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Our Structure

Governance & Management

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation made up of 10,000+ members, volunteers and employees. In Victoria, the Society is governed by State Council which consists of members who represent the members and volunteers, and oversee the strategic direction of the Society.

The members of State Council are made up of eight elected members and up to a further seven appointments that may be made by the State President. The term of office for elected members is for up to four years with retirements occurring at any time during the year.

In addition State Council relies on external expertise for specific roles. Advisers are appointed and attend State Council as required to assist our work in legal, risk management, spiritual and other special areas.

Michael Quinn

MICHAEL QUINN

STATE PRESIDENT

Michael Quinn was elected Victorian State President on 19 February 2022.

Michael’s involvement with the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria began in 1992 when he joined the Langwarrin Conference. Michael has worn many hats in the Society. In addition to his local volunteer work, he was the previous Deputy State President, chair of the Retail Advisory Committee, board member of the SVDP Victoria Board, VincentCare Victoria, VincentCare Community Housing and was the Bendigo Regional President.

Michael is an active member of his community and believes in engaging young people and harnessing the youthful spirit of the Society's Mini Vinnies and College Conferences. He passionately believes that young people are the future of the Society in Australia. Among Michael’s proudest achievements has been establishing the East Timor Scholarship Fund at Comoro Technical College in Dili in 2001, which provides 50 scholarships a year.

Paul Turton

PAUL TURTON

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (acting)

Paul has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the social and community sector.

Appointed Interim CEO St Vincent de Paul Society Group in November 2022, Paul has held senior positions at VincentCare Victoria since 2018, including General Manager, Homelessness Services and Executive General Manager - Client Services. Prior to this, he was Acting Director – Homelessness Services and Senior Manager - Youth and Family Services, Melbourne City Mission.

Paul has a wide range of experience in strategic leadership and planning, development of high performing teams, group facilitation and workplace coaching, and clinical and professional supervision, mediation and counselling.

He is currently serving on the Boards of the Council to Homeless Persons (Vic) and Catholic Social Services Victoria.

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