We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Mullins OAM, one of our most dedicated and long-serving Vinnies Soup Van volunteers. Yet even as we feel the loss, we also want to take this moment to celebrate an extraordinary life of service, kindness and community.

For an incredible 44 years, Frank volunteered with the Fitzroy Soup Van, touching countless lives with his compassion and quiet strength. He also played a key role in helping establish what is now the Western (formerly Footscray) Soup Van, ensuring more Victorians in need could receive care and connection.

Frank gave his time generously to many causes over the years but as his son Gavin shared in his eulogy, “It’s hard to underestimate how much the soup vans meant to Frank’s life.” His dedication was more than volunteering, it was a calling rooted in love, dignity and service to others.

Frank’s legacy of compassion, commitment and community will continue to inspire us all within the Society family. Join us in keeping Frank’s family and friends in our thoughts and in continuing his legacy by living out the values he embodied so fully: kindness, humility and service to others.

Healthy, Wealthy & Wise  |  Saturday nights, 7pm

Our Vinnies Soup Vans were a featured segment on Channel 7's Healthy, Wealthy & Wise which aired on Saturday 1 October 2025.

Filmed with our volunteers, chef Vincent Lim joined us at the Dandenong Market, our soup van kitchen and then on the streets of Dandenong to help people in need.

Want to see our impact in action...watch Channel 7's Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Saturday nights, 7pm.

VincentCare Community Housing (VCCH), a subsidiary of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), has broken ground on a new project in the heart of Melbourne’s west that will deliver 83 new safe, secure and affordable homes for Victorians in need.

Today, Wednesday 24 September, the Assistant Treasurer and Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino and Minister for Housing Clare O'Neil visited the site for a ceremonial sod turning in this significant project for Victoria.

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Group CEO, Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, shares her reflections on the historic step toward Treaty in Victoria and what it means for truth-telling, healing and respect.

Dr Fitzgerald welcomed the news that Australia’s first Treaty between First Peoples in Victoria and the Victorian Government is progressing, with the Treaty bill introduced to Victorian Parliament. 

Steve Palmer, Ozanam House volunteer

At the heart of all he does, Ozanam House community volunteer, Steve Palmer, has always reflected on what his faith in action needs to look like. In his thirty-six years as a volunteer, he still often asks himself, ‘Am I doing enough? Can I do more?’

Steve was one of the honouree at this year's A Call to Serve.

Kate is 35 and lives in Ringwood. She doesn’t have family nearby and has limited support. Soon, her flatmate will be moving out—adding financial pressure to an already difficult situation.

Despite these challenges, Kate remains humble and deeply grateful for the help she receives from the Ringwood North Conference. Members who visit her are always moved by her warmth and appreciation.

Kate is determined to improve her circumstances. She’s ready to take positive steps toward a better future, and just needs a little guidance to help her refocus and move forward.

Rick never imagined life in his 50s would mean sleeping in his car during the week and relying on soup vans for his only hot meals. 

Thanks to Vinnies Soup Van volunteers, Rick has found comfort, connection and a glimmer of hope.

This spring, be the reason someone feels seen, supported and safe. Your donation can help people like Rick access food, warmth and support when they need it most.

“I never thought hot soup could mean so much, but it did. It made me feel like someone actually cared,” said Rick.

The Vinnies Soup Van service was established on 26 June 1975. This year we celebrate a service that has brought food and friendship to thousands living on the streets and in boarding houses across Victoria.

We thank the 5,000+ volunteers (known affectionately as Vannies) who have been part of the Vinnies Soup Vans' 50 year journey and touched the lives of so many, giving them hope.