The St Vincent de Paul Society WA will this month commission Mr Robert (Bob) Burns as its new State President. Mr Burns takes over the role from outgoing State President, Mr Jeff Trew, who retired on 1 July 2014.
The role as President of the St Vincent de Paul Society State is a voluntary position that is voted on and elected by the Society’s membership for a term of four years.
Mr Burns first became involved with the SVDPS in the early 80s when he was introduced to the Society and became a conference member in Morley.
Mr Burns had his own accountancy firm and some years later he was invited to become the State auditor for the Society, a role which he served in for many years.
Upon his retirement from his professional work, Mr Burns was approached to take on the role of State Treasurer which he held for 6 years.
As treasurer Mr Burns became a member of State Council and said he decided to run for State President because of his extensive knowledge of the operations of the Society.
“I felt I could use this knowledge for the further benefit of the Society in WA,” Mr Burns said.
“My core belief is that all people should have opportunities to make the most of their lives and that where we have the opportunities to assist people who for various reasons have suffered a setback in life, we should offer assistance – this is Christianity in practice,” Mr Burns said.
Mr Burns believes his ethos for helping people was established when he was a young school boy, seeing his mother’s generosity.
Despite having limited means of their own, his mother was always busy trying to help others in the community.
When asked about what he hopes to achieve during his tenure as State President, Mr Burns said his wish is to have a Society where every volunteer, member, employee and those we assist, feel valued.
“I also want to ensure the Society continues to be a respected organisation within the Western Australian community,” he said.