St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Newsletter 262 | January-February 2013A

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Members of HMAS Cerberus and the Navy Steam Club delivered more than 600 toys to our Christmas gift appeal on Wednesday 12 December. The gifts, valued at around $11,000, were distributed by conference members to people they were assisting in the lead-up to Christmas.

The gifts were delivered in spectacular fashion on a 1923 Foden Steam Wagon which travelled from the St Kilda Rd barracks to our warehouse in Altona North.

Our sincere thanks to the HMAS Cerberus team for this generous donation! This was one of many donations to our annual gift appeal which was a great success this year, with many more gifts donated than in past years.

Christmas Gift AppealHMAS Cerberuslend a hand

Star of the Sea support VinniesPictured left are students from Star of the Sea College with Gardenvale Conference representatives Michael Haesler (President) and Maureen Taylor (Treasurer) and all the goods they collected as part of the Christmas hamper collection conducted by the conference.

“It was a magnificent effort by the girls and their supportive teachers!” said Maureen.

State President ’s message Dear Vincentians, volunteers & staff

Reports received from Telstra recently show that Victoria is well down on the usage of the Telstra vouchers.

Figures show that the projected surplus for Victoria is standing at 25%. We received 538 books from Telstra, our usage so far this year is 236 which leaves 302 books to use by June. Our allocation for 2013/2014 will be affected if all vouchers are not used by 30th June.

There is currently a waiting list of conferences that are in desperate need of more vouchers, so please ensure that the vouchers are being used and not kept in a drawer somewhere ‘just in case someone might need one’. Please check for any books that have not or will not be used. These should be returned to the region for re-distribution or returned to Pam Dent in Box Hill to re-distribute.

There are some conferences and centres where visits/interviews are not being done in pairs. Article 2 of the Rule states: Visitation or conference interviews must not be done alone. There can be no compromise on the requirement that interviews/home visits must be conducted by two people; there can be no exception to this requirement for reasons of safety,

insurance and the protection for both client and interviewer. The practice of always interviewing/visiting in pairs is essential.

Our next staff and volunteer mass will take place on Friday 15 March 2013 at 12 noon in the Rosalie Rendu Chapel at Gerald Ward House. Fr Brendan Lane will celebrate the Eucharist for us and everyone is welcome.

The next Social Justice in the City presentation will take place on Wednesday 27 March 2013 - Fr Kevin Mogg will talk on ‘Social justice in our prisons - remand reform & rehabilitation’.

Social Justice in the City presentations are held at St Francis Pastoral Centre, corner Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne, from 12-1pm on the last Wednesday of the month. Complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits are provided and everyone is welcome.

With best wishes

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Tony TomeState President

Compeer ChristmasCompeer hosted Christmas functions in both Melbourne and Bendigo in December for the volunteers and their matched friends. Both events were very well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. The Melbourne lunch was also attended by the Compeer Patron, Professor Allan Fels, who had a very big year in 2012 chairing the National Mental Health Commission. He gave guests some insight into the results of the Mental Health Report Card that has been written by the Commission.

Compeer has also sent the Commission copies of the research that was conducted by Ann Montclaire for the program titled ‘Friendship Really Matters: Exploring effects of Compeer friendship for people experiencing mental illness’.

This research is available on the Compeer page of St Vincent de Paul Society website for those who have not already seen it. The parties were good fun and it was great to see and hear people mixing, laughing and sharing together. The feeling of community and enjoyment is great to witness.

Elizabeth Cromb Compeer Manager

Prayers are requested for...Deceased members, volunteers, family and friendsJohn Barthelson Son of Margaret, East Bentleigh ConferenceLee Bilston Member & volunteer, Strathmore Conference & Glenroy CentreSheila Carey Ex-volunteer, Footscray Centre (now closed)Keith Collins Member, Ormond ConferenceMarg Credlin Member & volunteer, Kerang Conference & CentreElizabeth (Betty) Fields Ex-volunteer, Malvern Centre Nora Fitzgerald Ex-volunteer, Malvern CentreKevin Gannon Member, Maffra ConferenceVal Harley Volunteer, Queenscliff/Ocean Grove CentreRobert Haughey Member, Croydon ConferenceJohn Horton-Crundall Ex-member, Belgrave ConferencePatricia Linton Member & volunteer, Kerang Conference & CentreJohn McKinnon Ex-volunteer, Malvern CentreElio Mariani Member, Craigieburn ConferenceSr Mary Muirhead IBVM Ex-volunteer, Malvern CentreWilliam (Bill) Norris Member, Mill Park ConferenceMary Parker Mother of Anne, Bayswater CentreMarjory Joy Quinn Volunteer, Hamilton CentreFrank Ridgeway Husband of Pat, East Bentleigh ConferenceColin Robinson Volunteer, Cranbourne CentreMary Sexton Mother of William, Geelong ConferenceDel Toomey Member, Queenscliff/Ocean Grove ConferenceMargaret Vaughan Wife of Roger, Geelong Conference

To ensure correct acknowledgement please forward any requests for prayers to Philip Mackey by phone on 03 9895 5837 or email philipm@svdp-vic.org.au.

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On the 25 February 2013 we farewelled Brian Dalton, at a function at Gerald Ward House in Box Hill, and honoured the very many years he dedicated to the St Vincent de Paul Society and the mission it serves.Brian not only served the mission well but, as evidenced by the very large number of people that were present, won the hearts and minds of his fellow Vincentians.Brian had been with the Society for 18 years and CEO for the last 12 years.He started his career with the Society in 1995 as Manager Aged Care, coming from a background of finance and accounting within the health sector.In 2001, Brian was successful in his application for the role of General Secretary/CEO of the Society.In his role as CEO, Brian worked alongside five State Presidents; John O’Brien, Gerard Dowling, Syd Tutton, Jim Grealish and myself.Brian steered the Society through many challenges none greater than the ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires and the Victorian floods.He was involved in many changes within the Society such as the move from 585 Little Collins Street to Box Hill, the setting up and dismantling of shared services and the formation of Aged Care & Community Services, now VincentCare.Brian always demonstrated empathy with members and over the years this was one of his key strengths, always ready to listen and provide advice. Brian was always available to staff and looked after their interests.He was always available for meetings and events all over the state on weekends and also outside normal working hours.He was a wealth of knowledge regarding the Society to me, State Council and others and this knowledge will be a loss.Brian’s dedication, cooperation, integrity, professionalism, communication and administration skills, hard work, and his value as a team player will be missed.I thank him for his advice and good counsel and the many conversations on many topics especially over lunch.Brian can look back on his time with the Society with a considerable deal of pride and satisfaction.I wish him well in whatever he decides to do and sincerely thank him for his support over a number of years.

Tony TomeState President

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S T A F F P R O F I L EVAL D’COSTA

Warehouse Supervisor, Vinnies Centres

Val D’Costa started working for Vinnies Centres more than 20 years ago when she, after being an occasional volunteer with her husband Russell, started working as a sorter at the warehouse which was then located in Dandenong.

Val was introduced to the work of Vinnies Centres by her local conference when she and Russell had just arrived in Australia from India with their two sons. Russell initially volunteered at Vinnies too but went on to work elsewhere and, in a nice example of coming full circle, Russell is now retired and volunteering at the Vinnies Centre in Dandenong.

Val has acted in a supervisor role for approximately 15 years and says she’s motivated by her desire to contribute to the community.

“I come from a country with such poverty that I know what it’s like. It inspires me to give something back and to keep working here at Vinnies.” However the camaraderie keeps her coming back too.

“I love this place and the people here,” she said. Val’s boss, warehouse manager Simon Roberson, said of Val “She’s such a vital part of our team at the warehouse. Val’s understanding and knowledge of Vinnies Centres is something I personally rely on each day. She’s not only a great employee but a good and caring person that is always willing to put others first”.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held again this year in cities across Australia on Thursday 20 June 2013.This year we hope to significantly grow the School and Community Sleepout components of the event as we fielded many enquiries about this last year and believe it’s a great way to engage in community fundraising for conferences. If you would like more information about the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and how you can get involved locally, please contact Carol Taylor, General Manager of Marketing and Fundraising on 9895 5924 or email melbourne@ceosleepout.org.au

Moonee Ponds celebrates 90 yearsOn 15 October 2012 Moonee Ponds Conference celebrated its 90th Anniversary of Aggregation at St Monica’s in Moonee Ponds.

Celebrations began with mass concelebrated by Monsignor Peter Kenny and his assistant priests, Frs Benneth Osuagwu and Vinoth Santiago.

After mass, present and past members, their families and fellow members of Essendon Region gathered in the Parish Centre.

Special guests included our State President, Tony Tome and our Regional President, Tony Feain.

Short talks were given by Tony Tome, Les Butler and myself, recalling the 90 year history of special efforts by so many members and expressing hopes for continuing good works into the future.

A special mention was given to Clem English who was an active member for 70 years (1923-1993).

We have three current members, Rita Gonsalves, Les Butler and David McLean, each with more than 20 years of service and one current member, Eoin Dillon, with more than 48 years of service; what outstanding achievements!

It was a great night of reminiscing about good works and wonderful characters.

Sue Rivette President, Moonee Ponds Conference

In the mist of the hustle and bustle of Brunswick and Smith Street, over 200 Vincentians, staff, volunteers and invited guests gathered at the Australian Catholic University to consider the question posed by the keynote speaker, Robert Fitzgerald, Productivity Commissioner, Adjunct Professor – Australian Catholic University, “Would Ozanam join the St Vincent de Paul Society today?”Our State President, Tony Tome, opened the event with a generous welcome and challenge to the audience to open their hearts and minds to reflect and consider the question posed by Robert. The welcome was followed by a passionate and uplifting address by Robert Fitzgerald. Given all his experience and qualifications, this remarkable and well respected Vincentian, noted that out of all the addresses he gives, that “special feeling” exists only amongst Vincentians when gathered together.Robert addressed the question of whether or not Ozanam would join the Society today within the context of: (a) the times he lived in, (b) the hierarchy of the Church and (c) the place of justice. Key themes within his address included – the importance of relationships, our ability as an organisation to grow and respond to community, whilst remaining authentic to the mission and the core of our work – home visitation, people

centred assistance and our place to work and advocate for justice.In response to Robert’s address Michael Liddy (Eastern Central Council President), echoed Robert’s view that Ozanam would

join the Society. In light of his bicentenary birthday this year and that around the world the Society serves in over 142 countries, the Frederic Ozanam story and his place in modern Australia remains as relevant as it did in 1833, when the Society was founded.Special thanks to all who attended, our speakers and everyone involved in organising this wonderful event.

Livia Carusi Mission Integration Officer

Quest Apartments donation

Following a major refurbishment in late 2012, Quest Apartments Docklands donated all of their replaced furniture, bedding and electrical goods to Vinnies Centres.

Representatives from the Society met with General Manager of Quest Docklands, Brendan du Kamp to hand them a plaque for their foyer as a sign of our gratitude for their very generous donation.

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Soup vans at Government House on Australia DayGovernment House holds an annual open day for the public on Australia Day each year and this year the Society’s soup vans, along with Foodbank and Second Bite, were invited to participate by selling food to visitors on the day. We sold sandwiches and cold drinks and to raise funds for the soup van service. Our thanks to all the volunteers who came along on the day to support the operation.

Nagle College Bairnsdale clothing donationOn 15 November 2012, students of Nagle College Bairnsdale had an out of uniform day. One aspect of the day was that the students would bring to school an attractive article of clothing that they would donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. A trailer and ute load of clothing was donated and will be distributed throughout the district.

Bernard O’Kelly Bairnsdale Conference member

2013 OzanaM Lecture

“At the heart of it all, it’s about relationships,”

Robert Fitzgerald

An afternoon tea was held at the Vinnies Centre in Oakleigh on Thursday 7 February 2013 to recognise more than 40 years of volunteering at that centre by Therese (‘Peggy’) O’Meara and Eileen and Bill Norman. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to each by Hazel Maynard, Volunteer Development Manager.Peggy and Bill met as five year olds at school; tales were told of classroom pranks.Next was a presentation to Bill Norman OAM of a badge for 60 years’ membership of and service to the St Vincent de Paul Society. During his time as a member of the Oakleigh Conference, Bill has served as President and has been the Twinning Officer. He has visited many

of the needy and disadvantaged people in and around Oakleigh to offer the ‘hand up’.A number of volunteers, as well as members of the Oakleigh Conference, were able to join Bill, Eileen and Peggy, and congratulate them on their achievements and the deserved recognition they each received. In accepting her Certificate, Eileen spoke with feeling of the efforts that they, and other volunteers, had invested in the Centre, and in serving the people in need who came to the Centre. She also spoke fondly of the customers whose support has ensured the ongoing viability of the

Centre. Eileen pleaded for improvements to be made in the facilities for staff and volunteers at the Centre. Peggy and Eileen will each reach another milestone during 2013 - 35 years membership of the Society.

Michael Liddy Eastern Central Council President

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Calendar Dates Feast Days - Blessed Rosalie Rendu & St Louise de Marillac Thursday 21 March 2013, 10.45am - 12.30pm, Gerald Ward House

Bicentenary Celebration - Blessed Frederic Ozanam Tuesday 23 April 2013, 10.15am - 1pm, Gerald Ward House

2013 Vinnies CEO Sleepout SAVE THE DATE: Thursday 20 June 2013

Contributions to Societynews are always welcome. Email: stephanie.puls@svdp-vic.org.au or send to:The Editor - Societynews St Vincent de Paul Society Locked Bag 4800 Box Hill Vic 3128Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850We endeavour to include as many items as possible in each issue.

‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK!Find us by searching ‘St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’ or by going directly to www.facebook.com/StVincentdePaulSocietyVictoria

It’s a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening across the Society, find out about events we’re involved in and to access information shared about issues such as homelessness.

A project run at the school and parish by the St John Vianney’s Mini-Vinnies had the whole community mesmerized. The little helpers of Jesus received in excess of 400 second-hand spectacles (eye glasses) following appeals to parents and parishioners. On Monday 29 October during the whole school assembly led by Principal Simon Fitzpatrick, the Mini Vinnies presented the spectacles, together with a cheque for $70 to cover freight, to a parishioner for dispatch to St Ursula’s Convent in Badulla, Sri Lanka. From there, Sr Stella Maria AC will make them available to the very poor in the local community. It’s a remarkable achievement for now with more on the way.

Serge Florent Springvale North Conference

President

Recognising long service at Oakleigh

Mini-Vinnies in action

Vincentians are invited to attend a Festival Mass to mark the renewal of the

Melbourne Regionat St Francis Church,

326 Lonsdale Street, Melbourneon Thursday 11 April 2013, 7pm

Principal celebrant: Monsignor Greg Bennet, Vicar General

RSVP to reception on 03 9895 5935 or rsvp@svdp-vic.org.au by 3 April 2013

to assist with catering after Mass

australia Day Honours

Congratulations to all Vincentians awarded an Australia Day honour.