THE NORTH WESTERN CENTRAL COUNCIL IS THE LARGEST OF THE SOCIETY’S COUNCILS EXTENDING FROM SUNRAYSIA IN VICTORIA’S FAR NORTH DOWN TO THE COAST IN VICTORIA’S WESTERN DISTRICT.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
North Western Central Council Report Tony Keaney President During the past 12 months, 41 conferences have provided $613,339 worth of assistance to 12,691 families in the form of food, food vouchers, furniture, clothing and financial assistance. The drought in the north west The drought in the North Western Central Council area continues, with many families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. The farming communities are strong and often reluctant to seek assistance. It is well known that there is always someone worse off than themselves. The central council made available $30,000 to two regional councils, Sunraysia and Wimmera, to distribute to families and individuals needing a hand. Our support in times of need is greatly appreciated as this note shows: “Last year the Sunraysia Regional Council of St Vincent de Paul Society in Mildura kindly sent us a cheque for $300 to help us with expenses during the drought. We really appreciated the Society’s generosity and support at the time when things were bleak.”
Holiday homes The North Western Central Council operates two holiday homes that are situated in Mildura and Warrnambool. The homes provide an opportunity for lowincome families to enjoy a holiday in fully furnished premises that are available for one or two weeks at no charge. For many families who use the holiday homes this is the first time that they have had a true family holiday.
150th celebrations On Saturday 22 May 2004, members from Warrnambool, Hamilton and Colac Regional Councils, along with family and friends, representatives of The Salvation Army and Anglicare, gathered at St Pius’ Church, West Warrnambool at 10am to celebrate the 150th year of the Society in Australia. After a welcome and short summary of the life of Fr Gerald Ward, mass was celebrated. Vincentians from the three regions participated in the readings and offertory procession.
Situated only a short walk to shops and the beach, the four-bedroom Warrnambool home has disabled access and can comfortably accommodate eight people. The three-bedroom Mildura home can accommodate up to eight people easily and is within walking distance to local recreational facilities and shops. Bookings can be made by a referring conference that must accept responsibility for any transport arrangements.
The members of this council continue to provide assistance, support and friendship to people in need. Our commitment to people as well as to the work of St Vincent de Paul and Frederic Ozanam, continues today.
North Western Regions Conferences Members Auxiliary members Youth conferences Youth members College conferences Centres Area covered
Merging of two regions Since early 2004, the Warrnambool and Hamilton regions have discussed merging and on 26 June 2004, State Council agreed to the merger. The new region will be known as Glenelg, using the name of the river that flows through most of the area.
15
5 41 434 124 1 23 4 18 West Victoria
T H E PA S S I O N F O R J U S T I C E C O N T I N U E S