Our structure

Our international structure

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia is a member of an international confederation committed to serving and supporting people in need in their local communities.  The confederation is governed by The Rule. 

Our structure in Australia

In Australia, the Society governs itself using a federated model, through a national council, six state councils and two territory councils.  The federation is governed by The Rule Part III. In accordance with The Rule, National Council is the Society’s superior council in Australia.

Our National Council, in collaboration with each State and Territory Council, authorises the establishment of the legal entities that operate in Australia in the name of the St Vincent de Paul Society.  These can include related entities established by a State or Territory Council.

Together, the nine councils assist the Society’s members to carry out ‘good works’.  Good works means serving and supporting people in need in their local communities.

Each of the Society’s nine councils in Australia is established as an incorporated body and each is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).  

Each of the Society’s Councils has members who are the directors of the board of incorporated body; Some Councils have appointed independent directors to the board of its incorporated body. 

Society Councils and the Society’s Members follow The Rule.

The Society’s employees and volunteers are engaged by the respective incorporated body established by each Council.  

Our members

We have over 10,000 members across Australia delivering good works in their local communities. Our members work in local groups, called ‘Conferences’.

Our Conferences provide the platform for Regional and State or Territory Councils.

Our volunteers

With over 20,000 Volunteers across Australia supporting the many different programs the Society delivers, volunteers are a key part of our Vincentian family. 

As a volunteer-run organisation, the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society is largely carried out by our members and our volunteers. 

Our employees

Across Australia we employ over 3,000 people in a diverse range of roles, from social workers and health experts to IT and store managers. Our staff are crucial to the delivery of our support services and networks across the country.

If you’re interested in a rewarding career within a caring, progressive and family-friendly environment, consider joining our staff.