Annual Report2007 – 2008

Vision for a brighter future

2

The members of the Council of the Society in offi ce at the date of this report are:

State PresidentJohn D’Souza

Vice PresidentBarry Burvill

TreasurerDes Hancock

Executive MemberKeith Colyer

Council MembersFrances CamilleriDoreen HeslopBrian SpencerDominic LaganaBabs SnookGreg Ward

Minutes SecretaryHelen Neall

Ex Offi cioJohn Haren

State Council of South Australia

3

Contents

Letter from the Archbishop 4

State President’s Report 6

CEO Report 8

Conferences 10

Frederic Ozanam Housing Association 12

Homeless Persons Accommodation Service 13

Migrants and Refugees 14

Volunteer Development 16

Fred’s Van 18

Compeer 20

School Resources 22

Social Justice Committee 23

Overseas Partnership and Development Committee 24

PR, Fundraising and Business Development 26

Vinnies Centres 30

Independent Audit Report 31

Financial Statements 32

St Vincent de Paul Locations 35

4

5

... friendshipand connections...

6

We live in times of uncertainty at every level in our world. However, one of the certainties that we have is that an organization like St Vincent de Paul Society is required to play an ongoing and pivotal role. Social needs continue to grow even in affl uent societies like Australia. St Vincent de Paul Society continues to respond in a variety of ways to the social, material and spiritual needs of so many in our community.

In making a difference in South Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society responds in new ways. I am delighted that the Compeer programme was launched this year and that it is already establishing itself as a critical work of the Society. This programme has international recognition and I am proud that in South Australia we have created the opportunity for many, who are socially isolated through mental illness, to experience new friendships.

It is exciting that the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association (FOHA) is investigating opportunities to house people. The signing of an agreement between the Archdiocese of Adelaide and the Association for FOHA to be the preferred housing provider for the Archdiocese is a very important development.

At the national level the Society continues to be a signifi cant voice for the voiceless. Having input to issues such as housing, taxation review, income support, refugees, unemployment and mental health is a refl ection of the stories of the lives of the people that our volunteers encounter each day. If we are truly to make a difference then it is important that the plight of those we encounter is translated into action that brings about change in our world.

At the international level, the nomination of the Society to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize was a wonderful acknowledgement of the Society’s activities across 145 countries.

As I begin the last months of my presidency I am particularly grateful to the State Council for the role that they play in developing directions for the

Society. When there are so many needs to be addressed it is important to know that the members of State Council are adept at discerning the best allocation of our resources with the spirit of justice and compassion.

To all our volunteers – whether you are in a Conference, Family Centre, Fred’s Van, Advisory committee, Special Work or Youth programme – your endeavours do result in a better life for the people you assist and a better world for all of us. Keep the spirit of the Society alive by your enthusiasm and compassion.

The staff, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Offi cer, John Haren, show a dedication to the ideals of the Society that enables the Society to live out its vision in practical ways.

All people who contribute to the work of St Vincent de Paul Society through gifts and donations are to be congratulated for their commitment to improving the lives of the people that we serve.

Thank you one and all!

John D’SouzaState President

State President’s Report

7

... we have created the opportunity for many...

8

Report from the Chief Executive Offi cer

Our community is challenged more than ever to fi nd ways of including those on the fringe. The stories of people’s lives are always fascinating. However, if the experience of people’s lives doesn’t bring them into connection with others in life giving ways, then their stories can become stories of despair. It might be a refugee fl eeing a war-torn country, someone suffering mental illness, a homeless person, a jobless family struggling to make ends meet, a young person who is unemployed - all have their story to tell. And yet if our way of dealing with them is to detain the refugee, shun the person with mental illness, provide a park bench for the homeless or blame the unemployed for their plight, then we are failing as a community.

St Vincent de Paul Society’s core principles are justice, compassion, simplicity and solidarity with the poor. These principles inform every aspect of our activities, whether we are visiting a person in their home, or in hospital, or in prison; talking with a group of students; hearing the story of a family who have left their homeland; or seeking accommodation for someone.

In this last year we have heard thousands of stories. Our initial challenge is to listen as we strive to understand the meaning of these stories for the people that are telling them. This is ultimately a call to solidarity with that person.

Being in solidarity with people who are struggling is at the heart of the Vincentian response. Fred’s Vans, the conference home visitation programme, the youth camps, the Vincentian Centre, the Frederic Ozanam Housing programme, the family centres, the Compeer programme, the migrant and refugee service, the activities in schools across the state – these are all examples of where the Society is in solidarity with thousands of people, and where we make a difference. We celebrate the fact that each of these works of the Society is engaged with some of the most challenging stories that can be told in our community.

Next year we celebrate 125 years of the St Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia. It will be a celebration of those core principles that the Society seeks to make central to our community’s way of being. And it will be another opportunity to hear the stories that challenge us to create a better world.

John HarenChief Executive Offi cer

9

... hear the stories that challenge us to create a better world.

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s 64 Conferences continue their excellent, dedicated service to the many South Australians affected by poverty. It is these 2500 members and volunteers who make a difference by living the ethos of the Society.

Northern Region held fi ve Regional and four Cluster meetings during the year. The Cluster meetings involved 3-4 adjacent Conferences and the local Vinnies Centre. Its aim was to: • Give opportunity for a

more direct involvement of Conference members in regional matters

• Deliver a reduced meetings workload for Conference presidents.

One Conference activity provided food for a local primary school, enabling teachers to feed needy children who arrive at school without breakfast.

In 2007/08 Fleurieu Region saw the election of a new Regional President, along with 4 new Conference Presidents. The drive for recruitment of new volunteers continues with mixed success. Over the year, regional meetings have been hosted by a number of Conferences, allowing Conference members to gain an understanding of Regional matters.

Vinnies Centre managers have been invited to Regional meetings to promote a greater understanding and communication between Centres and Conferences. The improvements made to two Vinnies Centres were greatly appreciated by all.

Over the year Fleurieu Region noticed a decrease in the number of calls for poverty assistance.

The Port Pirie Diocese had a very signifi cant involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society Novena Pilgrimage that began from Port Lincoln in August and was enthusiastically supported by people from across South Australia.

A new Vinnies Centre in Port Lincoln and a Vinnies Centre and Conference facility in Pt Pirie were opened. This region has seen a steady increase in calls for assistance, particularly from people arriving from the city or interstate.

Eastern Region has begun collecting personal hygiene packs for people coming from the remote country and Northern Territory to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment. Its Conferences are generally in a position to provide material and other assistance to more stressed St Vincent de Paul Society regions.

ConferencesFrom Around the Regions

10

11

Central region has been grateful for the valuable assistance from other regions during 2007/08. An example was student grants for a woman from the Central Region provided by the Ozanam Foundation; her two children were included in the youth OZO Camp. There has been a very noticeable change in this woman’s attitude, enabling her to better cope with life’s issues.

Reformed in November 2006, the Hills Murray Region took several months to get its members and volunteers in place. Christmas 2007 looked pretty grim until a gift of $700 for food vouchers abled the purchase of enough goods to make up the necessary Christmas hampers.

Tailem Bend, one of the more distant Conferences, established a Vinnies Centre that provides a few extra services. For example, clients row have access to a washing machine because there is no launderette in the town.

Mount Barker Conference is the largest in this region and is very busy with calls to many family homes included in their weekly activities. A Community Benefi ts Grant has been provided to establish a larger shed for furniture and to store and pack food parcels.

The Western Region Conferences have focused on sharing the workload:

• Henley Beach and Lockleys were successful in fi nding new Presidents

• Taperoo and Semaphore Conference amalgamation is progressing with benefi ts realized from sharing of resources and leadership roles

• Elizabeth Baines is successfully moulding the new Conference and is well supported by the experienced and energetic members

The region will be working to develop closer ties with other special works such as Fred’s Van, Migrant & Refugee committee, Vinnies Centres and the sewing ladies team.

In summary, Conference Members, with the support of their Conference and Regional leadership, continue to deliver their assistance and support in the image of Frederic Ozanam to the wider South Australian community.

12

Frederic Ozanam Housing Association Inc.

As I write this report it is timely and prudent to remind ourselves of the purpose and mission of the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association. The Association was established to provide affordable housing for people in need those without the means to purchase their own home or participate in the private rental market, to live with dignity in secure, affordable and properly maintained housing.

In today’s climate this need continues to grow for many people as the affordability of housing and rental properties continue to be excessively expensive and basically out of reach.

During the past two years the community housing sector has gone through a number of signifi cant changes and it is expected that this will continue over the next few years. One of those changes includes the reduction of public housing by 8,000 dwellings by 2013. To offset these reductions the Government has created the SA Affordable Housing Trust whose purpose is to facilitate partnerships between the private, non government and State and Federal Governments in the provision of affordable housing for low to moderate

income earners and high needs people.

As a result of these changes it is the Association’s future goal to develop a number of partnerships with property developers, the Adelaide Archdiocese, Port Pirie Diocese and the State Government to provide long term accommodation for people in need. It is our plan to grow to 500 properties over the next 5 years; we currently hold 95 properties.

In order to assist the Association embrace these changes a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Adelaide Archdiocese for the Association to be their preferred community housing provider. This very exciting development was a highlight for the past year and will hopefully present the Association and the Archdiocese with many opportunities to develop and grow our mission.

Another highlight during the year was the achievement of Certifi cate Level for the internationally accredited Service Excellence Program.

I offer my sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Association over the past 12

months. I would particularly like to thank my fellow Board members, Michael Bendyk, Paul Kelly, Sr Christine Schwerdt, Kara Piltz, John Girardi and John Haren for their ongoing commitment and support. Thanks also to Kath Milne, who sadly had to resign her position on the Board and are grateful for her input and contributions. Appreciation also goes to staff members Mary Edwards and Mario Alcantara along with volunteers Judy Gay and Bob Byrne for their untiring efforts. Finally I would like to acknowledge Tony Roach who continues to make the Association a robust and successful community housing provider. I have great confi dence that the Association continues to be well managed and in good hands and look forward to a very exciting future.

John LemmChairperson

Frederic Ozanam Housing Association

13

The Vincentian Centre continued to provide an excellent standard of emergency accommodation for homeless men during the past year. During the fi nancial year ended 30 June 2008, the Vincentian Centre welcomed 949 individual men who came to our doors for accommodation and other assistance.

During the past year, the Vincentian Centre participated in two exciting initiatives that will lead to better outcomes for the men. Firstly, a trial project with the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s Community Liaison Offi cers meant that eligible patients from the Royal Adelaide Hospital would have guaranteed access to a dedicated room provided by the Vincentian Centre to meet their immediate accommodation needs. In addition to the immediate provision of safe accommodation, the client would be referred to the Street to Home service to benefi t from a comprehensive assessment and support service.

Discussions with the Commissioner for Social Inclusion, Monsignor David Cappo AO and staff from the Social Inclusion Unit, Department of Premier and Cabinet, led to a joint initiative between the Street to Home

Service and the Vincentian Centre establishing a “housing fi rst” approach to collaborative client case management. With emergency accommodation provided by the Vincentian Centre and case management provided by Street to Home, clients are assured that both agencies are working for them in an integrated manner to provide managed transitional accommodation and case management support during and beyond the accommodation period at the Vincentian Centre.

The Vincentian Centre provided accommodation and support services for 949 individual men, some returning to the Centre for additional support periods during the year.

Two-thirds of the men who experienced homelessness required only one support period in their time of need and have not returned to the Vincentian Centre.

During the reporting period, the Vincentian centre provided 7,308 evening meals and 3,827 breakfasts. Our volunteers contributed 565 hours to prepare meals, meet and greet the men and provided valuable social interaction. I thank our volunteers for a magnifi cent

achievement. The Vincentian Centre provided 10,330 bed spaces for the fi nancial year.

The Vincentian Centre is ready and willing to participate in any initiative that reduces homelessness in South Australia and continues to work with the relevant agencies, be they church or government based.

I thank members of the Homeless Persons Accommodation Services Committee for their guidance and support throughout the year, but I particular thank my co-workers at the Vincentian Centre and Dining Room for their outstanding commitment and effort in maintaining a safe workplace that deals with our guests in a courteous manner which affords them privacy, dignity and respect.

Mike WockelDirector

Homeless Persons Accommodation Services

Homeless Persons Accommodation Services

14

Refugee Asylum Seekers and Migrant (RASAM) Committee

The past year has been a busy one for the committee serving one of the poorest groups of people living in Australian Society today - Refugees and Migrants. We thank our benefactors and donors for resources provided to enable the work to be done.

Although our members are “older” Vincentians, we accept the challenge issued by our Founder, Frederick Ozanam, to talk less and do something; “Action” is at the forefront of our minds when confronted by the myriad of problems facing newcomers to our country.

Last year approximately 1100 refugees arrived in South Australia to begin a new life after spending many years waiting in refugee camps. This year has seen the largest number of migrants coming to St Vincent de Paul for help with 264 being given emergency assistance.

St Vincent’s Refugee Centre at Hindmarsh.3428 men, women and children received emergency food aid, clothing, blankets, cooking pots (very important for African refugees) and assistance or advice. We make time to sit and listen to them. Usually we can assist them by being an advocate, explaining letters or completing forms. Many people come to the centre sad, despondent or fearful and leave far happier.

The Houses.Our four houses provide accommodation to newly arrived refugees from Burundi, Ethiopia and Bangladesh. One is vacant while undergoing major work. Members interact with tenants and give support and advice when needed. One Burundian family whose children were educated at a Jesuit school in Tanzania talked to the Parish Refugee group at the Norwood Jesuit Parish about their experiences in Africa and in settling in to life in Australia.

One diffi culty has been to fi nd housing for tenants to move to, as our houses are only for short term stays, but have developed into medium term accommodation due to the housing crisis.

15

Education Fund.The committee set up a fund to assist families with education expenses and have given small grants totalling $1500. Unfortunately demand exceeds available funds. The St. Ignatius Refugee group have provided valuable educational assistance to families referred to them.

Scholarships.Our Social Justice Committee provided grants for four scholarships awarded to individuals, enabling them to further their education at University or TAFE Colleges.

Loan Scheme.The Loan Scheme is available to low income earners who do not meet the criteria of other lending organisations. We lend money to one of the poorest groups and trust they will repay the loan; in most cases they do.

Committee Membership.The Committee of ten members has representation from Western, Southern and Northern Regions. Francoise Creevey resigned after almost six years of dedicated service as President. Her compassionate manner will be missed.

Thanks to –

The Ladies (and men) at Hindmarsh Vinnies Centre

Brighton and Seacombe Gardens Conferences

Henley Beach Conference for hampers and toys at Christmas and blankets during winter

Adelaide Ladies Sewing Conference for layettes, beanies, children’s jumpers etc.,

Kevin Kennedy for logistical support

Telstra for the many telephone vouchers

St. Ignatius Refugee Group for support with food parcels, education grants etc.,

Rudi Hermsen for blankets and donations.

Conclusion:We have fulfi lled our Vincentian commitment in a loving and humane manner to the new settlers who come here. All who work at the Centre are dedicated to the well being of those who seek our assistance. The spirit of Frederic Ozanam is alive and well in the members of this small committee.

Pat GreenPresident

(RASAM) Committee

(RASAM) Committee

16

St Vincent de Paul Society continues to engage a diverse range of people to provide its services to the community. The Society is committed to the ongoing development of its volunteers through networking, fl exible training arrangements and exposure to new opportunities.

Since accepting the role of Volunteer Coordinator, I have been active in working with Regional Presidents and innovative communities like the Nazareth and Galilee Catholic Communities. In communities across the State it is this connection that is critical to improving the lives of socially disadvantaged people.

We are dedicated to meeting the challenge of revisiting that which makes us creative and proactive in our work. We strive to question what will change life’s disadvantages into wellbeing and fl ourishing lives for our sisters and brothers. This journey will lead us to a more compassionate world today and for future generations.

Our future goals will take into account the ever changing specifi cs of volunteering.

We will aim to engage the whole Society in order to respond to the challenge of new ways of volunteering. First and foremost, we are aiming to be a pioneering organization that provides options and choices for older and young people alike.

Volunteering may become a part of an active ageing strategy in St Vincent de Paul Society, whereas younger members will benefi t from new ways of engagement. Secondly, we have become a more fl exible organization that aims to increase the participation of increasingly diverse groups. All these aims are inspired by the spiritual dimensions of the Society and will embrace our remarkable past achievements.

During this next period, we will be further exploring the phenomenon of corporate volunteering in the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Thank you to all members and volunteers as you tirelessly carry the message of hope and solidarity to disadvantaged and excluded people. I pay tribute to all volunteer leaders whose continuing efforts strive to achieve excellence in care and services.

Barbara GebarskaVolunteer Co-ordinator

Volunteer Development

17

... youngermembers will benefi t...

18

Fred’s Vans provide unique volunteering opportunities for people from all walks of life.

There are many individuals willing to give their time to the cause.

During the last year our volunteers dedicated more than 9000 hours in six locations across Adelaide. Those services were complemented with the enthusiastic involvement of hundreds of students cooking delicious soup along with sewing conferences making beanies and blankets.

Fred’s Vans not only continue to provide much needed help for people and families affected by poverty but also create communities.

Corporate volunteering has included

• staff from Savings and Loans Credit Union assisting with Fred’s Van.

• An Indian group makes vegetarian curries,

• Lions Clubs continue their valuable donations,

• local shops get involved,

• Channel 10 broadcasts their News weather report from our kitchen,

All these are signs of our times creating a welcoming virtual community that strives to assist disadvantaged and homeless people and has done so for nearly 20 years. We remember and pay tribute to St Vincent de Paul’s youth volunteers, coordinated by Sister Catherine O’Connell and Peter Barry, who almost two decades ago saw a need to help hungry and homeless people in Adelaide and commenced Fred’s Van services.

There are new and courageous goals to achieve in the future. One of them is to invite our homeless and disadvantaged friends to become involved in volunteering. That will be a worthwhile and challenging process resulting in a greater equality of opportunity, for participation, for all in the society.

Barbara GerbarskaFred’s Van Co-ordinator

Fred’s Van

19

... help for people and families...

20

Compeer, a St Vincent de Paul Society initiative supporting those affected by mental illness, has experienced considerable growth since its South Australian inception in late 2007. It was fi rst developed in the USA and has since been operating for over 14 years with distinction in NSW and Victoria.

Mental illness is estimated to cost the Australian economy $13.1 billion pa with depression and anxiety now accounting for 47% of the community’s absenteeism and reduced productivity. By 2020, depression is projected to reach second place as a global contributor to diseases.

Eighteen volunteers have now been matched and we have recently commenced a walking and cooking group to further develop the sense of community. All those involved in the program have a deep commitment to each other and friendships are continuing to fl ourish.

Volunteers are supported throughout their involvement in this program, with initial training around mental health, ongoing training in areas such as suicide awareness and one-on-one contact with the Compeer St Vincent de Paul Society staff members.

Dr Paul White heads the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Compeer Advisory Committee, with all members providing invaluable support and direction for this program.

Compeer expansion has been made possible through our partnerships with the Southern Mental Health Service and the Southern Division of General Practice.

Its success would not be possible without generous donations from our benefactors; it enables the development work to be supported and sustained by paid professional staff. We thank them all for their commitment of time, energy and resources to establish this important initiative.

And we look forward to the coming year with great anticipation and expect the program to continue to expand and contribute to the broader “good works” of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Sarah TaylorCompeer Co-ordinator

Compeer

21

... a deep commitment to each other...

22

The School Resources Unit continues to work with young people and their teachers, supporting the Society’s Special Works and Conferences as well as initiating new programmes to help students fi nd ways to ‘make a difference’.

2007-8 has seen a large increase in involvement with the non-catholic sectors of education, including many DECS schools and independent schools. All sectors are keen to develop social justice strategies and to involve their students in meaningful relationship with those they assist. For schools with a Christian heritage, the society offers opportunities to take action. Social justice action is not an optional extra, but core business of being Christian.

An example of this link is the St David’s participation in the ‘Assist a Student’ programme. Student leaders worked hard with their year level cohort to sponsor nineteen students. The whole community was made aware of where the money was going and how they were making a real difference.

Through the Visitation Programme, workshops, leadership days, information sessions, presentations at assemblies, tours, induction days, placement at Centres and being part of Mini Vinnies and Young Vincentian group meetings, the stories we tell help young people to understand the issues facing all people and especially those marginalized. It helps students to be able to imagine those they are actually assisting instead of just imagining they are helping ‘Vinnies’ or ‘a charity.’ The result of bringing people into our stories is that they understand the difference they make when they support us.

The next phase is the support of young people as they develop a closer relationship with those whom they assist both through our existing programmes and those they initiate themselves.

The Vinnies Social Justice Awards have been developed to provide an overall framework of formation. When fully resourced, each award level will link with activities and social justice resources, as well as being linked with various curricula.

Tim TaylorSchool Resources Co-ordinator

School Resources

CHARITY - THEORGANISATION

Supporting student / school Initiatives

SchoolExperience

Client-relationship

Stories, experiences, local in-school work

Creating safe situations, simulating situations and

with clients

23

The Social Justice Committee is dedicated to the issues of affordable housing, mental health and unemployment. It continued in 2007-08 with one of its primary aims by lobbying Governments to improve affordable housing for people affected by poverty.

Committee Chairman, Mark Braes resigned during the year due to work commitments. As acting chair I attended a national meeting of the Society in Canberra early in 2008 to assist in the development of the Society’s strategic position on affordable housing in advance of the Commonwealth Government’s white paper, “A New Approach to Homelessness” and attended a national meeting of the Society to assist in the preparation of our position on housing and homelessness.

In May a member of the Committee attended the 5th National Homeless Conference, held in Adelaide and a member attended the Social Policy Research Council Conference in Sydney.

The Committee contacted to the Australian Bankers’ Association, in June expressing its concern of newspaper reports being circulated that fi nancial institutions were, in some instances, lending credit to people who had little or no foreseeable capacity to repay the loan. The letter sought the assistance of fi nancial institutions to advance funds prudently and to avoid contributing to further fi nancial hardship

In October during Anti Poverty Week the committee co-hosted a housing forum with the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association and Shelter SA. This was an awareness raising forum which was well attended.

Following the release of the Commonwealth Government’s white paper, titled “Which Way Home”, a discussion paper on options to reduce homelessness, the Committee produced a detailed response to it. The Committee believes there is a need for a substantial increase in the supply of affordable housing, to assist those in need. As well as providing a roof over the heads of the poor, the family unit will become more settled and children in particular will have a greater chance of growing up in a stable family environment if access to affordable housing is dramatically improved.

The Social Justice Committee is working in collaboration with the Federic Ozanam Housing Association Inc in an endeavour to have emergency housing available for the people in desperate need of shelter.

Mike AbbottChairperson

Social Justice Committee

24

Overseas Partnership and Development Committee

“ Conferences and Councils help others in need, both at the national and international level. This is one of the activities most cherished by the Society” The Rule, 4.1 Twinning

This statement is the basis of this committee’s activities. We value the relationships developed with fellow Vincentians in other countries, especially in our Asia Pacifi c region. We support one another spiritually and fi nancially, which promotes worldwide solidarity and mutual understanding.

We must never lose sight of the challenges our twins face in doing their “good works”.

Emergency Disaster ReliefThe Society has responded to requests of assistance following these disasters:

Bangladesh fl oods

Cyclone Nargis in Burma

Typhoon Frank affected area of Panay Island in the Philippines

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

Port Pirie Diocesan Festival MeetingBill McMenemy and Richard Hoskings visited Barmera in March to provide insight into this committee’s role and to learn more of the region’s activities.

Extension/FormationRepresentatives from our twinned countries and in some cases from the twinned conferences, attended World Youth Day - a strong demonstration of strengthening Vincentian solidarity and fostering the development of youth in the Society.

25

THANK YOUWe wish to thank all Vincentians, conferences, personal twinners and other generous benefactors for your support of these worthwhile programs.

We look forward to your continued support and to personally meeting you over the coming year.

A special “thank you” to the Schools Resources Coordinator, Tim Taylor, for working closely with the Committee and spreading our message to the younger members of our community.

OUR PROGRAMS

TwinningWe have 140 twins in India, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia whom we support fi nancially and through regular prayer and correspondence.

Self Help ProjectsThese arise from the needs of the twinned community and promote self-suffi ciency.

7 projects from India and 1 from Thailand have been supported this year. These were for cow and goat banks, rabbit farming, mushroom farming, establishing funds to operate St Vincent de Paul Society community loans (micro credit to start up small businesses, usually stalls) and a hiring service. The average value was $1230.

Thank you to all Conferences, individuals and St Mary’s College students for your generous support.

Assist-A-Student ProgramThis program continues to be highly regarded by our overseas partners as an effective way of breaking the poverty cycle. By supporting primary, secondary or tertiary education through $70 scholarships, it helps struggling students to gain an education, widen their career options and attain self-suffi ciency for their families.

2007 continued to be highly successful with 363 scholarships of $70 donated to support students in the Asia-Pacifi c region. In addition, a Fijian school project is supporting a group of children.

Funding sources were: personal, conferences, parishes, other groups and schools.

Richard HoskingsPresident

26

Public Relations and Fundraising goals are very dependent on our generous donors and supporters. As partners in the St Vincent de Paul Society it is they who, with our wonderful members and volunteers, make the Society’s “good works” possible.

2007-08 has been both rewarding and challenging given the beginning of a USA economic crisis that threatens to impact on every country across the world. It will continue to affect both the internal and external environments of the St Vincent de Paul Society in a sustained and tangible manner – increased costs for food and petrol, issues surrounding home affordability and mortgage rates, signifi cantly reduced superannuation assets for the elderly, increased members of society needing assistance from St Vincent de Paul Society and perhaps an impact on donations.

National AppealsChristmas appeal donations results were disappointing given increased innovation and input. It was thought the impact on Vinnies of the global economic crisis was being seen in advance.

However, the Winter appeal recovered spectacularly even though by now the wider community was experiencing a signifi cant force from the economic world.

Our loyal supporters appreciate the Society’s “good works” and continue to be a partner in our endeavors. For this we are grateful.

We thank the St Vincent de Paul Society in NSW and Victoria for their enormous effort in taking a lead in co-ordinating our National Appeals.

VolunteersPillars of Society corporate lunch, Badge Day, the Australian Central Credit Union Lottery, Toy Run, and other events have been largely possible because we have dedicated volunteers, young and not-so-young.

These events not only raised much needed income for the Society, but provided good fun and friendship along the way.

We thank everyone for your continuous and selfl ess support.

Public RelationsOur Saint magazine continues to provide news for our stakeholders and in particular, our generous donors. In addition, it is a valuable source of fi nancial input in its own right.

SA Great, Fundraising Institute of Australia, National Philanthropy & Promotions Committee Members, Motor Cycle Riders Association, the media amongst others provide us with excellent networking and learnings.

PR, Fundraising...

27

... our wonderful members and volunteers...

28

Business DevelopmentThe information technology business management system has been approved and will be implemented in January 2009.

This replaces an existing obsolete system and will enable improved donor management as well as the capacity to manage our volunteer database.

BrandThe value of the St Vincent de Paul Society brand has been fully appreciated both at state and national levels. As such, a positive future engagement with the corporate world can now become our focus.

ThanksThe Society received a number of grants from Community Benefi t SA. We thank them for their ongoing support.

Australian Central Credit Union has continued their support of Vinnies through their lottery; other initiatives are to be revealed.

The Adelaide Central Plaza and in particular Michael Vaughan and Rebecca Sutton have been of wonderful assistance with the Winter and Christmas “Big Coin Box” promotions in Rundle Mall.

Australian Pork, Regency TAFE and George Weston Foods continue to provide a donation of pork for the Vincentian Centre in Whitmore Square.

The Adelaide City Council for their assistance with our Big Box campaign.

In conclusion, I thank the many generous donors, stakeholders and members who continue to support our wonderful St Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia.

Wayne BroadbridgeMarketing & Business Development Manager

...and Business Development

29

... business management system has been approved...

30

Vinnies Centres’ purpose is to provide clothing and material goods free-of-cost to people in need via a voucher system, low cost essentials for the marginalized in our community and competitively priced premium recycled goods for the wider community. The monies generated enables the St Vincent de Paul Society and its members to perform their “good works” for those affected by poverty.

In 2007-08 Vinnies Centres had a steady year fi nancially, with income rising 8.2% however costs also increased. Net profi t before sale of assets was down a little on the previous year.

Sales growth has been driven by a few high performing and some newly upgraded Family Centres. Costs have been carefully controlled however property rental on new larger Family Centres, shop set-up, upgrade and maintenance costs have increased.

New Family Centres were opened in Pt Lincoln, Pt Pirie and Royal Park. Brighton moved into larger premises. Norwood, Felixstow, Para Vista, Semaphore and Hawthorn shops had “makeovers”. Peel Street Family Centres was closed, as were the Lonsdale and Elizabeth workshops. The new Dreamsafe mattress recycling business operated for the full year.

Both clothing and furniture vouchers provided by Conferences continued to decline, refl ecting a Vinnies national trend. Changing economic and social conditions are leading to a shift from material goods towards direct fi nancial assistance.

Pressure on recycling businesses continues to grow as commercial op-shops, street markets and e-bay have their impact. Other major charities are upgrading their premises to improve the shopping experience and aggressive commercial clothing recyclers are providing households with bags to encourage direct clothing donations.

Major charities are noting a decline in the “quality” of material donations; this growing rubbish content is occurring at a time when dumping to landfi ll cost is increasing.

The Centres have thrived due to the dedicated efforts of a wonderful group of mature volunteers. One major problem facing our continued success is a decline in volunteer numbers, especially with the skilled and motivated leadership needed to run our Family Centres in these increasingly demanding times.

With OHS&W compliance, administration, retailing and recruitment as key requirements, appropriate staffi ng will continue to be a challenge for most Centres.

Whilst the outward Vinnies Centres’ performance has been steady, underlying challenges threaten future performance, particularly staffi ng issues and the supply of quality donated goods.

Richard SullivanCentres Manager

Vinnies Centres

BDO Kendalls is a national association ofseparate partnerships and entities.

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THEMEMBERS OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY (SA) INCORPORATED

We have audited the summary financial report of St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Incorporated, which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2008 and the income statement and cash flow statement for the year then ended, in order to express an opinion on it to the members.

State Council’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Report The State Council of the Society is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the summary financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations and the Associations Incorporation Act (SA) 1985).

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. We have performed an independent audit of the full financial report of St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2008. Our audit report on the full financial report was signed on October 3rd 2008, and was subject to qualification for the reasons set out in the qualification paragraph below.

Our procedures in respect of the audit of the summary financial report included testing that the information in the summary financial report is consistent with the full financial report, and examination on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts, discussion and analysis, and other disclosure which were not directly derived from the full financial report. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the summary financial report is presented fairly.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

IndependenceIn conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.

Basis for Qualified Auditor’s Opinion As is common for organisations of this type, it is not practicable to maintain an effective system of internal control over donations and other fund raising activities until their initial entry in the accounting records. Accordingly, our audit in relation to donations and fund raising was limited to amounts recorded.

Qualified Auditor’s Opinion In our opinion, except for the effects of such adjustments, if any, as might have been determined to be necessary had the limitation discussed in the qualification paragraph not existed, the financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Incorporated as of 30 June 2008 and of its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Accounting Interpretations and the Associations Incorporation Act (SA) 1985).

BDO Kendalls (SA)Chartered Accountants

Shirley SchaeferPartner

Dated: 8th October 200831

Insert body copy

INSERT HEADER2008 2007

$ $

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 5,052,610 5,720,732

Trade and other receivables 176,126 71,518

Inventories – –

Other current assets 120,375 86,137

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 5,349,111 5,878,387

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment 6,302,993 5,245,338

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 6,302,993 5,245,338

TOTAL ASSETS 11,652,104 11,123,725

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 528,878 278,299

Provisions 295,218 263,244

Other current liabilities 750 6,172

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 824,846 547,715

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provisions 240,638 232,483

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 240,638 232,483

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,065,484 780,198

NET ASSETS 10,586,620 10,343,527

EQUITY

Reserves 224,675 209,348

Accumulated Funds 10,361,945 10,134,179

TOTAL EQUITY 10,586,620 10,343,527

St Vincent De Paul Society (SA) Inc.Balance sheet as at 30 June 2008

32

Insert body copy

2008 2007

$ $

REVENUE

Sales 4,173,904 3,687,779

Government Funding 1,151,853 1,231,082

Donations 1,399,188 1,243,466

Bequests 103,732 158,106

Non Government Funding 94,000 -

Client Contributions – Accommodation 71,735 68,714

Interest 357,858 302,673

Transfers from Conferences/Special Works - 712

Other 367,015 161,750

TOTAL 7,719,285 6,854,282

EXPENSES

Administration 131,691 140,030

Assistance 709,895 681,624

Client/Resident Services 28,274 32,765

Depreciation and Amortisation 334,385 324,895

Fundraising Expenses 187,220 168,248

Motor Vehicle Expenses 232,471 209,455

Personnel 3,566,020 3,197,530

Professional Fees 110,345 65,743

Property Expenses 1,253,323 1,080,068

Purchases for Sales 155,152 98,802

Repairs & Maintenance 80,845 95,517

Telecommunications 65,177 60,661

Transfers to Conferences/Special Works 156,685 163,940

Travel & Accommodation 47,585 34,640

Waste Disposal 131,815 113,480

Youth Projects 48,348 25,115

Other 251,603 220,183

TOTAL 7,490,834 6,712,696

OPERATING SURPLUS 228,451 141,586

St Vincent De Paul Society (SA) Inc.Income statement for the year ended 30 June 2008

33

2008 2007

$ $

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Receipts from customers 4,116,180 3,790,109

Government funding 1,267,038 1,354,190

Donations, bequests and sundry income 1,825,806 1,618,784

Payments to suppliers and employees (7,185,963) (6,494,276)

Interest received 357,858 302,673

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 380,919 571,480

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 396,440 83,718

Payment for property, plant and equipment (1,445,481) (313,983)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (1,049,041) (230,265)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Conference transfers - 712

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES - 712

Net increase (decrease) in cash (668,122) 341,927

Cash at the beginning of the fi nancial year 5,720,732 5,378,805

CASH AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 5,052,610 5,720,732

St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Inc.Cash fl ow statement for year ended 30 June 2008

34

35

St Vincent de Paul Locations

Aberfoyle Park •Adelaide • Albert Park •Blackwood •Brighton • △Christies Beach △Clearview •Colonel Light Gardens •Croydon •Dermancourt •Dulwich •Edwardstown •△Elizabeth △Elizabeth North •Elizabeth West •Felixstow △Findon △Gawler •△Glen Osmond Parkside •

Glenelg •Goodwood •Greenacres/Walkerville •Hallett Cove •Hawthorn △Hectorville •Henley Beach •Hindmarsh •△Holden Hill △Hove △Kidman Park △Kilburn •Kingswood •Lefevre •Lockleys •Modbury •Morphett Vale •△Mt Barker •△Newton •

Noarlunga •North Adelaide•Norwood •△Ottoway •Para Hills •Para Vista △Payneham •Port Adelaide •△Royal Park △Salisbury •△Seacombe Gardens •Semaphore △St Marys •Stirling •Taperoo △Tea Tree Gully •Torrensville △Tranmere •

Metropolitan Locations

• Renmark

• Berri

ADELAIDE

• Yorketown

• Willunga

• Victor Harbor

•

△• Millicent

Whyalla •△ △ •△ Port Pirie

•△ Kadina

•△ Murray Bridge

•△ Tailem Bend

Bordertown •

Mount Gambier •△

Naracoorte •△

Bamera •△

• Conference Locations △ Vinnies Store Locations

•△ Port Lincoln

•△ Coober Pedy

•△ Port Augusta

•△ Maitland

Thank You.

St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Inc

GPO Box 1804Adelaide SA 5001

T: (08) 8353 8600F: (08) 8353 5500E: svdpadmin@svdpsa.org.au

www.vinnies.org.au

The St Vincent de Paul Society wishes to thank the following:

Federal Government

State Government

Local Government

Community Benefi t SA

Adelaide Central Plaza

Australian Central Credit Union

Telstra

All generous, loyal supporters and celebrities

Our thousands of members, volunteers

Our dedicated staff