Changing the guard at Vinnies

Sydney
2 March 2003

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Changing the guard at Vinnies

John O'Neill (pictured with Pat O'Flynn, right), who has been involved with Vinnies for 39 years, is State president-elect for the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW/ACT.

He will take over in June when Pat O'Flynn ends his five-year term.

Mr O'Neill, who is the Society's current NSW/ACT treasurer, acknowledged Mr O'Flynn's success as an effective and visionary president, "refocussing the membership towards the spiritual basis for helping people in the community".

He said: "Pat has done so much to provide better support and training for members and volunteers during a period when the external pressure to manage risk around occupational health and safety and public liability has been enormous.

"He has also dealt very effectively with the multitude of legislation changes to the welfare system over recent years.

"Due to his tremendous leadership, the St Vincent de Paul Society has adapted to these changes and continues to provide the best services possible to people in need.

"Pat's leadership has meant that our 20,000 members and volunteers in NSW and the ACT are better equipped to assist people out of crisis and back to feeling part of our Australian community."

Mr O'Flynn congratulated his successor on his election by the State council, "knowing that he will continue to foster the development of spirituality in the Society, as well as recognise the importance of training" among the Society's ranks.

"John believes that training is essential for formation, development, compliance, conference support and recruitment," he said.

"And he is committed to encouraging female members towards leadership positions."