safety issues, and are working with compassion. We continue with our strategies to raise revenue to better assist the poor and disadvantaged.

Key accomplishments and achievements

• The opening of Marist House in July 2007 was a major achievement. The house will provide supported accommodation for three men with disabilities who were at risk of homelessness.

• Our new Julia Street premises were a highlight of the year, with all business activities and the family support centre now operating from there.


“i cannot express in words how grateful i am for all you have done for us, for the doors you have opened and more importantly for the doors you have stopped closing.”

• The official opening of the Charleville Centre of Charity and family support centre was a key accomplishment of the year.

• The building and opening of the Roma Centre of Charity in October 2007 was another highlight during the financial year.

• The Padua Village Disability residence celebrated twenty years of assisting men with intellectual disabilities.

• Roma’s All Saints Conference continued to run the Vincentian Village, a group of residential cottages for male pensioners.

Items of interest

• Our Cornerstone program in Warwick has established a sustaining tenancies pilot program, which is an early intervention service that helps tenants avoid eviction and housing debt by supporting them in managing their properties.

• January 2008 saw the first family accepted into our Keystone program in Warwick. The program has been set up to provide a service which cares for people through support, self-development and empowerment, and assists them to develop a newfound independence.

• There are now approximately one hundred children in three Mini Vinnies in Toowoomba,

with a new youth conference of ten Members at St Saviour’s College.

roCKHamPton DioCesePresident Peter Dougherty

The Rockhampton Diocese covers the area south to Bundaberg, west through the Central Highlands to Longreach, east to Gladstone and north to Mackay.

Key focus

• During the past year, the Diocese was ravaged by severe flooding. Therefore, flood and water damage has been a huge focus for the region, with repairs to all centres affected having been of prime importance. We played an integral role in helping two hundred flood affected families in Mackay, Emerald and Rockhampton.

• Internal training and auditing played a significant role also, with all supervisors required to undertake Senior First Aid Training. Workplace health and safety audits for all Diocesan sites and centres were completed.


• The Diocese’ second short term emergency accommodation commenced in Nebo Road Mackay was a key accomplishment of the financial year.


Buddies Days 2008

Single mother victim of domestic violence with a young child who at first went to a refuge. When their allotted time was up they had to leave but were unable to save enough for a bond.

Now they live in a room over the stables at a racecourse: they muck out the stables each morning to earn their accommodation.


• The opening of our Ford Street centre was also a major achievement for the region.

• Continued to provide a hand up, not just a hand out to the community in a variety of ways: hot meals for the homeless, providing clothing for Aboriginal communities, deliver communion to the sick and elderly, and mentoring and social justice for our youth.

Items of interest

• The Diocese youth activities were invigorated with the appointment of new youth facilitator Laine Barclay. Buddies Days, Mini Vinnies and Teen Vinnies programs were successfully established.

• Delivered more than two thousand Christmas hampers to those in need.

• Received more than five hundred blankets in response to the Winter Appeal.

Far nortH DioCese President Jerry McAuliffe

The Diocese covers the area south to Innisfail, west through the Atherton Tableland and north to the Cape.

Key focus

• The key focus for the Cairns Diocese has been on ‘renewal’ – invigorating Members of the Society, and encouraging growth and development.


• Major renovations have been carried out at our Trinity Beach Centre of Charity.

• Our Diocese played a significant role in a number of the Society’s committees, such as mental health, homelessness, social justice and overseas development.

• The Diocese continued its good works in supporting our Aboriginal community through committing $20,000 to the Cape York Institute for Youth Talent Development, and sponsoring a young football team from Mornington Island.

• Our President fostered a strong dedication to overseas development work in the re-establishment of the Society in Papua New Guinea through a range of projects and donations. These include a ‘twinning arrangement’, sewing machines, two bales of second hand clothing, and a water tank.

• We continue to be involved in migrant and refugee settlements under a sub-contract basis with Centacare, who hold the lead contract.

Items of interest

• Sadly, we lost our Diocesan Spiritual Advisor Father John Flynn during the year. Fr Flynn was with us for a number of years and his sound advice and spiritual guidance will be sorely missed.

• Two Members of the Mareeba conference became accredited corrective service chaplains, and visit inmates of Lotus Glen prison.

• Our youth programs received a boost with the appointment of Youth Facilitator Kristie Wilson joining our team.

rockhampton Youth conference member annika Saunders, Youth Facilitator laine Barclay and rockhampton central council President Peter Dougherty at the launch of a Vinnies Youth Program


Western DioCese

President Lindsay Wratten

The Western Central Council covers a large geographical area, from Red Hill in the city, out the western corridor to Ipswich and as far reaching as Gatton in the West.

The area covers the country regions of Boonah and Esk as well as the north west suburbs of Brisbane to West Chermside and Samford.

Key focus

• The Diocese has focused on its growth and accountability, as well as improving its financial management this past year.

• A significant increase in the level of support requested by the community has been reported, and the Diocese has worked tirelessly to support those in need.

Major accomplishments and achievements

• The No Interest Loans Scheme received a $200,000 grant from the National Australia Bank.

• A total of 3,673 people were assisted at our Inala Family Support Centre during the year, with $73,090 of financial support provided. In-kind assistance provided was made up of Christmas hampers, clothing, household goods, food and furniture.

• The trial of new point of sale systems for our retail stores was a success; we are looking to have full implementation in 08/09.

Special Works

• The appointment of youth facilitator Catherine Lutvey saw great progress in the region’s youth programs. Mini Vinnies were started in five primary schools, and two new Teen Vinnies were also started.

• 21 new young volunteers in Inala have been trained as part of Buddies Day, with twenty year 11/12 students at Toowong also joining.

• The Inala Family Support Centre provided Christmas hampers for 64 families, and twelve applications for the 2008 Children’s Education Fund were prepared.

• The Ipswich Settlement Service continued to expand, with 81 new migrants and refugees seeking support from the program. The focus this year has been raising awareness about multiculturalism and diversity within schools, reflected through the art competition ‘Changing Face of Australia’.

• The management of a parish owned house at Ipswich has recently been used to support families in need.

toWnsVille DioCesePresident Ron Sullivan

The Diocese covers over 434,000 kilometres – stretching north to Ingham, south to Airlie Beach and west to Mount Isa, with the Diocesan office located in West End, Townsville.

Key focus

• There has been a strong focus on mental health and homelessness issues. The committee was unsuccessful in its first submission for a homelessness project, but will continue to pursue other submissions to help those in the community that are homeless.


• Bishop Michael Putney commissioned Ron Sullivan as Townsville Diocesan Council President and Greg Reardon as Townsville Regional Council President on Social Justice Sunday. The ceremony was well attended, with guests including the State President and

Diocesan Presidents from Gold Coast, Western Brisbane and Cairns.

• The annual Collectables Fair raised $15,000 to assist the good works of Vinnies.

• 25 Members participated in a Vincentian training day, which was a reflection on what sustains them in reaching out to Christ in the poor.

• The Townsville Regional Council continues to run a successful Helpline Centre which assists Townsville conferences with their home visitation program.

Special Works

• Vinnies volunteers visit Happy Valley, a camp for indigenous people, on a weekly basis to supply material comfort, such as food, clothing, and bedding, and emotional and spiritual comfort to sustain those living there.

• Our Vinnies Refugee Assistance Program (VRAP) encompasses all support given to new and older refugees, including volunteer tutoring. In its first months, over thirty volunteers enthusiastically joined the program.

• Scarves, beanies, banners and bandanas for World Youth Day pilgrims were made by the St Louise de Marillac Special Works Conference. Additionally, 120 covers for donated mattresses were made to give to needy families.

• Palm Island, an indigenous community, has been consistently assisted by the Dioceses through St Michael’s School Breakfast Program, an Immersion Program, and monthly grocery orders.

• Multiple conferences have contributed to special projects to assist twin conferences in India, and items such as clothing, shoes, book, and toys were sent to cyclone victims in the Oro Province in Papua New Guinea.

Items of interest

• Our Buddies Days program continued to flourish, with monthly days where over 100 children played cricket, watched movies, went ice skating and more with their ‘buddies’.

• Some 200 primary students in the Diocese volunteered their time to visit elderly people in Nursing Homes.

• The Winter and Christmas Appeals were supported by secondary school students, who also have made numerous care packs for hospitals.

then Queensland Governor Quentin Bryce, now Governor General, with students from the tiwi Islands at Downlands, toowoomba

State President John campbell, the Hon. tanya Plibersek mP, national President Syd tutton, and mc robert Fitzgerald at the Society hosted Human Face of Homelessness forum


ValeIn prayer, we remember our Members who are no longer with us. Their kind acts and good works will not be forgotten. We pray for them and their families.

Stan Haigh 8/07/07Previous State council member

Terry O’Neill 23/07/07St elizabeth’s, ekibin

Kevin Hetherington22/07/07our lady of miraculous medal, Wellington Point

Veronica Mulligan09/08/07St Stephan’s cathedral

Patricia Daive03/08/07St rita’s, Victoria Point

Britha Barker 21/9/07 Former member of St rita’s conference, Victoria Point

June Davis 26/6/07 Spiritual Director - little Flower conference, Bribie Island

Michael Young 10/10/07 centre coordinator - Sumner Park Depot

Peter Van Haght06/11/07St James’ conference - coorparoo

Clare Helen Taylor6/10/07St columbia’s conference - Wilston

Jim NatoliHusband zelda natoli25/11/07St Gerard majella, Buderim

Barry BennettHusband of Bernadine Bennett25/11/07Past townsville Diocesan council adminstrator

Stanley Bruce Wimanadvised 5/12/07mary Immaculate, annerley

Maureen Crouchadvised 07/01/08Wynnum centre - volunteer

Ron Walsh17/01/08Vincentian St John the Baptist, everton Park

Bill Hallidayadvised 21/01/08retired members conference

Glynis O. Mahoneyadvised 20/01/08Hughenden conference

Veronica Mary Darcy21/01/08Part time Scarborough/Benefactor

Iris Merle Dobbynadvised 08/02/08long term Donor

Ron Comerfordadvised 11/02/08castle Hill conference

Doug Ohmson29/02/08Husband of long standing member, mary ohmson

Ronald Reevesadvised 17/03/08St catherine’s conference congregation member

Margaret Winter28/03/08Volunteer - charter’s towers clothing centre

Margaret Isabelle Burkett25/03/08St rita’s conference Victoria Point

Patrick (Paddy) Jerome08/05/08Prominent member of aboriginal / Islander council

Bernard (Bernie) Gibbs26/05/08St Francis Xavier, West mackay

Michael J. Boylan27/05/08St Bernard’s - upper mt Gravatt

Betty Scott10/06/08Wife of Kevin Scott - President of St John the Baptist conference

Geoffery Robson12/06/08Husband of Shop manager carol, St Gerrard majella, maroochydore

Denis V. Galligan20/06/08St michael’s, Dorrington



DonationsBendigo Bank

Bradmin investments Pty ltd

Campbell Brothers limited

Frawley medical

ingeus limited

irene Patricia Hunt memorial trust

johnson Village services Pty ltd

merlo Coffee Pty ltd

reuben Pelerman Benevolent Foundation

Peter David mcGenniss memorial trust

Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Queensland

sealy of australia

shorebrook Pty ltd

Vsi Pty ltd

WDt (engineers) Pty ltd

Wn Webb and associates

mrs lynette r Barnett

mr Don and mrs ann Barton

mrs Petricia K Bird

mr Warren Castray

mr aC Cotter

ms norma P Dendle

mr jr ellwood

mr l and mrs H elmslie

Dr Peter and Dr mary Fama

Dr GW Fitzhardinge

Dr Frank and mrs sandra Fiumara

mr john and mrs Kay Gallagher

mr ea and mrs mB Giudice

mr Walter j Giugni

mr john Grabbe

mr Kevin P Heenan

mr Daniel Higgins

mr George Kolesnikoff

mr tm landy

mr steve G marshall

Dr michael j o’Brien

mr michael and mrs susan Peluso

mr sean ryan

mr martin l stack

mrs Kay symes

mr Paul taylor

mr mark a West

ms Pamela a Woodward

Dr Felice zaccari

PartnersHiP, Donations anD GiFts in KinDa Gabrielli Constructions

Christian supplies

Clemenger BBDo sydney

iGa store - landsborough

jones lang lasalle

laurence lancini Constructions Pty ltd

lutheran Church Buderim

ms Fay mcKinnon

mackay City Council -staff

mackay sugar Co-op ltd

mater misericordiae Hospital townsville

ta and le meyers

mercure inn

Porters Home and Building Centre

Qrnational

Queensland Community Foundation

ms elizabeth taylor

thuringowa City Council

townsville City Council

Watermark Hotel and spa Gold Coast

mr Kevin and mrs Wunda Whelan

mr Vince and mrs maree Whelan

CorPorate sPonsors anD tHanK Yous• Students of Toowoomba Grammar

school for major fundraising.

• Students from All Hallows School and st marks Catholic Primary school for very large donations of canned food, blankets and cash to the inala Family support Centre during the Winter appeal.

• Darryl and Barbara Scott from Baker’s Delight, Hooper Centre toowoomba. Weekly donation of excess bread for Family support equating to many $1,000’s per year.

• Generous donation by Ian Weigh motors allowed a tV commercial supporting teen Vinnies (youth volunteer program) and mini Vinnies to be developed.

• Raptis Groups Ltd for items from ‘iluka’ surfers Paradise.

• Chevron Towers Management Team for ongoing donations from Chevron renaissance resort apartments.

• Endermol Southern Star for donations from the ‘Big Brother’ house at Dreamworld.

• A huge thank you to the Brisbane Broncos for providing funding for Buddies Day activities.

• Thank you to Merlo Coffee Pty Ltd for their continued support.

• RJ and PNH Brook for free lease of storage facilities.

• Sleepys for their ongoing support.

• Thank you to all schools, businesses and community groups that supported the Winter appeal.

• A special thank you to all the newspapers, radio stations, television stations and other media for their support.

eDiFiCation listDavid and Gwen smith, Doris olive, Dawn lietzow, Harold Vetter, jean sergent, rita Geiger, aly mcoscar, anthony Hickey, tim Blades, Daphne Hintz, Babs Findlayson, Francois Frichot, Beverley moore, maurice Galligan

aPPreCiation listmarist College – ashgroveangela GeigerCanterbury Collegearlo FlitcroftPeyton taylorDarrell learedbank Plains Primary schoolst augustine’s school – springfieldelizabethan ClubGreenslopes Private Hospitalmary immaculate Primary schoolour lady’s College – annerleyPrincess alexandra Hospital

FestiVal masses• Festival Masses have been held at

st maximillian’s, st Patrick’s, st mary’s and st monica’s Catholic Church this past year in the Gold Coast Country Diocese.

• Townsville regional festival meeting was hosted by Good shepherd Conference, upper ross, with special guest speaker robert Fitzgerald, former president of australian Council of social services (aCoss).

• Toowoomba’s Holy Name Conference celebrated a Festival mass with Damian jones, Chair of the migrants and refugees Committee and robert leach, Chairman of the social justice Committee as speakers.

memBer aCHieVements anD FareWellsFoundation member of the Proserpine Conference Bernie lewis celebrated 70 years of service to Vinnies this year.

aCKnoWleDGments


2007/08 GoVernment FunDinGWe gratefully acknowledge the following Federal, State and Local Governments and their

Departments as well as the Community Funds and Trusts for their financial support and assistance allowing the Society to serve those in need right across the state of Queensland.

State-WIDe

the Federal Government Department of Families, Housing, community Services and Indigenous affairs (FaHcSIa) provided a grant for emergency relief.

$912,362

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided a grant for emergency relief.

$299,566

the Federal Government Department of Immigration and citizenship (DIac) provided funding towards the provision of household goods for newly arrived refugee families settling in cairns, townsville and toowoomba.

$229,005

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided funding for the Home energy emergency assistance Scheme – Phase 1.

$146,827

Various small grants from various agencies across Queensland. $88,501

Federal Government Departments of education, Science and training (DeSt) and employment and Workplace relations (DeeWr) provided various training and Work for the Dole Subsidies.

$35,000

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided Disaster recovery for equine Influenza and the mackay Floods.

$22,256

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided funds for Standards Implementation Development.

$8,050

Sub-Total $1,741,567

GolD coaSt countrY DIoceSe

Queensland Health provided grants for the Home and community care (Hacc) Home maintenance and minor modifications Program.

$1,348,104

the Queensland Government Department of Housing provided grants for the Home and community care (Hacc) Home maintenance and major modifications and Spinal Injuries Program.

$950,143

the Queensland Government Department of child Safety and Department of communities provided funding for the child and Family Program in Kingston, Beenleigh and Gold coast.

$698,005

the Queensland Government Department of Housing provided grants for the Home assist Secure (HaS) Program.

$418,062

education Queensland provided a grant for the community mentoring Program. $7,186

the Federal Government Department of environment, Water, Heritage and the arts provided funding for the purchase of a rainwater tank at the allied Drive, arundel site.

$5,455

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided funding for the purchase of equipment for the Families Back on track project.

$5,000

Sub-Total $3,431,955


nortHern

the Queensland Government Department of child Safety provided grants for the child and Family program in the Sunshine coast, Gympie and maryborough.

$526,119

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided grants for case management Services in nambour men’s Hostel through the Supported accommodation assistance Program (SaaP).

$51,452

Sub-Total $577,571

BrISBane cItY / SoutH

the Queensland Government Department of child Safety provided funding for the child and Family Program in Wynnum, mt Gravatt, Stones corner and redlands.

$332,646

Brisbane city council and multicultural affairs Queensland provided funding during the year to the VortcS (Volunteer refugee tutoring and community Support) Program for World refugee Day celebrations.

$68,419

Sub-Total $401,065

tooWoomBa

Disability Services Queensland provided several grants for Padua Villa, loretto House and marist House which provides supported accommodation, lifestyle support and care for adults with disabilities.

$637,543

the Queensland Government Department of communities provided a grant for the cornerstone accommodation and Support Program in Warwick which assists homeless men through the Supported accommodation assistance Program (SaaP).

$101,821

Queensland Health provided grants for the Home and community care (Hacc) community transport service in Warwick.

$53,251

the Gambling community Benefit Fund provided funding for a ute in chinchilla. $19,268

Sub-Total $811,883

WeStern

the Federal Government’s Department of Immigration and citizenship (DIac) provided a grant for the migrant and refugee Settlement Grant Program (SGP) funding for services in the Ipswich and Southern Brisbane corridor.

$190,000

Queensland Health provided grants for Gillies House. Gillies House is a half-way house for men recovering from substance addiction.

$59,707

the Federal Government Department of Families, Housing, community Services and Indigenous affairs (FaHcSIa) provided equipment grants.

$24,255

the Queensland Government’s Gambling community Benefit Fund provided funding for the repair and recycle essentials (rare).

$10,406

the Jupiter’s casino community Benefit Fund provided funding for renovations at Gillies House.

$8,420

Sub-Total $292,788

Overall Total $7,256,829

st VinCent De Paul soCietY QueenslanD

statement BY tHe CounCil


Note 2008 2007 $ $

Revenue

Government grants 2 (a) 7,256,829 5,599,345

sale of goods 2 (b) 17,697,090 16,567,874

Client contributions 2 (c) 899,402 505,605

Fundraising 2 (d) 5,064,082 4,327,274

return on investments 2 (e) (1,001,790) 1,709,799

other income 2 (f) 944,078 197,551

Total revenue from operating activities 30,859,692 28,907,448

Operating Expenses

sale of goods 3 (a) 12,310,691 11,064,511

administration 3 (b) 2,183,002 1,733,033

Fundraising 3 (c) 609,519 393,615

15,103,211 13,191,160

Total funds available for client services 15,756,481 15,716,288

Client Services Expenses

People in need services 3 (d) 15,263,803 13,196,064

Homeless services 3 (e) 1,154,992 907,682

16,418,795 14,103,745

Total expenses 31,522,006 27,294,905

Operating Surplus/(Deficit) for the period (662,314) 1,612,543

net intra-society transfers (724,430) (1,528,597)

Net Surplus/(Deficit) for the period (1,386,744) 83,946

this financial statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.


inCome statementFor tHe Year enDeD 30 june 2008




BalanCe sHeetFor tHe Year enDeD 30 june 2008

Note 2008 2007 $ $

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 5 7,435,914 5,977,342

trade and other receivables 6 684,096 807,065

inventories 7 128,219 90,181

other assets 8 289,034 567,154

Total current assets 8,537,263 7,441,742

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment 9 32,048,532 30,215,300

Financial assets 10 11,736,779 17,588,438

Total non-current assets 43,785,311 47,803,738

Total assets 52,322,574 55,245,480

Current liabilities

trade and other payables 11 1,855,210 2,293,255

Provisions 12 249,206 231,523

Total current liabilities 2,104,416 2,524,778

Non-current liabilities

Provisions 13 717,885 181,012

Total non-current liabilities 717,885 181,012

Total liabilities 2,822,300 2,705,790

Net assets 49,500,275 52,539,691

Equity

accumulated funds 14 42,284,740 43,097,945

reserves 14 7,215,536 9,441,745

Total equity 49,500,275 52,539,691




CasH FloW statementFor tHe Year enDeD 30 june 2008

Note 2008 2007 $ $

Cash flows from operating activities

receipts from operating activities 32,003,155 29,704,387

Payments to suppliers and employeess (31,124,134) (29,377,289)

Dividends received 502,276 217,762

interest received 1,357,903 1,052,534

net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 16 (b) 2,793,199 1,597,393

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds - sale of property, plant and equipment 2,519,507 1,013,175

Proceeds - sale of investments 3,805,310 43,500,135

Payment for property, plant and equipment (5,371,044) (4,929,960)

Payment for investments (2,234,399) (56,244,526)

net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (1,280,627) (16,661,176)

net increase (decrease) in cash 1,458,571 (15,063,783)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial period 5,977,342 21,041,124

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial period 16 (a) 7,435,914 5,977,342



Reserves Accumulated Funds Total

$ $ $ $

Asset Revaluation Fair Value Reserve Reserve

at 1 july 2006 8,783,911 408,070 43,003,938 52,195,920

net gain on available for sale financial assets - 249,764 - 249,764

surplus for the year - - 83,946 83,946

total income and expense for the year - 249,764 83,946 333,709

at 30 june 2007 8,783,911 657,834 43,097,945 52,539,691

at 1 july 2007 8,783,911 657,834 43,097,945 52,539,691

net loss on available for sale financial assets - (1,644,211) - (1,644,211

Deficit for the year - - (1,386,744) (1,386,744

total income and expense for the year - (1,644,211) (1,386,744) (3,030,955)

Prior period adjustment - - (8,461) (8,461)

transfer from arr to accumulated Funds (582,000) - 582,000 -

at 30 june 2008 8,201,911 (986,377) 42,284,740 49,500,275



statement oF CHanGes in eQuitYFor tHe Year enDeD 30 june 2008


NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

the st Vincent de Paul society Queensland (the society) is a non-government charitable organisation. the financial report covers the economic activities of the society in Queensland.

the society is a non-profit organisation and receives a principal part of its income from donations, as cash or in kind. the society is a deductible gift recipient (DGr).

(A) BASIS OF PREPARATION

Statement of compliance the financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with australian accounting standards and other authoritive pronouncements of the australian accounting standards Board. the australian accounting standards include australian equivalents to international Financial reporting standards (aiFrs). Due to the application of australian specific provisions for not-for-profit entities contained only within aiFrs the financial report and notes thereto are not necessarily compliant with all international Financial reporting standards.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective no new australian accounting standards that are not yet effective have been applied. there are no new australian accounting standards that are not yet effective that are expected to have a material impact on future financial reports.

Reporting basis and conventions the financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historic costs modified by the revaluations of selected non-current assets and financial assets and liabilities, for which the fair value basis of accounting has been applied.

the financial report is presented in australian dollars.

(B) REVENUE

revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the society and the revenue can be reliably measured. the following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer and can be measured reliably. risks and rewards are considered passed to the buyer at the time of delivery and/or control of the goods has passed to the buyer.

Government grants Grants are principally of a recurrent or capital nature and intended to fund ongoing operations or asset acquisitions.

income from grants is measured at the fair value of the contributions received or receivable and only when all the following conditions have been satisfied:

• the Society obtains control of the grant funds or the right to receive the grant funds;

• it is probable that the economic benefits comprising grants will flow to the society; and

• the amount of the grant can be measured reliably.

Grants are recognised in the accounting period in which the rights are fulfilled. Government grants relating to the purchase of property, plant and equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred income and credited to the income statement on a straight line basis over the expected lives of the related assets.

Client contributions Client contributions by clients who have the capacity to pay are recognised when the service is provided.

Donations and bequests revenue or capital assets arising from donations and bequests is recognised when control is obtained, as it is impossible for the society to reliably measure these prior to this time. For example, cash donations are recognised when banked and other donations are recognised when title of possession transfers to the society.

Gifts in kind Gifts in kind obtained for centres of charity have a nil replacement value (that is they would be replaced by other donated goods), and as such revenue from the donations of these goods are not included in the financial statements other than as defined under donations and bequests.

Interest revenue revenue is recognised as the interest accrues for the accounting period.

Dividends Dividends are recognised when the society’s right to receive payment is established.

Proceeds of non-current asset sales the net profit from the sale of an asset is included as revenue when control of the asset passes to the buyer. the profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset at the time of disposal and net proceeds.

(C) INCOME AND FRINGE BENEFITS TAx

the society is not subject to income tax.

the society is entitled to a partial exemption from Fringe Benefits tax.

(D) CASh AND CASh EqUIVALENTS

Cash and short-term deposits in the Balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and deposits at call or with an original maturity of specific term.

For the purposes of the Cash Flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.


notes to tHe FinanCial statementsFor tHe Year enDeD 30 june 2008

(F)(E) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial Assets all financial assets are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value of the consideration given and including acquisition charges associated with the investment. Where an asset is acquired at no cost, or for a nominal cost, the cost is its fair value as at the date of acquisition.

held to maturity investments these are investments that have fixed maturities and it is the society’s intention to hold these investments to maturity. any investments held to maturity by the society are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss a financial asset is classified in this category if it is held for trading; that is principally with the objective of selling in the short-term with a profit making intention. in addition, any other financial assets so designated by management on initial recognition are included in this category. realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of these assets are included in the income statement in the period in which they arise.

Available for sale financial assets available-for-sale financial assets include all financial assets not included in the above categories. available for sale financial assets are reflected at fair value. unrealised gains and losses arising from the changes in fair value are taken directly to equity to the fair value reserve.

Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities, including loans and borrowings, are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

Fair value Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted investments. Valuation techniques are applied to determine the fair value for all unlisted securities, including recent arms length transactions, reference to similar instruments and pricing models.

Impairment at each reporting date the state Councillors assess whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. in the case of ‘available-for-sale’ financial assets, a prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered when determining whether impairment has arisen. impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

(F) ACCOMMODATION BONDS

accommodation bonds are repayable upon demand.

(G) GOODS AND SERVICES TAx

revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of Gst. receivables and payables in the Balance sheet are shown inclusive of Gst. Gst received and paid during the financial year are stated at gross amounts in the cash flow statement and are included in receipts from operating activities and payments to suppliers respectively.

(h) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EqUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, except leasehold improvements, which are over the term of the lease, as follows:

Class of Property, Plant and Equipment

Depreciation Rates

Buildings 2.5%

Furniture, Plant & equipment

10%

Computer Hardware & software

33%

motor Vehicles – Cars 20% or variable straight line according to estimated life

motor Vehicles – trucks Variable straight line according to estimated life

Impairment the carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

if any such indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount.

at each reporting date, the state Councillors review a number of factors affecting property, plant and equipment, including their carrying values, to determine if these assets may be impaired. if an impairment indicator exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and ‘value in use’ is compared to the carrying value. any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amounts is expensed in the income statement as an impairment expense.

as the future economic benefits of the society’s assets are not primarily dependant on their ability to generate net cash inflows, and if deprived of the asset, the society would replace the asset’s remaining future economic benefits, ‘value in use’ is determined as the depreciated replacement cost of the asset, rather than by using discounted future cash flows.

Depreciated replacement cost is defined as the current replacement cost of an asset less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of such cost to reflect the already consumed or expired future economic benefits of the asset. the current replacement cost of an asset is its cost measured by reference to the lowest cost at which the assets future economic benefits of that asset could currently be obtained in the normal course of business.

impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.




(I) INTANGIBLES

intangible assets are only recognised if they meet the identifiable criterion, that is, it is separable from the society and arises from contractual or other legal rights. all intangibles are initially recognised at their cost, or when acquired for no consideration, at their fair value at the date of acquisition.

Computer Software Computer software that is not integral to the operation of a related piece of hardware or plant is classified as an intangible (for example, accounting systems software), and is initially recognised at cost. subsequent to initial recognition, computer software is carried at its cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Computer software has a finite life, and is amortised on a systematic basis over its estimated useful life, being on a straight line basis over 3 years.

Aged Care Bed Licences Bed licences that are purchased are initially recorded at cost. Bed licences that are received for no consideration are recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition, having regard to recent sale activity within the industry. Bed licences have an indefinite life, as long as the society continues to comply with the terms and conditions imposed by Government. Bed licences are therefore tested annually for impairment.

subsequent to initial recognition, be licences continue to be carried at their original fair value as at the date of acquisition, less any impairment losses.

(j) INVENTORIES

inventories held for sale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Where inventories are held for distribution or are to be consumed by the society in providing services or aid at no or nominal charge, they are valued at the lower of cost and current replacement cost.

(k) TRADE AND OThER RECEIVABLES

trade receivables are recognised and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts.

an estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off when identified.

(L) TRADE AND OThER CREDITORS

trade and other creditors represent unpaid liabilities for goods received by and services provided to the society prior to the end of the financial year. the amounts are unsecured and are normally settled within 14-30 days.

(M) LEASES

leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as operating leases. initial direct costs incurred in negotiating an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease terms on the same basis as the lease income.

operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Finance leases which transfer to the society substantially all the risks and benefits included in ownership of the leased item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments.

lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

(N) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave liabilities for wages, salaries and annual leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date represent present obligations resulting from employees’ services provided up to the reporting date, calculated at undiscounted amounts based on remuneration wage and salary rates that the society expects to pay as at reporting date including on-costs.

sick leave is non-vesting and has not been provided for.

Long service leave the provision for long service leave represents the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made resulting from employees’ services provided up to the reporting date.

the provision is calculated using expected future increases in wage and salary rates including related on-costs and expected settlement dates based on turnover history and is discounted using the rates attaching to national government bonds at reporting date which most closely match the terms of maturity of the related liabilities.

Superannuation the society contributes to complying funds at the required rate of the employees’ wages and salaries. superannuation contributions are recognised as an expense when incurred.

(O) ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND jUDGEMENTS

Management have made the following judgements when applying the Society’s accounting policies:

• All investments other than cash have been categorised as available for sale financial assets. as a result of being categorised as available for sale financial assets, changes in fair value that are not considered to be an impairment are recognised through the fair value reserve rather than the income statement.

Details regarding critical accounting estimates and assumptions about the future made by management at reporting date are disclosed in the following notes:

• Estimates made regarding the valuation of unlisted investments note 17(b)(iii).

• Assumptions made when assessing whether the investments are impaired note 17(b)(iii) and note 17(d)(ii).




(b) Administration

employee salaries & Benefits 1,470,543 1,213,419

Depreciation 160,349 89,302

internal audit 111,402 28,802

Committee Costs 137,559 42,406

legal & audit 20,009 32,798

rent & utilities 164,073 94,834

other 119,069 231,474

2,183,002 1,733,033

(c) Fundraising

employee salaries & Benefits 294,119 157,687

marketing/Public relations 301,666 218,693

other 13,734 17,236

609,519 393,615

(d) People in Need Services

accommodation 504,373 349,115

education 506,930 448,148

Food Vouchers 1,750,062 1,675,259

Food Purchases 1,274,042 1,237,229

Household Goods 2,173,566 1,893,278

mental Health 3,667 3,915

supplier Payments and Cash assistance 613,444 579,001

migrant & refugees 156,493 139,435

overseas 323,906 264,804

utilities 383,558 277,282


support services - employee salaries & Benefits 4,417,906 2,926,745

Property expenses (excludes Depreciation) 1,402,840 863,524

other 879,344 1,771,312

15,263,803 13,196,064

(e) homeless Services

Client support emergency accommodation 190,288 141,071

employee salaries & Benefits 789,337 617,299


rent & utilities and other Property expenses 155,464 119,705

1,154,992 907,682

(d)

NOTE 2: REVENUE

(a) Government Grants

mental Health & Homeless 808,486 544,634

Welfare & support services 6,448,343 5,054,711

7,256,829 5,599,345

(b) Sale of Goods

sales - Centres of Charity 17,697,090 16,567,874

17,697,090 16,567,874

(c) Client Contributions

mental Health & Homeless 387,733 198,583

Welfare & support services 511,669 307,022

899,402 505,605

(d) Fundraising

Donations 3,608,615 3,592,728

Bequests 1,455,467 734,547

5,064,082 4,327,274

(e) Return on Investments

Cash and Cash equivalents

- interest received 423,182 487,033

available for sale Financial assets

- interest received 709,291 783,263

- Dividends received 502,276 217,762

- Gain/(loss) on sale (636,538) 221,741

- Provision for impairment (2,000,000) -

(1,001,790) 1,709,799

(f) Other Income

Gain/(loss) on sale of assets Property, Plant & equipment 708,468 (168,282)

other 235,610 365,833

944,078 197,551

30,859,692 28,907,448

NOTE 3: OPERATING ExPENSES

Other expenses from ordinary activities

(a) Sale of goods

employee salaries & Benefits 5,471,908 4,670,639

Purchasing & Production 1,671,674 1,880,526


legal & audit 33,117 27,390

rent & utilities 4,478,685 3,904,651

12,310,691 11,064,511

(b)



2008 2007 $ $

2008 2007 $ $


NOTE 9: PROPERTY, PLANT & EqUIPMENT

lanD anD BuilDinGs

at Deemed Cost 27,799,837 27,590,242

less accumulated depreciation 2,089,331 1,696,599

25,710,506 25,893,643

Plant & eQuiPment

at cost 1,664,098 129,219

less accumulated depreciation 18,404 7,645

1,645,694 121,574

motor VeHiCles

at cost 3,532,683 3,215,263

less accumulated depreciation 1,006,674 777,070

2,526,009 2,438,193

Furniture & FittinGs

at cost 2,262,252 2,062,772

less accumulated depreciation 1,212,611 1,011,426

1,049,641 1,051,346

ComPuter HarDWare & soFtWare

at cost 1,075,412 818,453


391,557 318,509

oFFiCe eQuiPment

at cost 1,209,703 918,910


538,498 392,035

maKe GooD leaseD Premises

at cost 347,200 -

less accumulated depreciation 160,574 -

186,626 -

32,048,532 30,215,300

(f) The result for the period has been determined after:

expenses

Depreciation of non-current assets- Buildings 458,677 439,879- Plant and equipment 10,759 2,85- motor Vehicles 549,283 603,572- Fixtures and Fittings 210,396 213,378- office equipment 144,331 95,549- Computer Hardware 184,291 116,47- make Good leased Premises 160,574 -

1,718,310 1,471,703

Write off of fixed assets - 120,000

rental expense on operating leases

- minimum lease payments 2,984,443 2,780,471

net (Profit)/loss on sale of fixed assets (708,468) 48,282

NOTE 4: AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

amount paid to BDo Kendalls for

- audit of financial report and grant financial returns 99,750 102,950

- other services - -

NOTE 5: CASh AND CASh EqUIVALENTS

Cash on hand 42,357 32,245

Cash at bank 5,368,604 5,516,224

term Deposits

- Welfare & support services 2,024,953 428,873

7,435,914 5,977,342

NOTE 6: TRADE & OThER RECEIVABLES - CURRENT

trade and other receivables 684,096 824,196

Provision for Doubtful Debts - (17,131)

684,096 807,065

there are no material trade or other receivable balances that are past due.

NOTE 7: INVENTORIES - CURRENT

stock on Hand 128,219 90,181

NOTE 8: OThER ASSETS - CURRENT

Prepayments 140,099 376,034

accrued income 148,936 191,120

289,034 567,154

(e) St VIncent De Paul SocIetY QueenSlanD | 41



2008 2007 $ $

2008 2007 $ $




2008 2007 $ $

2008 2007 $ $

ComPuter HarDWare & soFtWare

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 318,509 179,708

additions 257,639 256,071

Disposals 300 -

transfers - (796)

less depreciation 184,291 116,475

Carrying amount at end of year 391,558 318,509

oFFiCe eQuiPment


additions 295,217 247,496

transfers (4,424) 59,849


Carrying amount at end of year 538,498 392,035

maKe GooD leaseD Premises

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year - -

additions 347,200 -

less depreciation 160,574 -

Carrying amount at end of year 186,626 -

total ProPertY, Plant & eQuiPment

Carrying amount at beginning of financial year 30,215,299 27,818,624

additions 5,362,583 4,929,960

Disposals 1,811,039 1,061,582

transfers - -

less depreciation 1,718,310 1,471,703

Carrying amount at end of financial year 32,048,532 30,215,300

(e)

Reconciliations reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of property, plant & equipment at the beginning and end of the current financial year are set out below:

lanD & BuilDinGs


additions 1,978,757 2,568,068

Disposals 1,244,055 174,564

transfers (459,163) -



Plant & eQuiPment


additions 1,067,256 63,473

transfers 467,624 1,103


Carrying amount at end of financial year 1,645,694 121,574

motor VeHiCles


additions 1,207,169 1,517,056

Disposals 561,607 882,916

transfers (8,461) 796



total Furniture & FittinGs


additions 209,345 277,796

Disposals 5,077 4,102

transfers 4,424 (60,952)



(e)




2008 2007 $ $

2008 2007 $ $

(b) Nature and Purpose of Reserves:

Asset Revaluation Reserve the asset revaluation reserve records increments and decrements on the revaluation of individual parcels of land and buildings when revaluations have been performed previously. When individual parcels of land and buildings are sold, any balance in the revaluation reserve pertaining to those land and buildings is transferred to accumulated funds. During the year $582,000 was transferred to accumulated funds for land and buildings that had been sold during year.

Fair Value Reserve represents the accumulated net change in the fair value of available for sale investments until the investment is sold or impaired. When an investment is sold or impaired, any balance in the reserve pertaining to that investment is transferred to the income statement. the net loss on the disposal of investments during the year was $636,538 (2007: Gain $221,741) and includes any gains or losses that were previously recognised in the reserve for investments that were sold.

NOTE 15: LEASE COMMITMENTS

Operating lease commitments receivable Future minimum lease payments due on non-cancellable operating leases

Property - operating leases

not later than one year 1,956,100 2,606,893

later than one year but not later than 5 years 1,795,467 1,785,967

later than five years - -

3,751,568 4,392,860

NOTE 16: CAShFLOW STATEMENT NOTES

(a) Reconciliation of Cash

Cash at the end of the financial period as shown in the Cash Flow statement is reconciled to the related items in the Balance sheet as follows:

Cash on hand 42,357 32,245

Cash deposits with banks 5,368,604 5,516,224

Bank term deposits 2,024,953 428,873

Balance per Cash Flow statement 7,435,914 5,977,342

(b)

NOTE 10: AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

listed investments at Fair Value - australian equities 2,871,535 2,458,725 - international equities 479,692 543,787 - international Property 63,000 679,000 - interest rate notes 4,596,830 5,993,546

unlisted investments at Fair Value - Property 338,421 367,500 - interest rate notes 5,387,300 7,545,880 - Provision for impairment interest rate notes (2,000,000) -

11,736,779 17,588,438

Collateralised debt obligations linked to sub-prime mortgages in the usa and that have had their credit rating downgraded to CCC- have been fully provided for at $1,000,000. these investments origninally had a credit rating of aaa and a+. as a result of the bankruptcy of lehman Brothers and the uncertainty surrounding their involvement in being a swap counterparty arranger a further $1,000,000 has been provided for corporate backed collateralised debt obligations where lehman Brothers is the swap counterparty arranger. these investments originally had a credit rating of aa- and BBB. interest is still being received on these instruments.

NOTE 11: TRADE AND OThER PAYABLES CURRENT

trade and other Payables 895,185 1,574,546

employee entitlements - annual leave 960,024 718,710

1,855,210 2,293,255

NOTE 12: PROVISIONS CURRENT

employee entitlements - lsl 249,206 231,523

NOTE 13: PROVISIONS NON-CURRENT

make Good leased Premises 347,200 -

employee entitlements - lsl 370,685 181,012

717,885 181,012

NOTE 14: RESERVES AND ACCUMULATED FUNDS

(a) Reserves

asset revaluation reserve 8,201,912 8,783,911

Fair Value reserve (986,376) 657,834

accumulated Funds 42,284,740 43,097,943

49,500,275 52,539,689

(e)


(b) Reconciliation of cash flow from operations with the Net Surplus/(Deficit)net surplus/(Deficit) (1,386,744) 83,946Cash flows in operating activities but not in operating resultnon-cash flows in operating surplusDepreciation 1,718,310 1,471,703net (Profit)/loss on sale of fixed assets (708,468) 48,282Fixed assets written off - 120,000Provision for impaired investments 2,000,000 -net loss/(Gain) on sale of investments 636,538 (221,741)(increase)/decrease in receivables 318,860 (35,761)(increase)/decrease in prepayments 87,000 (283,755)(increase)/decrease in inventories (38,039) 6,560increase/(decrease) in provisions 772,863 (18,729increase/(decrease) in payables (661,123) 426,889Cash flows from operations 2,739,198 1,597,393

NOTE 17: FINANCIAL RISk MANAGEMENT

(a) General objectives, policies and processes in common with similar organisations, the society is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. this note describes the society’s objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. there have been no substantive changes in the society’s exposure to financial instrument risks, its objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks or the methods used to measure them from previous periods unless otherwise stated in this note.

the principal financial instruments from which financial instrument risk arises.

Cash and cash equivalentstrade and other receivables trade and other payablesavailable for sale financial assetsaccrued income

the state Council has overall responsibility for the determination of the society’s risk management objectives and polices.

(b) Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that the other party to a financial instruments will fail to discharge their obligations resulting in the society incurring a financial loss. this usually occurs when debtors or counter parties to contracts fail to settle their obligations owing to the society. the maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date, without taking into account the value of any collateral or other security, in the event other parties fail to perform their obligations under financial instruments in relation to each class of recognised financial asset at reporting date is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the balance sheet and is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents 7,435,914 5,977,342trade and other receivables 684,096 806,065available for sale financial assets 11,736,779 17,588,438

(i) Cash Cash and cash equivalents are deposited with the Commonwealth Bank, suncorp and the various Queensland Catholic Development Funds.

(ii) Trade and Other Receivables Within trade and other receivables the federal government is the largest debtor through Gst receivables. the society’s no interest loans scheme has outstanding receivables of $87,218. Credit risk associated with trade and other receivables is monitored by the monthly review of trade debtor listings.

(iii) Available for Sale Financial Assets the society’s available for sale financial assets are disclosed in note 10. no one investment product is greater than 6% of the portfolio at the time of investing. investments are diversified and are exposed to defensive and growth assets. listed interest rate securities consists primarily of australian hybrid securities such as convertible notes and types of preference shares that provide a return based on quoted interest rates. unlisted interest rate securities consist primarily of collateralised debt obligations. With regards to available for sale financial assets, which are a significant financial asset of the society, the objective of the society investing in these assets is to have sufficient capital invested to support the maintenance and growth of the society’s mission and strategic plan. under the investment policy established by the society, risk of future losses is in part managed by setting guidelines that require the society’s investments are diversified such that there is adequate exposure to both defensive and growth assets. the performance objective of the society’s investment portfolio is to achieve a minimum return over a three to five year period of 4% above inflation. at an individual asset class level, further industry benchmarks have been set against which the relevant class of assets are monitored. to help implement the society’s investment policy and manage the associated investment risk the society has in place an investment Committee. the investment Committee consists of four Vincentians, the state treasurer and state accountant. the investment Committee engage an independent advisor currently being aBn amro morgans. the previous independent advisor to the investment committee was Grange securities. the society stopped using Grange securities as their independent advisor during the year ended 30 june 2008. aBnamro morgans also manage the society’s investments in line with state Council approved investment policy and report monthly with quarterly presentations. risk is managed by monthly review of investment holdings, policy compliance, economic updates and reviewing the long term cash needs of the society. the committee monitors the quality of investments taking consideration of credit rating, return and investment objectives. Currently the society has determined that a minimum investment portfolio is to be approximately 20 - 25% of the society’s assets at market value. unlisted interest rate securities consists primarily of collateralised debt obligations. $1,000,000 of these collateralised debt obligations are linked to sub-prime mortgages in the usa and have had their credit rating downgraded to CCC-. these investments originally had a credit rating of aaa and a+. the society has fully provided for these collateralised debt obligations. as a result of the bankruptcy of lehman Brothers and the uncertainty surrounding their involvement in being a swap counterparty arranger a further $1,000,000 has been provided for corporate backed collateralised debt obligations where lehman Brothers is the swap counterparty arranger. these investments originally had a credit rating of aa- and BBB. after taking into account the impairment provision, $2,500,000 of the remaining collateralised debt obligations have been valued by the society at 80% of their face value resulting in a decrement of $500,000 being recognised in the fair value reserve. in arriving at the 20% discount the society took into consideration the advice of aBn amro morgans on historical default rates for the different credit ratings and other market evidence. in determining this value the society has assumed that it will have the financial capacity to hold onto these investments for a sufficient period of time to






allow the market for these investments to recover or until the maturity date of these investments. the maturity date for these investments that have not been impaired ranges from 22 june 2012 to 20 september 2015. the society was unable to obtain recent trading information for the collateralised debt obligations it holds. lehman Brothers did provide a mid price valuation of the collateralised debt obligations around year end. if this valuation was adopted, the carrying amount of the collateralised debt obligations would decline by a further $612,175.

(c) Liquidity Risk liquidity risk is the risk that the society may encounter difficulties meeting its financial liabilities. the objective of managing liquidity risk is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liablities when they fall due, under both normal and stressed conditions. the society manages liquidity risk by monitoring forecast cash flows and ensuring that adequate cash resources are available to meet financial liabilities as and when they fall

due. total financial liabilities are $895,185 as at 30 june 2008 (2007 $1,568,546). Carrying amount equals contractual cash flows.

the value of trade and other payables is contractually payable within 6 months.

(d) Market Risk the society does not have any material exposure to market risk other than interest rate risk and price risk.

(i) Interest rates risk interest rate risk arises from the use of interest bearing financial instruments. it is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in interest rates. the society monitors its interest rate exposure continuously. the society’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate by maturity periods is set out in the table below:

Financial Instruments

Weighted average effective

interest rate

Floating Interest Rate

Fixed interest rate maturing in:

Non Interest bearing

Total carrying amount as per

the Balance Sheet1 year or less Over 1 to 5

years

2008 $

2008 $

2008 $

2008 $

2008 $

2008 $

(i) Financial Assets

Cash 7.5% 7,393,557 - - 42,357 7,435,914

receivables - - - - 684,096 684,096

other financial instruments

9.2% 7,443,656 - 540,474 3,752,648 11,736,779

Total Financial assets

14,837,214 - 540,474 4,479,101 19,856,789

(ii) Financial Liabilities

Payables - - - - 895,185 895,185

other Creditors

- - - - -

Total Financial Liabilities

- - - 895,185 895,185

2007 $

2007 $

2007 $

2007 $

2007 $

2007 $

(i) Financial Assets

Cash 3.6% 5,516,224 428,873 - 32,245 5,977,342

receivables - - - 807,065 807,065

other financial instruments

9.3% 13,539,426 - - 4,049,013 17,588,438

Total Financial assets

19,055,650 428,873 - 4,888,323 24,372,846

(ii) Financial Liabilities

Payables - - - - 1,568,546 1,568,546

other Creditors

- - - - - -

Total Financial Liabilities

- - - 1,568,546 1,568,546




Sensitivity Analysis if interest rates were to increase by 1% the effect on the society’s surplus and accumulated funds would be for it to increase by $167,138 (2007 $206,459).

if interest rates were to decrease by 1% the effect on the society’s surplus and accumulated funds would be for it to decrease by $167,138 (2007 $206,459).

(ii) Price Risk

Price risk is the exposure to fluctuations in price that are inherent in financial markets.

the society is exposed to price risk through its listed investments detailed in note10. the policies and procedures for managing price risk are similar to those for managing credit risk as detailed in note 17 (b) (iii).

an impairment loss has only been recognised for the $2,000,000 collateralised debt obligations identified in note 17(b)(iii). an impairment loss has not been recognised for the remaining available for sale financial assets because the society is of the view that it will be able to hold its investments for a long enough period to enable it to recover the costs of these investments.

Sensitivity Analysis if the asX 200 were to decline by 10% and the hedged international index fund were to decline by 10% the society’s investments would decline by $416,469 (2007 $324,381).

if the asX 200 were to increase by 10% and the hedged international index fund were to increase by 10% the society’s investments would increase by $416,469 (2007 $324,381).

this analysis assumes all other variables remain constant including interest rates.

NOTE 18: EVENTS SUBSEqUENT TO BALANCE DATE

there have been no events subsequent to balance date that would have a material impact on the financial report. although the investment markets have continued to be volatile subsequent to year end, the society has not taken up an impairment on any of its investments subsequent to year end as it maintains the view that it has the financial capacity to hold its investments for a sufficient period of time to allow the markets for its investments to recover or to hold its investments until their maturity date. as at the date of this report the society has continued to receive interest payments on its interest rate securities.

NOTE 19: ORGANISATION DETAILS

the registered office of the incorporated organisation is: St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland 10 Merivale Street South Brisbane Qld 4101

NOTE 20: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

the names of persons who were state Councilors of st Vincent de Paul society Queensland at any time during the financial year are as follows:

john Campbell

ron sullivan

Brian moore

Peter Dougherty

Claire schneider

alan Harris

Peter richards

Pat Brophy (Ceased january 2008)

Chris Davidson (Ceased october 2007)

ron Beauchamp (appointed February 2008)

Brian moore

lindsay Wratten

Kathryn Hester (Ceased December 2007)

ron Klease

Peter Driver (appointed april 2008)

mervyn Powell

Fr edgar Blain (Ceased December 2007)

jerry mcauliffe

marama moore

Other key management personnel were:

Peter maher CEO

David Worsnop Human Services Manager

ted Flack State Communications/Fundraising Manager

maree Fell FNQ (Cairns) Diocesan Co-ordinator

Christine Knickel Townsville Diocesan Administrator

Doug maynard Rockhampton Diocesan Administrator

Chris stenner Northern Brisbane Diocesan Administrator

Kathie Brosnan Toowoomba Diocesan Administrator

ray o’Donnell Brisbane South/City Diocesan Manager

Cassandra ashton Western Brisbane Diocesan Manager

john Goodwin GoldCoast & Country Diocesan Manager

no state Councilor has entered into a material contract with st Vincent de Paul society Queensland since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving state Councilors interests subsisting at year end. state Councilors may have family members or relatives who utilise the services that st Vincent de Paul society Queensland provides. such transactions are conducted at arms length.

state Councilors do not receive any direct remuneration, however a reportable Fringe Benefit does exist on motor Vehicle usage and is included in the figure below.

Key management Personnel remuneration includes reportable Fringe Benefits of motor Vehicles supplied.

2008 $

2007 $

1,071,113 967,555

“What we have here on earth is but our good works, which are to accompany us, and God, who visits us…”

FreDeriC ozanam

inDePenDent auDitor’s rePortto tHe memBers oFst VinCent De Paul soCietY QueenslanD


inDePenDent auDitor’s rePortto tHe memBers oFst VinCent De Paul soCietY QueenslanD


something practical you can do today to help change their story

Thank you for your donation. Gifts to St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland are tax deductible.

Yes! i would like to make a special donation to the st Vincent de Paul society Queensland.

Mr Mrs Ms Dr

First Name

Surname

Address

Phone

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I will make a single gift of:

$100 $75 $150 $250

$500 $1000 Other

Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

I will make a gift every month of $(minimum of $10). Please debit my credit card every month until I advise otherwise.

Please debit my credit card:

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My cheque is enclosed, crossed ‘Not Negotiable’ and made payable to St Vincent de Paul Society.

To make an on-line donation visit www.vinnies.org.au

Please Post or Email me additional information about the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Please Post or Email me additional information about leaving a gift to the Society in my will.

I have remembered the Society in my will.

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Please send to: St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland PO Box 3351 South Brisbane Qld 4101


ContaCt Details

For FurtHer enQuiries aBout tHe st VinCent De Paul soCietY in QueenslanD:

state aDministration oFFiCe

Telephone enquiries: (07) 3010 1000

Office fax: (07) 3010 1099

Furniture pick-up: 1300 551 894

Street address: Ozanam House, 10 Merivale Street South Brisbane QLD 4101

Mail address: PO Box 3351 South Brisbane QLD 4101

Office email: [email protected]

Volunteer email: [email protected]

Donation email: [email protected]

Communications email: [email protected]

Events email: [email protected]

Website email: [email protected]

Media email: [email protected]

DioCesan CounCils:

BrisBane CitY / soutH44 Taylor Street, Buranda Q 4102 PO Box 6086, Buranda Q 4102 Fax: (07) 3348 8071Email: [email protected]

Far nortH QueenslanD82-84 Anderson Street, Manunda Q 4870PO Box 12061D Cairns DC Q 4870 Ph: (07) 4032 3139 Fax: (07) 4032 3160Email: [email protected]

GolD Coast CountrY126 Allied Drive, Arundel Q 4124 PO Box 418, Labrador Q 4215 Ph: (07) 5594 7355 Fax: (07) 5594 0822 Email: [email protected]

nortHern2 John Street, Gympie Q 4570Ph Direct: (07) 5481 1525Ph Centre: (07) 5482 2737Fax: (07) 5482 0822Email: [email protected]

roCKHamPtonShop 2/ 67 – 69 Gladstone Road,Rockhampton Q 4700PO Box 692, Rockhampton Q 4700Ph: (07) 4927 8073Fax: (07) 4927 8541Email: [email protected]

tooWoomBa4 Julia Street, Toowoomba Q 4350Ph: (07) 4699 5222Fax: (07) 4659 5887Email: [email protected]

toWnsVille22 – 26 Echlin Street, Townsville Q 4810PO Box 5692, Townsville Q 4810Ph: (07) 4771 4077Fax: (07) 4721 2033Email: [email protected]

Westernc/o – State Administration OfficeEmail: [email protected]


For more information on how you can support the st Vincent de Paul society visit www.vinnies.org.au or to make a donation call 13 18 12.

st Vincent de Paul society Queensland 10 merivale street south Brisbane Queensland 4101 aBn: 14 211 506 904

telephone: 07 3010 1000 Facsimile: 07 3010 1099

www.vinnies.org.au

Documents

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