NSW Premier launches new Vinnies Van

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW unveiled a new Vinnies Van, proudly funded by the NSW Government, at a barbeque lunch hosted by State Premier Chris Minns and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRL club in September. 

The Premier joined NRL Bulldogs legends Terry Lamb and Josh Reynolds in manning the barbeque alongside representatives from the St George Dragons junior rugby league football club to ensure no one went hungry at a lunchtime service in Waterloo. 

“The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has a well-established presence in communities all across the state and provides important relief to people through its members and services every day,” said Chris Minns. 

“Vinnies Vans provide people with more than just a meal by acting as a space for social connection and referrals to other support services,” said Mr Minns. 

The new Vinnies Van, a purpose-built Isuzu Tradepack truck, is the latest in our fleet of 13 vans providing meals and support each night across the state.  

More than 102,000 people have been supported by our Vinnies Vans in the last year with in excess of 95,000 meals served and 85,000 snack and toiletries packs distributed. 

In Central Sydney alone, our Vinnies Vans operate seven nights a week – along with two day-time shifts – supporting more than 3,000 people on average each month. 

“What we’re seeing at the Society is an increase in demand in regards to cost of living and housing costs,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO. 

“For many people that we see on these vans, when we come across them it’s the first time that day they’ve spoken to someone. It also addresses that loneliness and gives them a sense of community,” said Ms Saiz. 

The increased demand for services has seen the Society expand our Vinnies Vans into new areas across the states, along with providing additional resources including a dedicated outreach support worker. 

This role aims to connect people seeking assistance from our Vinnies Vans with additional support offered by the Society and other services to address compounding hardships. 

“We’re grateful for the support of the NSW Government in funding a new Vinnies Van which will allow us to reach more people and provide much-needed certainty in their time of hardship,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President. 

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).