Following in Vincentian footsteps

Peter Houweling has spent decades putting his Catholic social justice upbringing into practice as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society.  

Elected to the role of NSW State Council President in August 2024, following the passing of his predecessor Paul Burton, Peter sees his role as a steward of every Vincentian who has come before him, ensuring that members can have the most authentic experience of the Society. 

Born to a migrant family, who emigrated in the 1950’s and worked in Bonegilla migrant camp before moving to the Western Suburbs, Peter was educated by the Patrician Brothers in Fairfield and Liverpool. Training professionally as a teacher, he came to the Illawarra in the early 1970s. He and his young family attended St John the Evangelist Parish in Dapto, where, encouraged by parish priest Father John Ward, Peter first became involved with the Society. 

At that time, Conference meetings took place in the evenings, with new members being paired with seasoned Vincentians for visitations and mentoring. Peter fondly remembers the lasting influence of fellow members, whose passion for serving others made a deep impression.  

“Through them, I learned the significance of the Conference in developing friendship, service, prayer and developing an understanding of the Rule,” Peter explains. 

 “As a steward, you're obligated to uphold the values and ethos that those past members cherished — it's our responsibility.” 

As his family grew and career advanced, Peter stepped back into an auxiliary role, but his retirement in the early 2010s marked a second chapter of involvement with the Society.  

Leadership roles soon followed, with his background as a teacher and principal positioning him to serve as a Conference, Regional, and Central Council President in the Wollongong Central Council. In 2022, Peter was appointed as Deputy President and Vice President of Membership for the State Council, where he focused on setting up new conferences and addressing governance issues, creating pathways for younger members to assume leadership positions. 

As State President, Peter is dedicated to keeping advocacy and social justice central to the Society’s mission. Inspired by Blessed Frederic Ozanam, he believes that the Society’s role is not only to alleviate poverty but also to confront the systemic injustices that sustain it through an unwavering commitment to social justice and reform.  

The principle of subsidiarity, central to the Society’s work, is another priority for Peter.  

“Each Conference – whether at the parish, regional, or state level – is a critical building block of our work. If Conferences fail, the Society falters. Together, we are the Society, and we must never underestimate the power and responsibility that lie within our local communities.” 

Peter feels honoured to follow in the footsteps of Vincentians before him, serving as State Council President and contributing to the transformative work of an international organisation dedicated to the welfare of all people.  

This story is featured in the latest edition of Vision - a publication produced by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW twice a year for members and volunteers. See the latest edition - Vision (Summer 2025).