By Natashya Fernandez
A state-of-the-art facility sitting on 15000m2, a 5000 m2 depot, a modern op shop, a chapel and many other quirks are just some of the things that will greet you at Ozanam House, the new St Vincent de Paul Society premises in Canning Vale.
A two-year vision, it was no small feat finalising on a premises that would not only be an important vehicle for the SVDP Society but also play an important role to all the people we work with in the community, said Mark Fitzgerald, former CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society.
In acknowledging all the dignitaries present on the day, Mr Fitzgerald first and foremost recognised the people in the community.
“It’s the people who are down on their luck, the people who have trouble in their lives and who we are here for,” Mr Fitzgerald noted.
“That’s the most important people we need to thank, for without them we would not be doing this but also because they are the ones who give us hope and joy in what we do.
“It’s important not to ever forget why we’re doing the work that we do,” he said.
The evening soon picked up with salutations all around the room with Honourable Andrea Mitchel MLA, Minister for Mental Health; Child Protection, representing the Premier, Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Hon Dr Michael (Mike) Dennis Nahan MLA, member for Riverton and State Treasurer and the Most Reverend, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, Donald Sproxton who presided over the evening with a prayer and blessing of the premises.
Mr Fitzgerald also thanked members from Canberra, Frank Brassil and Donna Scheerlinck, Bob Burns, State President and Adele Stewart, Acting CEO as well as the team who made this journey happen.
It was impossible to not thank Lotterywest for their generous funding, donors, people who helped in the campaign and in particular, Jeff Trew, who was recognised posthumously for all his work in getting this project up and going.
“He was our state president at the time. He was the person who started this process and in his memory we acknowledge the role he played not only in terms of getting this place up and going but also for the work he did with The Society as well,” he said.
Walking around the facility, it was no surprise to see why it is such a special place for the SVDP Society.
A beautiful, modern building yet simplistic in structure, the building aims to be a vehicle for tens of thousands of people in the community.
Functional and spacious, all the rooms are designed to open and close and change size to maximise efficiency wherever possible.
“This building is suitable not just for now but 10, 15, 20 years in the future to deliver more support for people in different ways through this wonderful, unique operation we have set up here,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
From support for emergency relief, the depot, a store to a financial counselling services and a youth team, Ozanam House will offer all of these services under one roof.
“As a not-for-profit, it was important that we use the money people have bestowed to us in the best way possible and give back to the community, he said.
Minister Mitchell said that it was a privilege to be present at this prestigious event as it was a great way to acknowledge the many thousands of people still seeking support and services and an organisation like Vinnies was best suited to give so much more back to the less fortunate.
“The one thing I love about Vinnies is the people. You are with the people all the way through till they are functioning better in the community, till they are participating in the community. And, that’s what makes the difference,” she said.
Bishop Sproxton who was present to bless the premises, thanked the SVDP Society for the good work they do in the community.
He paid particular attention to loneliness as one of the biggest issues in the community.
“Members spend more time sitting down with those people, paying a visit maybe not to give any particular practical aid, but just to be there with them.”
He acknowledged the staff who are the backbone of the organisation and who not only do their job with professionalism but also with a sense of care and compassion, and for that he was very grateful.
“I’m sure as the years go ahead that this will be the focus of The Society, to make sure that this spirit of compassion is there and that sense of service and that sense of doing a work that is blessed by Christ and made powerful in the lives of people,” said Bishop Sproxton.
In a nutshell
- Ozanam House sits on 15000m2 with a 5000m2 depot
- The new depot sorts out 700 tonnes of clothes every year that services 30 stores
- Vinnies gives away about 42,000 items of furniture