Northern Territory St Paul’s Conference President
From the desk of Damian Legg

Happy Territory Day!

Welcome to the July edition of the Newsletter and thank you to all those who have contributed to it. Rob and Jocelyn are taking a well-earned break with their families.

Sadly, Peter Collins, a member of Holy Family Conference, passed away in June. We remember Peter, his family and Gary in our prayers and thoughts. Thanks to all those participants, organisers and supporters of this year's CEO Sleepout. The evening's program offered a really enriching event for participants. As I write just over $59,000 has been raised. People can still donate so spread the word!  This year homelessness week runs from 1 - 7 August. The theme is To end homelessness we need a plan.

We have our Christmas in July event on the 3rd to say thank you to all our volunteers. Whether you are working in the warehouse, Vinnies centres, Conferences, administration, archiving, emergency relief, the list goes on, your care, compassion, time and effort in partnership with our staff makes our good works possible.

NAIDOC week starts on the 3rd. This year's theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! I hope you can participate in some of the events across the Territory. The Society is committed to its aspiration for An Australia transformed by compassion and built on Justice.

On July 4, the Society celebrates its International Youth Day. The Society was initiated by young people and grew up through the courage, boldness and testimony of many young people. We say thank you to those young people involved in the Society and reflect on how all of us can embody the spirit of youth, characterised by enthusiasm, adaptability and creative imagination.  

July 22 will mark 77 years since the first record of Vincentian activity in the Territory which was a gathering of members of the armed forces from Australia and England in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.

The Society celebrates International women's day on 14 August in tribute to each and every woman who have taken part, and still do so today, in the work of the Society.

You can read the diversity of stories about the Society’s activities around Australia in the winter edition of the Society's quarterly publication, The Record, which is available online.

Please enjoy the newsletter and think about contributing to the next one.

Become a Volunteer

St Vincent de Paul Society offers our Volunteers training, mentoring and a chance to make a difference, with a few laughs along the way…

Applications available across the Northern Territory, Darwin Region, Palmerston Region, Katherine, Tennent Creek, Alice Springs

🤝Confidential Emergency Relief: Work with a mentor and receive training to become an Emergency Relief case worker who provides assistance to people in dire need of support at our Emergency Relief Centres. This work requires confidential information and data collation used in government reporting providing insight to the immediate needs of the poor and disadvantaged in the Territory. -Stuart Park -Palmerston -Alice Springs

🍜Ozanam House Day Centre for the Homeless: Preparing nutritious meals and serving all with understanding, compassion and without judgement. Fostering relationships based on respect, trust and friendship to restore dignity through laundry services, showers and bathroom facilities and community care work. -Stuart Park

🏪Vinnies Retail Stores: Community donations resold in Vinnies is our most active fundraising front. Accept and sort donations, maintain stock levels and create eye catching merchandising displays. Assist customers from all walks of life with enquiries and purchases. -Cavanagh Street -Stuart Park -Fannie Bay -Winnellie -Casuarina -Palmerston -Coolalinga -Katherine -Tennant Creek -Alice Springs

🚛Warehouse and Transport Services: Logistic operations team collects, sorts and delivers donations across town, helping to reduce waste in landfills. Receive training to operate a forklift and drive a truck on your automatic C-Class license and deliver donated furniture to families in need. -Coconut Grove to Great Darwin & Palmerston Region -Alice Springs

🛠Building and Maintenance: Use your handy-helper skills to build merchandising stands, shelves and racks for our retail stores to showcase and sell our donated stock. -Coconut Grove

⌨️Office Administration: Welcome visitors at reception, answer phones, direct enquiries, enter data, organise files, prioritise tasks, promote Office environment and engage with Vinnies mission vision and values to service those in need. -Casuarina

Required Documents: -COVID 19 mandate Vaccination Certificate. -National Police Clearance -Working with Children Check for people 15 years and older (Vinnies will work with you to collect these required documents). Under 15 years are welcome, however must have a Parent or Guardian with them whilst volunteering with Vinnies.

Our Volunteers come from all walks of life, working together toward a brighter future and in service of the poor. 

Reach out & register you interest: Darwin Office (08) 8948 8100 / volunteering@vinniesnt.org.au

Sleepout 2022 – Thank you Participants, Volunteers and Special Guests
Territory Leaders advocate for the Northern Territory!

On Thursday June 23^rd 2022 Top End Business Leaders shared the lived experience and harsh realities that 1 in 17 Territorians face daily…

Every morning to wake uncertain where they will sleep, shower, wash their clothes or get their next meal.   

Thank you for supporting our Territory Community:

Top End Sponsors

Darwin Trailer Boat Club

Big W Casuarina

Lay Group Asian – United Food Services

Bunnings Warehouse Darwin

Darwin Patchworkers and Quilting Club

Wilson Security

Larrakia Nation

ABC Radio Darwin

Ad Made

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

National Sponsors

Media Partners

Sky News

The Australian

Sponsors

Nine Network

oOh! media

The CEO Institute

Supporting Sponsors

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Keri Juice Blenders

Mount Franklin

Visy

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO?

Many families live below the poverty line, especially in the Northern Territory; parents can’t afford to put a meal on the table for their kids; people lose jobs and can’t afford to pay the rent; people have health issues that prevent them from working; people suffer addiction to alcohol and drugs, people live in danger due to domestic and family violence…

St Vincent de Paul Society’s good works and make a difference to our community by supporting people in need!

We’ve nearly raised $60,000

Mid Year TAX Appeal 

Vinnies NT

Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

Your support this TAX TIME will help provide emergency accommodation, financial support, as well as material assistance to help families to start again.

Food

Your donation can provide basics like food and toiletries for a parents and children after they have fled from an abusive situation, so they can survive the first few days.

Help with the essentials

Your donation can help cover essentials like bills, or larger expenses, such as whitegoods and furniture, so parents can provide a safe home for their children.

Support to keep safe

Your donation can help with rental bonds or payments so that parents and children can have a place of their own to start again.

CathCroc

Catholic Diocese of Darwin - supporting young people in their Faith journey.   

To further assist parents, grand parents, teachers, guardians and other carers involved in children’s faith life journey, the Catholic Diocese of Darwin has developed an animated character called CathCroc with whom children can engage and pose questions. After questions are recieved, periodically a video will be shared on the Diocesan digital channels featuring CathCroc acknowledging the question/questioner. CathCroc would then request Bishop Charles Gauci (who would also appear in the video) to share his thoughts and answer the question.

If you have any questions about the beautiful creations around us email askcathcroc@gmail.com

Bequest with Vinnies NT
Help those in need

Have you considered including the St Vincent de Paul Society in your Will? A bequest to the Society makes lasting positive change. It is a powerful reflection of the values and principles you treasure. It enables you to create a legacy of love and care for those who most need assistance and it will continue your life’s aims beyond your own lifetime.

If you would like to consider making your community a better place through a bequest to the Society, please contact us for a fact sheet or brochure detailing the Territory’s specific requirements.

Reflection on the life of an Darwin Vincentian
“In my life I want to become better and do a little good.” — Frédéric Ozanam

We cherish and remember the life of Vincentian Peter Collins who passed in June.

His career for over 20 years as a Travel Agent in Melbourne gave him many opportunities to travel which he enjoyed. This privilege gave him insights into community which he always found time to give back to. In his spare time he was an active member of his local Rotary Club and its community endeavours to provide goodwill through its services. Peter retired 4 years ago after health issues arose. When he was able, Peter returned to work in the service of others. His dedication and support of people in need connected Peter with the St Vincent de Paul Society for many years in Melbourne and his enthusiasm was welcome by the Society upon his move to the Northern Territory.  

Since Joining the Holy Family Conference in Karama Peter has been a very active member, quietly contributing to many areas of service within the Society. Peter especially enjoyed time with his partner in Garry Hynes  who were often together when donating their time to the Society. Peter attended mass and courses at both Holy Family Parish and Holy Spirit Parish and was well loved amongst the Conferences for his dedication and commitment to community works.  Peter contributed to Home Visitations and made connections with many of our companions. His gentle manner providing a kind ear to the people he met. Peter would diligently partake in Prison Visits with Father Dan and always brought with him a warm compassion for people in their trials. He was also active in the Society’s Emergency Relief Services in Palmerston and at Ozanam House in Stuart Park, meeting and helping many Territorians when they needed support most. In May of 2022 Peter flew to Canberra to participate in the National Spiritual Conference which thoroughly enjoyed.

Farewell Peter Collins

Christmas in July

All Vinnies Conference Members, Volunteers, Employees.

Thank you to all our Volunteers who donate their time and advocate for the Northern Territory Community throughout the year…

This year we are hosting a mid-year Dry Season celebration of our good works!

Looking forward to see you this Sunday evening 3^rd of July.

– If you have not RSVD’d and would like to attend please call Luci Lloyd on 0460 002 452

Thank you Volunteers and Vinnies Shoppers

Our Open Warehouse Sale was a huge success!!

Saturday June 25^th we held out end of financial year Open Warehouse Sale!

Vinnies Warehouse in Coconut Grove is a treasure trove of unsorted love and you never know what you will find…

Thank you to our Volunteers Hellen Currie, Liesel, Denise Ford, George Strickland, Judy Darley, you enthusiasm and joy was felt throughout the day, thank you for your help!!

Shout out to Jeremy and Shane who helped setup the event!

Vinnies made $5,300 thanks to shoppers who came down to support people in need!

Our Warehouse Sales are special events and this was our biggest and best sale yet!

C.T.M. Mobility Scooter is looking for a new home… See it for yourself on display in the Casuarina Vinnies Store!
Checkout the below Scooter Specs and a link to a price guide...

This beautiful piece of equipment is worth $7,455 brand new... And we would like to raise $4,000 in the resale... Are you interested!?

Checkout the below Scooter Specs and a link to a price guide...

The CTM HS 928 is a stylish new look scooter with LCD display, tiller storage compartment and large 15"tyres.

Heavy Duty Frame, Heavy Duty 800 Watt Motor, 38cm Front and Rear Wheels, Front & Rear Suspension, Hand Brake, Movable Tiller, Mirror, Head Light & Indicators, Captains Seat with Head Rest, New LCD Display, Tiller Storage Compartment, Maximum Speed 12.5 km/hr, 2 x 100 Amp Hour Batteries, Weight Capacity 226kg

🦼📞For more information call Vinnies NT Donations Team on (08) 8948 8113

The resale of this generous donation will go directly to helping Territorians in need through St Vincent de Paul Society Transitional Housing Facilities, Emergency Relief Services or our Ozanam House Day Centre for the Homeless. 🙏🙏🙏

Supporting Territory families since 1949.