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Our stories
Throughout our 170-year history our members and volunteers have made a huge impact to the people we assist and within their local communities. Our history is rich with stories – if only we could share them all. Here are four inspirational people that represent the breadth of our work.
DIANA CONNELL
Diana’s story begins in rural Victoria, where she was once a dairy farmer before her life took a drastic turn due to domestic violence. Fleeing with her teenage son and with nothing but hope, they found refuge in their car in the unlikeliest of shelters – a McDonald’s car park.
This period of profound struggle was a turning point, leading them to the St Vincent de Paul Society, which provided a safe house and essential support. As Diana rebuilt her life, she found solace and expression in pottery.
Today, she runs a successful studio, where each piece of pottery symbolises her journey from fragility to resilience.
Her creations are not just art – they are symbols of overcoming adversity, crafted from the raw, transformative power of clay, mirroring her own transformation supported by the community around her.
FRANK MULLINS
Frank Mullins dedicated over 40 years to the Fitzroy Soup Van, serving the community with unmatched commitment. His routine presence on the streets provided more than meals – it offered warmth, hope, and connection to people in need.
Though Frank has retired, his legacy endures through initiatives like the soup van, where volunteers continue to deliver care and compassion under the city lights. His philosophy always stressed the importance of fresh ideas and new faces to carry forward the mission of service.
Frank’s profound impact reaches beyond the soup van service – it has inspired generations of volunteers to embrace community service as a vital part of their lives.
As we celebrate the legacy of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Frank’s story stands as a testament to the enduring power of dedicated individuals to make a significant, lasting difference in their communities.
MARGARET OATS AO
Margaret Oats, a beacon of compassion in Collingwood, epitomised the spirit of the St Vincent de Paul Society with her unwavering dedication.
Born into the pastoral serenity of the Yarra Valley in 1909, Margaret’s journey led her to the bustling streets of Melbourne after the Second World War, where she faced life’s harshest tests, including the loss of her husband and the challenge of raising four children alone.
A tireless volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Society, Margaret walked the streets of her community, offering not just food, shelter, and clothing, but a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Her profound impact on the lives of the disadvantaged earned her an Order of Australia in 1993, a testament to her four decades of selfless service.
Margaret Oats, remembered as everybody’s grandmother and the angel of Collingwood, left us a legacy of kindness and community care that continues to inspire.
GARRY LIAKOUREAS
Garry’s transformation at VincentCare’s Ozanam House is remarkable.
Seven years ago, Garry was living in his car during the most difficult time in his life –
now he is now a valued volunteer, teaching gardening as a form of therapy and connection.
His program at Ozanam House illustrates how nurturing plants – from growing food to cultivating beauty – reflects nurturing oneself and fostering stability and peace. Beyond gardening and speaking engagements, Garry is also pursuing a PhD. He inspires others with his resilience narrative.
At Ozanam House, run by VincentCare, he embodies the cycle of receiving and giving back, showing how care and community can profoundly change lives. Garry’s journey epitomises academic pursuit and personal growth – urging others to sow seeds of hope as he continues to cultivate, and reclaim, his own story.
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