Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn

11/09/2026

Bills, investment, the clean energy transition — so much of what happens in the energy sector comes down to economics, even when the people working in it were never trained in it. That's exactly the gap Energy Economics for Non-Energy Economists was designed to close.
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In one immersive day, Assoc. Prof. Tim Nelson and Assoc. Prof. Dr Joel Gilmore take you through the economic thinking behind Australia's electricity market, giving you and your team the language and confidence to engage with energy policy conversations head-on.
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Canberra's session runs Thursday 5 November, 8:30am–3:30pm AEDT at the Novotel Canberra, and places are strictly limited to keep the room interactive. If you've been meaning to register, now's the time.

10/09/2026

From School Sleepouts and bake sales to donation drives and pyjama days, school communities across our region have gone above and beyond to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal 💙
Together, students, staff and families have shown what it means to care for one another, raising vital funds, donating warm clothing, winter essentials and food, and shining a light on challenges facing people experiencing homelessness and hardship in our communities.
Every fundraiser, every donation and every conversation has made a difference.
To everyone who supported the Vinnies Winter Appeal this year, thank you for standing alongside us and helping ensure no one feels alone during the colder months. Your compassion, kindness and commitment to helping others is creating real and lasting impact.
📸 Photos featured in this post were shared by participating schools and sourced from their public pages

10/09/2026

Across regional NSW, too many people are struggling to find safe and stable housing. That's why we have released a Regional Social Justice Statement 2026-2028, highlighting the challenges facing people in the Greater Western & Goulburn and Far South Coast regions, and the changes needed to create stronger, fairer communities.

One of the stories featured is of a 21-year-old man experiencing homelessness, navigating alcohol and other drug challenges, and struggling to access support. Through intensive case management from Vinnies and collaboration across services, he secured NDIS funding, daily support and stable housing. Today, he has a stronger foundation for the future.

📖 Read our full Regional Social Justice Statement here https://www.vinnies.org.au/act-surrounds/advocacy

07/09/2026

📝 Have you written your Will? Now is your chance to do it for free!

At Vinnies, we know the strength of our community comes from people who care for others. That's why St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn has partnered with Safewill to offer our supporters the opportunity to write a legally valid Will completely free of charge.

Whether you started one last year and didn't finish, or you're doing this for the very first time, now's your moment.

No appointments. No paperwork. No cost.

What you'll get:
• A fully legal Will, reviewed by Safewill Legal
• Guided process, under 20 minutes
• 12 months of free unlimited edits
• Peace of mind that this is sorted

As a valued member of our Vinnies community, we'd love you to take advantage of this free offer before it closes on 21 September.

Write your free Will today, then share this opportunity with your family and friends. Together, we can help more people take care of what matters most 💙

👉 Get started: https://cg.vinnies.org.au/1it

04/09/2026

We're incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by attendees, supporters and organisers of the Midwinter Ball, which has resulted in a remarkable $30,000 donation to Vinnies Night Patrol 💙

Every night, our Vinnies Night Patrol volunteers head out to connect with people experiencing homelessness and hardship, offering not just practical support, but a friendly face, a listening ear and a reminder that they are not alone.

This generous contribution will help us continue that vital work and reach more people when they need it most.

Thank you for standing alongside Vinnies and helping create a community where compassion, dignity and hope are available to everyone ✨

03/09/2026

What an incredible effort from the students and staff at Carroll College, Broulee! 🌟

Through their Winter Sleepout in support of the Vinnies Far South Coast Outreach Van, they have raised more than $15,000 on their online fundraising page and through additional school events to help provide vital assistance to people experiencing hardship across the Far South Coast. An extra special congratulations to the top 4 student fundraisers who individually raised more than $1,000 each. Your compassion, generosity and commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring.

It has been especially heartening to see so many students getting involved, raising awareness about homelessness and sharing their personal reasons for taking part. Hearing their stories and seeing their passion for helping others is a powerful reminder of the difference young people can make in their communities.

There's still time to support this amazing initiative. Donate here: https://vinniescanberra-goulburn.grassrootz.com/vinnies-winter-appeal/carroll-college-winter-sleepout

Thank you, Carroll College, for standing in solidarity with those doing it tough and helping bring hope and practical support to people across the Far South Coast. 💙

03/09/2026

Bringing together the people who are the heart of Vinnies Retail 💙

This week our retail teams came together to share ideas, learn from one another and reflect on the vital role our shops play across Canberra, the Far South Coast and Western Region of NSW.

A special thank you to our Retail Operations Team and the talented Jacob Miller for helping bring this conference to life, and to every person in the room. Our shop managers, team leaders, staff, volunteers and members who open our doors each day, welcome customers, receive donations and help turn community generosity into real support for people doing it tough.

What stands out most is the passion, experience and commitment across our retail network. Every donation and every sale helps fund Vinnies services, providing practical support, hope and dignity to people when they need it most.

Thank you for everything you do to make Vinnies more than just a shop. Together, you are making a real difference in the lives of others every day.

03/09/2026

💙 Music has the power to move us, connect us and remind us that none of us are meant to face life's challenges alone.

In a recent interview, Artistic Director Louis Sharpe recently spoke with Georgia Stynes on Canberra Drive about Echoes of Humanity, the upcoming charity concert supporting Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn. Louis, reflected on Mahler's Symphony No. 1, a work inspired by a time of personal struggle and transformation in the composer's life. Through support, hope and human connection, Mahler found a way forward, and his music continues to inspire audiences today.

That message resonates deeply with Vinnies. Every day, we walk alongside local people experiencing hardship, offering practical support, connection and hope when it is needed most.

This special concert is more than an afternoon of beautiful music. It is an opportunity to give back to our community and help support local families and individuals doing it tough.

🎧 Listen to the interview from 1:29:00

📅 Saturday 12 September 2026
🕒 3:00 pm
📍 Llewellyn Hall, ANU

🎟️ Book your tickets: https://cg.vinnies.org.au/NCO

Together, we can turn the power of music into the power of community 💙

🎙️ Hear Louis Sharpe on 666 ABC Canberra!
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/canberra-drive/drive/107069642 (Scroll through to 1.35.00 to hear Louis Sharpe interviewed about our wonderful next concert.)

Our Artistic Director Louis Sharpe recently joined Georgia Stynes on Canberra Drive to talk about the National Capital Orchestra’s upcoming charity concert, Echoes of Humanity. (abc.net.au)
Louis talks about the concert, our partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, and how the NCO is using music to give back and support people experiencing hardship in our community. ❤️

🎶 Echoes of Humanity features internationally acclaimed Polish pianist Lucas Krupinski performing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (“Titan”), conducted by Louis Sharpe.

📅 Saturday 12 September 2026 | 3:00 pm
📍 Llewellyn Hall, ANU
Give back. Join us. Help Vinnies support our community. ❤️

🎟️ BOOK NOW: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=NCORACMA26