2026 Good Works Summit and Social Justice Forum

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW cordially invites you to the 2026 Good Works Summit and Social Justice Forum - a weekend of events that will bring together Members, Volunteers and employees of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW aged 18+ to learn, connect and be inspired by community leaders and by each other. 2026 Good Works Summit Theme: This year’s theme, “Meeting the Moment”, acknowledges the growing economic pressures and increasingly complex needs facing our communities, and the Society's enduring commitment to respond. The Summit will bring together a diverse group of speakers whose work exemplifies leadership in holistic support and expertise in understanding the changing needs of our community. What to expect: • Inspiring keynote speeches from key decision-makers on combatting poverty and from leaders from across the St Vincent de Paul Society • Interactive workshops and panel discussions • Networking opportunities with fellow Members, Volunteers and staff • An evening dinner and awards ceremony celebrating outstanding contributions 2026 Good Works Awards The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is also thrilled to announce the return of the Good Works Awards, to be held during dinner on the evening of the Summit. We warmly invite you to nominate an outstanding Member or Volunteer using this link, in recognition of the extraordinary works they contribute to our community. Celebrate the outstanding work of last year’s recipients and learn more about their impact here: https://mavs.vinnies.org.au/articles/a-signature-initiative-good-works-awards-2025/ Event Details: Good Works Summit Date: Saturday, 19th September 2026 Time: Arrivals and Registration at 8:45am. Official proceedings: 9:30am - 4:30pm. Dinner and awards ceremony featuring exclusive performance from the OLC Music Collective : 7pm - 10pm. Location: Bankstown Sports Club | 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown NSW 2200 RSVP: by 5th September, 2026 Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible. Please let us know during registration if you have any specific accessibility or dietary requirements. Social Justice Forum Date: Sunday, 20th September 2026 Time: Arrivals and Registration at 8:30am. Official proceedings: 9:00am - 1:30pm. Location: Bankstown Sports Club | 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown NSW 2200 RSVP: by 5th September, 2026 Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible. Please let us know during registration if you have any specific accessibility or dietary requirements. Getting there: • Train: The nearest train station to the venue is Bankstown Station (225 meters away, 4 min walk) • From Central Station, you can change over at Lidcombe and catch the T6 to Bankstown. • Bus: Stand C, Bankstown Train Station. (225 meters away, 4 min walk). • These bus lines stop near Bankstown Sports Club: 920, 945, 950, 960, M90, SW1. • Drive: Bankstown Sports Club offers free parking to its guests • Visitors need to collect a ticket at the boom gate upon entry and have it validated at the club reception. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Forbes Street Band The Ozanam Learning Centre's "Forbes St Band" was formed in 2021 in the wake of COVID-19 service disruptions and has grown into a vibrant collective of eleven Sydney-based musicians who meet weekly at the Ozanam Learning Centre in Woolloomooloo. Through music, members have found friendship, confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. In 2025, the band released their acclaimed album All Our Tomorrows, which was recognised by Rolling Stone Australia as one of the country's best new music releases. We are now thrilled to announce that the band is preparing to launch a brand-new album in mid-October, featuring an exciting collection of original songs that we believe will be their most powerful work yet. The Forbes St Band was created through Vinnies' inclusive music program, with all members actively participating in Ozanam Learning Centre activities and using music as a platform to share stories of hope, resilience, and recovery. Beyond recording and performing, the group has contributed to fundraising and community awareness events across New South Wales, helping strengthen connections with people experiencing homelessness and other forms of disadvantage. We would love your support in helping share their story and upcoming album release. Contact: Please forward all enquiries to: [email protected] "Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hand" - Blessed Frederic Ozanam (founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society)