The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is inspired by its work with people in need to seek justice for them in our communities.

We provide immediate support and build trusting relationships with the people we serve. This trust helps us to uncover the causes of disadvantage and offer a hand up to people in need.

Building on the legacy of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s founder, Frederic Ozanam, we also speak out against social injustice. A leading thinker and social activist, Frederic fought for social rights such as the right for a natural wage covering all necessities of life, and for a just distribution of wealth amongst citizens.

Today, we continue to raise our voice, with the people we assist, to challenge the circumstances that stop people from enjoying the full life they, with us, should enjoy.

Currently, Vinnies NSW social justice work focuses on:

We also support our First Nations Peoples’ Uluru Statement from the Heart, and work towards equity under the guidance of our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Within these focus areas, our current major campaign, Build Homes, Build Hope, calls on the NSW Government to build 5,000 additional social housing dwellings every year for the next ten years, so that everyone in our community has a place to call home.

No matter your experience, location or availability, we have meaningful ways for you to get involved in social justice advocacy:

  1. Join our Statewide Social Justice Network – Our network is a community of people committed to building a more just and compassionate NSW. Together, we take actions like collecting signatures for petitions, visiting our MPs, and hosting community events.
  2. Join your local social justice network – Local networks are opportunities for Society people to connect with others in their area, support the local implementation of campaigns, and to identify, discuss and respond to social justice issues locally. We currently have social justice networks in Broken Bay and Parramatta diocese. Email us for more information about an existing network, or if you are interested in being part of a new network in your area.
  3. Become a Social Justice Representative – Social Justice Representatives at the Conference, Regional and Central Council levels work together to build empowered communities who speak up and advocate for change. If you are interested in becoming a representative, read the role description, and email us to connect with existing representatives in your area.
  4. Attend an event – Our regular social justice events provide opportunities for our members, volunteers, employees and supporters to come together to engage on key social justice issues. While physical distancing restrictions are in place, our events will take place online.

Conference Reflection and Action Kits

Social Justice Newsletters

To receive regular, current updates and opportunities to take action, as well as upcoming Social Justice dates and events, subscribe to the Social Justice newsletter .

Previous Social Justice Newsletters

Social Justice Diary 2023 – resources for Members

Survival Day (Australia Day) 26/01/2023

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4.  Other useful websites and resources

NSW State Election 25/03/2023

The NSW Election is fast approaching. This is the opportunity for Conference Members to raise our voice for housing justice – to remind the sitting members and candidates of our local electorates as well as the local community about the desperate circumstances a growing number of people we assist are facing.

Here are some helpful resources for raising the issue with your local candidates and in your broader community.

  1. Housing Justice: A home for everyone, 2023 Election Statement
  1. Housing Justice: Briefing Notes
    1. Invest in Social Housing – Briefing Note
    2. Healthier Homes – Briefing Note
    3. Accessible Homes – Briefing Note
    4. Fairer Tenancy Laws – Briefing Note
    5. No-Grounds Evictions – Briefing Note
    6. Pets in Rentals – Briefing Note
    7. Fund Homelessness Services – Briefing Note
    8. Affordable Housing Targets – Briefing Note
  2. Sign our petition for housing justice.
  1. Support to meet with current and aspiring MPs in your electorate to discuss our housing justice recommendations:
    1. Guide to meeting with MPs and candidates
    2. Frequently Asked Questions about social and affordable housing
    3. Factsheets on housing and homelessness for each of the 93 electorates in NSW

Social Justice Diary 2022 – resources for Members

Survival Day (Australia Day) 26/01/2022

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4.  Other useful websites and resources

World Day of Social Justice 20/02/2022

1. Bulletin Notice:

2. Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4. Other useful websites and resources

National Harmony Week 21 - 27/03/2022

1. Bulletin Notice:

2. Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4. Other useful websites and resources

National Volunteer Week 16 - 22/05/2022

1. Bulletin Notice:

2. Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 03 June

1. Bulletin Notice:

2. Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

NAIDOC Week 3 - 10 July

1. Bulletin Notice:

2. Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

Migrant & Refugee Sunday 25/09/2022

1. Bulletin Notice:

2. Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4. Other useful websites and resources

 

Social Justice Diary 2021 – resources for Members

Survival Day (Australia Day) 26 January 2021

For many Australians, January 26 does not mark the founding of our country, but instead it signifies the beginning of a long fight for equality and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original occupants and custodians of Australia.

Whatever the day means for you, it is also an opportunity to listen to and reflect on what the day represents for others, particularly our First Nations people.

1. Ideas for individuals and conferences

Gather with fellow conference members, family or friends to tune into the #changetheheart service led by Aunty Jean Phillips on Monday 25 January 2021 at 7:30 pm. Sign up here.

26 January prayer, by Brooke Prentis, is a beautiful prayer that you may want to share in your Conference meetings, or with family and friends.

2. Ideas for parishes

On 26 January 1938, Aboriginal leaders including William Cooper met for a Day of Mourning and seeking equality and full citizenship. At their request, churches were then asked to set aside the Sunday before January 26 as Aboriginal Sunday – a day of solidarity and reflection. Sign up for an Aboriginal Sunday Church Resource Toolkit to enable your church or faith community to hold a service prepared by Aboriginal Christian Leaders on Sunday, 24 January 2021.

26 January prayer, by Brooke Prentis, is a beautiful prayer that you may want to share at Mass.

World Day of Social Justice 20/02/2021
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A talk for anyone wanting to address the Congregation during Mass
  • Suggested activities for your Conference
  • Fact sheets and further information

 

1. Newsletter – shorter version

World Day of Social Justice – short bulletin notice

2.  Newsletter – longer version OR  A talk after Mass:

World Day of Social Justice – talk or longer bulletin notice

3. Suggested activities for your Conference

  • Contact your social justice representative to find out about any opportunity to watch the parliamentary debate on the Vinnies Build Home, Build Hope petition with other Vincentians in your area, or arrange for your conference to watch the debate together. The debate will take place at 4pm on 18th February and will be streamed online. To find contact details for your Central Council Social Justice Representative, or for more information, email social.justice@vinnies.org.au
  • At your Conference meeting, bring a laptop and review the Social Justice page for updates to our campaigns : https://www.socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/
  • View as a group, the ‘Spiritual Reflection – Social Justice’ on the Vinnies Learning Centre (5 minutes)

4.  Fact sheets and further information

 

National Harmony Day 21/03/2021
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A talk for anyone wanting to address the Congregation during Mass
  • Suggested activities for your Conference

1. Newsletter – shorter version

National Harmony Day – short notice for bulletin

2.  Newsletter – longer version OR  A talk after Mass:

National Harmony Day – talk or longer bulletin entry – Copy

3. Suggested activities for your Conference

  • Setup a Vinnies info table after Mass on the Sunday 21st Information flyers are available – email Janice.stokes@vinnies.org.au
  • Discuss the cultural diversity in your area and any suggestions for making the community more inclusive (eg, find the next national celebration day for a large cultural group in your area, and plan a morning tea).

4.  Fact sheets and further information

  • https://www.harmony.gov.au/
  • https://www.harmony.gov.au/Documents/get-involved/communities-event-planning-kit.pdf

 

National Reconciliation Week 17/05/21 to 03/06/21
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • Suggested activities for your Conference

1. Newsletter OR a talk after Mass:

2. Suggested activities for your Conference

World Refugee Week 20/06/21 to 26/06/21

1. Newsletter

2. A talk after Mass:

Suggested activities for your Conference/Parish

3.  Sign up your Conference and/or Parish, to the Parramatta Diocese Food Drive: https://parracatholic.org/diocesanfooddrive/

4.  Look for events, resources or ways to get involved here: https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/

5.  Join the 150 Days of Action for People Seeking Refuge

  • Speak to your Conference Members and Parish about joining the 150 Days of Action for Refugees and People Seeking Asylum.  And then join the action!
  • On May 1, the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, representatives from parishes, schools, religious orders and refugee support organisations gathered at the launch of 150 Days of Actions for People Seeking Refuge. Between now and the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 27 September, this campaign will seek to reignite support for refugees across the Catholic community. Although people seeking protection in Australia are no longer making daily headlines, there are still thousands of people in our community – and over 200 still in Papua New Guinea and Nauru – living in limbo. Many have no access to support and are locked out of employment. A fair system for those seeking asylum would process people’s claims efficiently. It would also ensure appropriate access to support and advice for people living in our community waiting for a pathway to permanent protection. As demonstrated by the Federal Government’s recent decision to finalise over 1000 applications for asylum by the end of June, our system continues to fail to give people a fair go. If you’d like to play a part raising awareness and building support in your conferences, parishes or wider communities, please feel free to utilise these resources:

6.  Join Vinnies Refugee Week Social Justice Webinar on June 23 at 12pm – 1pm.

 

NAIDOC Week 04/07/21 to 11/07/21

1. Newsletter

2. A talk during or after Mass:

3. Suggested activities for your Conference/Parish

4.  Fact Sheets and Resources

Social Justice Sunday 29/08/2021

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4.  Websites and resources

Refugee & Migrant Sunday 26/09/2021

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Related Vinnies information:

4.  Suggested activities for your Conference

5.  Websites and resources

World Mental Health Day 10/10/2021

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4.  Other useful websites and resources

5.  For people seeking assistance

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Anti-Poverty Week 17 - 23/10/2021

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

  • Register for the Rosalie Rendu Forum considering the impact of poverty and homelessness on women suffering domestic violence. The forum will be held online from 6pm on Thursday 21 October. Visit https://mavs.vinnies.org.au/rosalie-rendu-forum-2021/ for more information and register here: https://bit.ly/RosalieRendu2021. Anything you can do to support registrations would be much appreciated!
  • Visit the Vinnies Social Justice Network website (https://socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/) to find out more about advocacy around issues of homelessness, poverty and unemployment. You are invited to join the Social Justice Network at: https://socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/join/
  • Visit the Anti-Poverty Week website for a range of information and resources and to register an Anti-Poverty Week event: https://antipovertyweek.org.au/
  • Sign the Vinnies Build Homes, Build Hope petition calling on State Government to build 5,000 new social housing homes every year for the next 10 years: https://socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/petitions/build-homes-build-hope/
  • Support the Raise the Rate for Good campaign calling on Federal Government to lift the JobSeeker Payment so that everyone receives at least $67 a day: https://raisetherate.org.au/
  • In anticipation of an easing of the COVID lockdown, consider holding a recruitment drive via letterbox drops or Vinnies tables at parish churches between Anti-Poverty Week (17 – 23 October) and the World Day of the Poor (14 November).

4.  Other useful websites and resources

World Day of the Poor 21/11/2021

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

  • Join the Vinnies webinar “Embracing the Challenge of Mutual Sharing”, which will explore Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Poor. Guest speaker: Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen DD OFM Conv. Register for this free event at: https://worlddayofthepoor.eventbrite.com.au
  • Access Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Poor at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20210613-messaggio-v-giornatamondiale-poveri-2021.html
  • Visit the Vinnies Social Justice Network website (https://socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/) to find out more about advocacy around issues of homelessness, poverty and unemployment, mental ill-health, Indigenous justice and justice for asylum seekers.
  • In anticipation of an end to the Covid lockdown, consider holding a recruitment drive via letterbox drops or Vinnies tables at parish churches between Anti-Poverty Week (17 – 23 October) and the World Day of the Poor (14 November).
  • Consider how events related to the World Day of the Poor might also coincide with the promotion of Vinnies Christmas appeal.

4.  Other useful websites and resources

International Volunteer Day 05/12/2021

1. Bulletin Notice:

2.  Speaking Notes:

3.  Suggested activities for your Conference

4.  Other useful websites and resources

 

Social Justice Diary 2020 – resources for Members

World Migrant and Refugee Day 27/09/2020
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A 3 minute talk for anyone wanting to talk after Mass
  • A fact sheet
  • A link to 2 webinars being held on Migrant and Refugee Sunday by JRS.

 

1. Newsletter – shorter version

Short Notice

2.  Newsletter – longer version

Long Notice

3.  A talk after Mass:

A short talk

4.  A fact sheet and where to go for more information:

https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/312426_Refugee_and_People_Seeking_Asylum_Social_Justice_Statement.pdf

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/nobody-left-behind/

5.  Link to the 2 JRS webinars being held on Migrant and Refugee Sunday

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/jesuit-refugee-service-australia-30173699664

World Mental Health Day 10/10/2020
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A talk for anyone wanting to speak after Mass
  • Ideas for your conference
  • A fact sheet
  • Contact list if required.

1. Newsletter – Shorter version

Bulletin shorter notice

2. Newsletter – Longer version – or a talk after Mass

Bulletin longer notice or talk

3. Ideas for your Conference

4. Fact Sheets

5. Contacts

If you are a Conference Member and are worried about someone’s mental health, the Regional Directory can provide links to Vinnies services that may be able to assist.

Regional Director Mobile Email
North East Clare Van Doorn 0436 449 019 Clare.VanDoorn@vinnies.org.au
North West Phil Donnan 0491 056 886 Phil.Donnan@vinnies.org.au
Metropolitan Gayl Purchase 0434 967 196 Gayl.Purchase@vinnies.org.au
South Renee Cooper 0477 345 712 Renee.Cooper@vinnies.org.au
West Kelly Morgan (02) 6862 5758 Kelly.Morgan@vinnies.org.au

 

Anti-Poverty Week 11/10/2020 - 17/10/2020
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A talk for anyone wanting to speak after Mass
  • Ideas for your conference
  • A fact sheet

1. Newsletter – Shorter version

Shorter

2. Newsletter – Longer version – or a talk after Mass

Longer bulletin or talk after Mass

3. Ideas for your Conference

4. Fact Sheets

5. Petition

NAIDOC Week 08/11/2020 - 15/11/2020
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A talk for anyone wanting to speak after Mass
  • Ideas for your conference
  • A fact sheet

1. Newsletter – Shorter version

Shorter bulletin

2. Newsletter – Longer version – or a talk after Mass

Longer notice or talk

3. Ideas for your Conference

4. Fact Sheets and resources

  • NAIDOC History
  • Beginners BOOKLET on ULURU STATEMENT
  • NAIDOC poster
    The National NAIDOC Committee has proudly partnered with the Woolworths Group to nationally distribute the 2020 NAIDOC Week poster.
    The partnership enables the distribution of some 200,000 NAIDOC posters from 1000 Woolworths outlets across the country. NAIDOC Week 2020 posters will be available from Woolworths’ outlets – until stocks last – from Wednesday 21 October.
World Day of the Poor 15/11/2020
  • Summary for inclusion in Parish newsletters (short and longer version)
  • A talk for anyone wanting to speak after Mass
  • Ideas for your conference
  • A fact sheet

1. Newsletter – Shorter version

Day of the Poor – Shorter

2. Newsletter – Longer version – or a talk after Mass

Day of the Poor – Longer-bulletin-or-talk-after-Mass

3. Ideas for your Conference

  • Write to your Federal MP to make sure they understand the importance of adequate unemployment payments, and the number of people in their electorate who will sink below the poverty line without additional support. Email social.justice@vinnies.org.au to request relevant information and up-to-date statistics.
  • Investigate at local hospitals or aged care facilities for programs involving visitation and providing company for isolated people.
  • Join the Stitch Community – a not-for-profit charity dedicated to addressing loneliness and social isolation for the members of society over 50 years old who need it most. Stitch needs volunteers who are interested in helping create positive social outcomes for disadvantaged members of the community. Learn more at WipeOutLoneliness.org.

4. Fact Sheets

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