Today St Vincent de Paul Society re-opened its Lismore office in a new premises on Conway Street, nearly two years after the major flooding in Feb 2022. Its previous location on Woodlark Street was inundated.

The premises serves as a base for the Society’s St Carthage’s Conference to support people experiencing hardship in the local community, and is a home for the new Vinnies Van, providing support throughout the region.

Rising living costs and the flow-on effects of the flood mean more people than ever are turning to organisations like St Vincent de Paul for essential support.

Bishop Greg Homeming OCD blessed the re-opened offices and the van, sharing his joy that the space was once again up and running, providing easier access to vital support for the community.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members in the Lismore Central Council assisted more than 13,000 people in the last financial year with more than four in five people requesting food support. 25% of those helped by Saint Vincent de Paul had never used the services before.

“In the first half of the current financial year, St Vincent de Paul Society members across the Lismore Central Council have already responded to the equivalent of three-quarters of the assistance provided during the entirety of the previous year,” said Paul Burton, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“Our members in the area have distributed $1.2 million in financial and material assistance over the past six months. The reopening of our Lismore office will enable our members from across the region to increase its impact to those living on the margins.” Mr Burton shared.

Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, said, “We know that the recovery effort in Lismore remains an ongoing process, so having a fit-for-purpose office space will be invaluable in supporting people experiencing hardship.”

Clare Van Doorn, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Regional Director spoke about the work Saint Vincent de Paul has continued to do for the community since the flood, operating from a cramped warehouse in Goonellabah.

The organisation raised and donated almost five million dollars to the community following the disaster. Clare expressed how delighted she is to be in a new, central premises.

“I’m over the moon (and a bit exhausted!). To have a place to call ours is really important.”

The addition of the Vinnies Van, which was bought using a grant from Vinnies in Victoria, will be a great asset for the region, allowing access for people who are outlying or have restricted accessibility. It will provide food and act to assist with determining referral pathways for people needing additional support.

“Our van can go out to the people who can’t come in to us,” Clare said.

You will find the new St Vincent de Paul office at 36-38 Conway Street, Lismore CBD, in between Stepz Fitness and the old Godreys building.