When Annette Johnstone started her student placement at the Society’s office in Newcastle in 1984, little did she know it was the beginning of four decades of service, including her recent election as the Broken Bay Central Council President.   

“It was absolutely wonderful,” Annette recalls of that first experience, where she supported and enabled the network of members making their visitations.   

A Conference President explained to her that ‘we give the best of our first fruits’ to those in need. Annette would telephone Conference members each afternoon to distribute requests for assistance. “The only thing that’s different in 41 years. Now we email them,” she said.  

Life took Annette away from active membership for periods of further study, work, marriage and raising children, but the Vincentian spirit drew her back each time.  

When she moved to the Central Coast in 2014, Annette filled in a parish welcome form, expressing her interest in social justice and the St Vincent de Paul Society. She’s been at both ever since, including serving on the Parish Council of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Wyoming.  

The consistency of the Society’s values impresses Annette. “That same ethos and mentality that was there in 1984,” she reflects. “It’s that ever-present Vincentian spirit. The generosity, kindness, and integrity of the members are still here.”    

The Society has also been a beneficial source of community for Annette through the different phases of life. A fellow member’s invitation to a quilting group was the start of a new passion and friendships that sustained her through the COVID-19 lockdowns and beyond.    

As Central Council President, Annette will prioritise increased membership, communication, and consistent service delivery. “You can go to Hornsby and ask for assistance, and you will get the same level and type of assistance that you can get at Wyoming or at Wyong,” she explains.  

In these tasks, Annette will work alongside the Broken Bay Conference Presidents, staff and volunteers. “They are so pragmatic and realistic and know what their community needs.”          
 
Joy in service will sustain Annette in her new role, a joy she wishes to share with everyone.  “Where else can you give stuff away like we do every day?” she asks. “If the general community knew how much joy there was in this work, everybody would want to join.”