‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here’

In the previous issue of The Record, I reflected on the many achievements, highlights and sources of Good Works conducted by the Society throughout the year. As I plan my 2024, I can see there is much more to do, and I am greatly looking forward to sharing the many experiences ahead of us with members, staff and volunteers.

The revitalisation journey - as epitomised in the scriptural quote above – that was charted by Congress 2023+ (now Congress+) in Sydney, continues to progress well, with the steady implementation of outcomes developed by delegates and endorsed by National Council.

As reported in this issue, the positive achievements of the event include the vision and roadmap for change, and the identification of 15 action areas across three core pillars: growth & revitalisation, diverse conference models and readiness for change.

I would encourage Congress delegates, along with all our members, volunteers and staff, to visit the Congress site to follow the progress of our agreed actions vinnies.link/ Congress-Delegates.

This issue covers a range of important issues, including our qualified support for the government’s changes to the Stage 3 tax cuts schedule. Other stories discuss our support for funding enhancements aimed at closing the gaps in life expectancy, wellbeing and other indicators between First Nations people and the broader population; our deep concern about the ongoing housing crisis, as highlighted in the recent AIHW report; and our efforts to encourage the government to take responsibility for the refugees taken from Manus Island detention and dumped in PNG’s capital of Port Moresby.

Members would be aware of the Society’s founding father in Australia, Fr Gerald Ward. He was born in London in 1806 and arrived in Australia in 1850 after being recruited to minister in the Melbourne mission by the pioneer priest Fr Patrick Geoghegan.

Fr Ward was familiar with the workings of the Society and established the first Conference in Australia at St Francis’ Church in Melbourne on 5 March 1854 – 170 years ago, as I write.

Fr Ward was quoted as saying upon its establishment, ‘The new conference aims to provide relief for the destitute, in a manner as much as possible permanently beneficial and the visitation of poor families’.
On 7 November 2008, former Chief Justice of Australia Murray Gleeson delivered the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Inaugural Gerald Ward Lecture.

In his concluding remarks, Justice Gleeson stated, ‘These brief reflections on the inspiration of Father Ward, and the work of the Australian Society that he founded, cannot do justice to the large and complex problem of providing for the homeless. They may, however, help to explain, and sustain, the admiration of the Society beyond the Catholic community’. I welcome participating with members of the Vincentian family from Victoria and across the country to celebrate the 170th Anniversary of the Good Works in Victoria.

At the invitation of David Kennedy, State President of Western Australia, I attended their State Council meeting on 8 February and was fortunate to meet several Subiaco conference members following Mass three days later. I was also pleased to hear from the leadership team of the continuing success of the Good Works being undertaken in WA, with a particular emphasis on the various homelessness services conducted in central Perth and outer suburbs.

A component of the State Council meeting included the election of the incoming WA State President. Two nominees presented themselves for election and I would like to congratulate Danny Cloghan – WA President elect. Danny will formally take on the role this June.

Prior to the meeting I was fortunate to meet two long serving members – Mrs Pat Bull and Mr Leo McManus. Both Pat and Leo were awarded the Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day 2024.

Their respective awards recognise their selfless contribution to numerous volunteer associations, including St Vincent de Paul Society. Pat has been a Society member for 60 years and Leo has contributed 17 years of service. On behalf of the Society, I heartily congratulate them both.

Finally, I was fortunate to attend the launch of Project Compassion 2024 in my local parish here in Launceston. It was wonderful to witness the enthusiasm of local primary and secondary school students and parishioners, both young and not so young, committed to ending poverty, promoting justice and upholding the dignity of all.