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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-07-03 Daily Xml
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ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:41): I rise today to speak about the St Vincent de Paul Society, which I am sure is better known to most people by its nickname or shortened version, that is, Vinnie's. Although we know the public face of this organisation—and we know it very well—and something about the various services that it provides, I was not aware of its history and background and I found it most interesting and, hence, the reason for my relaying it to members today.

The St Vincent de Paul Society raises money through corporate and private donations. government grants and the sale of clothing, toys and household items through the familiar Vinnies Family Centres. Most labour is on a volunteer basis which helps to keep costs down. There is a wide range of services provided by the society including an emergency men's shelter for those experiencing homelessness. It is called the Vincentian Centre and has been operating continuously since 1961. It is located in Whitmore Square. This service can accommodate up to 49 men each night. It provides meals, showers and a clean, safe and dignified environment to stay. The centre also links men with other services that assist in breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Throughout Australia the society operates a number of disability vocational services that coordinate supported employment for people with intellectual or physical disabilities. The aim is to provide an opportunity for people living with a disability to learn and develop skills through meaningful employment in a productive and positive environment.

The Frederic Ozanam Housing Association provides affordable housing for low-income earners including the aged, refugees, single-parent families and people living with a disability. Properties are located throughout the metropolitan area.

Trained budget counsellors are available for critical life incidents such as unemployment, displacement or chronic illness. Long-term effects of welfare dependence includes loss of self-esteem and a sense of powerlessness. Counsellors address this by taking the time to assist people to use improved budget strategies and to develop practical ways of living successfully and within their means.

Fred's Van is a service that feeds the homeless and hungry at seven sites across Adelaide, and there is a site in Port Lincoln. This vital service provided over 24,500 meals and distributed some 2,500 blankets and 1,000 books in the last year alone.

The St Vincent de Paul Society also plays an active part in helping newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers at a time when assistance is critical to them. In addition to emergency accommodation, the society provides ongoing counselling, housing and immigration information, material assistance, and advocacy where required. Time prevents me from detailing all the services offered and this is just a short list of some of the main services.

I do wish to provide a short history of the society, however. It has its roots in early 19th century Paris. At that time there was great social upheaval following the French Revolution. Many people moved to the city to find work but, of course, there was very little to be found. In 1832 a cholera epidemic swept through Paris killing up to 1,200 people per day. Slums quickly formed and homelessness, disease and starvation were common.

A young Catholic student by the name of Frederic Ozanam walked through the poorer suburbs on his way to university lectures. He saw firsthand the poverty and hopelessness around him. Ozanam and a group of friends were determined to satisfy their conscience and devote themselves to assisting those in need. They adopted the name, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, after the patron saint of Christian charity. They worked with nuns to visit people in the poor district. Within a year their numbers had swelled to 100, and in its first decade the society spread throughout 48 other cities in France and Italy and membership numbers grew to over 9,000. After some years, the society spread to Rome, England, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland and the United States of America.

Today, the society has about 700,000 members worldwide and operates in 148 countries. Many Catholic volunteers dedicate their time and resources to assist those in need in the community. In Australia, the society has engaged over 40,000 members and has many more volunteers. Vinnies Youth, the youth membership arm of the society in Australia, engages young people from the ages of 10 to 30 in the society's many works throughout the country.

The society recently held the CEO Sleepout throughout Australia, which members would be aware of, in order to raise awareness of homelessness and raise funds to assist homeless people. Since the inaugural Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Australian executives and members of parliament and others have raised over $8 million to support the society's work for those facing homelessness. The society is an excellent example of how ordinary people who deeply care about those around them can make a real difference to society, and Family First wholeheartedly commends the work they do.

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