Vinnies Victoria

Meet Alan West! 👋 An extraordinary example of how one person's vision can make vital resources easily accessible, empowering individuals and families while uniting the community in support. Alan is a dedicated member of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and the creator of "Pocket Full of Help"—a compact, foldable directory of essential services in Ballarat. Alan created Pocket Full of Help to make it easier for people to access vital resources from food assistance to Myki top-ups and mental health support, all from “a little book that goes in your pocket,” as he describes it. He ensured that the directory included a broad range of support services focused on areas such as homelessness, the NDIS, legal assistance, food, mental health, utilities, financial aid, and more. His goal was to make it useful not just for people experiencing homelessness or people needing rental assistance, but also for families who may have a child or grandparent in need of other support. Alan didn’t stop there—what started as a simple initiative has grown into something larger. He brought the directory to life through the Hall Full of Help event, held on Thursday, 17 October, at St Patrick’s Hall in Ballarat. The event saw over 48 support services gather in Ballarat and nearly 500 community members. We are incredibly grateful to Alan West for his dedication and vision in creating Pocket Full of Help. His work has not only provided essential information to those in need but has also brought the community together. 💙 #PocketFullOfHelp #SupportServices #CityofBallarat

Melton has seen a rising need in the community and we have responded by adding another night of operation of our Vinnies Melton Soup Van. In addition to this new Tuesday night service, we’re now serving an average of 50 people every Thursday evening, which is staggering. This expansion allows us to reach even more individuals who rely on us for a nutritious meal and a listening ear. We’re incredibly thankful for our dedicated volunteers who make this possible, and for everyone who supports our #GoodWorks.

VincentCare Victoria oversees approximately 300 existing properties housing vulnerable Victorians. We are also delivering 185 new homes Footscray, Wollert and Bendigo in partnership with Homes Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build. We’re often asked, who lives in these properties? As Ray Kelleher, Executive General Manager - Housing and Property Strategy at VincentCare Victoria Community Housing explains, our tenants are far more diverse than people might realise. “The reality is that social housing is home to Victorians across all walks of life, across all generations, who experience challenges like being at risk or experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence. Social housing is more about a place to live. It's a pathway to empowering people to lead connected lives, be part of a community, and have a chance to thrive and succeed.” #SocialHousing #HomesVictoria #CommunityHousing #HousingForAll #BigHousingBuild

For a century, the Brighton Conference has been a beacon of hope across Melbourne's bayside area. From humble beginnings during the aftermath of WWI, this incredible team has supported vulnerable members of the community—providing food, clothing, shelter and care. Today, Brighton Conference continues to be a pillar of support, helping more than 220 public housing residents, offering not only material aid but also a listening ear and a warm heart. As we honour the past and celebrate this incredible milestone, we look ahead with renewed passion to continue our mission of alleviating the pressures of poverty and homelessness for the next century. 💙 #100YearsOfCompassion #CommunitySupport #BrightonConference #Vinnies

Hall Full of Help Event! 💒 Last Thursday we held our very first Hall Full of Help event, organised by Alan West, a dedicated member of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria. Alan had the vision to bring the community and local support services together under one roof and he made it happen! We welcomed 400-500 community members who came to learn about the many support services available in Ballarat provided by over 48 local agencies who participated in the event, showcasing the assistance they offer. Attendees enjoyed a delicious free sausage sizzle, coffees and bags of fresh fruit and veggies. Thanks to the generosity of supporting organisations, we were also able to give away some fantastic door prizes to attendees! A massive thank you to Alan West and all the fantastic organisations who participated, including Vinnies Victoria, Anglicare Victoria, The Salvation Army Australia, Uniting Vic.Tas, Ballarat City Council, Central Highlands Water and so many more! It was a wonderful day of community connection and a reminder that help is always available. 💙 #GoodWorks #SupportServices #HallFullOfHelp

As part of our in-depth exploration of social housing, this week Ray Kelleher, Executive General Manager - Housing and Property Strategy at VincentCare Victoria Community Housing, provides insights into the true meaning and impact of social housing. We manage social housing around the state, including 185 new social housing homes being built in Footscray, Bendigo, and Wollert in partnership with Homes Victoria as part of the Victorian State government’s Big Housing Build. “Public housing is owned and managed by the government, supporting eligible Victorians. Community Housing on the other hand, is owned and managed by not-for-profit organisations like Saint Vincent de Paul Victoria,” says Ray. “We work closely with Homes Victoria to deliver more housing to Victorians in need, ensuring that every Victorian adult and children has access to a safe and supportive place to call home, which is at the core of what we do across all of our services.” These homes represent more than just a roof—they are safe havens that provide security, stability, and the foundation for families to grow and thrive. At St Vincent de Paul Victoria, we believe that every adult and child deserves a place to call home, where they can feel supported, pursue their dreams, and build a brighter future. 💙 #SocialHousing #HomesVictoria #CommunityHousing #HousingForAll

Our volunteers saw an increased need in Footscray. More people were reaching out for assistance with food and other essentials, so our Western Soup Van launched a new rough sleeper run in Footscray. This new service now provides meals and support to around 20 individuals every Sunday. Our volunteers are crucial in connecting with people in need, and we deeply appreciate their dedication to serving the community. As demand grows, we stay committed to ensuring everyone has access to food and basic necessities. #GoodWorks

Yes, these statistics are shocking. And they’re happening right in our backyard. This Anti-poverty week, we’re joining support services and organisations across the country to highlight child poverty in Australia – and the need for change. #AntiPovertyWeek #EndChildPoverty

In FY23-24, nearly 809,300 meals were served to individuals in crisis and facing desperate situations, each meal offering more than just nourishment – it provided hope and comfort during incredibly difficult times. 🍲 For many, it was a lifeline that brought relief and the promise of brighter days ahead. Your generosity can help ensure that even more Victorians receive the support they need. Please donate to our Spring Appeal and be part of a positive change for those who need it most. 💙

Q: What do you get if you cross an old bank vault with the new Vinnies Mount Waverley shop? 🤔 A: The most secure change room ever! 🏦 The Fashion Vault! 🏦 This might be our most unique shop fit-out to date! Our new Vinnies in Mount Waverley, located at 264 Stephensons Road, has transformed an old bank into a treasure trove of unique finds and community spirit. One of the standout features? A fitting room tucked inside the old bank vault! “Our team has done a fantastic job, turning this former bank into a welcoming space for everyone,” says Liz Randle Head of Merchandise and Retail Innovation. “The shop’s transformation was no small feat, with the property team overcoming challenges to repurpose the structure.” What makes this Vinnies shop special is not just the items on offer but the warmth and mission behind it - and all of our shops – every purchase supports helping local people in need. 💙 If you’re looking to make an investment in your local community, or just a small deposit on a unique item, come and visit our friendly team at Vinnies Mount Waverley! Neil Harvey Stephanie Shave Jason Hulbert