St Vincent de Paul Society celebrates 125 years of operations in Tasmania

It helped out Tasmanians through the Great Depression and both World Wars. However, the current head of Vinnies in Tasmania believes ‘that some things change, but a lot stay the same’.

Vinnies Tasmania Southern region president Louise Wilson, chief executive officer Heather Kent, National President and Chair of St Vincent de Paul Society Australia Mark Gaetani, Catholic Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous, state president Corey McGrath, and North West region president Karen Maynard.

When St Vincent de Paul Society started operations in Tasmania, it was the end of the 19th century.

The charity started with a budget of £12, more than $3700 AUD in today’s money.

Since then, Vinnies — as the organisation is commonly known — has opened op shops, homeless shelters, emergency relief centres and supported employment programs in Tasmania.

On Thursday, the society celebrated its 125th anniversary with a mass at the Church of Apostles in Launceston.

Vinnies Tasmania CEO Heather Kent said it was a significant milestone.

“There is such an experience of challenge, need and vulnerability amongst so many members of our community today,” Ms Kent said.

“While we’ve been tracing back our history over that century and a quarter, we know that some things change, but a lot of things stay the same.

“Back in 1899, there was considerable poverty, particularly in regional areas. But then there were things like the Great Depression.

St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania CEO Heather Kent at the organisation's 125th anniversary celebrations. Picture: Supplied.

“And even during periods of war, when many of our members — which, at the time, were men — travelled for service, there was still so much support given to those experiencing vulnerability.

“So what we’re seeing now is simply the continuation of that story, striving to just selflessly support those in the community that are experiencing need.”

Ms Kent said that Vinnies Tasmania currently had 263 people who volunteered their time.

“Vinnies would be nothing without that lifeblood; that provision of that compassion, empathy, and direct support; that listening ear; that deep connection of just listening to somebody and responding to their personal needs.

“I think that’s really unique about Vinnies. I think it’s what sets us apart: helping those in the community experiencing vulnerability.”

Originally published as St Vincent de Paul Society celebrates 125 years of operations in Tasmania