By Jamie O’Brien
Twenty-twenty-five marks a remarkable milestone for the St Vincent de Paul Society in Western Australia in celebrating 160 years of steadfast service to those in need.
The celebrations culminated with a moving Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on 25 October, attended by more than 350 members, volunteers, staff and community supporters.
A Legacy Rooted in Service
The story began in Paris in 1833, when Frédéric Ozanam – then a young university student – answered the challenge of his peers and turned his faith into action, forming a group that would become the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Australia’s first conference emerged in 1854, and by 1865 a small but determined group of lay Catholics had founded the first Western Australian conference in Fremantle.
From those modest beginnings, Vinnies WA has grown into a powerful expression of compassion.
As the Society itself reflects: “In 2025, the St Vincent de Paul Society WA, proudly celebrates 160 years of service to the community. It’s a milestone that reflects not just the longevity of our organisation, but the enduring compassion, commitment and action of generations of Western Australians dedicated to helping those doing it tough.”
Celebrations of the Past and Present
The anniversary programme comprised several key events — from the launch of a commemorative exhibition to an oration event, and finally the closing Mass.
In August, more than 100 members, volunteers and staff gathered at the Cathedral Crypt for the opening of a “160-Year” exhibition, curated by Vinnies WA archivist Pauline McIntyre.
The display featured historic photographs and stories tracing the Society’s journey from 1865 to today.
In September, the oration event at Subiaco Parish St Joseph’s Church brought together distinguished guests including the Hon Justice Neville Owen AO, who reflected on 160 years of Vinnies in WA. He spoke of Vincentians as “social justice in action,” and recognised the hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated decades to the mission.
The capstone was the Mass on Saturday 25 October at St Mary’s Cathedral. Led by Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, the liturgy included the blessing of three symbolic items: the Society’s rule book, a food hamper and a bag of clothing — each representing the core elements of Vinnies’ work.
Long-serving members were honoured: 78 people who have served 25 years or more were recognised, including Paul Hyman (62 years of service) and Nancy Doust (44 years in retail).
The Impact Today
The 160-year mark is more than just a number; it’s a living legacy of service.
According to the Society’s own figures, there was more than 58,000 calls for Emergency Assistance, with 67,981 assistance items provided, and a further 33,181 appointments, home visits or other forms of emergency support provided during the 2024-2025 period in WA through the work of more than 3,000 members and volunteers.
More than 607, 000 volunteer hours were worked, delivering everything from emergency relief and homelessness support to financial counselling and social housing.
Their “Special Works” include programs such as Tom Fisher House, Passages Youth Engagement Hubs, Wandjoo Bidi, Vinnies Housing Plus and Rent Relief – all aimed at walking alongside people experiencing the many and changing faces of disadvantage.
A Call to Action for All of Us
As Vinnies enters the next chapter of its story, the message is clear: there are still thousands of West Australians depending on a helping hand, and the Society’s work must continue with the energy, heart and clarity of mission that has carried it through 16 decades.
National President Mark Gaetani summed it up when he said the 160th anniversary “invites us to reflect on the Society’s past, appreciate our achievements, and revitalise our hopes for the future.”
For the local Catholic community and beyond, the anniversary serves as an invitation to ask: how are we responding? How can we join in providing “Hope, Help and Humanity”? Whether as a member of a parish conference, a shop volunteer, or a donor of goods or time, there’s a place for every person to contribute.
In the words of WA State President Danny Cloghan, as he addressed the gathering at the exhibition: “For 160 years, the St Vincent de Paul Society has been part of the fabric of WA, standing alongside people in their times of greatest need.”
Concluding: Grateful for Yesterday, Committed to Tomorrow
As the candles are extinguished on the 160th anniversary year, the journey does not finish — it evolves.
Each loaf of bread shared, each voucher handed out, each neighbour visited, adds wrinkle after wrinkle to the story of compassion.
Here’s to the next 160 years — may they be just as rich in service, love and justice.