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BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPORT REQUESTS SKYROCKET AS FAMILIES STRUGGLE UNDER FINANCIAL PRESSURE

For the third year in a row, state charity St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has reported a record number of requests for back-to-school support, as more families struggle to afford the basics amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 
CEO Kevin Mercer said requests for help with 2024 back-to-school expenses through the organisation’s Children’s Education Fund had increased 8.6% since last year and 35% since 2022. 
Uniforms – which cost an average of $245 for primary students and $469 for secondary students in Queensland – were the most requested item, followed by textbooks.  
Research from Australian website Finder found that one in seven Australian families said they would have to go into debt to afford back-to-school costs for 2025. 
“We’ve heard from parents across the state who are desperate for their child to not fall behind in their education but can barely afford to pay the rent each week,” Mr Mercer said. 
“A full set of school supplies, including textbooks and a uniform, can cost anywhere between $600 and $1,200 – that’s no small amount for families already falling behind with rising rent and grocery costs. 
“Many parents we’ve talked to are embarrassed at the idea of sending their kids to school in ill-fitting or tattered old uniforms – it can make their kids a target of bullying or they’re worried about judgement from other parents and teachers. 
For the 2025 school year, the state charity received 2,211 requests through the Children’s Education Program, representing 5,610 students. 
If you’re struggling with rising costs of living, you can reach Vinnies Queensland by calling 1800 846 643 during business hours.   
If you’d like to help support struggling families, including with educational expenses, you can donate to Vinnies Queensland at vinnies.org.au/donate

VINNIES PREPARES TO LAUNCH HERVEY BAY'S LARGEST OP SHOP

Hervey Bay will soon be the home of one of the largest Vinnies shops in Queensland.
After all, when you’re dealing with the whale capital of Australia, it’s important to go big.
The expansive 1,500m2 Vinnies on Boat Harbour Drive is set to make a real splash for local op-shoppers and bargain hunters in the lead up to the grand opening on Saturday 7 December.
The massive Vinnies, opening at the former BCF site, is set to become the most popular Vinnies in Queensland, thanks to its prime location, impressive size, strong team of volunteers, and a real appetite for op-shopping in the region.
Treasure seekers are invited to explore a wide range of pre-loved clothing, homewares and more at the new store, which promises to be a shopping destination like no other in the area.
Replacing the current Hervey Bay store – already one of the top three performing stores in the state – the new thrift haven is expected to be a Queensland leader in sales.
Shoppers can explore a treasure trove of pre-loved fashion and goods, with proceeds directly supporting local residents in need.
Opening day will also feature a sausage sizzle, face painting and Vinnies voucher giveaways to celebrate the new Shop!
Vinnies Queensland Northern Retail Operations Manager, Linda de Blasio, said the opening of the store marked a significant milestone for the Society, reflecting the rising demand for sustainable and affordable shopping options during challenging economic times.
“This is an exciting step forward as we open the doors to Hervey Bay’s largest op-shop,” Linda said.
“We’re proud to meet the needs of style-savvy, budget-conscious, and environmentally aware shoppers who are choosing second-hand as a sustainable way to shop.”
Linda highlighted the success of the May and June 50% off sale, which delivered the biggest retail sales week on record for the organisation.
“This demonstrates just how much Hervey Bay residents value affordable and eco-friendly shopping,” she said.
“In the 2023-2024 financial year alone, Vinnies sold 9.3 million pre-loved items, keeping quality goods out of landfill while generating vital funds to support our work in local communities.”
In the last 12 months, Vinnies Queensland on the Fraser Coast supported around 5,000 locals in need with more than $210,000 in emergency support.
“At a time when many Queenslanders are feeling the strain of the cost-of-living crisis, every purchase made at Vinnies helps us deliver essential services like food, housing assistance, and support programs to those who need it most,” Linda said.
“Shopping at Vinnies here in Hervey Bay isn’t just about finding great bargains — it’s about making a difference in the lives of people doing it tough.”
The store is located at 130-140 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay, and will open from 9am on Saturday, 7 December.
To find your local Vinnies Shop, visit vinnies.org.au/qld/shops

QUEENSLAND'S BIGGEST THRIFT SALE RETURNS WITH HALF-PRICE, GUILT FREE SHOPPING AT VINNIES

Calling Queensland bargain hunters and op-shop enthusiasts – get ready for an exciting three days of guilt-free shopping as Vinnies Queensland announce the return of the state’s biggest thrift sale – 50% off nearly everything* from Thursday, 31 October, to Saturday, 2 November.
The statewide event invites shoppers to explore a stunning array of unique finds with shelves restocked daily, from stylish fashion pieces, unique home décor, and even the occasional designer gem — all while supporting crucial support services for vulnerable Queenslanders.
Drew Eide, GM - Operations for Vinnies Queensland, said that shoppers can discover fantastic wardrobe additions at half the price, all while contributing to essential services, including housing and homelessness support, to help those facing hardship amid rising cost-of-living challenges.
“With 12 new or refurbished shops opening across Queensland and a remarkable 6% year-on-year sales growth, it's clear that the love for second-hand shopping continues to soar,” he said.
“Our recent 50% off sale in May and June was our biggest retail sales week ever, demonstrating just how much Queenslanders value the opportunity to shop sustainably and affordably.”
“The best part about op-shopping is that your next incredible find could be just around the corner, whether it’s a high-end winter coat or a unique piece of jewellery, there are thousands of items waiting for their next home, and the best part about shopping at Vinnies is that each purchase goes back to support Queenslanders in need.”
In the 2023-2024 financial year, Vinnies Queensland proudly sold 9.3 million pre-loved items, showcasing the increasing appeal of op-shopping in our community. Quality, undamaged donations are also accepted in-store throughout the sale
To find out more about Vinnies’ 50% off retail sale, visit feelgoodfinds.com.au/
For shop opening hours, visit vinnies.org.au/shops

*The 50% off retail sale applies to everything in store except furniture and new items

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CALLS FOR ANTI-POVERTY WEEK ACTION AS QUEENSLANDERS STRUGGLE

A St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland program launched to help keep vulnerable residents from falling into homelessness is hearing from desperate Queenslanders with housing costs comprising of up to 100% of their income – sometimes more. 
With the return of Anti-Poverty Week (13 to 27 October), State President Patricia McMahon said the organisation’s Keeping Queenslander’s Housed program had heard from Queenslanders living in mould-infested houses or staying in violent relationships just to avoid homelessness. 
“Many of the people we support in this program are spending, on average, 66% of their income on rent,” Ms McMahon said. 
“Some have rental costs that are actually higher than their weekly income. 
“There’s no amount of budgeting you can do to survive in that situation, but what can you do when the alternative is homelessness?” 
Ms McMahon said most Queenslanders requesting help through the program were on disability or carers pensions. 
“We can’t afford to leave anyone behind – no one should be one emergency expense away from living on the streets in Queensland,” she said. 
Ms McMahon said with the State Election later this month, the Society was calling for both major parties to alleviate rising rates of poverty in Queensland. 
“While we welcomed both parties’ commitment to a 53,500 social housing build by 2046, we hope to see further commitment to immediate housing – 5000 social homes annually over the next four years,” she said. 
“We also want to see rental inflation moderated, as we continue to hear from Queenslanders with weekly rent increases in the hundreds. 
St Vincent de Paul Queensland is also calling for:  - A $15m boost in financial counselling services
- Increased support for education costs
- Free two years of preschool for all Queensland children
- Further funding mental and physical health support for people experiencing or escaping homelessness.
 In the last financial year, St Vincent de Paul Queensland Queensland supported 245,000+ people across the state, including providing over 128,000 nights of accommodation for people in need.

VINNIES CALLS FOR ACTION TO CHALLENGE HOMELESSNESS STEREOTYPES THIS NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS WEEK

This National Homelessness Week (Monday 5 to Sunday 11 August), Vinnies Queensland is calling for action to break down misconceptions and continue providing support for the growing number of Queenslanders facing an unmet housing need.
Queensland State Manager for Housing and Homelessness, Kellie Rummery, said while the number of tents lining streets had visibly increased in the last few years, a lot of homelessness is often invisible.
“We are seeing more and more cases of overcrowding and leaseholders who are in very difficult situations of not wanting to displace friends and family, but are putting their tenancy at risk,” she said.
“A recent trip to Dalby reminded me that while it’s important to consider tents in the city, it’s also equally important to consider rural and regional areas with squalor properties, where people are not renting but are seeking shelter.”
Kellie said Vinnies was hearing from more and more families and younger Queenslanders who were struggling to find affordable housing.
“Parents are becoming increasingly worried about their children’s safety, and are careful about who they ask for help, going to great lengths to conceal their homelessness,” she said.
“The reality is we all know someone impacted by the rental crisis, it now cuts across middle-income earners, dual-income earners with good work history and housing tenancy records, and younger people.
“As we move away from misunderstanding and challenge homelessness stereotypes, we can create a space for people to be more solutions-focused with empathy.”
“If you’re in a position to help, offering a listening ear and compassionate conversation can be incredibly impactful,” she said.
The theme of National Homelessness Week 2024 is Homelessness Action Now, and while policies like the Homes for Queenslanders plan were a significant step in the right direction, Kellie said there was still much work to be done in the interim to support those struggling to find affordable housing.
Vinnies Queensland provides on average more than 100,000 nights of secure accommodation for people in need each year.

VINNIES CALLS ON FNQ LEADERS TO SLEEP OUT TO BUILD HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS

Vinnies Queensland has issued a challenge to community and business leaders in Far North Queensland (FNQ), asking them to sleep out under the stars for one night to raise vital funds for homelessness support.
The Vinnies Community Sleepout is returning to the Cairns Esplanade on Friday, 9 August 2024 with the event aiming to raise $65,000 to help locals impacted by the ongoing housing crisis.
Cairns rent prices increased by 33 per cent from 2017 to 2023, with the number of FNQ residents reaching out for homelessness support increasing by nearly 30% in the same time period.
Funds raised from the Community Sleepout will help build new homes for FNQ residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing vital long-term secure housing at a time when it is most needed.
“Far North Queensland has been hit hard by this housing crisis, and each day Vinnies is seeing more and more local individuals and families either sleeping rough or at high risk of losing their house,” FNQ Diocesan President Veronica Innes said. “The Community Sleepout is our way of bringing local leaders together to learn more about homelessness, how it impacts our region and how we can work together to make a difference.” Veronica said building new social and affordable homes would help locals escape homelessness for good. “Across FNQ, we have an estimated 6,000 people on the state social housing waiting list, including 3,400 in Cairns, waiting more than two years on average to secure a home,” she said. “Of those, 99 per cent are considered ‘high risk’ “This is a critical time for housing in Far North Queensland and anything our community can do to help can make a significant impact in the lives of locals sleeping rough.” Registrations for Community Sleepout participants are open now – visit <a href="https://bit.ly/fnqcso" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/fnqcso</a> to register or learn more about the event. In the last 12 months, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland provided support to more than 18,000 residents across the Far North Queensland region.

ONE COLD NIGHT RAISES $1.93M FOR HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT

Queensland business and community leaders spent a cold June’s night sleeping on cardboard at the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout – raising nearly $2m for homelessness support in the process. 
On June 20, more than 500 participants traded their warm beds for a spot on the floor across Sleepouts held at the Brisbane Riverstage, CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast and Maroochy Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast.
Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer said the single night raised $1.93m, with all funds going to help Queenslanders facing or at high-risk of homelessness.
"We are so grateful to our local leaders for taking the challenge, spending the night sleeping rough while raising important funds and taking the time to learn more about the realities of homelessness and our housing crisis,” he said.
“Funds raised from our Brisbane and Gold Coast events will also go towards our 500 Homes in 5 Years project; building long-term housing for Queenslanders in need.
“The 500 Homes project is our way of ensuring the homelessness support we provide to at-risk Queenslanders won’t just provide accommodation for a few nights, but for years and years to come.”
At the Sleepout, participants were encouraged to consider the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, putting themselves in their shoes and discussing what we can do to help the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Queensland Housing Minister The Hon. Meaghan Scanlon made a guest appearance at the Gold Coast event, discussing the 60 homes the State Government and Vinnies Queensland will be building in Nerang as part of the 500 Homes project. 
“At last year’s Sleepout, Minister Scanlon personally announced the first major step in building 500 homes – 147 new dwellings to be built in Nerang, Bundaberg and Toowoomba,” Mr Mercer said. 
“With support from the funds raised from the 2024 Sleepout, we are looking at new opportunities to build long-term supportive housing at other key regions across the state.” 
The 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised a total of $8.2m for homelessness support across Australia, with more than 1,500 leaders signing up for the challenge.

FINDING HOUSING IN A TOWN OF NO VACANCY

Stanthorpe residents are getting an icy reception as Queensland’s coldest town, getting frozen out of the housing market entirely as the region hits a rental vacancy rate of zero. 
The Southern Downs town saw a 24 per cent increase in rental costs in the last 12 months – the second highest in the country behind Riverwood in NSW, according to suburb trends’ Rental Pain Index report. 
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland St Joseph’s Stanthorpe Conference President Ros Day said local Members have been seeing an incredible increase in calls for help around town. 
"Since October last year we’ve seen a huge increase in Companions asking for help,” she said. 
“The average amount of funds we use to help people with groceries has more than doubled. 
“People are living in tents and we cannot find accommodation for them – there are no affordable options left.” 
According to the Rental Pain Index report, Stanthorpe currently has a rental vacancy rate of zero – the lowest in Queensland.  
“We can’t even find spaces at caravan parks anymore; I’ve never seen it this bad,” Ms Day said 
“A big problem is that we have homes here sitting empty – I know of 300+ dwellings in the area that are AirBNBs that just sit empty most of the time.  
“We’ve been supporting Companions to find options out of town but not all of them have transport. The best we can do most of the time is to sustain people with food, clothing, bedding and sometimes tents.” 
Ms Day said despite the struggles, Conference Members were still working to help locals as much as they could. 
“There was a family of six living in a tent I was supporting that have finally managed to find a home,” she said.

CEO SLEEPOUT URGES SUNSHINE COAST LEADERS TO SLEEP ON THE SAND FOR A GOOD CAUSE

With nearly half of low-income Sunshine Coast households impacted by housing stress, Sunshine Coast business, community and government leaders are being called to spend a night on the sands for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout and raise vital funds for homelessness support.
The Sunshine Coast event will be held at Maroochy Surf Club on Thursday, 20 June, with a fundraising goal of more than $200,000 to beat last year's fundraising efforts.
The funds raised at the Sunshine Coast Sleepout will directly support safe and affordable housing solutions for the local community, as requests for assistance continue to skyrocket.  
Northern (Sunshine Coast) Diocesan President Beryl Rowan urged the local community to get involved. 
“Across the Sunshine Coast, we continue to see the terrible impacts of the housing crisis on the community as we speak with families sleeping in their cars or in tents on the street as rent prices increase while affordable and emergency housing options remain at capacity,” she said.
“While we acknowledge this is not an easy problem to solve, we must rally behind the vulnerable members of our community and do our part in ending the homelessness crisis on the Sunshine Coast.”
“I encourage our community to participate or donate to this year’s Sleepout, as the funds raised will go towards providing secure and safe accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.
“When you hear the stories of what many families in our region and across the state have endured, one night on the sand doesn’t sound too bad."
Additional CEO Sleepout events will be held in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as well as community sleepouts across regional Queensland.
In the last financial year, Vinnies Queensland provided more than 103,000 nights of accommodation to Queenslanders in need.
For more information, or to register for the 2024 Sleepout, visit <a href="http://www.ceosleepout.org.au">www.ceosleepout.org.au</a>.

GOLD COAST LEADERS CALLED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST HOMELESSNESS

With one in ten Gold Coast households impacted by housing stress, Vinnies Queensland is calling on Gold Coast business, community and government leaders to spend a night sleeping rough at CBUS Super Stadium on Thursday 20 June, to raise vital funds for homelessness support.
With a fundraising goal of nearly $600,000, this year’s efforts will directly support safe and affordable housing solutions for the local community, as requests for assistance continue to skyrocket.   
Last year's event on the Gold Coast raised nearly $600,000 for homelessness support, including securing a block of land at Nerang to build 60 social and affordable homes for locals in need
At the CEO Sleepout launch on Wednesday 3 April, Vinnies Gold Coast President John Blake urged local CEOs and business leaders to step up and sleep out, as the charity continued to witness the escalating need for affordable and secure housing.
“In the last 12 months, Gold Coast residents have remained impacted by housing stress with vacancy rates still sitting under 1 per cent and a severe lack of housing options across the region,” he said.
“The importance of initiatives like the CEO Sleepout cannot be overstated as we raise critical funds to provide support to those experiencing homelessness, offering shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities.”
“In the last 12 months, Gold Coast residents have remained impacted by housing stress with vacancy rates still sitting under 1 per cent and a severe lack of housing options across the region,” he said.
“The importance of initiatives like the CEO Sleepout cannot be overstated as we raise critical funds to provide support to those experiencing homelessness, offering shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities.”
To learn more or to register for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, visit <a href="https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/">https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/</a>

HOMES FOR QUEENSLAND PLAN DELIVERS HOPE FOR HOUSING CRISIS

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland has welcomed the State Government's renewed focus on  Queensland’s critical housing crisis under a new $3.1b Homes for Queensland plan. 
CEO Kevin Mercer said this funding boost was severely needed as the state charity continued to hear from more families experiencing great housing stress, with a growing number of people experiencing or at high risk of homelessness. 
“This is the biggest social and affordable housing investment in our state’s history and we welcome this significant investment to help vulnerable renters and support more Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” he said. 
“It is heartening to know our leaders are taking this issue seriously, as we continue to hear the stories of locals struggling to secure affordable housing, many of them facing imminent homelessness after being priced out of the rental market.” 
Premier Steven Miles provided the full details of the Homes for Queenslanders plan at a lunch event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre today. 
The plan includes an extra $1.25b for social homes, with a new target of 53,500 social homes built by 2046, a 20 per cent funding boost for homelessness support services and rental support including banning rent bidding and providing bond loans and portable bonds.  
During his speech, Mr Miles said the State Government aimed to build 1 million new homes by 2046, with 95 per cent of them in the private housing market.  
Mr Mercer said while the Homes for Queenslanders plan was welcomed, Members of St Vincent de Paul Society were concerned about the 27,000+ households currently on the state social housing waiting list. 
“The State Government has set an admirable target of new social homes by 2046 – but there are more than 43,000 people on the waiting list that need housing now,” he said. 
“99 per cent of those applications are considered ‘very high’ need, including those currently homeless, and the average waiting time is over two years. 
“These are the Queenslanders who need immediate solutions – the boost in funding to homelessness support services will be certainly help, but it’s not the same as providing secure long-term housing. 
“The numbers are there but the timeframe is too long – timing is critical on this and Queensland would benefit greatly from a more timely, frontloaded response.” 
Mr Mercer said despite these concerns, the St Vincent de Paul Society looked forward to the support this plan would provide for vulnerable Queenslanders.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL COSTS SEE RECORD DEMAND FOR HELP DURING COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

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