Significant milestone for Wollongong Conference

Members of the St Francis Xavier’s Conference in Wollongong recently celebrated a historical milestone, with 100 years of continuous service in the community.  

A commemorative mass was held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Wollongong to mark the occasion. The Centenary coincided with the annual Festival Mass for 2024, recognising the ongoing and far-reaching work of the Society across the Wollongong Diocese. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Brian Mascord and the congregation enjoyed listening to the magnificent Tongan choir. 

In 1913, the first Conferences in the Wollongong region were established at Bulli, Corrimal, Jamberoo and Kiama but they all lapsed until August 1924 when the Conference of St Francis Xavier was founded.

Through the early 1930's, additional conferences were formed and in July 1935, the Wollongong Central Council, covering all conferences in the Diocese, was established. 

Since then, the Wollongong Central Council has established more than 30 Conferences present in communities across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, Campbelltown and Camden regions.  

Together these Conferences assisted more than 12,000 people with over $1.5m in support in the past financial year. In Wollongong’s St Francis Xavier Conference alone, they have 11 members working in the local community who provided support to over 300 people. This assistance includes help with food, bills, clothing and household items, accommodation, transport.  

A recent joint report with The McKell Institute found that the emergency relief program administered by Vinnies members, such as those in Wollongong’s St Francis Xavier Conference, provides crucial assistance during crises, is effective in preventing specific crises, including eviction and severe hunger, and significantly enhances the well-being of clients.  

Larry Jennett, President of the Wollongong Conference, got involved with Vinnies over 25 years ago.  “It is satisfying to be able to provide help to people when they need it most. I had a phone call from a lady recently who had escaped domestic violence. We got her accommodation, we bought her a washing machine, got her some clothes. She was so happy.” 

The Conference is extremely thankful for the generosity of the local community to ensure the work of the Conference can continue. This includes ongoing support from local major sponsors; a bequest set up to fund Education and Rental Stress within the community; as well as generous parishioners who regularly donate at the Annual Winter and Christmas Appeals.     

Another member of the St Francis Xavier’s Conference is Elisabeth Objartel, she has been volunteering her time for an incredible 30 years. “I was called to do more in the community, donating wasn’t enough for me anymore. I was working full time, but I would rearrange my day so that I could visit people in need. I immediately felt very welcome and part of the community when I got involved with Vinnies.”   

We thank all members past and present who have contributed to the work of the St Francis Xavier Conference over the last 100 years. 

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).