PAYCE Foundation steps up with Wagga Vinnies Van donation

The PAYCE Foundation has extended its support for those struggling to make ends meet – donating $144,000 to a dedicated Vinnies Van for the regional city of Wagga.

The Vinnies Vans play a critical role in bringing help to where it is needed with food, clothing, connection and referrals to support services.

PAYCE Foundation Director Talal Ghattas said the service had a proven track record of assisting people who were living on the margins.

“The PAYCE Foundation has partnered with Vinnies on the Van project because it brings help to where it is most needed,” he said.

“We understand that need is not just confined to the big cities, with many regional cities grappling with rising demand.

“The mobile service gives people the opportunity to seek help in a relaxing environment where further support services can be offered.

“This donation will also help build the capacity of a service that delivers sustainable social service outcomes.”

The new van is the 13th operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society across NSW.

Vinnies NSW chief executive Yolanda Saiz said every Vinnies centre across the state was experiencing demand for more services, and the van was a much-needed service in Wagga.

“We’re trying to have a good footprint of our vans across NSW, and as a large regional centre there is a great need here in Wagga,” Ms Saiz said.

She said the other 12 vans across the state have had a “significant impact” in communities across the state.

“Last year, our vans assisted about 115,000 people across NSW,” she said.

“But what is most important, these people often are isolated, they’re experiencing loneliness, often they [Vinnies staff members] are the only people they talk to the whole day.”

Over the last financial year, Vinnies has provided 230,000 meals, 42,500 snack packs and 64,000 toiletries packs.

However, the regional director for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in NSW, Solange Frost, said that although Vinnies was providing massive support, communities and the government can assist to help meet the demand.

“I think what we see in Wagga is replicated in a lot of rural and regional towns across Australia,” Ms Frost said.

“We know that there are some fundamental things that need to happen to fix these problems, one is the need to increase the rate of income support payments.

“We know that the current rates of job seekers are keeping people living in poverty.”

The van will not only be for those who are experiencing homelessness, but also those who are struggling due to the cost of living.

NSW Vinnies Van manager Josie Charbel said the vans were a way of bringing the community together.

“We are going to places hard to reach, communities that actually truly need the support more than just food,” Ms Charbel said.

“It brings the community a sense of belonging but an opportunity for people who are struggling due to the cost of living,” Ms Charbel said.

“People who are in an unaffordable housing market, people who are struggling to pay their utility bills, to have that relief and be seen and heard.”

As the demand for those services grow, Ms Charbel encouraged community members to volunteer and show support.

The van will be travelling through Wagga and its surrounding areas, depending on the needs.

Those who are interested in volunteering can do so by visiting Vinnies website.

PAYCE Foundation donates $80,000 to community grants program

The PAYCE Foundation has donated $80,000 to community groups, including those assisting the growing number of youth at risk in the Southern Highlands.

The Foundation has signed a two-year agreement as a major supporter to assist the life-changing work of the Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF).

SHCF distributed more than $100,000 to community groups at a ceremony held at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.

The grants support community groups focusing on events, environmental programs, education, and health.

The PAYCE Foundation donation this year included $30,000 for specific youth programs. They are:

• Your Angel Charity – wellbeing support for students
• Pop In Southern Highlands Limited – domestic violence programs
• Community Links Wellbeing – intergenerational men’s group and mentoring
• Reading Friends Australia – promotional and event tools to encourage reading

SHCF Chair Jennifer Bott (pictured below) said there was a strong need for expanded youth services.

“The PAYCE Foundation donation, which has a strong commitment to assisting youth and domestic violence services, has helped us establish a specific subsection in the grant program.

“This will allow us to see what has an impact in the community and which programs we would like to see grow.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “The SHCF is a grassroots foundation that has an exceptional record of delivering programs that enhance the lives of its community.

“Our ambition is to help SHCF build its capacity to fund effective community programs.

“We understand that, like many regional areas, there is a significant number of youth who are at risk, and we are pleased to support community programs, including those specifically aimed at youth.”

Spring weather shines on annual Day at the Bay

A perfect Spring Day attracted the biggest crowd yet for the St Merkorious Charity’s annual fundraiser Day at the Bay.

Runners were up early for the fun run, before the families moved in to enjoy the festivities at Leichhardt Oval.

From humble beginnings in the kitchen of founder Paula Nicolas, St Merkorious provides more than 4000 meals per week to assist people struggling to feed their families.

The St Merkorious team volunteers prepare, cook, and distribute fresh food that gives real nourishment to address food insecurity in Australia, helping them get through tough times.

“We believe that no-one should ever feel abandoned by their community, and we know how important a listening ear can be.”

A big contingent of volunteers ensured everyone enjoyed a free meal, while children were entertained with face painting, rock climbing and huge water slide.

The PAYCE Foundation continued its long-running support of St Merkorious with a $50,000 donation on the day.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “It was another wonderful day, with so many coming to support the St Merkorious team.”

“To think what Paula and the team have achieved is quite amazing.

“As the cost-of-living crisis deepened, the charity has grown to meet that demand.

“The foundation is pleased to have played a part in that story of capacity building that is helping so many people who would otherwise go without.”

 

Domestic Violence Wardrobe Service hits 200-capsule milestone

Thread Together’s Domestic Violence Wardrobe Service has reached a major milestone, delivering more than 200 new clothing capsules to women’s shelters across NSW.

The program provides clothing and essential items at one of the most critical times in people’s lives, when they are seeking refuge and rebuilding after violence.

Each capsule contains carefully curated, brand-new outfits, offering dignity, comfort and practical support as families begin to recover.

A third of new clothing goes from factory to landfill, while one in eight adults and one in six children in Australia lack adequate access to essential clothing.

Thread Together – a global first – addresses this uncomfortable truth by diverting brand-new unsold clothes destined for landfill, providing them to the most disadvantaged across the country, offering choice to restore dignity.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the domestic violence project milestone reflects both the demand for the service and the importance of community support.

“When families arrive at a refuge, many do so with little more than the clothes they are wearing,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Reaching 200 capsules is a reminder of how many lives have been touched.

“The PAYCE Foundation is proud to support Thread Together in making sure women and children have access to something so simple, yet so life changing.”

 

Sydney Street Choir inspires Martin Place crowd

An inspirational performance from the Sydney Street Choir drew an enthusiastic response in the heart of the Sydney CBD.

More than 200 people joined in with the Street Choir Sing Out in Martin Place, an annual event to raise money to fund its operations.

The Choir sang a host of toe-tapping favourites including Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.

They were also supported by a loyal band of corporate choirs who joined the concert.

The Choir is in demand around Australia with a full schedule, but it also assists members receive the support they need to live happy and healthy lives.

It is Australia’s longest running Street Choir and will next year celebrate its 25th year anniversary.

Mobile Community Hub emerges to help the homeless

It was an empty park on a grey night in Redfern Waterloo when the trucks rolled in to support those struggling to survive, battered by the cold, rising prices and often going without.

Ninety minutes later, about 200 people had arrived for a hot meal, brand new clothing, and medical support.

The PAYCE and PAYCE Foundation volunteers joined Vinnies, Thread Together, Souths Care and Street Side Medics to deliver a pop-up, wrap-around community hub on Waterloo Green.

It was a military-style operation, beginning in Lewisham, where the team packed the van and prepared for the night ahead.

By 6pm, there was a buzz of excitement as the hot food started rolling out, and the community had the chance to sit down and enjoy in alfresco comfort.

PAYCE Foundation Chairman Brian Boyd and fellow Directors Sophie Boyd, Dominic Sullivan and Talal Ghattas were among those on hand to serve meals.

“We are thrilled to support the Vinnies Van team, who do an amazing job with their mobile vans, bringing help where it is most needed,” Director Sophie Boyd said.

“It is a highly effective pop-up service that not only delivers food, clothes, and medical support but also extends wrap-around services to those who need it.”

Sadly, as we mark Homelessness Week, the number of people in need continues to grow.

The PAYCE team cooked the barbecue, staffed the drinks stand, helped serve meals, and chatted with clients.

For volunteers, it is a simple but practical gesture – giving up a short amount of time to help others in need.

It was great to be part of a fun and welcoming community event and the mobile community hub was clearly appreciated by everyone who attended.

 

PAYCE Foundation calls for “Homelessness Action Now”

As Homelessness Week 2025 commences, the number of people still living on the streets requires urgent action, according to PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan.

The recently released 2025 street count numbers are sobering, with the City of Sydney recording the highest number of people sleeping rough, with 346 people counted.

That’s a 24 per cent increase compared to February 2024.

“As we reflect on the number of people still sleeping rough during Homelessness Week, they are sobering figures,” Mr Sullivan said.

“However, there are several projects that are delivering results and should, in time, drive those numbers down, particularly the work of the End Street Sleeping Collaboration (ESSC).”

The PAYCE Foundation is the founding philanthropic partner of the ESSC. It includes leading homelessness agencies working in partnership with the City of Sydney and the NSW Government.

The ESSC has developed digital technology, known as the By-Name List, that gathers information directly from people experiencing homelessness.

“This technology is delivering a more coordinated, personal support service that links individuals to housing and care,” said Mr Sullivan, who is also co-chair of the ESSC.

In the 2024 street count, Byron Shire recorded the highest number of people sleeping rough in NSW.

The ESSC has since launched a targeted program to address homelessness in the Northern Rivers.

Homelessness Australia hosts Homelessness Week annually to build community support, raise awareness and ultimately, the solutions needed to end homelessness.

The roller coaster life living on the streets

Spend any time around the Sydney Street Choir and the friendly face of Felix will always leave you feeling better about the world.

Sometimes, it is easy to forget that the Street Choir exists to assist too many people who are homeless or isolated.

Felix knows what it is like to live on the streets of Sydney.

Below is his story delivered at the recent Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service in Martin Place Sydney.

What does it mean to be homeless?

It means learning to survive in the cracks of the city.

It means sleeping under the stars – not because it’s romantic, but because there is no roof to call your own.

It means making friends fast and losing them even faster.

Some friends vanish overnight – no goodbye, no warning.

Just gone.

I still think about Busker Stew – the man could play anything with strings.

Trina who always had a big laugh and a sharp tongue.

Amir, who shared his last cigarette like it was gold.

Big John – a gentle giant with a broken back and an unbreakable soul.

And Graeme – no one spelt his name right, but everyone remembered his kindness.

These aren’t just names.

These are people that mattered.

People who walked on the same pavement, sat on the same benches and stood in the same food line.

And now they are just gone.

I was once homeless too, sleeping on the streets of Sydney.

I remember Occupy Sydney – the tent city at the top of Martin Place.

I was here during the siege at the chocolate shop.

It was a strange, heavy time, but somehow people still looked after each other.

That’s what kept me going, the small acts of kindness, the stories, the strange street family we built without even meaning to.

I came to Martin Place in 2009.

Now it is 2025 and many of the people I once knew are no longer with us.

Sooner or later we will all go.

I think better later, but life doesn’t always give you that choice.

I’ll be 70 this December.

And while I plan to stick around as long as I can, if I do kick the bucket, you are welcome at my funeral.

You’re all welcome at my funeral.

Bring a story.

Bring a song.

Bring your heart.

Because even when we’re gone, love and memory keep walking these streets.

PAYCE Foundation joins Souths Cares NAIDOC festival event

The PAYCE Foundation proudly joined the celebrations at the Souths Cares NAIDOC Festival held at Heffron Park, Maroubra, with one of its donated Vinnies Vans offering vital support to attendees.


(left to right) PAYCE Foundation Directors Talal Ghattas and  Sophie Boyd joined Vinnies Van Manager Josie Charbel and Souths Cares CEO Alisha Parker-Elrez at the event.

The vibrant event, attended by more than 3,000 people, celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and achievements under this year’s NAIDOC theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

The theme was deeply felt throughout the day as community members, performers and supporters came together in a powerful display of cultural pride and unity.

The PAYCE Foundation, through its long-standing partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Vinnies Vans program, played a visible role at the event. The Vinnies Van, funded by the Foundation, was on site to provide refreshments and engage with the community, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to outreach and community service.

PAYCE Foundation Director Talal Ghattas said it was inspiring to see such strong community engagement and pride in culture.

“It’s a privilege for the PAYCE Foundation to be part of this celebration and to support the Vinnies Vans and Souths Cares – as they continue their vital outreach,” Mr Ghattas said.

“NAIDOC Week is a time for reflection and recognition, but also one for hope and investment in the next generation; something we strongly believe in at the Foundation.”

The festival featured a powerful Welcome to Country by Aunty Barb Simms, a Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Dean Kelly, cultural performances, art workshops, storytelling, and sporting activities, all designed to celebrate and connect community across generations.

The PAYCE Foundation’s support of initiatives like the Vinnies Vans program aligns closely with Souths Cares’ mission to strengthen community ties and empower the next generation.

“Souths Cares do outstanding work and this year’s event was again inspiring,” Mr Ghattas said.

This shared commitment was on full display at the NAIDOC Festival, a day filled with joy, connection and the enduring spirit of culture and legacy.

View the full photo gallery on South’s Cares website

Homeless deaths marked at solemn service

They may have died on the streets, but their passing was marked with a solemn service in Martin Place, Sydney, on the shortest day of the year – the winter solstice.

Every year, the number of people who come to stand in the cold and pay their respects grows, but sadly, so too does the number of people dying on our streets.

In the past three months alone, a dozen people have died sleeping rough in Inner Sydney, according to the End Street Sleeping Collaboration.

“Tonight, we remember those who have died on the streets,” said Fr Peter Smith, Promoter of Justice and Peace for the Archdiocese of Sydney.

“Amidst all this wealth,” Fr Peter said, standing in the Martin Place Amphitheatre, flanked by Australia’s biggest financial institutions, “is a reminder that a society is not judged by its wealth and by its success, but by how much it values its vulnerable”.

“I also want tonight to be a night about hope – about promises that we will end poverty and homelessness in our city, because no one – no one – should die alone, unloved, and unmourned,” he told those gathered.

“So, as we mourn the deaths of people tonight, let us also celebrate life and promise to support it.”

The camaraderie and sense of community rang clear in the songs of the Sydney Street Choir and the Honeybees community choir.

The event is supported by the End Street Sleeping Collaboration, the Archdiocese of Sydney’s Justice and Peace Office, Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria, the PAYCE Foundation, and the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Event organiser Dominic Sullivan said many of the people who died on the streets had no commemoration and no one to mourn them.

“This service is a moment for the community to come together, remember those lost, and recommit to action,” Mr Sullivan said.

“People should not be dying on the streets, and they should not die anonymously – that is not the mark of a caring and compassionate society. The increasing numbers of people living on the streets is alarming, and this service will not only remember those who have died but also refocus our efforts to end homelessness.”

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan acknowledges the community coming together to mourn Sydney’s fallen homeless. 

“Singing heals, music heals,” said the Sydney Street Choir’s Mary Kiani, but added that the choir is more than just that: “It’s about being a community as well, that’s looking out for each other.”

“A lot of the people in the choir probably don’t have anybody else in their lives, you know, and it’s the one place where they can fit in,” she said. “Everyone’s accepted – we just come together and sing.”

The crowd was joined by Bishop Danny Meagher, who led the Opening Prayer; Bishop Terry Brady; Imam Mahmoud Alazhari from the Australian National Imams Council; CEO of Jewish House Rabbi Mendel Kastel; the Rev Bill Crews; as well as leaders from business, community, and politics – including NSW Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson, who gave the keynote address.

Sue Buckingham, from the support organisation David’s Place, read a tribute to Graeme Manuel, one of those who died this year. He was described as a ‘street brother’ to his mates.

“Graeme is remembered by all who knew him over the last 20 years as kind, gentle, joyful, and a true friend,” she said. “Graeme was on the autism spectrum, and this made life very difficult for him in his earlier years. Finding out ‘what’s wrong with me’ 15 or so years ago freed him to be himself.”

“I remember him being so happy to know his diagnosis.”