It's great to be back

"It’s great to be back," said volunteer Graham Watson, brimming with excitement as he wandered around the brand-new Vinnies Shop at 75 Bridge Mall, Ballarat which opened on Tuesday 19 March and attracted plenty of guests and curious customers.

Graham is one of the dedicated 20 St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria volunteers who – alongside shop manager Kate Davis – welcomed plenty of keen, curious, budget- and environmentally conscious customers. They all lined up in front of the doors even before the 115th Vinnies Shop in Victoria officially opened.

Having volunteered at and witnessed the closure of the old Vinnies Shop in the city’s centre four years ago, Graham, like many fellow citizens, was extremely pleased that the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria was able to find a new location in the heart of Ballarat.

“It’s just fantastic to be able to serve the people of Ballarat and the Eastern suburbs again, making it easier for them to find a bargain and have access to the services we provide,” he said. “There is definitely a big need for Vinnies here.”

Graham is right. Beyond every Vinnies Shop lies a deeper mission – a commitment to serving the community by the well-known charity lovingly known by the community as, simply, ‘Vinnies’.

The reopening of the latest Vinnies Shop couldn’t come at a more critical time: In an alarming surge of demand, the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Wendouree Assistance Centre is fully booked during its operating hours, reflecting a staggering 300% increase in individuals seeking assistance since the start of the year.

Similarly, the Ballarat Assistance Centre, grappling with a 25% rise in demand, accommodating the maximum capacity of approximately 50 people on the day it opens its doors for two hours three times a week. This underscores the urgent and growing need for support in the community.

For the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Group CEO Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, and proud Ballarat native, this venture is deeply personal.

Inspired by her mother's devotion to the St Vincent de Paul Society, Dr Fitzgerald sees the shop as a beacon of hope, where every dollar spent reverberates back into the community, offering a lifeline to people in need.

“That’s why I hold a deep appreciation for the Vinnies Shop model, where every dollar spent goes back into our community, offering vital assistance and support. It’s a commitment we make to both our loyal customers and the vulnerable individuals who turn to us, often in their darkest hours,” says Dr Fitzgerald.

This new chapter promises an elevated shopping experience, merging value, sustainability and community spirit. Neil Harvey, acting Co-executive General Manager of Commercial Services, shares his anticipation, highlighting the Vinnies VIP shopping experience designed to delight budget-conscious customers.

“The shop's expansive layout, flooded with natural light, offers easy access to its diverse range of 6,000+ items across 17 categories, catering to all lifestyles and budgets,” he says. “There's something for everyone, from quality fashion to homewares, including the Vinnies' Own line of essentials like tea towels, blankets, and books.”

The new shop's opening hours are from 9:30am to 5:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays, inviting the community to shop and support the good cause. Local donations and volunteers are always needed. They fuel the charity’s vital assistance programs.

Michael Ryan, Ballarat Regional Council President, echoed this sentiment during the opening ceremony, emphasising the profound impact of community contributions.

“With funds directly supporting Vinnies' initiatives, including food vouchers, crisis accommodation and utility bill assistance, the new Vinnies Ballarat is poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of many,” he said.

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria State President Michael Quinn thanked everyone for their contribution making the new shop become a reality. Cheekily, he stated that he was glad that Rev Father Jim McKay also blessed the new shop’s register, hoping for lots of funds to support the members’ and volunteers’ support for the people of Ballarat in need.

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