Autumn 2022 Record - The Record
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Record
The
Autumn 2022
The Society is a lay Catholic
organisation that aspires to live the
Gospel message by serving Christ in
Easter in the words of Pope Francis
the poor with love, respect, justice,
hope and joy, and by working to shape Easter brought radical news for all the world
a more just and compassionate society.
‘Easter is the event that brought radical news for every human being, for
This logo represents the hand of Christ history and for the world: the triumph of life over death; it is the feast of
that blesses the cup, the hand of love reawakening and of rebirth.
that offers the cup, and the hand of
suffering that receives the cup. Let us allow our lives to be conquered and transformed by the
Resurrection!’
Our Strategic Goals: Spirituality
and Membership, Our Advocacy, Our – Pope Francis, Regina Cæli, 6th April 2015
Governance and Leadership, Our Work
Together, Our Sustainability
The Record is published regularly each
To celebrate Easter is to allow Jesus to triumph
year by the National Council of the St ‘To celebrate Easter is to believe once more that God constantly breaks
Vincent de Paul Society in Australia. into our personal histories, challenging our “conventions”, those fixed
National Council ways of thinking and acting that end up paralyzing us. To celebrate
PO Box 243 Easter is to allow Jesus to triumph over the craven fear that so often
Deakin West, ACT, 2600 assails us and tries to bury every kind of hope.’
Phone: 02 6202 1200 – Pope Francis, Homily, 31st March 2018
Email: media@svdp.org.au
Web: vinnies.org.au
Editor: Toby oConnor (Selected by Greg Ryan, Mission, Spirituality and Pastoral Care Partner,
Design: Damon Carr Lismore Central Council St Vincent de Paul Society NSW)
damon.com.au
The St Vincent de Paul Society in
Australia acknowledges that we are
on Aboriginal land. We pay respects
to all traditional custodians. This Your input is appreciated
publication may contain images of Scan this code to
The Record is the national magazine of the St receive an email
deceased members of the Aboriginal Vincent de Paul Society in Australia, produced link to The Record
and Torres Strait Islander community.
quarterly at the National Council office in every third month.
They are used with the greatest
respect and appreciation. Canberra by our Secretariat staff with input
from Vinnies people around Australia.
Opinions expressed in this
publication are not necessarily In the previous issue we invited reader feedback
those of the publishers. about content and were pleased to see that
responses were extremely positive. We also
ISSN 2652-8894
noted a rise in subscription numbers, many of
them facilitated by scanning the QR code.
The St Vincent de Paul Society With the aim of making The Record even
in Australia consists of 60,000 better we welcome comments and editorial
members and volunteers suggestions. Please contact us through
who operate on the ground admin@svdp.org.au
through over 1,000 groups
located in local communities
across the country.
On the cover… Joy Bowen, Mission, Spirituality and Pastoral
Care Partner, Matthew Talbot Hostel, Woolloomooloo, Sydney with
one of Stephen Corry’s remarkable paintings of the life of Blessed
Frederic Ozanam and the founding of St Vincent de Paul Society.
The work was commissioned from Stephen, a recognised artist and a
Available online: companion of Vinnies, from funds raised on HMAS Adelaide, a Royal
record.vinnies.org.au Australian Navy ship whose chosen charity is the Matthew Talbot
Hostel. Full story on page 22.
2 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022
C L A I R E V I C T O R Y | frontlines
Leadership is a focus in
this election year
BY CLAIRE VICTORY • Support First Nations people;
O
• and Improve job security
ver the course of 2021
and assist the long-term
I had many reasons to
unemployed.
reflect on the concept of
leadership. There is also an overarching tax
Some leadership examples were reform policy aimed at providing
positive and inspiring: seeing the necessary funding for fostering
individuals and groups stepping economic justice and better life
up to lead their cohorts or opportunities across the Australian
organisations through the challenges community.
of COVID-19, and a number of Our policies for Federal Election
our female advocates, including 2022 are described in more detail
journalists, leading the charge Claire Victory
in the article on pages 16-17. We
against gendered violence and see these policies as valuable tools
mistreatment in the halls of power With this in mind National Council for members across the country
and workplaces around the country. has formulated a suite of election to draw on when advocating on
Disappointingly, some instances policies which we believe can behalf of the Society in the lead-
of leadership were shown to contribute to making Australia up to this year’s poll.
be lacking, with people in a fairer country if implemented
At its core, as confirmed by the
positions of power declining to – in full, or even in part – by
writings of our founders and other
take responsibility or to use their this or any future government. luminaries, the St Vincent de Paul
influential powers for good. National Council is grateful to Society is all about people, and
the small but passionate team in this is the continuing focus of this
In the St Vincent de Paul Society the National Secretariate, which
we subscribe to a servant leader publication.
has put considerable energy into
model of leadership. Following this project and is continuing to Those populating the pages of
Christ’s example, our model of support Society members nationally this first edition of The Record
leadership involves putting the for 2022 include our companions,
to advocate for our policies in the
needs of others before yourself; members and office-bearers,
lead-up the election.
uplifting and empowering others retail and other special works
and encouraging them to use their The Society’s policy positions volunteers, and our staff. As a
unique talents and capacities in the are informed by the experiences trusted national organisation with
service of the poor. of our members and their a grassroots presence, the Society
interactions with companions. is well placed to gain vital support
The Rule makes it clear that the
Society is concerned not only with They draw strongly on Catholic from political leaders, whether
alleviating need, but also with Social Teaching principles and they be incumbent or aspiring, in
identifying the unjust structures that are supported by evidence-based government or in opposition or on
analysis of social policy. the crossbench.
cause it and working to eliminate
the root causes of poverty and The five pillars were developed In the lead-up to the election, and
disadvantage. by National Council, including at all times, let us keep in mind
the State and Territory Council our values and our mission to
We are called to look towards
Presidents, in collaboration with strive for justice. As we commit to
sustainable development and
the National Council Social Justice fearlessly advocating on behalf of
protection of the environment for
Advisory Committee and the those who struggle to be heard,
future generations; to see social
Vincentian Refugee Network. let us consider the qualities of
justice issues from the perspective
those who seek to lead and
of those who suffer from injustice; Our policies are to – whether they have what it takes
to speak on behalf of those • Increase affordable housing to help build a more just and
who are ignored; to oppose
options and address compassionate society. R
discrimination; and to strive to
homelessness;
change attitudes and speak out
Claire Victory is the National President of
against unjust legislation and • Provide an adequate safety net; the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.
economic conditions. Assist people seeking asylum; She is a Member of the Plenary Council.
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 3
spirituality & membership
Celebrating the life of
Blessed Rosalie Rendu
O n 7 February this year
the Society and the
Daughters of Charity
remembered, commemorated and
hopefully celebrated the life and
up your precious
day to serve the
disadvantaged. And,
because you see Christ
in his poor, I know
contribution of one of our founders you will approach
Bl. Rosalie Rendu through the each one you visit
166th anniversary of her death, in with humility as their
the year 1856. servant.
Sr Rosalie was a significant voice ‘Always remember,
of influence for young university that if we had been
students in the 1830s, especially through the hardships
that of one Frederic Ozanam. In they have had to meet,
her lifetime she provided a great if our childhood had
example of humility, compassion, been one of constant
diligence and wise counsel, want, perhaps, we too,
possibly essential values for this would have given way
Board going forward, these values to envy and hatred,
led her to do incredible work with as I must admit have
those suffering in the depths of many of the poor in
poverty. this quarter.
During her time in the District ‘So, be kind and love,
where she worked for over 50
for love is your first gift
years Rosalie was a nurse, a
name, the new group of university to the poor. They will appreciate
justice of the peace, a catechist
students gained instant respect your kindness and your love more
for the street children, and
which they would not have had than all else you bring them.’
even a peacemaker between
otherwise. This was invaluable to
revolutionaries. She opened a free May these words of Rosalie guides
the beginnings of the Society and
clinic, a pharmacy, a school, an us again today as Members,
through this the good works of
orphanage, a childcare centre, a Volunteers and Staff in our
serving Christ in the poor in the
home for the elderly and a youth deliberations and discernments
Society truly began.
club for young workers. She was a working in the service of love, joy,
counsellor and advisor to many. There is much that Sister Rosalie respect, hope and justice being
can teach us. She is attributed with enlivened and inspired by the
Reading from the Song of
saying ‘Never have I prayed so determination and courage of those
Songs
well as in the streets’, and this a that we serve.
“Many waters cannot quench reminder that even as we give, we
love; rivers cannot sweep love receive. Sister Rosalie encourages To this we pray, Blessed Rosalie
away. us that we are not superior as we Rendu, through your closeness
go into the homes of people who with Christ and by your example of
If one were to give all the wealth humility, compassion and love for
are experiencing disadvantage,
of one’s house to obtain love, those most vulnerable continue to
that we have as much to learn as
Love would be utterly belittled” to teach, and that there is value guide us as you led Frederic and
in every human being. Even as his young companions.
With one hand she received from
we work we are blessed, and our May our service be open to the
the rich, with the other she gave
spirituality is not only applied by presence of Christ listening to
to the poor. She became known as
our good works, it is also nurtured the cry of the earth and the cry
the “good mother of all”. Sr Rosalie
by those good works. of the poor and may our actions,
influenced, encouraged, supported
and assisted Frederic Ozanam and Rosalie counselled Frederic, and I decisions and deliberations reflect
his companions to work with the believe she continues to counsel us this same profound love for those
marginalised. today, with these lasting words… we serve and those we walk with
in this service.
Because Rosalie’s good work had ‘God has already touched your
made her a recognised household heart, or you would not be giving Through Christ our Lord. Amen! R
4 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022
R O B E R T C R O S B Y | spirituality and membership
Honouring a lifetime of good works
BY ROBERT CROSBY
M aurice O’Donoghue speaks
with more than a hint of
humility when reflecting
upon his years of service as a
member of the St Vincent de Paul
Society.
‘I have just hung around a little
longer.’
Honoured with Life Membership
at St Mary’s Church, Corowa in
December 2021 in recognition of his
60 years of service, the 83-year-old
Wahgunyah farmer has performed a
variety of roles over that time, most
notably acting as secretary of the
local Corowa Conference for the Past Corowa, NSW Presidents (l-r) Arthur Campbell, Kevin Freeman & Peter Bates, Secretary
Maurice O’Donoghue, and President Paul Lemmon.
past 25 years.
Developing a unique ability to
succinctly reproduce handwritten ‘I never thought at the time whether While his role within the Society
and typed meeting minutes twice she donated any money for this is less consistent from earlier
a month in his role as secretary, duty. When you’re young you’re days, Maurice can still be found
the self-described ‘run-of-the-mill’ idealistic and it gave one pleasure to each Sunday helping to put away
member has seldom missed a be helping people.’ donated goods and fulfilling his
meeting since joining the Society on duties as Conference secretary.
11 December 1961. Among the other tasks he has
performed during his six decades ‘Now, my main thought is to allow
Born in 1939, without marrying, include visiting the needy in their those at the ‘Coalface’ to tackle the
Maurice has lived on the border of homes, hospitals and aged care, main work and I will be a back-up
the Murray River for most of his days cutting and delivering firewood, man when required.’
while spending his young working helping with the production of
life carrying out jobs on the railways Beloved by his fellow Conference
Christmas hampers annually,
and shearing sheep for 30 years. clearing out donation bins, members for all that he has done
fundraising and much more. over the course of 60 years, Maurice
Following the passing of his father remains humble as ever in the
in 1990, Maurice returned to his In reflecting on the impact Vinnies recognition of serving those in
family farm where he continues to is able to make in communities need within the community and
tend the land to this day. Through all every day, Maurice views individuals supporting fellow members.
that Maurice has seen over the years, coming together for collective good
attending Conference meetings as a key factor. ‘I cannot say that there’s been
and carrying out jobs as a Vinnies any overwhelming moments,
member has been a constant. ‘One gets a certain satisfaction when but naturally one gets a certain
one has arranged something that satisfaction when one has arranged
First attracting the attention of the makes the recipient better off…’ something that makes the recipient
Corowa Conference president better off.’
through his involvement with the ‘The saying is that one person
alone can only do so much, but a ‘Of course, working with generous
local church and Young Christian
group is able to achieve a lot more. people is itself a great reward.
Workers organisation, Maurice was
Experience is a great teacher, and a I’ve heard it said that we need the
invited to join Vinnies as a 22-year-
group of people are most likely to Society as much as it needs us, and
old.
have much more than an individual. I agree wholeheartedly.’ R
‘My first job was periodically Also, one does more collectively
mowing an old lady’s lawn,’ he because one doesn’t want to let the Robert Crosby is Communications
recalls. team down.’ Coordinator, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 5
spirituality and membership | R O B I N O S B O R N E
Food vouchers and hampers
are no longer enough
BY ROBIN OSBORNE
Mark Gaetani, State President St
Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania,
inherited not only his Italian-born
father’s surname but the ability to
respond quickly when opportunity,
or need, arises. This paternal trait is
serving the Society well.
F irst, some family history.
Luigi Gaetani was born in
Italy in 1932 and migrated to
Australia at the age of 19, arriving
at George Town on Tasmania’s
north coast where he spotted a
group of similarly aged locals on
the beach. One young lady, whose
name he learned was Edna, caught
his eye and before long she would
also capture his heart.
Mark Gaetani was born in George
Town, a company town based
around heavy industry – Comalco
and BHP – and dependent on
migrant labour. He completed Volunteers helping out at a Tasmanian ‘dining with friends’ program.
primary and early high school
studies at the Star of the Sea in ‘That’s all most outsiders know In late 2018 Mark was nominated
George Town before entering St about Vinnies,’ Mark says, ‘unless and endorsed for the position of
Patrick’s in Launceston for his you’ve been in a situation to need Tasmania State President, a rapid
senior years, moving on to study the Society’s help. Mercifully, I’ve move worthy of his fast-acting dad,
at the University of Tasmania’s not been, but I know plenty of folk and he regards his appointment
campus. He was awarded an who have.’ as ‘a wonderful honour and, of
MBA in 2011, at which time he course, a tremendous challenge.’
In 2016, when Mark was attending
was working in the regional The Society’s structure in the
a Launceston men’s group, one of
and agri banking area of the state comprises of three regional
the company asked out of the blue
Commonwealth Bank of Australia. councils (Southern, Northern and
whether he might be interested in
Mark’s CV confirms that he is North-West), with 28 conferences
joining Vinnies State Council as
someone who knows how many and around 258 members.
Treasurer.
beans make five: Manager – Volunteer numbers sit at around
Lending Services, Farm Finance ‘To put it mildly, I was surprised. 1000, their commitments including
Liaison Officer, Credit Controller, The State Council President the running of Vinnies shops,
Corporate Services Manager had apparently asked her Vice food vans and a popular support
and, just five weeks before our President to “scout around” and see program focused on Companions
interview, taking up a position in if he might find someone suitable known as Dining with Friends,
agricultural risk mitigation with a for the role. I met the President and which Mark speaks about highly.
Dutch international. agreed to take it on. As is the case Australia-wide, a
‘I loved it from day one and found situation made more complicated
While he’d always understood
that the values of the Society really by COVID-19, the attracting and
money Mark was less well
took hold of me emotionally. I retaining of new members and
acquainted with St Vincent de Paul
volunteers is a major challenge.
Society, apart from knowing we really feel it’s a calling and have
run op shops – doesn’t everyone? become involved ever since.’ ‘One approach paying dividends is
6 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022
Mark Gaetani
Members and staff at the opening and blessing of Vinnies Tasmania’s Community Hub at Somerset.
looking at our volunteer base, who team… we can no longer just rely Smithton. The development is
have been exposed to our Mission on food vouchers and hampers. scheduled for completion in June
and Vision, and seeing if they The challenges are so great, 2023, with tenants to take up their
might be interested is becoming especially homelessness and the residency soon afterwards.
a member or associate member,’ lack of affordable housing, and to ‘These initiatives, modern as they
Mark says, giving a special shout- succeed with major services and seem, are all underpinned by The
out to the state’s ‘very active’ programs we need to collaborate Rule,’ Mark stresses, ‘namely the
Membership Manager Melissa with other organisations in similar principle that no service should be
White. fields, including state and local considered foreign. The needs of
‘Melissa, who’s both an employee government.’ our companions are changing…
and a Vincentian, has recently This has included the establishment becoming more complex and
recruited 14 new members on the of three Vinnies community demanding, and the pressures are
North-West coast alone. She always hubs (Launceston, Somerset greatly inhibiting their opportunity
seems to be in her car, dropping by and Smithton) in buildings that for the kinds of social and
our community hubs, chatting with were formerly shops. Partners economic involvement the rest of
volunteers and family members, include Catholic Care Tasmania, us enjoy.
seeing if we might find a suitable Presbyterian Care and Uniting Care, ‘I want to expand their prospects,
slot for them.’ with connections to community and in the spirit of ‘working
When it comes to his own centres. together’ I believe we can do that
mission and vision, Mark Gaetani when our members, volunteers and
Perhaps the most ambitious
tends to think big, as important staff are working together for better
success story has been a major
as individual assistance for outcomes.’ R
social housing collaboration with
companions can be.
Centrecare Evolve Housing and
Robin Osborne is National Publications
‘I’ve set high expectations on our state government to develop 20 Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society National
Council and the management one and two-bedroom homes in Council.
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 7
plenary council update | C L A I R E V I C T O R Y
Seeking a ‘communion of communities’
In October 2021, the Catholic
Church in Australia gathered for
the first Assembly of the Plenary
Council to be held since the
second Vatican Council. The
members were commissioned and
participated in formation sessions
in preparation towards fulfilling
their role.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the first Assembly was conducted
online, with some attendees in
the same room (in Adelaide)
participating via Teams. On
8 December 2021, the document
First Assembly Proposals from Small
Groups and Individual Members
was published. The second assembly
will be held in Sydney in July 2022.
CLAIRE VICTORY, National
President, St Vincent de Paul to the Plenary Council, the Society
Society and a member of the acknowledged the need for greater
Plenary Council, reflects on the inclusion and an urgent recasting of fact to be
body’s work to date. church leadership and governance defined by its
at every level of the Church in
P
exclusionary
rior to the First Assembly Australia. practices and
of the Plenary Council in As the largest lay-led Catholic overriding concern
October last year, I did not organisation in Australia the St for itself.
realise what a huge moment the Vincent de Paul Society has a crucial The Plenary process has shown
Plenary would be for the Society role to play in the restoration of our that having a particular title doesn’t
and the Church in Australia. church’s credibility. necessarily make you a true leader;
Like many others, I am not yet I feel this responsibility keenly so many Catholics out there want
sure that the Plenary itself will and am both reminded of it and the Church – their Church – to be
achieve much in the way of actual, motivated to commit to it every day leading the way in love, compassion
significant outcomes. However, it that I am approached, as I have and advocating on behalf of those
has become clear over the past six been so often before, during and who are otherwise shunned,
months that the Plenary Council has since the First Assembly, by people neglected or punished because
unleashed something that will be keen to thank the Society for our of their gender or sexuality, their
impossible to simply push back into work in speaking up for those who refugee status or their poverty.
the box. are marginalised in our community. To transform itself, the Church must
Around the Plenary, and energised I have spoken with many Catholics strive to be more representative
and inspired by it, there is a whole who have felt shunned by the of the entire community it seeks
dialogue that shows no signs of Church, or who cannot in good to serve. We want our Church to
abating, and those conversations, conscience remain involved in the be known for its commitment to
and the relationships being formed same way as previously because the poor, not as passive recipients
through them, are powerful. They of our benevolence but as people
they or their loved ones have been
give me a real sense of hope central to the Church’s life and
hurt by discriminatory actions.
that the Church will emerge a mission.
Those of us who share these
better, more welcoming and more
concerns despair that the Church The Society strongly advocates for
inclusive entity in the near future.
that should be leading the way a Church that condemns clericalism
In the National Council’s submission in love and good works seems in and promotes a more transparent
8 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022
and accountable model where The National Council’s submission The thoughts expressed in this
hierarchical structures give way called for a paradigm shift from personal intervention were
to shared leadership, where an authoritarian, hierarchical, developed further in an article
wisdom is sought through a patriarchal model of church to published in Pearls and Irritations.
process of genuine dialogue a communion of communities
and inclusive vision. In a webinar hosted by ACCCR
engaged in dialogue, discernment
following the Plenary Council I
The Society has its own challenges and decision making around both
said too many people have been
on this front, and this National ecclesial and social concerns.
alienated because of the rigid
Council is working hard to It also noted that to transform application of dogma and canon
improve our own governance and itself the church must strive to be law established in the last 200
diversity at all levels, so that we more representative of the entire years or so. This is especially so
may serve as an example to the community it seeks to serve. It must for young people, divorced and
Church and the community. address clericalism and promote a remarried Catholics and LGBTQIA+
To that end, the National Council more transparent and accountable people.
has been working with other model where hierarchical structures
like-minded organisations that are give way to shared leadership and I hope the sentiment expressed
passionate about building a more where wisdom is sought through through all these efforts will be
inclusive church, committed to a process of genuine dialogue and reflected in the agenda for the
transparency and accountability. inclusive vision. second and final assembly of the
Plenary Council in July this year.
In September, I contributed to the During the Plenary Council I
launch of A Church for all: A guide contributed to a series of webinars I heard it said somewhere recently
to the Australian Plenary Council produced by Concerned Catholics that it is worth remembering
and Beyond. It’s an inspiring Canberra Goulburn in partnership that Jesus was an “itinerant,
record of two historic webinars with ACCCR. My particular focus unemployed Palestinian tradie”. I
hosted by the Australasian Catholic was inclusion, particularly around wonder what he would make of
Coalition for Church Reform, the LGBTQIA+ community. the evolution of his church? R
attended by thousands, in the lead
up to the first assembly of the I contributed to the ‘interventions’ Claire Victory is the National President of
Plenary Council of the Church crafted in my small group the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.
in Australia. (Speech is here) discussions. She is a Member of the Plenary Council.
Sr Joan Chittister, Dr Miriam Rose
Ungunmerr Baumann, Debra
Zanella, Robert Fitzgerald and Links to relevant material from SVDP website:
Professor Emeritus John Warhurst
all articulate in different ways the • 18 November 2021: Media Release
yearning for a different way of Vinnies National President to join discussion panel on future of
“being church” in the 21st century. Catholicism in Australia
It is packed with wisdom and • 26 October 2021: Article
insight, with brave and prophetic Were the good old days in the Catholic Church really that good?
statements and observations. I
hope it will be read widely by • 10 September 2021: Media Release
Book Launch: Church is living and working with the poor
people who are hanging on by
their fingernails. • 9 September 2021: Speech
Book Launch: A Church for all – A guide to the Plenary Council
As a Member of the Plenary
and Beyond
Council I have contributed in my
role as the National President in a • 9 August 2021: Media Release
number of ways. Vinnies National President to participate in historic Catholic
Church Plenary Council meeting
Enlightened ideas were captured
in the 17,500 submissions to the • 23 July 2021: Submission
Plenary Council but were not National Council Submission to the Plenary Council
necessarily reflected in the agenda.
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 9
spirituality and membership
‘Core principles’ of social
Catholicism inspire new book
A fresh reflection on Catholic
Social Teaching, the
principles underpinning the
St Vincent de Paul Society’s work
for over 150 years, was launched
before economy: and the sacred
can be found in the secular.
Frederic Ozanam’s writings
provided Pope Leo XIII with the
Catholic Social Teaching
Principles are…
1. The Dignity of the Human
Person: Freedom to be
foundations for the Papal encyclical
on 19 January 2022 by National
Rerum novarum, which was the 2. The Common Good: We are
President Claire Victory. Catholic
first social encyclical of the modern more connected than separate
Social Teaching: Dreaming as a
era in 1891.
Single Human Family was written 3. Subsidiarity: Participation and
by theologian Dr John Honner and ‘In helping to shape a charitable empowerment
is now available on the National organisation that was independent
4. Solidarity: Intense effort
Council’s website. of clerical control, yet both
profoundly Christian and absolutely 5. Preferential Option for the Poor:
Launching the work Claire
lay, Ozanam not only gave the Our priority
Victory said that in a world where
Vincentian spirit a new dimension
individualism trumps the common 6. Care for our common home:
but also anticipated the renewal
good, it is worth reflecting on the Dreaming as a single human
of the Church conceived at the
core principles that motivated our family
Second Vatican Council,’ Ms Victory
forebears and inspire us still. Catholic Social Teaching:
said.
‘As Vincentians the dignity of every Dreaming as a Single Human
‘The Honner report visits Frederic
human being is at the core of our Family is available here. R
Ozanam’s vision which influenced
work,’ she said.
the formation of Catholic Social
‘We oppose individualism as we Teaching; the evolution of the
commit to the common good. And principles in response to historical
we encourage the empowerment events; and exploration of the
of people through participation at six principles through the lens
whatever level might be possible. of Vincentian spirituality with
We stand with others who share an eye on their possible
these values and above all we applications in today’s social
defend our priority for people context.
living with the impact of the ‘The National Council
structural causes of poverty and commissioned this document to
disadvantage. In addition, we share inform the Society’s continuing
the care of our common home. commitment to accompanying
‘Catholic Social Teaching is the and serving disadvantaged
collective name given to the people and its engagement
church’s formal pronouncements in the social, economic, and
– authorised by papal encyclicals – political discourse that shapes
on matters of social structures and our society,’ Ms Victory said.
social justice since 1891.
‘It is grounded in the critical social
questions of the day and draws
on contemporary economics, and
social and political sciences.
‘A lead founder of the Society,
Frederic Ozanam, was a pioneer
in articulating a Catholic response
to capitalism and communism and
was instrumental in shaping ‘social
Catholicism’. The key features of
Ozanam’s social Catholicism remain
relevant today: the personal comes
before the political: equality comes
10 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022M A R I A N G U Y E N | youth
The Vincentian spirit
amidst a global pandemic
BY MARIA NGUYEN The populations are similar – in held for staff, in part to advise on
‘B
almost every way they are problematic scenarios, and in part
ut I feel fine!’, the vulnerable. Disenfranchised, wary to debrief. Nurses learnt to use
woman insisted, as she of authority, struggling to survive tablet devices to connect patients
sat there inhaling the (literally gasping for air), they come to their families, sometimes in
oxygen streaming out of her nasal – sometimes begrudgingly accepting heartbreaking situations.
prongs, the first of a variety of help and care, and in the same
oxygenation devices that have As this pandemic recedes, the
breath accusing medical staff of
become a cornerstone to COVID-19 rising need for ongoing financial
withholding special treatments and
treatment. and social support for the survivors
cures, of not giving the full story.
of COVID-19 will continue. In the
‘Do I really need to stay?’ Broken people trying to be saved by end, it is the poorest and more
‘I’m sorry, you really do need to a broken system. Our “grassroots” vulnerable of our community that
stay,’ I would explain, calmly but public health service desperately COVID-19 affects, and the need that
firmly. ‘Your body simply won’t get looking to the government for arises from the pandemic can feel
enough oxygen otherwise. Your strong leadership and change in a impossible to overcome. But hope
lungs are essentially failing because time of crisis. prevails in the Vincentian spirit.
of the virus.’ The response? Often too little too ‘Let us do without hesitation
I would have these sorts of late. whatever good lies at our hands’…
conversations over and over, with And then there’s the crippling Frederic Ozanam knew that
patient after patient, as I worked effect of COVID illness on whole service to our Companions can be
through the latest COVID-19 families. The descent into poverty, overwhelming at times, and spoke
wave as a junior doctor in a we are told, can begin with a single of our need as volunteers to not
busy metropolitan hospital. My event, and can happen to anyone work beyond our means, to go
job was to assess patients who – someone injures themselves, and gently. But, like the story of the
had presented to the Emergency then loses their job. In this case, it’s first work – the nervous offering of
Department and, if they were a microscopic virus. some leftover wood to a widow – it
unwell enough, clerk them for a is the dignity of the person that
longer stay in hospital. Entire family structures broke should remain foremost in our
down as one or more family minds, reminding me of an old
Community fatigue at the COVID members became unwell and were aphorism passed down through
pandemic has become more hospitalised. Partners, siblings, centuries of medicine: our role
than palpable, and the fatigue parents and their children alike,
experienced in our public hospital being ‘To cure sometimes, to relieve
admitted for the same illness but often, and to comfort always.’
system, into the third year now, is with varying degrees of severity.
overwhelming. Sick patients have Over the past two years I’ve told And so just as Vincentians across
appeared in an unrelenting march, a mother with only mild oxygen the country continue to reassure
filling the Emergency corridors as requirements that her daughter those we visit, facing first time
Victoria announced a Pandemic was intubated and critically unwell disadvantage, or another setback in
Code Brown. in Intensive Care. I told a parent the course of long-term adversity, I
Beds were sparse, and patients that both their children needed to tell my patient, ‘You’re going to be
were shuttled around hospitals be transferred urgently to another okay. We’re going to give you all
in an effort to find space. Family hospital for life-saving treatment. the treatment we can.’ I patiently
and friends were prohibited from I told a young man, practically answer all her questions. When she
visiting all but the sickest of their a teenager, that despite maximal tells me she is unvaccinated, I don’t
loved ones. Frustrations ran high. treatment, his father looked like he judge. And when she says, ‘Thank-
was dying of COVID illness. Could you,’ I like to think it is not just for
As a somewhat lapsed Vincentian the treatment I offer but for simply
he visit his father? No – he was too
(home visitations and Kids Days being present with her, just as the
unwell with COVID himself.
Out had been replaced by stay- Society continues to be present to
at-home orders and long hospital The ramifications that unfolded, our Companions. R
shifts), I couldn’t help but notice the including at times, bereavement,
similarities in the Vincentian Works saw social work being engaged Dr Maria Nguyen is a medical practitioner
that I’ve done in the past, and the in new, complex ways. Regular and a member of St Vincent de Paul Society’s
medical work that I now do. multi-disciplinary meetings were Spirit of Youth committee.
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 11youth
‘People are the most important thing…’
Maddy Forde addressed the understanding or
6 October 2021 session of the vocabulary, so
Assembly of the Plenary Council I speak instead
Plenary Council, focusing on the from a place
challenges facing young people at of experience,
this time in history. where there is
uncertainty and
M addy (Madeline) Forde’s
home is originally
in Kaurna Country
(Adelaide). She was educated in
a Marist school and has spent the
fear that the
reality is not
being accepted.
The reality of
increasing mental
past six years working alongside health rates,
young people for the Marist the reality of
Brothers, De La Salle Brothers and young people
Sacred Heart College in Youth facing increased
Ministry. insecurity in all
She is currently residing in areas of their
Bidjigal and Gadigal Country Maddy Forde lives, the reality
(Sydney) studying a Masters of of climate change,
Social Work, whilst working as a youth advisory body established the reality of the challenges our
campus pastoral associate with the by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, First Nations brothers and sisters
Australian Catholic University on Family and Life. Her appointment encounter daily.
Dharug Country (Blacktown), and was welcomed by the Archbishop We forget at the core of these
as a support worker with people of Adelaide Patrick O’Regan realities are people.
with disabilities. who said, ‘She is energetic, has a
preferential option to stand with I look at the people who made me
Maddy says she is driven to feel welcomed within the church,
redefine our perception of the marginalised and is a strong
young woman of faith. She will that fostered and supported my
peripheries, and people on the growth as a young woman with
margins, challenging the discourse make an invaluable contribution as
she takes on this role.’ love, care, compassion, and role
to recognise everyone is at the modelling to encounter everyone
centre of their own worlds: ‘So Maddy has facilitated national in our lives with love, love being
we accept the invitation to take dialogue between young people the greatest gift we have to offer
the time to sit with and amongst and bishops at the Australian others.
people learning from them. By Catholic Youth Festival and is also
doing this we are providing a a member of the Plenary Council I look at the people who made
space in which everyone feels safe, for the Archdiocese of Adelaide. me feel safe, welcomed and gave
heard and unconditionally loved.’ me that ability to encounter the
goodness of the faith, who have
She has connected with First Maddy Forde’s address to now left the church. I still see in
Nations communities as well as the Plenary Council… them, the goodness, and the love
others in Cambodia, emphasising they offer to others, and I still see
ethical engagement with reciprocal NIINA MARNI (Hello in Kaurna
God and the love of God, outside
learning from communities to Language)
of the church walls.
visitors. She feels privileged to be I speak from the unceded lands of
journeying with young people, It breaks my heart that the
the Bidjigal and Gadigal people,
walking alongside them, and goodness they introduced me to,
and pay my respects to Elders past,
watching them grow to be the they no longer feel for themselves.
present and emerging.
best version of themselves whilst But I understand because I feel the
being confident leaders for the I acknowledge my privilege but same tension.
betterment of our world. also recognise I am in a vulnerable
I witness a church guarding
position as a young female,
Now 25, Maddy Forde has been tradition and choosing to ignore
speaking these words.
appointed to the international the pain they have caused, and
I don’t have a theological still cause. Words are not enough
12 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022Membership and
Conferences
because our actions offer no Membership
learnings. I chose to no longer use
the word church as I feel we are There are three categories of membership of the
so far from its core of love, and Society. Conference members are those who belong
inclusion, it no longer has the same to the grassroots groups within the Society known as
meaning. conferences. They live their Catholic faith in action
through the spirit of Christian charity. Associate
I have listened to young people members are those who are committed to the ethos,
within our community who say mission, aims and objects of the Society and who assist
they don’t belong because of the work of the Society, but do not attend conference
their gender and their age. I have meetings. Volunteer members are those who respect
witnessed young people excluded, the ethos, mission, aims and objects of the Society and
and their future taken away, who volunteer in any of the Society’s works. Associate
because of who they love. and Volunteer members are registered by procedures
Where in this, is the unconditional established by the relevant State or Territory Council.
love I grew up hearing about? Please visit the Become a Member section of this
website for more information.
What God do we show to young
people in this? Are we really
offering unconditional love,
acceptance, and safety? Conferences
Where is our focus? Who is at the A conference can be established within any
centre? community such as a parish, town, suburb, school,
The answer for me is from a Maori university, workplace, ethnic or social group providing
proverb: they are endorsed by an appropriate Council within
the Society. Conference members meet regularly,
He aha te mea nui o te ao usually weekly but at least fortnightly and no work of
What is the most important thing charity is foreign to them. Together they visit people in
in the world? their homes, in hospitals, institutions or wherever else
He tangata, he tangata, he they may be found needing aid or comfort. Conference
tangata work is not limited to home visitation; members also
It is the people, it is the people, meet and pray together at other times. To read more
it is the people R about the role of prayer in conferences please visit
Spirituality of the Society. R
For more information on the Council visit
plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au
Meet the National Council Board
national president national secretary tas state president
Claire Victory Ryan Erlandsen Mark Gaetani
national deputy president canberra goulburn president vic state president
Warwick Fulton John Feint Kevin McMahon
spiritual adviser provisional nsw state president wa state representative
Sr Therese Haywood DC Denis Walsh David Kennedy
vice president nt president
Read more here. R
Maurie Ryan Jocelyn Cull
vice president qld state president
Patrick Wallis Dennis Innes
national treasurer sa state president
Paul Trezise Brad Hocking
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 13refugees & asylum seekers
From Vietnam to Vinnies…
refugees give back to S.A. community
St Vincent de Paul Society S.A. President Brad Hocking, fellow Vincentians and members of the Vietnamese community with the donation.
T he generosity of former
refugees from South
Australia’s Vietnamese
community is helping refugees and
asylum seekers become job ready
(members) opened their arms to
welcome me and thousands of other
Vietnamese refugees after the fall of
Saigon in 1975, and now we want
to open our arms to today’s refugees
values in a strange new world,’ he
said at the cheque presentation
ceremony at Kilburn.
‘Four decades later asylum seekers
and help in any way we can.’ and refugees face exactly the same
and obtain employment through a
challenges as we did.’
program developed by the Vinnies Mr Ngo fled communist Vietnam at
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service. the age of nine with his older sister The Association had funds
and her young family, travelling remaining after the completion
Total contributions to the project
on a small fishing boat across the of the monument honouring
reached $100,000 and the funds
sea with 32 other refugees. After Vietnamese boat people, located
will be used to expand a program
a year and a half in a Philippines at the corner of Victoria Drive and
providing English language tutoring,
refugee camp they were accepted Kintore Ave, city.
assistance with job applications, and
financial support for training. by Australia in 1981. St Vincent de Paul Society S.A.
The first Vietnamese-born Member President Brad Hocking said
Hon. Tung Ngo MLC, co-chair and
founder of the Vietnamese Boat of the South Australian Parliament, Vinnies members were there to
People Monument Association, Mr Ngo said he remembers the greet the Vietnamese refugees at
presented a donation of $50,000 to kindness and practical assistance the Pennington Migrant Hostel at
the St Vincent de Paul Society S.A. given to him and other refugees by Rosewater and played an important
church groups such as Vinnies. part in their resettlement as new
‘Members of the South Australian Australians. R
‘Many Vietnamese were virtually
Vietnamese community remember
destitute on arrival and faced an
first-hand the plight of refugees,’ Mr A version of this story appeared in The
uphill battle finding work, while
Ngo said. Southern Cross, the official publication of
also trying to acclimatise and come the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide, in
‘Australians such as Vinnies to grips with the largely western December 2021.
14 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022R O S E B E Y N O N | our advocacy
2022 Federal Budget and Reply
BY ROSE BEYNON
N ational Council’s media
release on the Federal
Budget and reply outlined
the Society’s concerns about
the lack of detail and practical
solutions needed to address
housing and homelessness and
inadequate JobSeeker, DSP and
Parenting Payment (Single).
Some announcements were
welcomed in the budget strategies
of the major parties, including
one-off payments to pensioners
and welfare recipients, one-off tax
rebates for low and middle income
earners, an additional 16,500 places
for Afghan nationals, increased
wages and standards in aged care,
additional support for child care
and constitutionally enshrining a
Voice to Parliament. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg with last year’s Budget paper. This year’s Budget, and the
Opposition’s reply, did not present adequate measures to assist Australians in real need.
However, members are witnessing
the challenges faced by infrastructure projects, not a single Assistance or to find a replacement
companions struggling with rising cent has gone towards increasing for the National Rental Affordability
cost of living pressures and not social and affordable housing. Scheme, which funded 38,000
being able to afford healthy food, newly built rental homes for key
While the First Home Guarantee
pay their rent and utility bills and Scheme has been extended, workers and other disadvantaged
put fuel in their cars. leading economists consider it is renters to be leased at 75-80 per
unlikely to offset the impact of cent of market rates.
While financial assistance is always
welcome, one-off payments do deteriorating affordability and rising Finally, much has been made of
little to help people who are mortgage rates. Price caps also limit the record low unemployment rate
disproportionally at risk of poverty where purchases can be made. of 3.75 per cent but ‘employment’
– those on JobSeeker, single UNSW/ACOSS research shows is defined as working one hour or
parents, young people and people that rent increased to over 8 per more in the reference week.
living with disability. And it won’t cent by Q3, 2021 - the fastest rate The reality is that underemployment
lift 774,000 children out of poverty. of increase in over a decade and and long-term unemployment
The Australian Government’s far ahead of wage growth (1.7 per are static and remain of concern,
Infrastructure Plan 2021 for the first cent). Regional rents surged by 12.4 particularly when coupled with
time identifies social housing and per cent in the year to August 2021. low and slow wage growth, which
associated energy issues as part National Shelter Australia’s has failed to keep pace with
of social infrastructure. It notes research shows that there is cost of living pressures. Ongoing
that housing quality, supply and currently no affordable rental commitment to, and review of,
design are inadequate across the housing in Australia for single well-targetted wage subsidies and
country and recommends increased pensioners, people on JobSeeker, vocational training programs is
investment and improvements pensioner couples and single needed. So too, is a redefinition
to the standard of dwellings to part-time working parents also of casual work, with pathways to
address the growing shortfall of on benefits, apart from in permanency implemented. R
housing and provide a greater regional South Australia.
range of housing types. Rose Beynon is National Director Policy
Yet, no commitment was made and Research, St Vincent de Paul Society
Yet, of $17.6 billion committed to to increase Commonwealth Rent National Council.
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 15our advocacy | R O S E B E Y N O N
The Society’s Federal Election statement
BY ROSE BEYNON
St Vincent de Paul Society’s National
Council, in collaboration with State
and Territory Council Presidents,
the National Council’s Social
Justice Advisory Committee and
the Vincentian Refugee Network,
has developed a Federal Election
Statement for use by members when
advocating on behalf of the Society
in the lead up to this year’s Federal
Election.
T he Society’s policy positions
are informed by the
experiences of our members,
PHOTO: DANIEL MORTON ON UNSPLASH
companions, volunteers and staff.
They strongly draw on Catholic
Social Teaching principles, and are
qualified by Australia’s evidence
base on social policy.
There are many social justice issues
that are close to the hearts of our
members and, most importantly, that
impact on companions. However,
to make the documents accessible
Provide an adequate safety net process, temporary protection
and effective in reaching their target
• monitor poverty and inequity visas and offshore processing
audiences, National Council decided
to hone its messaging to five key • establish an independent • fund an adequate safety net for
policies or ‘asks’. advisory body to advise people seeking asylum
Government on levels of
The theme of the Federal Election • support family reunion for all
Statement is A Fairer Australia income support payments
refugees
and the ‘asks’ are to: • increase the base rate of
• make detention a last resort.
working age payments
Increase affordable housing Let asylum seekers to live in
options and address • index income support payments the community while their
homelessness biannually in line with wage immigration status is resolved.
• develop a 10-year National growth and CPI, and
Housing Strategy Support First Nations people
• increase the earnings threshold
of income support payments • commit to the 2017 Uluru
• establish a $10 billion Social and
Statement from the Heart by
Affordable Housing Fund
Assist people seeking asylum constitutionally recognising
• increase Commonwealth Rent • accept an annual minimum of First Nations people and
Assistance by 50 percent 20,000 refugees, excluding the then implementing a Voice to
• reinstate the National Rental Community Support Program Parliament
Affordability Scheme • recognise the ongoing need to • raise the age of criminal
• fund the National Low Income offer additional places above responsibility from 10 to at least
Energy Productivity Program the annual humanitarian intake 14 years of age
• develop national minimum in response to crises as they • fund Aboriginal-controlled
standards for renters and arise organisations to meet the 17
landlords • end the fast-track assessment targets in Closing the Gap
16 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022Improve job security and assist The website contains short videos their local electorates. Hopefully,
the long-term unemployed prepared by National Council these materials can support you in
• redefine casual work and create members on each of the five ‘asks’. that work. Be confident in knowing
pathways to permanency A report card will be added to that your voice and experience
• develop a national system of the website that monitors policy resonate strongly with those who
mandates released by parties seek to represent us in Federal
labour hire licencing
during the election period and Parliament.
• review mutual obligation
assesses the extent to which they To facilitate the information sharing
requirements and employment meet the Society’s asks.
programs process, please send any feedback
An Australia-wide webinar, held in received from candidates to
• invest in wage subsidies and svdpfedelect@svdp.org.au.
early April, was well attended by
vocational training programs members from across the country. We are in this for the long haul.
Key speakers included Claire Our aim is to raise the issues that
A Fairer Australia comprises the
Victory, Dr Tim McKenna and affect our companions, to be a
following materials, also available
Associate Professor Ben Phillips.
on the website: voice for the voiceless and to
The webinar was an opportunity
• A brochure summarising the five have the opportunity to influence
to go through our Federal Election
key ‘asks’ policies that affect that wellbeing of
Statement and discuss how best to
so many.
• A booklet with one page advocate on key issues.
on each of the policy ‘asks’, We fully appreciate your support.
National Council Secretariate will
providing further information on email A Fairer Australia to the Special thanks go to St Vincent
what action is needed and why main political parties seeking their de Paul NSW for their help with
• Position Statements on People feedback, as well as to targeted drafting the Position Statement
Seeking Asylum, Housing and electorates (determined by State on People Seeking Asylum and
Homelessness, Poverty and and Territory Presidents), sitting to Refugee Council of Australia
Inequity, Catholic Social Teaching MPs and the half Senate. for reviewing it, and to the ANU’s
and Welfare and Tax Reform. Media releases, opinion pieces and Centre for Social Research and
social media activities will increase Methods for their work on the
• Source documents that identify
during the election period. Welfare and Tax Reform paper. R
relevant sections cited in the
Society’s submissions, along As always, National Council will be Rose Beynon is National Director Policy
with references used in the guided by members on how best and Research, St Vincent de Paul Society
development of policy materials. to raise issues with candidates in National Council.
S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 17refugees & asylum seekers
Taliban takeover highlights need to
boost refugee intake
I n mid-February 2022, on
the eve of the six-month
anniversary of the takeover of
Afghanistan’s capital Kabul by the
Taliban militants, representatives
and leaders from across the faith,
veteran and Afghanistan-Australian
Advocacy Network communities
met with Federal MPs to urge
greater action to help people
fleeing the country.
Delegates at the Parliament
House meetings included Dr Tim
McKenna, Chair of the St Vincent
de Paul Society’s Refugee Network
and an Advisory Group member
of the Catholic Alliance for People
Seeking Asylum (CAPSA).
The Society is a member of CAPSA The violent imagery from Afghanistan’s decades of war
has found its way into one of the country’s famous art
and, together with CAPSA, supports forms, handwoven wool rugs. This example is part of
Christians United for Refugees in the exhibition “I weave what I have seen: The War Rugs
of Afghanistan” that emerged from a research project
its calls for Australia to do more to undertaken at the Australian National University by Tim
help the Afghan people. Bonyhady and Nigel Lendon.
‘The scale and severity of the Afghan
humanitarian crisis continues to
worsen,’ Dr McKenna said. ‘We have nowhere else to go.
Australia is our home, but we
‘CAPSA reiterates its call on
cannot call it our permanent home.’
the Australian Government to
announce a special intake of at Six months since the fall of Kabul,
least 20,000 humanitarian visas CAPSA acknowledges the pain felt
for vulnerable people from by many at this time. In the last
Afghanistan additional to our 183 days, the world has witnessed
annual humanitarian intake. ongoing violence, targeted
‘Catholic Church agencies, parishes, persecution and widespread
schools, and community groups are devastation in Afghanistan at the
already assisting Afghan refugees. hands of the Taliban regime.
We stand ready to do our part in Taliban, the Australian Government
In addition to an immediate
a more ambitious, compassionate has still not provided permanent
protection to refugees like me who additional intake of at least 20,000
response.’ resettlement places for people from
have been living in Australia for
The forming of the delegation ten years in permanent limbo,’ said Afghanistan, CAPSA has called for
came following the Federal Zaki Haidari, a refugee leader on permanent protection for refugees
Government’s announcement that a temporary visa from Afghanistan on temporary visas in Australia and
15,000 places would be allocated and Leadership Coordinator at expedited family reunion pathways
to refugees within existing the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) for families of people from
Humanitarian and Family Visa Australia. Afghanistan already in Australia.
pathways over a four-year period. At the meeting and later to the
‘Refugees on temporary visas in
CAPSA called this an inadequate media the Immigration Minister,
the community are under extreme
response that would create no Alex Hawke, said the government
stress because we cannot sponsor
additional places for those fleeing
their families, cannot plan for the would have more to say on the
Afghanistan.
future, and cannot contribute to issue in ‘the weeks and months
‘Six months after Kabul fell to the Australia as we would want to. ahead’. R
18 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2022You can also read
