20th anniversary blessing for Vinnies
Local
The St Vincent de Paul Society South Australia 20th State Council Blessing took place at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral Adelaide on May 16 and was attended by national president Mark Gaetani and new SA president Geraldine Hawkes.

Geraldine’s formal involvement with the Society in SA began in 2020 when she became a member of the Salisbury Conference. However, her connection to Vinnies has deep roots as her father was an active member of the Society in Glasgow, where she was born.
She forged strong relationships with the Society while working for the Archdiocese of Adelaide, visiting companions in their homes, meeting with Conferences, shop managers and Fred’s Van volunteers, and leading spiritual formation and leadership sessions. Her experience across a broad range of Church and community organisations further prepared her for the State president role.
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Geraldine was elected a regional president in 2020, and in 2023 was appointed as a vice president on the State Council. She was instrumental in the creation of the Social Needs Analysis and Advocacy committee.
As State president, Geraldine said her vision for the Society embraces a ‘spirituality of encounter,’ ensuring that everyone who connects with the St Vincent de Paul Society grows and flourishes.
State Council members Sandy Canale, Neil Dwyer, Natasha Egglestone, Jennifer Harvey, Kevin Liston, Anne Lyons, Tom Mead, Frances Power, Des Quirk, John Sullivan, Mario Trinidad, Claire Victory, and spiritual advisor Mary Camilleri also attended the blessing.