On Friday 23rd January, Mass was celebrated by Father Damien Locke in St Augustine's Chapel at Freeman House as part of a very special event held to bless and dedicate the Conference Room to Don Hewitt OAM. Don was a much loved and respected former Member of the St Vincent de Paul Society. He clocked up over 58 years of service. Among Don’s greatest achievements during this time was helping to establish Freeman House, a service designed to support regional people experiencing addiction.  

We gratefully acknowledge Father Damien the principal Celebrant who stated, “today is a day of thanksgiving.” Father Damien who knew Don well spoke from the heart thanking Don for his vision, his perseverance and his deep commitment to the dignity of all people. On this special occasion it was also fitting to acknowledge and thank Don’s wife Barbara and the Hewitt family. No work of service stands alone and behind every sustained commitment is a network of love, sacrifice and encouragement. We also give thanks for Freeman House itself, born of compassion, sustained by dedication and now firmly established as a vital life-giving service in the Armidale community. 

Present were Brett Macklin Director of Vinnies Services, Strategy, Delivery and Integration - Sydney, staff of Freeman House, Members of the St Augustine’s Conference, Armidale Central Council Members and staff, Armidale Conference Members, parishioners, friends and colleagues. We also thank Cathy Russell who beautifully played the organ during Mass. 

During the ceremony Kerry Steller (Armidale Regional President) welcomed everyone, and Liz Fitzgerald (St Augustine’s Conference) read beautifully from 1 Samuel, while Father Damien drew on the readings of the day highlighting aspects of Don’s personality while capturing the true meaning and spirit of the occasion. Father Damien expressed the readings spoke quietly but clearly about what Freeman House represents and the life and legacy we honour today. 

Don was celebrated as a Life Member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, a testament to his enduring legacy of faith in action. Today, Freeman House performs a vital role as the largest residential rehabilitation service in northern NSW and is a cornerstone of Don’s legacy.   

As the Society’s Regional Council President, he secured substantial funding to build and / or renovate 23 Vinnies Retail Centres across the Armidale Diocese that continue to provide thousands of people with household goods, food, finance, counselling services, social connection and rehabilitation.  

Don served as Armidale Diocesan President, Vice-President, Armidale Regional Council President, was a founding member of St Augustine's Conference Armidale, (a Special Works Conference), in 1979, and President of St Joseph’s Conference Armidale, among his many other roles.  

Spending his early years as a member of St Joseph’s Conference in Armidale supporting people through home visitations, Don identified a cohort of older homeless men who spent their time in local parks. 

Don made the decision, as then incoming Regional President in 1979 to purchase the nearby Crescent Street Guest House for $25,000, a new Special Work and as such - St Augustine’s - was formed specifically to support people struggling with addiction. The site was also designated as a proclaimed place which provided the police with a legal alternative where people in need could take a shower, enjoy a meal and find comfort in a new set of clothes. 

Don once remarked: “People found the comfort of the Society members and wanted to stay. Some of the best people who helped us were the people that we’d helped.” 

Over time, the service was redeveloped with two adjoining properties purchased, while funds provided by the St Vincent de Paul Society and state and federal governments saw it transformed into a leading residential rehabilitation facility named after the late Cardinal James Freeman. 

Today, Freeman House performs a vital role as the largest residential rehabilitation service in northern NSW. With the closest service offering withdrawal facilities located four hours away in Lismore and Newcastle respectively, Freeman House acts as a haven offering long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation, crisis accommodation, inpatient treatment, aftercare support and programs to accommodate patients with young children. 

While much has changed at Freeman House over the past four decades, Don’s original intent of providing a supportive environment for people struggling with addiction remains as strong as ever.

In recognition of these wonderful achievements, we celebrate Don’s remarkable contribution to the establishment and ongoing success of Freeman House and proudly dedicate the Conference Room in his name. 

The service ended with these words, “May this room stand as a lasting sign of gratitude and as a reminder that true leadership is found in service”. 

Joy Howe, Operations Armidale Central Council