Summer 2021-22 Record - Vinnies
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Record
The
Summer 2021-22
Included in this bumper Christmas-New Year 2022 issue...
3 President’s Column 30 Uluru still at the centre
Claire Victory of Indigenous rights
The Society is a lay Catholic
debatesubmission
organisation that aspires to live the 5 Christmas Joy to end a
Robin Osborne
Gospel message by serving Christ in challenging year
the poor with love, respect, justice, Sr Therese Haywood DC 32 From the CEO
hope and joy, and by working to shape
a more just and compassionate society. 10 Called to Serve Together Toby oConnor
This logo represents the hand of Christ Claire Victory 34 Canberra/Goulburn farewells
that blesses the cup, the hand of love
12 Society’s work embodies the CEO Barnie van Wyk
that offers the cup, and the hand of
suffering that receives the cup.
spirit of Christmas 36 Govt grants Disability Royal
Our Strategic Goals: Spirituality 14 Youth have always been Commission extra time
and Membership, Our Advocacy, Our ‘notable drivers of innovation’ Robin Osborne
Governance and Leadership, Our Work Wina Zhu
Together, Our Sustainability 38 Inala family support centre
16 Community sector calls for celebrates 20 years
The Record is published regularly each
faster climate action Callum Johnson
year by the National Council of the St
Vincent de Paul Society in Australia. 17 Vinnies and Salvos join forces 40 New-look Vinnies shop
National Council on climate change opens in Dubbo
PO Box 243
Deakin West, ACT, 2600 23 New authority must develop 41 VincentCare joins Vic Govt
national housing strategy in big social housing build
Phone: 02 6202 1200
Email: media@svdp.org.au 25 The ‘we’ of community and 44 Lift-off for WA Youth
Web: vinnies.org.au Church includes migrants and Crew Project
Editor: Toby oConnor refugees David Settelmaier
Design: Damon Carr
damon.com.au 26 Festival Mass hears plea for
45 Society’s overseas
more refugee compassion
The St Vincent de Paul Society in development program
Australia acknowledges that we are 28 Catholic bishops endorse Uluru continues to reach out
on Aboriginal land. We pay respects Statement from the Heart Tricia Wilden
to all traditional custodians. This
publication may contain images of
deceased members of the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander community. On the cover… Vinnies enthusiast Geneva Vanderzeil is an author
They are used with the greatest (‘Home is Where You Make It’), Instagram magnet (300,000 followers),
respect and appreciation.
and host of Collective Gen a website for home decorators. She was
Opinions expressed in this in second-hand heaven in early October when all Vinnies shops in
publication are not necessarily Queensland offered a 30 per cent discount on every purchase as a
those of the publishers. celebration of National Op Shop Week.
ISSN 2652-8894 ‘I love the feeling of going to Vinnies and finding fashion from brands
I love at a great price’, Geneva said. ‘On one of my recent Vinnies trips,
The St Vincent de Paul Society I filled my trolley with a handful of pieces from Mister Zimi, Levi’s, Cue
in Australia consists of 60,000 and Max Mara for a grand total of $50, all at the one shop.’
members and volunteers That’s bargains for her and more money to help fund our good works.
who operate on the ground
Vinnies Queensland General Manager of Operations, Drew Eide said,
through over 1,000 groups
‘As good as it feels to find something unique for a great price, you can
located in local communities
also feel good knowing the proceeds from every sale at Vinnies go
across the country.
towards helping people in your community experiencing poverty or
homelessness’.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions many Vinnies shops took a hit this
year, with closures in NSW and Victoria seriously impacting on sales. As
the year ended, shops were re-opening and volunteers were pleased to
Available online: get back to work with their colleagues.
record.vinnies.org.au See why Geneva Vanderzeil is so popular by going to
www.instagram.com/genevavanderzeil/
2 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022
C L A I R E V I C T O R Y | frontlines
Were the ‘good old days’ in the
Catholic Church really that good?
BY CLAIRE VICTORY movement. I spoke in particular
S
about my experience of the
ome positives emerged from Plenary Council processes and
the Plenary Council and joined a lively discussion about the
those strengths should be exclusion of LGBTIQA+ people.
acknowledged. But some displayed
There was a great strength in the
a nostalgia for a past time when
‘interventions’ by Plenary Council
the pews were full on Sunday and
members, both written and spoken,
marriages didn’t end. We now
which will form part of the First
know that while those pews were
Assembly’s official record.
full, children were being abused,
unmarried women were being Many of those interventions have
forced to give their babes up for been welcomed by faithful people
adoption, and Indigenous kids Claire Victory who are hanging on by their
were stolen from their families. fingernails — from among the
Plenary Council members and from
The church’s teachings on a the world in the 21st century. the broader community.
number of matters would be
more readily accepted if people Each of us was allocated to a People responded with optimism
could see that those teachings are group of 30, and a smaller group to many of the reports aired in the
anchored in love and respect for of 10, which explored the 16 open sessions of the Council, and
the dignity of the human person. agenda questions. Most of the to the quality of the discussion in
proceedings were held in-camera, the mainstream media.
But the church has become an but daily reports from each of the
inward-looking club that has closed groups were livestreamed, along And many were heartened by
its doors to many of the faithful. the frank and open discussion
with a pre-recorded Mass.
I’m not sure what Jesus would on issues close to their heart in
Evidence of our broad church was the Plenary Tracker – the nightly
make of recent decades, given his
on display during this week of webinar discussion presented by
tendency to hang out with society’s
generally respectful listening and former ABC presenter, Genevieve
outcasts. He confronted oppressive
dialogue. Jacobs, and hosted by the
structures born of religious law and
custom and encouraged a loving Australasian Catholic Coalition for
Diverse opinions ensured rich
relationship with God and each Church Reform and Concerned
discussion as many laid bare their
other. Catholics Canberra Goulburn.
concerns for the church they love.
The week-long First Assembly of Fellow Council members Professor
Through various Plenary Council
the church’s historic Plenary Council Emeritus John Warhurst and Francis
processes, I called for greater
began on 10 October this year. Sullivan each penned a daily blog,
inclusion in the church and for the
also well-received.
In the lead up there was deep church to go to the people on the
scepticism about the council’s margins, to begin the deep healing But not all submissions looked to
agenda and about what had which is so desperately needed. the future.
become of the recommendations I was not alone. Some displayed a nostalgia for a
and concerns raised in the 17,500 past time when the pews were full
submissions made by individuals There seemed to be a consensus on Sunday and marriages didn’t
and groups of people deeply among those who spoke with end.
concerned about the future of their conviction about the exclusion
church. of various groups of people from As I pointed out during one of
the church, including people who the plenary sessions: we now
I was one of the 280 members are gay, trans or gender diverse; know that while those pews were
who gathered virtually in this First people who are divorced and full, children were being abused,
Assembly for a week of prayer, remarried; and those living with a unmarried women were being
reflection and deep listening and I forced to give their babes up for
partner but not yet married.
have to say I am quietly confident adoption, and Indigenous kids
that the majority are optimistic I participated in a series of were stolen from their families.
about the mood for change that nightly webinars produced by
will lead to a church that can serve the church’s national reform continued over page
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
frontlines | C L A I R E V I C T O R Y
continued from previous page
PHOTO: UPNORTHMEMORIES ON FLICKR.COM
By bemoaning the fact that church is telling the Australian for clergy and church workers;
marriages today don’t last like community about who it is. expansion of the influential
they did in the ‘good old days’, participation of women; and
The Gospel is clear that human
we ignore the lived experience the establishment of forums for
life — all human life — is sacred
of so many women for whom a open dialogue and discernment,
and should be protected. It’s hard
life-long commitment was akin especially with groups who feel
not to feel that this simple truth has
to a life sentence; women who excluded in the church.
been all but lost in a church where
were abused but who were legally,
the leadership is seen to perpetuate The proposals will be considered
socially, financially unable to leave.
the legalistic, hierarchical structures by a team of experts in the lead-up
As Vincentians we travel with that deliver power to a few in an to the Second Assembly in July
people who are struggling — outdated monarchical model that next year.
materially, psychologically and has been protected by Canon law
We have a lot of work to do before
spiritually. Many people see their and dogma in recent centuries.
then. But we’ve made a start.
work with Vinnies as an authentic
I am optimistic that a strong,
expression of their faith, even The National Council is in
pastoral, Christ-centred church will
though they may no longer feel discussions with other social
rise from the ashes of the child sex
welcome in the pews. services organisations and people
abuse tragedy. This Plenary Council
committed to social justice. We will
People do experience love and is an important part of that process,
work together in the lead up to the
respect in the church, through as is an ongoing commitment to
next assembly to further engage
welcoming and supportive listening to a diverse range of
and animate our people. We will
practices, but so often it’s through voices from within the church and
continue to reflect on and deepen
schools, social services agencies from the margins.
our understanding of Catholic
and specific communities or Forty proposals came out of the Social Teaching and how our
individuals (including some priests First Assembly’s discussions, and Catholic faith and identity form and
and bishops, and many religious they include the church publicly inspire us.
women and men). backing Indigenous Australians
And we will lead by example, as
But when the official structure seeking constitutional recognition;
we reach out to people who are
or leadership of the church is adoption of innovative models
marginalised and welcome all, the
seen to treat those welcoming, of governance with lay and
way Jesus did. R
supportive groups or individuals clergy working closely together;
as outsiders, outliers and trouble- expansion of programs for
Claire Victory is the National President of
makers — then we should contemporary lay and religious the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.
question what the institutional formation; professional supervision She is a Member of the Plenary Council.
4 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022
S R T H E R E S E H AY W O O D D C | spirituality and membership
Christmas Joy to end a challenging year
BY SR THERESE
H AY W O O D D C
C hristmas is generally and
rightly seen as a time of
joy, a time for family and
PHOTO: WALTER CHÁVEZ ON UNSPLASH
spending time with loved ones.
This year’s planning has been
complicated by the COVID-19
restrictions, although let’s hope
things work out well and we are
able to unite safely with our friends
and relatives to celebrate together.
As I reflect on this my mind
goes back to the first Christmas.
Our Vincentian tradition is about Vincent however goes further in
The Holy Family experienced
inclusion. St Vincent’s words his reflection on what real charity
more than their share of stress
remind us of our connection to means.
and uncertainty during that first
one another:
Christmas. Another effect of charity is to
All of us make up a mystical body, rejoice with those who rejoice.
We are all familiar with the events
but we’re all members of one It causes us to enter into their
of Jesus’ conception. Mary as a
another. It has never been heard
young woman has an encounter joy. Our Lord intended by His
that a member, not even among
with an angel and says ‘yes’ to animals, was insensitive to the
teachings to unite us in one mind
God despite the challenges this suffering of another member, and in joy as well as in sorrow;
presented to her. Joseph, when or that one part of a person’s it’s His desire that we share one
he learns of this, is troubled but body may be bruised, wounded, another’s feelings.5
when he has his own encounter or injured and the other parts
also trusts and believes. As the Reflecting on joy at this time I think
don’t feel it. That’s impossible. of the simple things that I have
birth approaches, they set out on Every part of us is in such
a journey and are far away from taken for granted, like visiting a
sympathy with one another and
home. There is no room for them loved one or being able to go out
so interconnected that the pain of
when they arrive, and the birth one is the pain of the other.2 of my local area, and I will take the
takes place in the stable. time to enjoy them more.
We are all one family… a sentiment
The Holy Family experienced we have been made even more As we hopefully enjoy greater
uncertainty and life on the margins aware of during this pandemic. freedoms that will enable us to
from the very beginning. Brendan come together in our conferences,
Byrne writes: Vincent goes on to say:
councils, special works and centres
The visitor from God, who could Since Christians are members of may we seek out the joys we can
not find hospitality in his own the same body and members of share together. Most particularly
city, will nonetheless institute in one another, with even greater of course, let us be creative and
the world the hospitality of God. reason should they sympathise find ways to ensure that we share
The poor, marginalised shepherds with one another.3 the joy of Christmas with our
of Bethlehem will be the first to In reflecting on what we as companions after this challenging
experience it.1 Christians and Vincentians year. R
The location of Jesus’ birth meant are called to give to each other
that shepherds – people on the Vincent highlights the need for Sr Therese Haywood DC is Spiritual Adviser
margins – were the first witnesses. love of our brothers and sisters. to the National Council.
From the very beginning of his life To be a Christian and to see our
1. Brendan Byrne, The Hospitality of God, 32.
Jesus shows us that he is about brother suffering without weeping 2. CCD Vol 12, 221
inclusion, particularly of those who with him, without being sick 3. CCD Vol 21, 221.
are on the margins, regardless of with him! That’s to be lacking in 4. CCD vol 12, 222.
their backgrounds. charity.4 5. CCD Vol 12, 221.
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
I paint, therefore I relax
BY ROBIN OSBORNE number of Conference interviews
and home visitations is around
Meet David Kennedy, St Vincent 60,000, with core priorities being
de Paul Society National Council food, utility bills, school needs and
member and WA Council Co-Vice rental-associated problems.
President.
‘It’s important to remember that
W
a lot of Vinnies support doesn’t
ith so much on his have a dollar cost, as important as
plate it is hard to the tangibles are. It’s often about
see how a languid listening to people, just offering a
pursuit like painting could fit into friendly ear. Let’s face it, we all like
David Kennedy’s lifestyle. It’s an a good chat.
endeavour where, as he says, ‘Ten
minutes becomes two hours before ‘With the aftereffects of JobKeeper
you know it… and it’s so relaxing.’ and JobSeeker, however, we have
had demand due to threatened
As David has been painting for evictions for keeping a roof over
30 years there’s been no rush to peoples’ heads. I am a huge
recognition, although his popular David Kennedy
supporter of financial counselling
appeal has a truly modern story, where appropriate and we have
with people commenting on some great folk we can call on to
the works visible on his Zoom new role will be in addition to provide this expertise at a very
meetings, which he conducts from Chairman of the Members and professional level.’
his studio. This has led to several Conferences Committee. David said Vinnies WA in recent
donations to St Vincent de Paul
David was born and raised in months has established a special
staff and fundraising raffles. His
Perth where he attended Catholic fund to ‘help people get over
paintings range from portraits to the line by providing a couple
landscapes and much in-between. schools, completed a degree at
WA Institute of Technology/Curtin of thousand dollars, not just a
When he isn’t painting or University, while employed as a few hundred. They are mostly
babysitting grandchildren (seven trainee valuer with the government desperate cases including people
so far) or golfing or swimming and later in the private commercial affected by domestic violence or
or cycling David is the Co-Vice real estate industry as a valuer refugees and migrants who have
President of the Society’s WA before progressing to hotel sales been left stranded.
Council (with Chanda Chisela). He and land development as Senior ‘This fund is overseen by the State
joined the Society a decade ago Director of CBRE Group. President and myself. The base-line
at the urging of Kevin Quinn, a is to exercise common sense, to
veteran Vincentian who was on a Along with his wife Noeline he is
an active member of St Joseph’s know what people really need
mission to attract members. Sadly, and what support will be truly
Parish, able to recount how much
Kevin died in early October 2021, sustainable.’
money the Conference raises
and is dearly missed by the Society
from maintaining the candles at There’s another part of David
in WA.
the c1934 Gothic-style church, Kennedy’s life that goes to the
David came to the VP’s role after from donations at Mass, and from core of his identity: his heritage is,
a term as Regional President sausage sizzles: ‘At the end of a as he puts it, one-eighth Chinese,
Perth and active membership of year we can accumulate up to deriving from a forbear named Wah
St Joseph’s Conference Subiaco, $50,000 in the kitty, which we Shing who emigrated from Canton
which he continues to attend. The share with other conferences. to Ararat in the Victorian goldfields
conference has ten members, plus We’re strong supporters of looking in 1854 where he met and married
a few associate members. beyond the square, so to speak.’ an English girl and proceeded to
He now sits on St Vincent de Paul have ten children.
David said St Joseph’s Conference,
Society’s National Council after WA in a relatively well-off part of Wah Shing developed a furniture
State President Gladys Demissie Perth, currently sees only five or business in Melbourne that
asked him to take over her role, so companions a week, half that included five of his sons. Charles
which will expire in 2022. This of recent years. Statewide, the total Wah Shing was the main driver
6 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022
‘Twilight church in field’
- David Kennedy
and started the business in Perth. They Racist Furniture, which was published in
Anglicised their family name and established June this year. Now it’s out he has more
the highly successful Washing Brothers time for the other things in his life, like
Furniture Factory, while struggling against painting, reducing his golf handicap and
the campaign by government, unions and being a stalwart of the Society’s activities
white business to eradicate ‘Asiatic’ firms. in Australia’s great western state and
nationally. R
David’s brother Michael spent eight years
researching the family and enabled him to Robin Osborne is National Publications Officer,
complete a history Charles Washing and St Vincent de Paul Society 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 7
spirituality and membership
Plenary Speaking:
Light From The Southern Cross
B Y F R A N C I S S U L L I VA N
I have left the First Assembly of
the Plenary Council [ending 11
October 2021] optimistic that
change is coming. What that looks
like is unclear. Plenty of balls have
been tossed in the air. Resolutions
have been crafted somewhat
hastily. But the Show is moving
and the collective imagination has
been ignited. Councillors have
been positive and constructive.
The magnitude of the task is
dawning as the diversity of views
and appreciations of the role and
purpose of the church percolate
through the discernment groups
reports and the interventions
from Members. I assumed that
this was always going to be the
case. The organisers deliberately
designed a process that would
elicit the varieties of ways Catholics
understand their faith, their practice
and their church. So, to that end,
the Assembly has done its job.
Yet, the real job is to confront the
crisis the church faces. A crisis that
positions of authority and influence ministries, like the diaconate,
is both of its own making but also
did not discharge their duties come from revelations at the
one that asks squarely what is the
morally and legally. There is an Royal Commission over the toxic
value of religious faith in our world
almost knee jerk submission by influences of clericalism.
today?
the laity to senior clerics that stifles
These are just two areas that must
People have left the church either honesty and perpetuates secrecy
through disgust with the history of be addressed upfront. Let’s not kid
and concealment.
abuse scandals or because they no ourselves; with all the best will
longer could relate to it for various Church leaders and their advisors in the world, these issues will be
reasons. Certainly, on the latter, take an ‘institution first’ risk strongly contested. That contest
it seems Pope Francis wants the management approach to victims’ will be held within the context
Church to make the shift from its complaints and abuse allegations. where Councillors are grappling
usual propositional stance to one This is a culture that is prepared with the balance between a
of mission. A shift that emphasises to set itself up against the world restorationist/rehabilitation instinct
mercy and compassion before to the very point that it paid lip and a reimagination/reformist
seeking to engage in a dialogue of service to the laws of the land and instinct.
ideas and philosophy. the dictates of human decency. It is
It’s time for a ‘Catholic Third
this culture that must change and
When it comes to the abuse Way’ in order to triangulate these
change quickly.
scandals, the church has nowhere tectonic plates on which the
to hide. The civil authorities did Calls for improved governance Assembly teeters. In a structure
what the church could not do for come straight from the Royal as conservative as the church,
itself. That is, fess up! The culture Commission’s damning finding gradual change is in itself a major
of the institution is ingrained with on the church leadership. Calls step forward. However, some steps
a self-protective instinct. There for increased participation of have already been laid out clearly
are endless excuses why those in women in governance and by the Royal Commission findings
8 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022
Membership and
Conferences
and they must be implemented in Membership
full and seen to be. Otherwise, the
same instinct to dismiss criticism as There are three categories of membership of the Society.
unwanted and misguided will only Conference members are those who belong to the
further entrench distrust and have grassroots groups within the Society known as conferences.
the church itself dismissed and They live their Catholic faith in action through the spirit
unwanted. of Christian charity. Associate members are those who
are committed to the ethos, mission, aims and objects of
Fortunately, there is a considered the Society and who assist the work of the Society, but do
and intelligent roadmap available. not attend conference meetings. Volunteer members are
The Light From the Southern those who respect the ethos, mission, aims and objects
Cross Report, commissioned by of the Society and who volunteer in any of the Society’s
the bishops and religious leaders, works. Associate and Volunteer members are registered by
published in 2020, outlines procedures established by the relevant State or Territory
measures to improve church Council. Please visit the Become a Member section of this
governance within the confines website for more information.
of the Canon law. It addresses the
findings of the Royal Commission
and instils contemporary standards
Conferences
of accountability and transparency.
It offers solutions to the paucity of A conference can be established within any community such
formation of Catholic adults and it as a parish, town, suburb, school, university, workplace,
suggests measures for the renewal ethnic or social group providing they are endorsed by an
of seminaries. appropriate Council within the Society. Conference members
Frankly, it has done the work meet regularly, usually weekly but at least fortnightly and no
work of charity is foreign to them. Together they visit people
but awaits the nerve from church
in their homes, in hospitals, institutions or wherever else they
leaders to be implemented in
may be found needing aid or comfort. Conference work is
full across the whole church.
not limited to home visitation; members also meet and pray
Councillors could do themselves a
together at other times. To read more about the role of prayer
big favour between now and next in conferences please visit Spirituality of the Society. R
July’s Second Assembly. They could
read it! R
Francis Sullivan is Chair, Catholic Social
Services Australia.
Meet the National Council
national president national treasurer sa state president
Claire Victory Paul Trezise Brad Hocking
national deputy president national secretary tas state president
Warwick Fulton Ryan Erlandsen Mark Gaetani
spiritual adviser canberra goulburn president vic state president
Sr Therese Haywood DC John Feint Kevin McMahon
vice president provisional nsw state president wa state president
Maurie Ryan Denis Walsh Gladys Demissie
vice president nt president
Read more here. R
Patrick Wallis Jocelyn Cull
vice president qld state president
Jacob Miller Dennis Innes
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 | C L A I R E V I C T O R Y
Called to Serve Together
Annual Founders Day 2021 Anne Rowe as
Rosalie Rendu
address (edited for length) to
the St Vincent de Paul Society in
Tasmania, 27 September 2021
by Claire Victory, National
President, St Vincent de Paul
Society in Australia.
I t’s a privilege to be able to
travel and gather together
like this, unlike our friends
in lockdown. I pay my respects
to the past and present elders of
this land. Sovereignty was never
ceded and I acknowledge the
ongoing connection of Aboriginal
people to the land and the deep
and abiding hurt caused by
colonisation.
We heard this morning the rich
story of our founders: Rosalie,
Louise, Frederic and Vincent.
We explored their character and
sought to find a little bit of that
in ourselves. And we discovered
a few things about them that
made them both completely
average people and also quite
extraordinary.
As we heard earlier, in the face Together’. There are three parts to everyone to give their own opinions
of overwhelming poverty and this: Called; Serve; Together: I think and feedback, and to inform and
suffering, Vincent urged his of that as the why, the what and the support each other. And of course,
followers to bring God’s justice and how. he sought out advice and support
love to people who were unable from Emmanuel Bailly and Rosalie
We are called: our faith, our values,
to live a full human life. He said Rendu.
the voices of the founders call to
‘Deal with the most urgent needs. us across the years to commit our On my first visit to Paris I visited the
Organise charity so that it is more time and energy and talents to this sites of significance to the Society’s
efficient…. Teach reading and cause. What we are called to do is history. It was extremely moving to
writing, educate with the aim of to serve: to do whatever good lies know that I was walking the same
giving each the means of self- at our hands. In your case it might streets as Ozanam, Rendu, Bailly,
support. Intervene with authorities be visiting with companions as Le Taillandier, Devaux, Lamache,
to reform structures… there is no part of a conference or working in Lallier and Clave had all those years
charity without justice’. a shop or a hub or on a van, or in before.
It was a simple message, and we the state support office. And, in this
On that trip I also went to London
can see why the conferences of call to service, we’re asked to work
to spend some time with my
charity were placed under his together.
cousin, and he took me to see Les
patronage and became the Society Without the unique contribution Miserables. I’d grown up with the
of St Vincent de Paul. That message
of each of us, we couldn’t do what ‘Les Mis’ soundtrack, and despite
is one that informs and directs us
we are individually and collectively having never actually read the
still, all these years later, on the
called to do. Even Frederic book (it’s on my list!), I was familiar
other side of the globe.
didn’t purport to be the font of with the story, but this was my first
Today’s theme is ‘Called to Serve all wisdom, and he encouraged time actually seeing the musical
10 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022live. And it was a really interesting is a respected name. Our work in understood or applied than in a
and moving experience, having grass roots communities is known standard workplace.
just walked those Paris streets and and understood by most people.
Our founders weren’t perfect
immersed myself in that Vincentian Each of you here today is part of
people. They were flawed people,
history, because it is easy to see the our mission.
who were learning; as ‘Vincent’ [a
parallels between the fictional story
We are more than service providers. participant playing this role at the
and our real one.
We live out Vincent’s vision – a Founders Day celebration] told us
Victor Hugo’s novel was partly set in vision articulated, informed by and earlier, he was an imperfect person.
the same period in which Frederic rooted in simple gospel values.
and the others were establishing the We at Vinnies are a broad church. It’s good that he had some self-
Society. Frederic and his confreres, We come from many different awareness around that, but it’s a
like the fictional Marius and his backgrounds and walks of life. reminder that our founders – even
fellow revolutionaries, were wealthy, We’ve lived very different lives and those that actually are saints – were
educated young men witnessing have a wide range of views across not necessarily completely saintly;
the suffering born of the extreme some really important issues. But that they were flawed and learning
poverty and disease on the streets anyone who shares our vision for too. So, as it was for our founders,
of Paris and compelled to act; both a dignified life for all is welcome this is actually a journey that we’re
groups had a desire to address, in in our services – as members, as all on together, where we can learn
their own ways, this social injustice. volunteers and as staff. about ourselves and learn from
others, and it’s one where younger
And of course, there is that line we Our commitment to a dignified life people in particular can help us.
hear in Les Mis which I think also extends beyond our companions
really captures the essence of what – to each other – to our fellow We are a church to many people.
we do in the Society and how we workers, volunteers and members. Every single one of us has got
go about our work: “To love another What you may not know is that important work to do – whether
person is to see the face of God”. around 28,000 people engaged it’s working at the coalface one-
with the Society are under 40. to-one with some of the most
Now, Frederic et al may have
This includes Mini Vinnies, disadvantaged people, or walking
ultimately been as unsuccessful as
members of high school and the halls of Parliament House in
Victor Hugo’s young revolutionaries
college conferences, and volunteer advocating for systemic change that
had they not taken advice of
members working in our shops and can and does change the lives of
those more knowledgeable than
in other special works. This is a thousands.
themselves. Marius, Enjolras and
cause for optimism and celebration.
their friends realised too late that Through each small, everyday
There is much we can and should
they had not brought the people action, we are collectively capable
learn from our Gen Y and Gen
of Paris along with them and so of achieving much needed
Z colleagues, whether they be
ended up alone at the barricades; transformation in our community
conference members, volunteers
the fledging Society could likewise – our daily experiences with those
in our special works, employees
have faltered, and perished on the doing it tough enable us to be
or members of councils and
figurative barricades, had they not effective and authentic advocates: to
committees.
sought and followed the advice of tell the government, the community
Rosalie Rendu and others. An organisation can do lots of and the church how Australians are
good work in the community, but living and struggling, which is the
Over 50,000 members and staff
if its commitment to its values and ultimate result of laws and policies
are part of the Vinnies family in
mission doesn’t extend to the way that seek to divide, exclude and
Australia. And I use the term ‘family’
people treat each other within the punish.
on purpose – in Australia, we’re not
organisation, or the way its leaders
always great at acknowledging and We must speak as actively as
behave, then young people will
celebrating that, but I can tell you possible to those in positions of
vote with their feet and leave, and
that if you’re ever overseas in one power about the importance of
find another organisation in which
of the 130+ countries where the treating everyone with dignity
to spend their time and energy.
Society is present and you come and respect. R
into contact with other Vincentians, This can be particularly challenging
you will quickly realise that you are in a volunteer environment, where Claire Victory is the National President of
in fact part of a big, loving family. codes of conduct and disciplinary the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia.
In every state and territory, Vinnies policies may be less well developed, 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 11spirituality and membership
Society’s work embodies
the spirit of Christmas
Vinnies has launched the
nationwide Christmas Appeal,
managed by the Society in NSW,
at a time when many families Every baby
experience increased stress. Heidi
and Nikolas* are the faces of should be
Christmas Appeal 2021.
born with hope
‘Y ou’d hear someone walk
past and think ‘are they
going to do something
to us or are we going to be ok?’
for the future.
For Heidi and Nikolas, each day
living while homeless was gripped
with fear. Fending for themselves
in a small tent, with only a dog
named ‘DJ’ for companionship, the
couple’s circumstances were all
the more dire because Heidi was
halfway through her pregnancy.
They had both struggled with
substance abuse, which spiraled
to the point of homelessness.
Nikolas reached out to Vinnies for
assistance with food and pillows
to add some fleeting comfort to Your support can provide finan
cial
their makeshift residence. Staring and emotional assistance to fam
ilies
down the prospect of bringing a spending Christmas in poverty.
baby boy into the world, without
the security of a place to call home, DONATE NOW Please call 13 18 12,
visit vinnies.org.au or scan the QR
Heidi felt a despair only divine code.
intervention could ease.
‘We spent two weeks in the tent,
[that] was the most that I’d ever CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2021
prayed, just for some sort of
movement in our lives,’ recalls Heidi.
INFORMATION KIT
Experiencing the reality of
homelessness faced by more
than 116,000 Australians on any
Managing to secure temporary ‘He’s the reason why we could
given night, the relief Heidi had
accommodation in a motel for a few fall asleep at night and know we
hoped for came in the form of
nights, follow by a short-term stay at were safe.’
Ian and Sheila. As long-term
a nearby caravan park, the trade-off
Vinnies members experienced in Adjusting to a stable routine in
for a roof over their heads saw the
supporting vulnerable people, the caravan park, which saw
couple forced to surrender ‘DJ’.
Ian and Sheila acted on instinct the couple begin the road to
to restore stability in Heidi and For Nikolas, the loss of man’s best recovery, a fateful call from
Nikolas’ time of need. friend was a bitter pill to swallow. Ian and Sheila a few months
‘When the woman [Heidi] came ‘When he got picked up, he went later brought news that proved
out of the tent and we saw she straight to the back, past the shelf life changing. Thanks to the
was pregnant, I thought ‘We’re not of the car, and he just stared at me generosity of a Vincentian
leaving her here. We’ve got to do the whole time as he drove off,’ he offering a vacant house in the
something’,’ says Ian. says. area to a family in need, Heidi
12 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022spirituality and membership
Need for successful Christmas
Appeal never greater
and Nikolas were able to
welcome their baby boy into
the world with the certainty of
a home.
‘We couldn’t actually believe
that we went from a tent to a
three-bedroom house in only a
few months,’ says Heidi.
Heidi, Nikolas and baby
Matthew are currently doing
well in their new home.
Heidi has reconnected with
her children from a previous
partner, Nikolas has resumed
part-time work with an eye
towards something permanent,
and DJ is back as well.
Preparing Christmas gifts at Vinnies in Redfern, Sydney were Volunteer Taylor Morrell, Client
Ian and Sheila continue to Support Assistant Ladan Ghavamizadeh and Member Lorna Lynch.
keep in touch and provided
T
furniture, donated by Vinnies,
to give the house the feel of a he need for the annual thresholds has not simultaneously
real home. Vinnies Christmas Appeal recreated all the jobs that were lost.
is more pressing than ever
Now living with stability ‘This alone is placing a great deal
as COVID support payments are
of a place to call their own of strain on many families. Many
being wound back, leaving many
and remaining clean of illicit more families than usual are
families behind.
substances, the couple have heading into the festive season
also been able to reconnect This was the view of St Vincent behind the eight ball…’
de Paul Society NSW CEO, Jack
with family members. The Society’s NSW Vice President
de Groot when the appeal was
Heidi and Nikolas are – Social Justice, Brooke Simmons,
launched in late October 2021.
added, ‘Throughout the COVID
determined to make the most
‘With the ending of lockdowns, I pandemic, we’ve noticed an
of the assistance provided at
wish I could say it’s going to be a interesting thing about the COVID
the lowest point of their lives. hopeful Christmas for everyone this support payments. When JobSeeker
‘We’re very lucky, we couldn’t year,’ Mr de Groot said. was increased, raising more people
have done it without Ian ‘But the reality is it won’t be and above the poverty line, we saw
and Sheila. There was no the need to give generously to our fewer requests for help.
judgement and they respected Christmas Appeal is greater than ‘Now that COVID payments
us as people and not as drug ever because people doing it tough are being wound back, we are
addicts,’ says Heidi. this year have additional pressures expecting a significant increase
‘Through the help and support as a result of the extended in calls for assistance. The fact
of our Vinnies family, we pandemic-related lockdowns. that this is happening just before
are so blessed to have the ‘As we start to reopen, emergency Christmas, when demand for our
opportunity to work on our COVID support payments have services typically goes up, means
relationships with our own started being wound back. For we are now facing a deluge.
families. We want to thank people who lost their jobs as a ‘Our members and services have
everyone who has supported result of the pandemic and have worked throughout the pandemic
us moving forward. We feel so been relying on those payments, to provide help to people who
lucky.’ R their immediate futures are looking need it.’ R
dim. Employment opportunities are
* This is a true story, names have been typically pretty slim at this time of The Vinnies Christmas Appeal can be
changed for privacy reasons. year and the reaching of vaccine supported here.
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 13youth | W I N A Z H U
Youth have always been
‘notable drivers of innovation’
The Spirit of Youth Committee at a recent meeting.
BY WINA ZHU and together built innovative ways courage to try new things, adapt
W
to stay connected and continue our quickly and continue growing to
hat a year for work in our services and advocacy. serve others.
Australians! Many of
Youth and young people in I look forward to the year ahead
us thought we would
our society have always been to see the growth of our youth in
be easing back to ‘normal’ life
notable drivers of innovation, this leadership in the new State Youth
but this year still proves that life
year showing great resilience, Representatives and the Spirit of
is full of surprises. The COVID-19
adaptability and creativity when Youth Committee.
pandemic has affected people
faced with vast limitations and
across the world both positively Young members keep the Society
restrictions on our services. They
and negatively. For the Society, young. They see with new eyes
have offered different ways to stay
although faced with disruption in and often look far ahead. The
engaged and given a hand-up
our services, compassion has not Society works constantly to
to our companions. Youth have
faltered, and we have shown how form Youth Conferences and
been an essential part in staying
adaptable and resilient we are to welcomes young members into
connected. In states that have been
ensure we stay connected and all Conferences. Their experience
affected with long lockdowns,
support our communities at need. in a community of faith and love
youth members and volunteers
‘The Society constantly strives kept services running and inspired and their exposure to poverty
for renewal, adapting to connection through new platforms deepens their spirituality, spurs
changing world conditions’ - such as podcasts, advocacy and them to action and helps them to
Part 1.6 of The Rule. engagement in social media with grow as human beings. The senior
self-care snippets from youth members assume the responsibility
As we approach the end of 2021, of assisting them along their
representatives and continued
I reflect on all the kindness, care path of training, respecting
conversations on social justice
and generosity of humans in spite their personal choices and their
issues via virtual platforms.
of the challenges we may be aspiration of Vincentian service.
facing individually. Despite the Together we have risen up to some
uncertainty, staff, members, and great challenges and have grown in ‘Don’t let anyone look down on
volunteers of the Society have all solidarity in our One Society. you because you are young, but
been crucial in pivoting the way set an example for the believers in
With their voice at the table they speech, in conduct, in love, in faith
we usually serve.
keep our Society effective in our and in purity.’ - 1 Timothy 4:12 R
With their passion for our mission, mission, adding to the diversity of
the Society has strived to continue thought. I hope the spirit of ‘youth’ Wina Zhu is a youth representative for
the connection to our companions within us all continues to give us St Vincent de Paul Society.
14 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022our advocacy
The ‘common good’ is central
for human dignity
PHOTO: ASHWIN VASWANI ON UNSPLASH
T he National Council of the
St Vincent de Paul Society
reiterated its commitment to
Catholic Social Teaching principles
– those Gospel values that uphold
spiritual encounters. As Vincentians
we travel closely with people in
local communities right across
Australia. We live and work
in those communities and the
principles, or picks and chooses
from among them, creates
inhumane conditions for people
already in precarious situations. We
are now seeing the creation of new
the dignity of every human people we help are literally our traps of poverty and exclusion,
being – on the 5th World Day neighbours,’ Ms Victory said. set by unscrupulous economic
of the Poor, marked on Sunday 14 and financial actors lacking in a
This year Pope Francis issued a call humanitarian sense and in social
November 2021. for the world community to oppose responsibility.’
National President Claire Victory the culture of indifference and
said that as Vincentians we oppose injustice directed at people living The Pope encourages us to engage
individualism as we commit to the with poverty. He said poverty is the in enduring, mutual sharing to
common good. result of selfishness and called on restore lost dignity and ensure
people to recognise the varied and necessary social inclusion, actions
‘We encourage the empowerment excessive forms of social disorder he says will strengthen solidarity
of people through participation at that are generating ever new forms and lay the necessary foundations
whatever level might be possible,’ of poverty. for achieving justice.
Ms Victory said.
‘There seems to be a growing He noted that the poor have
‘We stand with others who notion that the poor are not only increased disproportionately as
share these values and above responsible for their condition, but a result of the pandemic and
all we defend the preferential that they represent an intolerable called on all of us to find the most
option for people living with the burden for an economic system suitable means of combatting the
structural causes of poverty and focused on the interests of a few virus at the global level without
disadvantage. privileged groups,’ Pope Francis promoting partisan interests. R
said.
‘These principles guide us through Read the Pope’s Message for the 5th World
economic, political, personal and ‘A market that ignores ethical Day of the Poor here.
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
Community sector calls for
faster climate action
A head of the UN’s 26th
climate change conference
in Glasgow in November
this year a coalition of 100
community service organisations
and charities, including St Vincent
de Paul Society National Council,
signed a historic Community Sector
Climate Declaration calling on the
Federal Government to commit to
stronger emission reduction targets
and fair and inclusive policies to
cut climate pollution.
The coalition, organised by the
Australian Council of Social
Service, agreed that 2050 is too
late to protect people from more
dangerous climate change.
ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie
says the community sector was Retail volunteers Jeannette, Pat, Diana, Leonela and Sandra in the shop in Moruya, south coast
compelled to speak out because NSW… Vinnies people are seeing the impact of climate change on community members already
struggling to survive.
rapidly worsening climate change
is hurting people with the least in
our communities hardest. Without ‘Climate change does not energy bills results in low-income
fair, fast and inclusive action discriminate but some in our households enduring freezing
on climate change, poverty and society will feel its impacts more. winters and unbearable heat in
inequality will grow. If we act now, we can avoid the summer,’ Ms MacArthur said.
‘Community organisations are worst injustices of climate change
‘Consequently, these already
increasingly on the frontline of and other ecological crises and take
hold of the opportunity to create vulnerable households suffer
helping communities hit hard by
more sustainable and equitable from increased illness, greater bill
the impacts of more intense and
communities in which everyone stress, increased sick days from
frequent bushfires, drought, floods,
can enjoy the quality of life many work and school and increased
storms, and heatwaves, made
worse by climate change. people today have been privileged mental distress.’
to experience.’ Ms MacArthur added that Vinnies
‘We have seen firsthand the
increasing devastation of climate St Vincent de Paul staff and staff and volunteers have witnessed
change on communities – affecting volunteers have lent their the effects of climate change in
their mental and physical health, support to a push for a stronger Canberra, with hotter summers
homes, jobs, general quality of life commitment from the Federal and colder winters locking low-
and sadly loss of life. Government to reduce emissions, income households into cycles of
with the retail team from the debt with their energy providers, as
‘People with the least are residents attempt to heat and cool
Moruya shop featuring in coverage
impacted by climate change first, their homes.
by The Canberra Times.
worse, and longest. This is made
even worse by a slow or poorly The Society’s Canberra Director ‘It’s not just vulnerable tenants who
managed transition because Community Engagement, are impacted, but the community
people who are financially or Erin MacArthur said low- and our staff as well,’ she said.
socially disadvantaged have to income households suffer ACOSS’s CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie
fewer resources to cope, adapt disproportionately from the effects said the community sector was
and recover.’ of climate change.
compelled to speak out because
St Vincent de Paul Society ‘Poor quality housing, inefficient without fast and inclusive action
explained its reasons for joining the heating, lack of cooling, and on climate change, poverty and
declaration: a reduced ability to pay high inequality will grow. R
16 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022our advocacy
Vinnies and Salvos join forces
on climate change
P revention and early
intervention, and people
on low incomes must be
a priority when developing the
National Climate Resilience and
Victory said the increased risk
of natural disasters and extreme
weather conditions is associated
with a rise in domestic and family
violence, mortality, severe financial
significant levels of hardship, even
after receiving assistance through
payments of up to $3000 and
access to other support services.
hardship, social isolation, poor ‘This leads to increased and
Adaptation Strategy according
physical and mental health and sometimes ongoing demand for
to the National Council of the
homelessness. costly crisis response services, such
St Vincent de Paul Society in
as emergency relief, homelessness
Australia and The Salvation Army. ‘The Australian Government’s and family violence support.
In a joint submission to the response to climate change must Climate change is already limiting
Department of Agriculture, Water provide for additional services access to safe, affordable housing
and the Environment’s Taskforce including prevention and early options, especially for First Nations
the two national organisations intervention approaches such as people and people who do not
said it will take national improving home energy efficiency have the resources to simply
leadership and cooperation ratings for people vulnerable to relocate.
across all jurisdictions to address heat stress, assisting vulnerable
communities to move out of ‘All governments must urgently
the mounting risks posed by
disaster-prone areas, and training increase the stock of social and
climate change and to support
more mental health professionals,’ affordable housing, establish
communities to respond,
Ms Victory said. a ‘buy-back fund’ for at-risk
especially the people who have
properties, increase access to
the least means to build resilience ‘It should also provide for a post- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
and adapt. disaster response including access assessments for homeowners and
The submission cites research to financial counselling services landlords, and ensure that new
and experiences of the two and specialised mental health housing developments are not built
organisations, particularly during support.
in areas of high risk,’ Ms Victory
bushfires and drought crises. ‘Our combined drought funding said. R
National Council President of the delivery experience showed us that
St Vincent de Paul Society, Claire people continued to experience A copy of the submission is available here.
PHOTO: MATT PALMER ON UNSPLASH
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 17our advocacy | R O S E B E Y N O N
Government’s ‘net zero’ plan is
hot air for low-income Australians
BY ROSE BEYNON Long-Term Emissions
T
Reduction Plan
he last 30 years have seen
Australia’s policy position Under the Australian Government’s
on climate change oscillate Long-Term Emissions Reduction
wildly, thanks to inconsistency Plan, net zero emissions will be
from both governing parties. reached by ‘taking advantage of
new economic opportunities while
As amazing as it now seems,
continuing to serve Australia’s
we established the world’s first
traditional markets’. Five principles
government agency dedicated
are cited – technology not taxes,
to reducing greenhouse gas
which has fast become a political
emissions (the Australian
slogan, expand choices not
Greenhouse Office) in 1998 and
mandates, drive down the cost of
the world’s first emissions trading
new technologies, keep energy
scheme (in NSW, 2003). Then
prices down with affordable
we disbanded, recreated and
and reliable power, and be
disbanded it again. A Carbon Price
accountable for progress.6
Mechanism was enacted by PM
Gillard in 2012 and repealed by The brochure containing the plan the The Plan states that:
Prime Minister took to the COP-26
PM Abbott in 2014.1 conference in Glasgow. • emissions are already 20 percent
Climate change policy has lower than 2005 levels
featured significantly in political Turnbull’s signature energy • the Technology Investment
mandates in the lead up to several policy, the National Energy Roadmap will reduce emissions
federal elections and attributed, Guarantee, sounded his death by a further 40 percent
in part, to the downfall of federal knell with internal party
• shifts in demand for Australian
leaders such as Turnbull (in 2009) disagreements over the proposed
exports and global technology
and Rudd (in 2010) who both paid emissions reduction target for
heavy prices while the passage of developments will reduce
the electricity sector resulting
the Carbon Pollution Reduction emissions by a further 15
in legislation being tabled and
Scheme Bill failed. per cent
then withdrawn. The demise of
Gillard says her decision not his prime ministership followed • high-integrity offsets (such as
to argue against a fixed carbon shortly thereafter.4 storing carbon in soils and
price emissions trading scheme vegetation and working with
A chronology of Australian
being labelled a ‘tax’ damaged her Indo Pacific neighbours) will
climate change policy to 2015,
politically.2, 3 reduce emissions by a further 10
accessible on the Australian
Parliament House website5 per cent, and
Rudd’s commitment to transitioning
from a fixed price for carbon to summarises almost 165 climate • investing in future new and
a full emission trading scheme change actions taken by emerging technologies will
in 2014 never came to fruition, Government since the early reduce emissions by a further 15
as the newly elected Abbott 1970s. It makes for heavy per cent.
government set about dismantling reading.
Australia will keep clean hydrogen
four climate change programs and So, it is no wonder that under $2.00 per kilogram, solar
making significant governance Australia’s Long-Term Emissions costs to under $15 per MWh,
changes. These included abolishing Reduction Plan, spruiked as the energy storage to under $100
the Climate Commission and roadmap to achieving net zero per MWh, low emissions steel
Climate Change Authority and emissions by 2050, has been to under $700 per tonne and
ceasing Climate Energy Finance less than warmly received (no aluminium to under $2200 per
Corporation investments. pun intended) by most analysts tonne, carbon capture and
In 2016, around 350 positions outside government. Responses storage to under $20 per tonne of
were lost from the CSIRO, largely have ranged from cynicism to carbon dioxide and soil carbon
from the Climate Research criticism, largely for lacking measurement to $3.00 per hectare
Division. credible detail. per year.7
18 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2021-2022You can also read
