Welcome to the Armidale Diocese Central Council of Vinnies

It has been an honour to serve as President of the Armidale Diocese since 2014. Already I have been able to see first hand the significance that the Society plays in our regional rural areas in terms of how we can support communities through our centres, as well as through our conferences, providing members of our communities with vital support including food, furniture and emergency relief funding.

I believe it is important for all of us to remember why we are part of the St Vincent de Paul Society. We are a group of committed Christians inspired to live our lives by the example of Frederic Ozanam. Frederic was a man of faith. He understood the importance of his work within the guidance and nurturing of prayer and spiritual advice. Frederic was a man of love. His love of God and Church was strengthened because of his relationship with those experiencing deep poverty, his Conference  and his family. Frederic was a man of hope. He saw the importance of a legacy of justice and advocacy for the disadvantaged in society. He related to them by being a voice for them.

It is a great privilege to travel around our vast Diocese, meeting Members and Volunteers who are living Frederic Ozanam’s dream, daily working to make a difference to people’s lives. I am proud of what we have achieved, and look forward to the future growth of our Diocese.