Emergency relief and home visitation have remained the core focus of Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn for nearly 100 years. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) Canberra/Goulburn was born in 1924 with a single purpose – to provide support, friendship and material assistance to people in need across the region.
It’d be difficult to find a Canberran who isn’t familiar with Vinnies, but the ins and outs of the society’s work are a little more nuanced. They’re about more than offering second-hand goods in ‘op shops’.
Funds raised in stores support the work the society does through various programs across the community, 70 per cent of which run without government funding, including programs for disadvantaged youth and Night Patrol vans.
In many cases, it’s Vinnies’ network of conferences helping to carry out these good works.
Conferences are groups of member volunteers centred around a local area or region. There are no less than 49 in the Canberra/Goulburn region, with a task force of almost 500 volunteers.
“Conference members are the foundation of our society. They’re out there every day providing emergency relief and assistance to people in need, called ‘companions’, who have contacted our helpline,” community engagement and youth program director Patrick McGrath says.
“We average between 100 and 120 calls to our helpline every day in the Canberra/Goulburn region, more than ever before, thanks to the high cost of living and low housing affordability.
“Food and fuel are the big ones. Help with bills, white goods, clothing and connection to other services are also common.”
Conference volunteers understand one size doesn’t fit all so they take time to meet those asking for help, learn more about their situation and consider how best to go forward.
Without Vinnies stores, their services simply couldn’t operate.
Vinnies conference members can travel to companions’ homes or work from localised centres, depending on their location. Photo: St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn.
As manager of conference support, Siobhan Sweeney oversees the Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn helpline.
Helpline operators are the first point of contact for those needing assistance, an empathetic ear to assess their situation and needs, and connection between companions and local conferences or sister services.
“Coming up to Christmas Eve, I heard of a woman who was living in a car with her two children,” Siobhan says.
“Our volunteers were able to get them into emergency accommodation for a few nights so they could enjoy the holiday in a safe place with a proper bed to sleep in and somewhere to shower.
“I was then able to work with our other services for referral and case management, and ended up getting her back in contact with a family member who opened up their home to her and her children.”
Siobhan encourages anyone interested in volunteering their time to get in touch with Vinnies via their website, or email volunteer.cg@vinnies.org.au for more information.
“You can commit to as little or as much time as you like,” she says.
“The biggest thing to note is there’s a job for everyone, even if it’s just for an hour a month.
“Whether it’s out on the streets with night patrol, working on the helpline, sorting donations or visiting companions in their homes to check on their wellbeing, every role is important.”
If you or someone you know may need assistance, contact the Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn helpline on 6282 2722.
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