Celebrating 100 years for Brighton

In 1924, as the world was still recovering from the aftermath of World War I and on the brink of the Great Depression, a small group of dedicated individuals came together, driven by a shared commitment to support community members in need, and founded the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s Brighton Conference.

The conference quickly became a beacon of hope, providing assistance to people in need throughout Melbourne’s bayside area. Conference members worked tirelessly, as their local community and the rest of the country was challenged by economic hardship. They provided food parcels, bedding, clothing and medical assistance to struggling families and workers who laboured to build the iconic bluestone wall and parapet from Elwood to Hampton - many of the labourers sleeping rough on the beach.

Fast forward one century and this spirit of service and compassion remains strong. To mark the remarkable milestone, over 140 attendees filled the pews of Brighton’s beautiful St Joan of Arc Church to celebrate this special occasion during a moving and uplifting Festival Mass. It included the commissioning and re-commissioning of several conference presidents.

Fittingly, the service was led by Father Greg, a Vincentian himself with deep personal ties to the mission. His father was a Vinnies shop manager in one of the inner Sydney’s suburbs, instilling in him the Vincentian spirit of being a voice for the voiceless. Father Greg’s words echoed through the church, reminding all present that "no one chooses to be poor." He urged continued compassion and understanding toward companions less fortunate which resonated with many during the service that was beautifully planned and accompanied by Rohan Smith, Mission & Spirituality Lead.

Following the mass, Hampton Regional Council President, Mark Shannon, and Southern Central Council President, Susan Dormon, led an award ceremony celebrating milestones of members who have been part of the local conferences’ journey for up to 45 years and new members and volunteers. They included dedicated individuals like Carmel and Maurice who have joined to give back to their local communities in their retirement. Or like Earl, a younger member, who will have to balance his work commitments with a demanding roster of conference work. “It’s a challenge that I am willing to take on so I can help people in my community,” he said.

The history of the Brighton Conference is rich with stories of support and dedication. During the Great Depression, members were there for families, providing the essentials for survival. From 1944 to 1996, they extended their care to refugees, offering a safe haven and support to new arrivals in Australia.

Over the years, the conference has done a lot to support and care for people in need, such as supported local housing, and provided countless hours of service to help the community, from assisting with food vouchers and clothing to assistance for conferences in Myanmar and India through the Society’s Twinning Program.

Today, the sixteen-member Brighton Conference continues to make a significant impact, providing essential assistance to over 220 public housing residents in Brighton, Highett and Hampton. Regular home visits are conducted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, offering support through food vouchers, clothing, furniture, and help with medical and utility bills. Beyond the material support, conference members have always been there to lend a listening ear, a warm heart and a hand up to people in need.

Debbie De Sousa, Brighton’s new conference president who took over from John Eagan, together with Mark Shannon thanked everyone for their services in the past and in the present and shared: "The Society has been able to stay relevant even in changing times and the timeless work of its volunteers and supporters will always be recognised.” She added that she would like to see the level of support resources the conference offers to the socially vulnerable to be enhanced and to increase the number of members and supporters so that the conference can provide improved and meaningful benefits to their companions.

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s Brighton Conference’s 100th anniversary celebration was more than just a look back at its history. It was a day of reflection, gratitude and renewal of its commitment to serving the community and making a difference for the coming century.