A PUBLICATION FOR SOCIETY MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS & EMPLOYEES

NEWSLETTER 290 | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017Societynews

A CALL TO SERVE | Vinnies members recognised for valuable service

2017 A CALL TO SERVEST CLARE'S CHURCH BOX HILL

On 16 September, more than 125 people gathered at St Clare’s Church, Box Hill, to honour five Vincentians for their combined 200 years of diverse and faithful service to The St Vincent de Paul Society.This year marked the fifth year of A Call to Serve—an annual celebration of members of the Society who have each delivered outstanding service to people experiencing hardship.There was good reason that excitement and pride accompanied their tears and smiles. A Call to Serve is an occasion to acknowledge, recognise and, perhaps more importantly, learn about what it really means to dedicate one’s life to ‘the cause’.

Writer Anne Tuohey and videographer Annie Lewis journeyed across the state collating the material for a book also titled A Call to Serve and five short films illustrating the lives of the honourees, who each live by the Vincentian maxim—to bear witness to Christ and his love through service to people in need. The five honoured this year were Jim and Judith Grealish, Nourell Davies, Beth Devine, Frank Mullins and Mitchell Roggenkamp. The films were shown during the ceremony and the book was distributed among the guests.“It’s vitally important to recognise the amazing works of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers, so every year the Society celebrates the

faithful service of five members who have delivered outstanding service in A Call to Serve,” said St Vincent de Paul Victoria CEO, Ms Sue Cattermole. “Through storytelling, A Call to Serve is a celebration of the invaluable work of our Vincentians, and aims to capture the spirit behind the Society's good works, which happen seamlessly, often over many decades, to support people experiencing hardship.”Also honoured for long-term continuous service on the day were Bill Eccles (60 years), Jack Duffy (50 years), Fred Menzies (50 years), and Charlie Bowman (40 years).

Dear friends,We are nearing the end of a celebratory season of festival masses and meetings. A number of these have included the commissioning of new council and conference presidents and members, many of whom been recognised for their years of service—from 10 to 60 years. As I have said on numerous occasions when invited to present badges at these celebrations, the incredible years of service to the Society also mark decades of service to people who seek our assistance—our companions.This year, 23 conferences marked milestones of 50 to 110 years, as did one regional council. Few of the original members are still active in the two conferences that celebrated their 50-year anniversaries, but we should all give thanks to the many who founded and sustained each of those conferences, and served people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in their local communities. Another cause for celebration this year has been the blessings and openings of several new or relocated and refurbished Vinnies Shops. One thing they all share is that each presents a bright and colourful face to their local community, the conferences they support and to their loyal customers.I thank all in the retail support office who prepared and stocked the shops and particularly the volunteers, past and present, without whose help and cheerful disposition we could not provide the high level of service that we do provide. There are still more new shops to bless and open before Christmas.On the first weekend of October I was humbled to attend the Society’s National Congress in Adelaide, which culminated months of planning to unite 186 regional and central council presidents from across the country, in one place, to discuss, plan, and visualise the future of our organisation. This was an energising and motivating forum and I look forward to seeing the fruits of our combined thinking coming to life very soon.Finally, I wish to recognise and thank our soup van volunteers – our ‘Vannies’. This month we launched a beautiful heritage book marking more than 40 years of soup van service: Every Evening Without Fail: Reflections on 40 Years of the Fitzroy Soup Van 1975 – 2015. The event held on 14 October brought together Vannies of all generations and their family and friends. It was a wonderful day of celebration and joy, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make it such a memorable occasion.

STATE PRESIDENTMichael Liddy

After 32 years of running The Shed—a well-loved local Parish Shop in Bacchus Marsh—Dawn Lewin was formally honoured in a retirement ceremony held on 5 October with fellow volunteers and conference members.The Society’s Mission and Spirituality Manager, Julie Fewster, said that Dawn exemplified people who put “their faith, values and love into action”.

THANK YOU DAWN FOR 32 YEARS

PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR...Deceased members, volunteers, family and friends• Alby Burtt, former member, Ringwood Conference • Denis Buckley, member, Ferntree Gully Conference and

olunteer, Vinnies shop• Grace Gamley, former associate member, Ferntree Gully

onference and volunteer, Vinnies Ferntree Gully Shop• John Howlett, former member, Shepparton (St Brendan's)

Conference • Kevin Bennie, former associate member, Brunswick North

Conference• Liam Doherty, former member, Hampton Park Conference • Moira Merrett, former member Warragul Conference and

volunteer, Vinnies shop • Leon Gladman, volunteer Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Bill Crosbie, member, St Mary’s Conference centre

volunteer and volunteer, Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Kevin Morris, member, St Mary’s Conference and

volunteer, Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Nita Bishop, volunteer, Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Cheryl Brown, volunteer, Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Betty West, volunteer, Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Eileen Mylon, volunteer, Vinnies Mooroopna Shop• Grace Gamley, former associate member, Ferntree Gully

Conference, and volunteer Vinnies Ferntree Gully Shop• Jack Caulfield, former member, Belmont Conference • Joe Dick, former member, Yarram Conference • Liam Doherty, former member, Hampton Park Conference • William ‘Bill” Rankin, former member, Bentleigh East

Conference• Maureen Joyce, secretary, Warragul Conference, and

former member, Upper Yarra and Healesville conferences• Eileen Derrick, former volunteer, Vinnies Leongatha Shop• Shirley Roughead, former volunteer, Vinnies Leongatha

Shop• Madeleine Carroll, former member, Warrnambool West

Conference• Norman Mast, former member, Warrnambool West

Conference• Anne Clark, former member, Moe Conference and

volunteer, Vinnies Moe Shop• Peter Duyndam, former member, Moe Conference • Terence Murphy, associate member and husband of Joan,

Norlane Conference

Please email any requests for prayers to our Support Services team at support.services@svdp-vic.org.au

Michael Liddy State President

On 27 September every year the Catholic Church and the Society mark the feast day of St Vincent de Paul to honour our patron after whom our founder Frederic Ozanam named the Society. His feast day is on the anniversary of his death at the age of 79 in 1660. This is an important annual opportunity for all members, volunteers and employees to reflect on how his legacy lives on today through our good works.Knox-Sherbrooke Region held their Festival Mass at St Jude the Apostle, Scoresby. Newly commissioned presidents and those receiving recognition of service were recognised and Fr John Hannon gave a stirring tribute to respected Society member, Frank Domantay (RIP), meanwhile a choir provided musical contribution to the liturgy. Mass was also celebrated at Gerald Ward House by new State Council Spiritual Adviser Fr Tony Kerin, Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Service. A lovely reflection was sent to all at the Society about the inspiration and life of St Vincent de Paul, especially his unwavering humility in seeing Christ in the poor. Conscious that ‘it is not enough to give soup and bread’, Vincent urged all those who were serious about their faith to serve the poor with patience and gentleness. The poor became his life and the witness of his life of service became an attractive force impacting on all those around him. It was this passion for the poor that inspired Blessed Frederic Ozanam to entrust the patronage of the Society to the inspiration of St Vincent de Paul. His memory lives on in each one of us and in the work of Vincentians around the world.

VINNIES LEADS ANTI-POVERTY WEEKAs part of Anti-Poverty Week (15 – 21 October), the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria teamed up with The Salvation Army, Good Shepherd and other welfare groups for a week of advocacy and action in Australia.In Victoria, the 2017 co-chairs for Anti-Poverty Week, St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Sue Cattermole, and Good Shepherd CEO Dimity Fifer, urged policy makers to address the structural inequalities that drive poverty.Ms Cattermole said that the numbers speak for themselves in terms of need. “Across the state of Victoria, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria has recorded a 40 percent increase in the total value of financial welfare support delivered over the past three years—that’s an enormous increase in a relatively short period of time,” she said.As part of the week, the Society held a series of events across the state to encourage reflection, conversation and action.On Saturday 14 October, a launch at the Australian Catholic University

was held to celebrate the heritage publication Every Evening Without Fail, which recalls the four-decade history of the Fitzroy Soup Van. The event was attended by generations of volunteers and their family and friends.During the week, morning tea Q&As were held at selected Vinnies Shops—Ringwood, Traralgon, Malvern, Shepparton, Wendouree, Chelsea Heights and Hoppers Crossing. At the event, visitors were encouraged to ask volunteers about the Society’s welfare work and what it means to volunteer on the front-line.Closing the week was the 90th-birthday celebrations of Vinnies Ascot Vale Shop. As the state’s first Vinnies Shop, Ascot Vale celebrated its birthday in style which included a visit from Opposition Leader and Federal Member for Maribyrnong, the Hon. Bill Shorten. To learn more about Anti-Poverty Week visit antipovertyweek.org.au

FOUNDER'SFEAST DAY

Back to Basics

THE KNOX SHERBROOK FESTIVAL MASS

CHRISTMAS APPEALFROM CANS TO CAKE St Jude's charity drive

YOUR LEGACY TODAY BRINGS HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROWFor a FREE copy of our Guide to Wills and Bequests booklet (pictured), or for a confidential conversation, please contact Bequest Manager, Sharon Wangman, on 03 9895 5821 or email bequest@svdp-vic.org.au

Our annual Christmas Appeal is being rolled out across the country in November. Letters are going to existing supporters in the mail and the campaign will also have some presence on the radio and in our parishes.This year we look at Christmas through a child’s eyes and their humble wishes. For more information call 03 9895 5928 or email Amanda.McCosker@svdp-vic.org.au

Email media@svdp-vic.org.au to share your story ideas

Everyday Kindness allows people to become an Everyday Kindness Partner by supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society with a small monthly donation. For more information about this exciting initiative, please call:Sharni Minett, Regular Giving Manager P: 03 9895 5872Antonia Froutzis, Fundraising Manager P: 03 9895 5809Or visit vinnies.org.au/everydaykindness

Images have been changed to protect the privacy of the people we assist.

Give to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal through your parish,

at vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.

Images have been changed to protect the privacy of the people we assist.

THIS CHRISTMAS, YOUR DONATION CAN MAKE WISHES COME TRUE.

Donate now to rebuild lives.

STVIN0093_1_Christmas_Appeal_Parish_Poster_A2.indd 1 11/9/17 5:17 pm

Making a difference is something a group of year-five and year-six students at St Jude’s Catholic Parish Primary School in Langwarrin take very seriously.Earlier this year, 15 students took up the challenge to be part of Mini Vinnies—a St Vincent de Paul Society social justice initiative which engages primary-aged students. The students got busy—and inventive—organising a series of events, such as ‘Clash of Cans’, ‘PJ Day’, ‘Winter Woollies’ and ‘Knit a Square’. All goods and funds raised by the initiatives go to the local conference.Religious Education Leader, Judi Essing, says she’s constantly surprised by the students’ dedication to helping others, and their desire to go that extra mile. “Clash of Cans was a great idea. The students made it a competition among the classes to see which grade could collect the most cans or long-life goods. So far we’ve collected 808 cans and they’re still coming in.“During School Social Justice Day (29 June), students and staff dressed up in their PJs and were asked to either donate a gold coin or a pair of PJs. In total, 190 pairs of PJs—ranging for babies to adults—were donated.” The Knit a Square project—where both established and aspiring knitters are asked to knit a square for blankets—has gone beyond the school community, with residents of Ebenezer Retirement Village also taking part. The Knit a Square initiative is a shining example of community spirit in action.“We took afternoon tea in with us and are hoping to build a strong rapport with these residents,” she said. It doesn’t end there. A recent cake stall raised $234 towards funding Christmas hampers that Langwarrin Vinnies provide to local families.

Every year, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s State Youth Team hosts a special event with a two-fold purpose—to celebrate the dedication and hard work of Vinnies Youth members and volunteers, and to introduce new people to the Society.Held on Saturday 16 September, volunteers and friends of the Society converged on St Kilda’s iconic Luna Park to enjoy a night of food, music, games, conversation and dancing – while also raising money for an interstate leader exchange program, which aims to improve the Society’s Kids Camps.It was an occasion for those present to reflect on and celebrate the work they do with young people in the community through education programs, activity days and camps for children. It was also an opportunity for Vinnies Youth members to share their experiences with their friends, family and others considering joining and/or volunteering with Vinnies, and to explain what lies beneath the St Vincent de Paul Society ethos. The tradition has been going for 19 years and remains a highlight on the Vinnies Youth social calendar. For more information contact: Jacob Miller 9895 5899 or youth@svdp-vic.org.au

St Vincent de Paul’s new General Manager of Service Development, Kate Johnson, doesn’t see challenges—she sees opportunities.Kate says two of the biggest "opportunities" currently facing the department (which recently changed its name from Membership & Development to Service Development) is being able to meet the “increasing need in the community through growing a vibrant membership” and “attracting the right people to come and work with us”.Aside from a new name, there have been quite a few other changes in the department, which now includes the Call Centre, the Soup Van Program, the Youth & Education programs focusing on social inclusion, and Compeer, a companion support program for people living with a mental illness.“Some of our employees, who are now known as development officers (previously known as membership & development officers), are helping leaders in our membership in their roles so they can better support the members of their council and conferences to do the invaluable work they do.“These officers are also more focused on capacity building, and this means they're getting out there and thinking of new ways of meeting the needs we may not be meeting right now.” Kate says she's also keen to “explore new models of membership. Our membership is ageing and we need to find ways to attract the next generation, and to keep the legacy of our long-standing Vincentians alive in the work we do.”With a background in psychology and several years working in the community health sector (before coming to the Society, Kate was at Carer’s Victoria for six years), Kate was well aware of the Society’s standing in the community.And if overseeing a dynamic and eclectic department isn’t enough, Kate—who’s married to Peter and has two children, David, 19, and Alison, 17—is also in the middle of a four-year Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Masters in Leadership.“Life’s pretty busy,” says Kate by way of understatement. “But we’re all chilled at home.” It’s easy to see that she brings this composure to work, too.

HUMANITY AT HEART OF VINNIES SOCIAL EVENT

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

VINNIES BLESSINGS & OPENINGS

The new Vinnies Wendouree Shop moved a few doors up from 1247 Howitt Street to a much larger space on 1255 Howitt Street on 13 September. The new shop is five times larger than its former premises. A fresh new era of op-shopping has begun in East Ringwood with

the opening on of a Vinnies Shop at Burnt Bridge Shopping Plaza, 10/434 Maroondah Hwy 10 October. This month, Glenhuntly Road—Elsternwick’s iconic op-shopping mecca—welcomed a new addition, Vinnies Elsternwick Shop at 382A Glenhuntly Road.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY VICTORIA INC.Locked Bag 4800, Box Hill Vic 3128P 03 9895 5800 | F 03 9895 5850E info@svdp-vic.org.au | W vinnies.org.au

VICTORIA'S FIRST SHOP TURNS 90

WE ENDEAVOUR TO INCLUDE AS MANY ARTICLES AS POSSIBLE IN EACH ISSUE OF SOCIETYNEWS.YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME, PLEASE FORWARD TO: MEDIA@SVDP-VIC.ORG.AU

CALENDAR DATESVinnies Moments Newsletter 13 October to 13 November 2017

Annual General Meeting Saturday 21 October 2017

Thanksgiving Mass Tuesday 14 November 2017

Vinnies Christmas Appeal 8 November 2017 to 25 January 2018

2018 Vinnies CEO Sleepout Thursday 21 June 2018

In August, St Joseph’s College in Ferntree Gully launched its 2017 “Tinnies for Vinnies” appeal. The appeal was started by the college several years ago and every year during the third term students collect non-perishable food, clothing and toiletries for the St Vincent de Paul Society. At the end of the term the goods are picked up from the college and shared among other conferences.Ferntree Gully Conference President, Jenny Keating, said: “St Vincent de Paul’s motto of ‘giving a hand up and not a hand out’ is practised daily as we go into the homes of people who have requested a visit and listen to the stories of young men, single mums and families struggling to make ends meet. It really is a humbling experience to be invited into these homes.” The employees and students were thanked for their support and donations over the years.

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s oldest shop, Vinnies Ascot Vale Shop, marked its 90th birthday on on 21 October.Opposition Leader and Federal Member for Maribyrnong and notable local resident, the Hon. Bill Shorten, made a special visit to join the celebrations and to share his personal gratitude for the role of volunteers in the Ascot Vale community.

Minister Shorten mingled with Vinnies volunteers, past and present, who have each been fundamental to the running of the shop over time.“Volunteers at our Ascot Vale Vinnies Shop are aged between 15 and 91 years, and have over 350 years of work experience at Vinnies between them,” said St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria CEO, Sue Cattermole.

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