Society Society

A NEWSLETTER FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IN VICTORIA MARCH 2010

Society2009 Christmas Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is pleased to report that donations received for the 2009 Christmas Appeal are approximately on par with those of the previous year at $586,000.

This is a fantastic total, despite the global fi nancial crisis and increased pressures on many of our donors.

Centering around the concept of “completing” the Christmas for those who have so much less than we do, our donors and the Australian public have rallied to help those in need during the festive season.

With the help of these donations, the Society will be able to provide help to 5,000 people a day across Australia who turn to us in need.

We visit and help young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their home. We sit down and chat with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill. We provide bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly.

The Society is grateful for the continued support of its supporters through whom we are able to provide the assistance that we do.

To donate call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au ■

Operation backpack caught the attention of International Power Australia employee Elizabeth Davidson during a recent trip to her local shopping centre in West Footscray.

The scheme, devised by Richmond Marketplace in conjunction with the

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, is designed to help provide socially disadvantaged children with essential back-to-school items. Elizabeth approached the Society and submitted an application to her employer who generously donated $1,500 towards the program to buy

much needed backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, sporting goods, stationery and sun protection for children in the Braybrook area. International Power Australia entered the Australian energy market in 1996 and has grown to become the country’s largest private generator of electricity. ■

International Power Australia employee sparks interest in Operation Backpack

Vinnies Centres are the retail arm of the St Vincent de Paul Society and are the major source of income for the Society’s good works. Vinnies centres provide furniture, clothing and household goods to families in need. The remainder of donated goods are sold and the funds from sales are used to help fund the work of the Society. There are currently 101 Vinnies Centres trading in Victoria. ■

This arm of the Society was established in 2003 to provide professional services in the complex areas of: aged care, homelessness, outreach services, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services and supported-employment options. The majority of programs receive some government funding, however donations are always needed to provide services over and above the government funded level. ■

Much of the Society’s work is carried out through its voluntary members who visit people in their own homes and provide material assistance, support and friendship to people in need. The Society relies on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to carry out its good works. St Vincent de Paul Society is the parent company of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and has representation on their board of directors. ■

Contact: 43 Prospect St, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128. Phone: (03) 9895 5800 Fax: (03) 9895 5850 E-mail: info@svdp-vic.org.au

For credit card donations visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812

Red Cliffs, in North Western Victoria, is a severely disadvantaged area with an ageing population. With a lack of affordable housing and insuffi cient public housing, many elderly locals are at risk of homelessness.

Due to cost and insecurity of tenure, rental accommodation is problematic for older people in this area. Meanwhile there are over 230 people on the waiting list for public housing with wait times for one and two bedroom units appropriate for older people currently exceeding 10 years.

The St Vincent de Paul Society aims to help this situation by building nine new Independent Living Units in Red

Cliffs. The three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units will include private yards, communal gardens and car parks and will house up to 12 elderly tenants who are severely disadvantaged and would otherwise be homeless. Tenants will be supported by local St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers who will keep them connected to the local community and help them with daily activities.

For more information on making a donation or for partnership opportunities for the Independent Living Units in Red Cliffs, please contact Lucy Menting, Fundraising Coordinator on 03 9895 5800. ■

New Independent Living Units for Red Cliffs

The Fund a Future Program is run by Youth Support Services (YSS), a group set up by the Society in 1983 in response to the growing need to assist disadvantaged young people with housing, education and other essential needs. An early intervention program, Fund a Future provides nine months of secure accommodation and emotional support for young people between the ages of 15–24 who are homeless.

The program has proved enormously successful since its inception in 1999 and we are now looking to expand it with ‘Build a Future’. A two year pilot, the objective of Build a Future is to provide homeless but work-ready young people aged 17-25, the opportunity to participate in employment, training and education while in stable accommodation for up to 12 months. The program will offer participants a four week employment training program to ensure they’re ready to work. On completion they are given a number of options including traineeships, work placements, further education or career counselling. In addition, they have access to subsidised private rental housing and are given the chance to develop everyday personal and living skills such as cooking, budgeting, literacy and

numeracy, family reconciliation, health and fi tness.

We are now seeking funding from supporters to enable us to launch the program later this year. Funding will cover the employment of a coordinator and life skills trainer along with a consultant to evaluate and report on the success of the pilot.

For more information about the Build a Future Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■

Build a FutureACCS welcomes new CEOJohn Blewonski has joined St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) as its new CEO.

John was previously the Chief Operating Offi cer with Anglicare Victoria and has held senior positions with Anglicare at both State and national level over the last 11 years. John brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Executive Offi cer of ACCS and has a long term commitment to social justice and in the provision of quality service outcomes for clients in the many communities with which we work. ■

John Blewonski joins as CEO of Aged Care & Community Services.

Vinnies CEO SleepoutOn 17 June 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in major cities across Australia. This annual event challenges Australian business and social leaders to sleep out for a night and experience homelessness fi rst hand.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is held to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to generate much needed funds to support the Society’s homeless services.

CEOs sign up via the website to participate, or they can be nominated by their PA/EA, and once on board are responsible for obtaining their own sponsors. Vinnies provide a secure outdoor

venue and armed with only a beanie, a sleeping bag and some cardboard, CEOs experience a night of homelessness for themselves. Throughout the course of the night, CEOs are offered the opportunity to network with other CEOs and forge long-term relationships with the companies represented, but most go home with so much more.

In Melbourne, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium.

For more information about Vinnies CEO Sleepout please contact Kellie Evans on 03 9895 5800 or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au

(The new Vinnies CEO Sleepout website will be launched by April at www.ceosleepout.org.au). ■

Residents of Vincentian Village enjoyed a special Mass and morning tea on Wednesday 9 December as they attended a naming ceremony they had been instrumental in organising.

Society representatives and Geelong councillor Barbara Abley attended the event, where the facility’s houses and corridors were named. The community hub was named after Jack Dillon, a local man who was heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society over many years and instrumental in the organisation’s work in aged care. Another area was named after Kirribilli House, at the request of the residents who agreed that everyone there should be treated as well as the Prime Minister. ■

Vincentian Village names cottages

State President Jim Grealish meets residents at the naming ceremony at Vincentian Village.

Society SocietyPresident’s message

Dear friends of the SocietyAt the end of March my term of offi ce will have concluded. I would therefore like to take the opportunity of using this column to express my thanks to the many people I have been involved with in my role as President in these last four years.

To my colleagues on State Council I thank-you for your leadership and sense of responsibility in the governance of the Society. All our discussions have been constructive and purposeful but there has been also a great sense of tolerance, good humour and goodwill. Your work for the Society is often unsung but it is critical to its future.

It has been a pleasure to work with the management and staff of the Society. We are fortunate to have so many employees who are supportive of our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community. The talents and skills we have at our disposal are quite astonishing.

I would like to thank our members and volunteers in all parts of Victoria. I have had the privilege of travelling all over the State, and I have met members and volunteers at festival meetings, jubilees, centre openings

and other functions as well. My wife has accompanied me on many of these occasions and we have only fond memories of the way we were always made welcome, and treated with great courtesy.

The work of the Society would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Unfortunately the demands made on our services mean that we have to make more calls on their generosity than we would like, but the supportive responses we receive give us the encouragement to continue the Society’s work.

I leave offi ce confi dent that the Society is in good shape. We have a growing number of younger members coming to the Society, and with proper nurturing they will ensure we prosper in the future. I am confi dent my successor will fi nd as much satisfaction in the role as I have had in working with you.

With best wishes

Jim GrealishState President ■

Victorian State President Jim Grealish

ShareGift is an initiative providing an easy tax-deductible way to sell unmarketable holdings of shares and donate the proceeds to charity without incurring brokerage fees.

Individuals can sell and donate small parcels of shares that would otherwise be expensive to trade and have the option of recommending the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc as the recipient of the donation. Funding distributions are decided by the ShareGift Board on the basis of these recommendations. ShareGift sells the shares and distributes the proceeds to Australian charities holding

deductible gift recipient status, such as St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.

Shares held in any Australian publicly listed companies may be sold. You the shareholder will not pay any brokerage or exchange costs, and will receive a letter of the share sale as a receipt to claim a tax deduction for the donation.

The shareholder completes a share sale donation form found at www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au

For further information on ShareGift, call 1300 731 632 or email info@sharegiftaustralia.org.au ■

Convert your shares to benefi t Australian charities

Change a life through a gift in your will.

Bequest information call 03 9895 5800

Sunday 7 February 2010 marked the fi rst anniversary of Australia’s most devastating natural disaster when fi erce bushfi res swept across the State, causing unprecedented damage. This day has become known as Black Saturday.

In the year following the tragic bushfi res, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaged in signifi cant recovery work on the ground, the fi nancial value of which currently exceeds $3.5 million.

Over the course of the last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society has responded to the Black Saturday tragedy in a range of ways.• The Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal

was mounted.By the end of the fi rst day of the appeal $44,920 in donations had been processed and by the end of the appeal, $4,000,495 had been donated by individuals, and organisations.• Assistance has been provided to

6,888 cases, by conference members (local volunteers).

• The total dollar value of assistance given in this way was $3,505,293 and was spent in the following bushfi re affected areas: Alexandra, Arthurs Creek, Beechworth, Bendigo, Buxton, Callignee, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, Clonbinane, Cottles Bridge, Darlimurla, Dixons Creek, Drouin West, Flowerdale, Gormandale, Hazelwood North, Jeeralang, Jindivick, Kallista, Kilmore, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Labertouche, LeRoy, Longwarry, Maiden Gully, Marysville, Mirboo North, Mudgegonga, Myrtleford, Narbethong, Neerim South, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully,

St Andrews, Steels Creek, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Traralgon South, Wandong, Yarra Glen and Yinnar.

• The nature of this assistance was as follows:34% – furniture and household items17% – whitegoods16% – tools and outdoor equipment 16% – food, food vouchers and gift cards7% – other5% – transport, including fuel2% – bills or other fi nancial assistance2% – clothing**Note: This clothing represents assistance provided by conferences. It does not include material aid distributed through Vinnies Centres.

The outstanding support of individuals, organisations and donors as well as our staff, members and volunteers during the past year has meant individuals, families and communities have been able to reestablish themselves and rebuild their lives. Thank you all for your support in the wake of this disaster. ■

Black Saturday – One year after the fi res

Medibank matching giftMedibank recently made a donation of $575, matching a gift collected by a local netball team. Thanks to the netball team and Medibank for this donation. ■

CALENDAR DATESCALENDAR DATES■ Society newsletter: March 2010

■ Winter Appeal:5 May – 29 August 2010

■ Ozanam Lecture:Thursday 3 June 2010, 7pmSt Francis’ Church, Melbourne

■ Vinnies CEO Sleepout:Thursday 17 June 2010

■ Society newsletter: September 2010

■ Annual General Meeting:Saturday 13 November 2010

Bishop’s Family Foundation sponsors Gippsland studentsThe Bishop’s Family foundation recently granted $6,000 to the Society to enable two Gippsland students to access higher education.

Under the Society’s Tertiary Education Sponsorship (TES) Program, students from the region are provided with $3,000 to help with the cost of establishing accommodation as well as books and enrolment fees. Due to their remote location and the costs associated with moving hundreds of kilometers, accessing higher education is often

beyond the means of many families struggling to make ends meet. Launched in 1999, the Bishop’s Family Foundation provides funding for programs that assist families in the Greater Gippsland region and so the TES program was a natural fi t. Their contribution provides a wonderful opportunity for the future of these students.

For more information about our Tertiary Education Sponsorship Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■

On Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Nillumbik Shire Council presented its annual Australia Day Awards, where the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the Black Saturday efforts were recognised

The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Nillumbik Cr Ken King and were addressed by the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Susan Alberti AO. Dr Alberti is heavily involved in medical research and is National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia. She has many other achievements in the medical and health fi elds and has been the recipient of various service awards.

The Council makes a number of awards each year to recognise the contribution individuals and community groups make to the betterment of their communities. This year’s Community Group of the Year Awards acknowledged the tireless and inspirational work undertaken in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfi res. Forty-one individuals and groups were presented with special awards. The St Vincent de Paul Society was among the recipients. The Society’s award was accepted by John Hayes,

Emergency Liaison Offi cer for Northern Central Council and President of the Diamond Creek Conference.

Approximately 200-300 people attended including local Shire Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony followed the presentation of awards. ■

St Vincent de Paul Society receives Australia Day Award for Bushfi re work

AUSTRALIA DAY AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURSHONOURSThe following Vincentians were recently honoured with Australia Day Awards:

■ Esme Jolme – Awarded OAM, volunteer at Castlemaine Centre

■ Mary Hughes – Nominated for Casey Citizen of the Year. Member for 31 years.

■ Justin Matthys – Nominated for Casey Young Citizen of the Year in Casey Australia Day awards. Young Vinnies member.

■ St Vincent De Paul Society – Nillumbik Shire – Community Group of the Year 2010 Award as part of the Australia Day Awards

Society Society

A NEWSLETTER FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IN VICTORIA MARCH 2010

Society2009 Christmas Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is pleased to report that donations received for the 2009 Christmas Appeal are approximately on par with those of the previous year at $586,000.

This is a fantastic total, despite the global fi nancial crisis and increased pressures on many of our donors.

Centering around the concept of “completing” the Christmas for those who have so much less than we do, our donors and the Australian public have rallied to help those in need during the festive season.

With the help of these donations, the Society will be able to provide help to 5,000 people a day across Australia who turn to us in need.

We visit and help young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their home. We sit down and chat with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill. We provide bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly.

The Society is grateful for the continued support of its supporters through whom we are able to provide the assistance that we do.

To donate call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au ■

Operation backpack caught the attention of International Power Australia employee Elizabeth Davidson during a recent trip to her local shopping centre in West Footscray.

The scheme, devised by Richmond Marketplace in conjunction with the

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, is designed to help provide socially disadvantaged children with essential back-to-school items. Elizabeth approached the Society and submitted an application to her employer who generously donated $1,500 towards the program to buy

much needed backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, sporting goods, stationery and sun protection for children in the Braybrook area. International Power Australia entered the Australian energy market in 1996 and has grown to become the country’s largest private generator of electricity. ■

International Power Australia employee sparks interest in Operation Backpack

Vinnies Centres are the retail arm of the St Vincent de Paul Society and are the major source of income for the Society’s good works. Vinnies centres provide furniture, clothing and household goods to families in need. The remainder of donated goods are sold and the funds from sales are used to help fund the work of the Society. There are currently 101 Vinnies Centres trading in Victoria. ■

This arm of the Society was established in 2003 to provide professional services in the complex areas of: aged care, homelessness, outreach services, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services and supported-employment options. The majority of programs receive some government funding, however donations are always needed to provide services over and above the government funded level. ■

Much of the Society’s work is carried out through its voluntary members who visit people in their own homes and provide material assistance, support and friendship to people in need. The Society relies on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to carry out its good works. St Vincent de Paul Society is the parent company of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and has representation on their board of directors. ■

Contact: 43 Prospect St, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128. Phone: (03) 9895 5800 Fax: (03) 9895 5850 E-mail: info@svdp-vic.org.au

For credit card donations visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812

Red Cliffs, in North Western Victoria, is a severely disadvantaged area with an ageing population. With a lack of affordable housing and insuffi cient public housing, many elderly locals are at risk of homelessness.

Due to cost and insecurity of tenure, rental accommodation is problematic for older people in this area. Meanwhile there are over 230 people on the waiting list for public housing with wait times for one and two bedroom units appropriate for older people currently exceeding 10 years.

The St Vincent de Paul Society aims to help this situation by building nine new Independent Living Units in Red

Cliffs. The three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units will include private yards, communal gardens and car parks and will house up to 12 elderly tenants who are severely disadvantaged and would otherwise be homeless. Tenants will be supported by local St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers who will keep them connected to the local community and help them with daily activities.

For more information on making a donation or for partnership opportunities for the Independent Living Units in Red Cliffs, please contact Lucy Menting, Fundraising Coordinator on 03 9895 5800. ■

New Independent Living Units for Red Cliffs

The Fund a Future Program is run by Youth Support Services (YSS), a group set up by the Society in 1983 in response to the growing need to assist disadvantaged young people with housing, education and other essential needs. An early intervention program, Fund a Future provides nine months of secure accommodation and emotional support for young people between the ages of 15–24 who are homeless.

The program has proved enormously successful since its inception in 1999 and we are now looking to expand it with ‘Build a Future’. A two year pilot, the objective of Build a Future is to provide homeless but work-ready young people aged 17-25, the opportunity to participate in employment, training and education while in stable accommodation for up to 12 months. The program will offer participants a four week employment training program to ensure they’re ready to work. On completion they are given a number of options including traineeships, work placements, further education or career counselling. In addition, they have access to subsidised private rental housing and are given the chance to develop everyday personal and living skills such as cooking, budgeting, literacy and

numeracy, family reconciliation, health and fi tness.

We are now seeking funding from supporters to enable us to launch the program later this year. Funding will cover the employment of a coordinator and life skills trainer along with a consultant to evaluate and report on the success of the pilot.

For more information about the Build a Future Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■

Build a FutureACCS welcomes new CEOJohn Blewonski has joined St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) as its new CEO.

John was previously the Chief Operating Offi cer with Anglicare Victoria and has held senior positions with Anglicare at both State and national level over the last 11 years. John brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Executive Offi cer of ACCS and has a long term commitment to social justice and in the provision of quality service outcomes for clients in the many communities with which we work. ■

John Blewonski joins as CEO of Aged Care & Community Services.

Vinnies CEO SleepoutOn 17 June 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in major cities across Australia. This annual event challenges Australian business and social leaders to sleep out for a night and experience homelessness fi rst hand.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is held to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to generate much needed funds to support the Society’s homeless services.

CEOs sign up via the website to participate, or they can be nominated by their PA/EA, and once on board are responsible for obtaining their own sponsors. Vinnies provide a secure outdoor

venue and armed with only a beanie, a sleeping bag and some cardboard, CEOs experience a night of homelessness for themselves. Throughout the course of the night, CEOs are offered the opportunity to network with other CEOs and forge long-term relationships with the companies represented, but most go home with so much more.

In Melbourne, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium.

For more information about Vinnies CEO Sleepout please contact Kellie Evans on 03 9895 5800 or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au

(The new Vinnies CEO Sleepout website will be launched by April at www.ceosleepout.org.au). ■

Residents of Vincentian Village enjoyed a special Mass and morning tea on Wednesday 9 December as they attended a naming ceremony they had been instrumental in organising.

Society representatives and Geelong councillor Barbara Abley attended the event, where the facility’s houses and corridors were named. The community hub was named after Jack Dillon, a local man who was heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society over many years and instrumental in the organisation’s work in aged care. Another area was named after Kirribilli House, at the request of the residents who agreed that everyone there should be treated as well as the Prime Minister. ■

Vincentian Village names cottages

State President Jim Grealish meets residents at the naming ceremony at Vincentian Village.

Society SocietyPresident’s message

Dear friends of the SocietyAt the end of March my term of offi ce will have concluded. I would therefore like to take the opportunity of using this column to express my thanks to the many people I have been involved with in my role as President in these last four years.

To my colleagues on State Council I thank-you for your leadership and sense of responsibility in the governance of the Society. All our discussions have been constructive and purposeful but there has been also a great sense of tolerance, good humour and goodwill. Your work for the Society is often unsung but it is critical to its future.

It has been a pleasure to work with the management and staff of the Society. We are fortunate to have so many employees who are supportive of our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community. The talents and skills we have at our disposal are quite astonishing.

I would like to thank our members and volunteers in all parts of Victoria. I have had the privilege of travelling all over the State, and I have met members and volunteers at festival meetings, jubilees, centre openings

and other functions as well. My wife has accompanied me on many of these occasions and we have only fond memories of the way we were always made welcome, and treated with great courtesy.

The work of the Society would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Unfortunately the demands made on our services mean that we have to make more calls on their generosity than we would like, but the supportive responses we receive give us the encouragement to continue the Society’s work.

I leave offi ce confi dent that the Society is in good shape. We have a growing number of younger members coming to the Society, and with proper nurturing they will ensure we prosper in the future. I am confi dent my successor will fi nd as much satisfaction in the role as I have had in working with you.

With best wishes

Jim GrealishState President ■

Victorian State President Jim Grealish

ShareGift is an initiative providing an easy tax-deductible way to sell unmarketable holdings of shares and donate the proceeds to charity without incurring brokerage fees.

Individuals can sell and donate small parcels of shares that would otherwise be expensive to trade and have the option of recommending the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc as the recipient of the donation. Funding distributions are decided by the ShareGift Board on the basis of these recommendations. ShareGift sells the shares and distributes the proceeds to Australian charities holding

deductible gift recipient status, such as St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.

Shares held in any Australian publicly listed companies may be sold. You the shareholder will not pay any brokerage or exchange costs, and will receive a letter of the share sale as a receipt to claim a tax deduction for the donation.

The shareholder completes a share sale donation form found at www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au

For further information on ShareGift, call 1300 731 632 or email info@sharegiftaustralia.org.au ■

Convert your shares to benefi t Australian charities

Change a life through a gift in your will.

Bequest information call 03 9895 5800

Sunday 7 February 2010 marked the fi rst anniversary of Australia’s most devastating natural disaster when fi erce bushfi res swept across the State, causing unprecedented damage. This day has become known as Black Saturday.

In the year following the tragic bushfi res, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaged in signifi cant recovery work on the ground, the fi nancial value of which currently exceeds $3.5 million.

Over the course of the last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society has responded to the Black Saturday tragedy in a range of ways.• The Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal

was mounted.By the end of the fi rst day of the appeal $44,920 in donations had been processed and by the end of the appeal, $4,000,495 had been donated by individuals, and organisations.• Assistance has been provided to

6,888 cases, by conference members (local volunteers).

• The total dollar value of assistance given in this way was $3,505,293 and was spent in the following bushfi re affected areas: Alexandra, Arthurs Creek, Beechworth, Bendigo, Buxton, Callignee, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, Clonbinane, Cottles Bridge, Darlimurla, Dixons Creek, Drouin West, Flowerdale, Gormandale, Hazelwood North, Jeeralang, Jindivick, Kallista, Kilmore, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Labertouche, LeRoy, Longwarry, Maiden Gully, Marysville, Mirboo North, Mudgegonga, Myrtleford, Narbethong, Neerim South, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully,

St Andrews, Steels Creek, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Traralgon South, Wandong, Yarra Glen and Yinnar.

• The nature of this assistance was as follows:34% – furniture and household items17% – whitegoods16% – tools and outdoor equipment 16% – food, food vouchers and gift cards7% – other5% – transport, including fuel2% – bills or other fi nancial assistance2% – clothing**Note: This clothing represents assistance provided by conferences. It does not include material aid distributed through Vinnies Centres.

The outstanding support of individuals, organisations and donors as well as our staff, members and volunteers during the past year has meant individuals, families and communities have been able to reestablish themselves and rebuild their lives. Thank you all for your support in the wake of this disaster. ■

Black Saturday – One year after the fi res

Medibank matching giftMedibank recently made a donation of $575, matching a gift collected by a local netball team. Thanks to the netball team and Medibank for this donation. ■

CALENDAR DATESCALENDAR DATES■ Society newsletter: March 2010

■ Winter Appeal:5 May – 29 August 2010

■ Ozanam Lecture:Thursday 3 June 2010, 7pmSt Francis’ Church, Melbourne

■ Vinnies CEO Sleepout:Thursday 17 June 2010

■ Society newsletter: September 2010

■ Annual General Meeting:Saturday 13 November 2010

Bishop’s Family Foundation sponsors Gippsland studentsThe Bishop’s Family foundation recently granted $6,000 to the Society to enable two Gippsland students to access higher education.

Under the Society’s Tertiary Education Sponsorship (TES) Program, students from the region are provided with $3,000 to help with the cost of establishing accommodation as well as books and enrolment fees. Due to their remote location and the costs associated with moving hundreds of kilometers, accessing higher education is often

beyond the means of many families struggling to make ends meet. Launched in 1999, the Bishop’s Family Foundation provides funding for programs that assist families in the Greater Gippsland region and so the TES program was a natural fi t. Their contribution provides a wonderful opportunity for the future of these students.

For more information about our Tertiary Education Sponsorship Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■

On Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Nillumbik Shire Council presented its annual Australia Day Awards, where the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the Black Saturday efforts were recognised

The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Nillumbik Cr Ken King and were addressed by the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Susan Alberti AO. Dr Alberti is heavily involved in medical research and is National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia. She has many other achievements in the medical and health fi elds and has been the recipient of various service awards.

The Council makes a number of awards each year to recognise the contribution individuals and community groups make to the betterment of their communities. This year’s Community Group of the Year Awards acknowledged the tireless and inspirational work undertaken in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfi res. Forty-one individuals and groups were presented with special awards. The St Vincent de Paul Society was among the recipients. The Society’s award was accepted by John Hayes,

Emergency Liaison Offi cer for Northern Central Council and President of the Diamond Creek Conference.

Approximately 200-300 people attended including local Shire Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony followed the presentation of awards. ■

St Vincent de Paul Society receives Australia Day Award for Bushfi re work

AUSTRALIA DAY AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURSHONOURSThe following Vincentians were recently honoured with Australia Day Awards:

■ Esme Jolme – Awarded OAM, volunteer at Castlemaine Centre

■ Mary Hughes – Nominated for Casey Citizen of the Year. Member for 31 years.

■ Justin Matthys – Nominated for Casey Young Citizen of the Year in Casey Australia Day awards. Young Vinnies member.

■ St Vincent De Paul Society – Nillumbik Shire – Community Group of the Year 2010 Award as part of the Australia Day Awards

Society SocietyPresident’s message

Dear friends of the SocietyAt the end of March my term of offi ce will have concluded. I would therefore like to take the opportunity of using this column to express my thanks to the many people I have been involved with in my role as President in these last four years.

To my colleagues on State Council I thank-you for your leadership and sense of responsibility in the governance of the Society. All our discussions have been constructive and purposeful but there has been also a great sense of tolerance, good humour and goodwill. Your work for the Society is often unsung but it is critical to its future.

It has been a pleasure to work with the management and staff of the Society. We are fortunate to have so many employees who are supportive of our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community. The talents and skills we have at our disposal are quite astonishing.

I would like to thank our members and volunteers in all parts of Victoria. I have had the privilege of travelling all over the State, and I have met members and volunteers at festival meetings, jubilees, centre openings

and other functions as well. My wife has accompanied me on many of these occasions and we have only fond memories of the way we were always made welcome, and treated with great courtesy.

The work of the Society would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters. Unfortunately the demands made on our services mean that we have to make more calls on their generosity than we would like, but the supportive responses we receive give us the encouragement to continue the Society’s work.

I leave offi ce confi dent that the Society is in good shape. We have a growing number of younger members coming to the Society, and with proper nurturing they will ensure we prosper in the future. I am confi dent my successor will fi nd as much satisfaction in the role as I have had in working with you.

With best wishes

Jim GrealishState President ■

Victorian State President Jim Grealish

ShareGift is an initiative providing an easy tax-deductible way to sell unmarketable holdings of shares and donate the proceeds to charity without incurring brokerage fees.

Individuals can sell and donate small parcels of shares that would otherwise be expensive to trade and have the option of recommending the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc as the recipient of the donation. Funding distributions are decided by the ShareGift Board on the basis of these recommendations. ShareGift sells the shares and distributes the proceeds to Australian charities holding

deductible gift recipient status, such as St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.

Shares held in any Australian publicly listed companies may be sold. You the shareholder will not pay any brokerage or exchange costs, and will receive a letter of the share sale as a receipt to claim a tax deduction for the donation.

The shareholder completes a share sale donation form found at www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au

For further information on ShareGift, call 1300 731 632 or email info@sharegiftaustralia.org.au ■

Convert your shares to benefi t Australian charities

Change a life through a gift in your will.

Bequest information call 03 9895 5800

Sunday 7 February 2010 marked the fi rst anniversary of Australia’s most devastating natural disaster when fi erce bushfi res swept across the State, causing unprecedented damage. This day has become known as Black Saturday.

In the year following the tragic bushfi res, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been engaged in signifi cant recovery work on the ground, the fi nancial value of which currently exceeds $3.5 million.

Over the course of the last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society has responded to the Black Saturday tragedy in a range of ways.• The Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal

was mounted.By the end of the fi rst day of the appeal $44,920 in donations had been processed and by the end of the appeal, $4,000,495 had been donated by individuals, and organisations.• Assistance has been provided to

6,888 cases, by conference members (local volunteers).

• The total dollar value of assistance given in this way was $3,505,293 and was spent in the following bushfi re affected areas: Alexandra, Arthurs Creek, Beechworth, Bendigo, Buxton, Callignee, Christmas Hills, Chum Creek, Clonbinane, Cottles Bridge, Darlimurla, Dixons Creek, Drouin West, Flowerdale, Gormandale, Hazelwood North, Jeeralang, Jindivick, Kallista, Kilmore, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Labertouche, LeRoy, Longwarry, Maiden Gully, Marysville, Mirboo North, Mudgegonga, Myrtleford, Narbethong, Neerim South, Pheasant Creek, Smiths Gully,

St Andrews, Steels Creek, Strath Creek, Strathewen, Traralgon South, Wandong, Yarra Glen and Yinnar.

• The nature of this assistance was as follows:34% – furniture and household items17% – whitegoods16% – tools and outdoor equipment 16% – food, food vouchers and gift cards7% – other5% – transport, including fuel2% – bills or other fi nancial assistance2% – clothing**Note: This clothing represents assistance provided by conferences. It does not include material aid distributed through Vinnies Centres.

The outstanding support of individuals, organisations and donors as well as our staff, members and volunteers during the past year has meant individuals, families and communities have been able to reestablish themselves and rebuild their lives. Thank you all for your support in the wake of this disaster. ■

Black Saturday – One year after the fi res

Medibank matching giftMedibank recently made a donation of $575, matching a gift collected by a local netball team. Thanks to the netball team and Medibank for this donation. ■

CALENDAR DATESCALENDAR DATES■ Society newsletter: March 2010

■ Winter Appeal:5 May – 29 August 2010

■ Ozanam Lecture:Thursday 3 June 2010, 7pmSt Francis’ Church, Melbourne

■ Vinnies CEO Sleepout:Thursday 17 June 2010

■ Society newsletter: September 2010

■ Annual General Meeting:Saturday 13 November 2010

Bishop’s Family Foundation sponsors Gippsland studentsThe Bishop’s Family foundation recently granted $6,000 to the Society to enable two Gippsland students to access higher education.

Under the Society’s Tertiary Education Sponsorship (TES) Program, students from the region are provided with $3,000 to help with the cost of establishing accommodation as well as books and enrolment fees. Due to their remote location and the costs associated with moving hundreds of kilometers, accessing higher education is often

beyond the means of many families struggling to make ends meet. Launched in 1999, the Bishop’s Family Foundation provides funding for programs that assist families in the Greater Gippsland region and so the TES program was a natural fi t. Their contribution provides a wonderful opportunity for the future of these students.

For more information about our Tertiary Education Sponsorship Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■

On Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Nillumbik Shire Council presented its annual Australia Day Awards, where the St Vincent de Paul Society’s role in the Black Saturday efforts were recognised

The guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Nillumbik Cr Ken King and were addressed by the Australia Day Ambassador, Dr Susan Alberti AO. Dr Alberti is heavily involved in medical research and is National President of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Australia. She has many other achievements in the medical and health fi elds and has been the recipient of various service awards.

The Council makes a number of awards each year to recognise the contribution individuals and community groups make to the betterment of their communities. This year’s Community Group of the Year Awards acknowledged the tireless and inspirational work undertaken in the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfi res. Forty-one individuals and groups were presented with special awards. The St Vincent de Paul Society was among the recipients. The Society’s award was accepted by John Hayes,

Emergency Liaison Offi cer for Northern Central Council and President of the Diamond Creek Conference.

Approximately 200-300 people attended including local Shire Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians. An Australian Citizenship Ceremony followed the presentation of awards. ■

St Vincent de Paul Society receives Australia Day Award for Bushfi re work

AUSTRALIA DAY AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURSHONOURSThe following Vincentians were recently honoured with Australia Day Awards:

■ Esme Jolme – Awarded OAM, volunteer at Castlemaine Centre

■ Mary Hughes – Nominated for Casey Citizen of the Year. Member for 31 years.

■ Justin Matthys – Nominated for Casey Young Citizen of the Year in Casey Australia Day awards. Young Vinnies member.

■ St Vincent De Paul Society – Nillumbik Shire – Community Group of the Year 2010 Award as part of the Australia Day Awards

Society Society

A NEWSLETTER FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY IN VICTORIA MARCH 2010

Society2009 Christmas Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is pleased to report that donations received for the 2009 Christmas Appeal are approximately on par with those of the previous year at $586,000.

This is a fantastic total, despite the global fi nancial crisis and increased pressures on many of our donors.

Centering around the concept of “completing” the Christmas for those who have so much less than we do, our donors and the Australian public have rallied to help those in need during the festive season.

With the help of these donations, the Society will be able to provide help to 5,000 people a day across Australia who turn to us in need.

We visit and help young families who cannot pay their household bills or who are in danger of losing their home. We sit down and chat with lonely men and women who never have visitors over the season of goodwill. We provide bedding, food, clothing and the hand of compassion and friendship to the homeless, refugee families, women and children escaping family violence and the elderly.

The Society is grateful for the continued support of its supporters through whom we are able to provide the assistance that we do.

To donate call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au ■

Operation backpack caught the attention of International Power Australia employee Elizabeth Davidson during a recent trip to her local shopping centre in West Footscray.

The scheme, devised by Richmond Marketplace in conjunction with the

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, is designed to help provide socially disadvantaged children with essential back-to-school items. Elizabeth approached the Society and submitted an application to her employer who generously donated $1,500 towards the program to buy

much needed backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, sporting goods, stationery and sun protection for children in the Braybrook area. International Power Australia entered the Australian energy market in 1996 and has grown to become the country’s largest private generator of electricity. ■

International Power Australia employee sparks interest in Operation Backpack

Vinnies Centres are the retail arm of the St Vincent de Paul Society and are the major source of income for the Society’s good works. Vinnies centres provide furniture, clothing and household goods to families in need. The remainder of donated goods are sold and the funds from sales are used to help fund the work of the Society. There are currently 101 Vinnies Centres trading in Victoria. ■

This arm of the Society was established in 2003 to provide professional services in the complex areas of: aged care, homelessness, outreach services, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, health services and supported-employment options. The majority of programs receive some government funding, however donations are always needed to provide services over and above the government funded level. ■

Much of the Society’s work is carried out through its voluntary members who visit people in their own homes and provide material assistance, support and friendship to people in need. The Society relies on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to carry out its good works. St Vincent de Paul Society is the parent company of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and has representation on their board of directors. ■

Contact: 43 Prospect St, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128. Phone: (03) 9895 5800 Fax: (03) 9895 5850 E-mail: info@svdp-vic.org.au

For credit card donations visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812

Red Cliffs, in North Western Victoria, is a severely disadvantaged area with an ageing population. With a lack of affordable housing and insuffi cient public housing, many elderly locals are at risk of homelessness.

Due to cost and insecurity of tenure, rental accommodation is problematic for older people in this area. Meanwhile there are over 230 people on the waiting list for public housing with wait times for one and two bedroom units appropriate for older people currently exceeding 10 years.

The St Vincent de Paul Society aims to help this situation by building nine new Independent Living Units in Red

Cliffs. The three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units will include private yards, communal gardens and car parks and will house up to 12 elderly tenants who are severely disadvantaged and would otherwise be homeless. Tenants will be supported by local St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers who will keep them connected to the local community and help them with daily activities.

For more information on making a donation or for partnership opportunities for the Independent Living Units in Red Cliffs, please contact Lucy Menting, Fundraising Coordinator on 03 9895 5800. ■

New Independent Living Units for Red Cliffs

The Fund a Future Program is run by Youth Support Services (YSS), a group set up by the Society in 1983 in response to the growing need to assist disadvantaged young people with housing, education and other essential needs. An early intervention program, Fund a Future provides nine months of secure accommodation and emotional support for young people between the ages of 15–24 who are homeless.

The program has proved enormously successful since its inception in 1999 and we are now looking to expand it with ‘Build a Future’. A two year pilot, the objective of Build a Future is to provide homeless but work-ready young people aged 17-25, the opportunity to participate in employment, training and education while in stable accommodation for up to 12 months. The program will offer participants a four week employment training program to ensure they’re ready to work. On completion they are given a number of options including traineeships, work placements, further education or career counselling. In addition, they have access to subsidised private rental housing and are given the chance to develop everyday personal and living skills such as cooking, budgeting, literacy and

numeracy, family reconciliation, health and fi tness.

We are now seeking funding from supporters to enable us to launch the program later this year. Funding will cover the employment of a coordinator and life skills trainer along with a consultant to evaluate and report on the success of the pilot.

For more information about the Build a Future Program please contact Claire Nettley, Major Donor Coordinator, on 03 9895 5800. ■

Build a FutureACCS welcomes new CEOJohn Blewonski has joined St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services (ACCS) as its new CEO.

John was previously the Chief Operating Offi cer with Anglicare Victoria and has held senior positions with Anglicare at both State and national level over the last 11 years. John brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chief Executive Offi cer of ACCS and has a long term commitment to social justice and in the provision of quality service outcomes for clients in the many communities with which we work. ■

John Blewonski joins as CEO of Aged Care & Community Services.

Vinnies CEO SleepoutOn 17 June 2010 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in major cities across Australia. This annual event challenges Australian business and social leaders to sleep out for a night and experience homelessness fi rst hand.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is held to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and to generate much needed funds to support the Society’s homeless services.

CEOs sign up via the website to participate, or they can be nominated by their PA/EA, and once on board are responsible for obtaining their own sponsors. Vinnies provide a secure outdoor

venue and armed with only a beanie, a sleeping bag and some cardboard, CEOs experience a night of homelessness for themselves. Throughout the course of the night, CEOs are offered the opportunity to network with other CEOs and forge long-term relationships with the companies represented, but most go home with so much more.

In Melbourne, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held at Etihad Stadium.

For more information about Vinnies CEO Sleepout please contact Kellie Evans on 03 9895 5800 or visit www.ceosleepout.org.au

(The new Vinnies CEO Sleepout website will be launched by April at www.ceosleepout.org.au). ■

Residents of Vincentian Village enjoyed a special Mass and morning tea on Wednesday 9 December as they attended a naming ceremony they had been instrumental in organising.

Society representatives and Geelong councillor Barbara Abley attended the event, where the facility’s houses and corridors were named. The community hub was named after Jack Dillon, a local man who was heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society over many years and instrumental in the organisation’s work in aged care. Another area was named after Kirribilli House, at the request of the residents who agreed that everyone there should be treated as well as the Prime Minister. ■

Vincentian Village names cottages

State President Jim Grealish meets residents at the naming ceremony at Vincentian Village.