Wednesday 22 May 2024 marked the official opening of our 170th Good Works Exhibition, a milestone event that commemorates the Society’s remarkable journey from its inception in 1854 to the present day.

The exhibition held at Xavier College in Kew – which holds a special historical significance for us, as it was where our first St Vincent de Paul Society school conference was formed back in 1908 – provided a comprehensive look at our enduring commitment to assisting Victorians in need, featuring an interactive timeline and portraits that honour the 'good works' of our members and volunteers.

We were honoured to have Dr Monique Ryan, Member of Parliament for Kooyong, and her husband Peter Jordan, join us, alongside our Group CEO Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald and State President Michael Quinn.

Dana’s journey as a Vinnies Soup Van volunteer began with a simple conversation with a colleague at her part-time job during her university days. "I worked with a wonderful lady who happened to be a Vinnies volunteer. She talked about it like it was a lot of fun and got me signed up," Dana recalls with a big smile.

Almost a decade later, the 28-year-old is still a “Vannie”, as the soup van volunteers call themselves, and a much-appreciated, loved and integral member of Victoria's 11,000+ St Vincent de Paul Society volunteer community.

"I was happy with my achievements in hospitality and the restaurants I worked in, but I always felt the need to do more for the community, to give something back," says Chef Francis Flood, reflecting on his professional journey while sitting at table at Ozanam House, where he volunteers to run free cooking classes using minimal equipment and basic ingredients.

At Ozanam House, he empowers individuals facing disadvantages by opening their minds, hearts and taste buds to nutritious food, while equipping them with minimalist yet effective cooking techniques.

At just 23 years old, Melbourne native Lachlan Munro has already made significant strides in his community, fuelled by his desire to make a difference and his passion for helping others.

"I became a volunteer at Vinnies because I believed it would be a great opportunity to work on some interpersonal skills while also giving back to my community," Lachlan shares.

Established on 5 March 1854, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been providing support and assistance to people in need. Our history spans Melbourne's infancy in the 1850s to today, 170 years later.

As part of our 170th celebrations two major events were held, the Ozanam Oration and our Anniversary Mass.

Learn more about these events: