PAYCE Foundation welcomes new plan for addiction treatment

The PAYCE Foundation has welcomed the NSW Government’s response to the Drug Summit, especially its strong commitment to early intervention, prevention and diversionary programs that steer people away from the criminal justice system and towards treatment and rehabilitation.

PAYCE Foundation Directors Dominic Sullivan, Tony Wishart, and Talal Ghattas alongside NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt.

The Foundation also congratulated former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, co-author of the original NSW Drug Summit alongside John Brogden, for her longstanding leadership in evidence-based drug policy reform.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the Government’s renewed focus on health-based responses would help reduce harm, strengthen families and ensure more people receive the support they need, when they need it.

“Prevention and diversion are proven pathways to breaking cycles of addiction and disadvantage,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We commend the Government for taking these steps, and acknowledge Carmel Tebbutt and John Brogden for their enduring, bipartisan work in guiding NSW to a more compassionate and effective drug policy framework.”

The PAYCE Foundation has long invested in practical solutions that change lives, including the construction and co-funding of Adele House, one of NSW’s most respected rehabilitation facilities, which is managed by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. Built in partnership with the NSW Government, Adele House has set a benchmark for high-quality, residential drug and alcohol treatment for men.

Alongside this investment, the Foundation is also a strong supporter of Odyssey House. A recent PAYCE Foundation philanthropic contribution is helping Odyssey House, led by CEO Carmel Tebbutt expand its capacity to support individuals and families on their recovery journey.

“These services save lives,” Mr Sullivan said. “Our commitment is to continue partnering with organisations that deliver real, lasting change and give people a second chance.”

“We look forward to continuing our support for Carmel and the team at Odyssey House.”

PAYCE Foundation team on the frontline with Vinnies

There is nothing quite like standing on the frontline and helping people who are struggling to live with dignity.

The PAYCE Foundation is dedicated to partnering with organisations that deliver help where it is most needed. And there is no better example than the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Vinnies Van program.

PAYCE Foundation representatives Dominic Sullivan and Tony Wishart joined the Vinnies Van team, including Vinnies CEO Yolanda Saiz and Vinnies Van Manager Josie Charbel on their mission to deliver food and support in Waterloo and Surry Hills.

“It is truly humbling to spend a few hours with the Vinnies Vans team – working the barbecue, talking with people doing it tough, and seeing their reactions when the van turns up,” said PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan.

“It is a military-style operation. One minute there is just empty space, then the van rolls in, and before you know it the preparation is in full swing and a crowd has gathered in anticipation.

“I would recommend the experience to anyone who has a few hours to spare.”

Paula Nicolas honoured for transformative charity work

Paula Nicolas, the inspirational founder of St Merkorious Charity, has been awarded the prestigious Dempsey Medal by the Archdiocese of Sydney in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to supporting vulnerable communities.

The honour celebrates more than a decade of service that began humbly in her own kitchen and has grown into one of Sydney’s most impactful grassroots charities.

Medal winner Paula Nicolas says compassion must be lived every day.

Starting with home-cooked meals for people in need, Paula’s commitment expanded rapidly as demand for support surged.

Today, St Merkorious distributes more than 4,000 meals every week, delivering fresh, nutritious food to families, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, newly arrived refugees and anyone struggling to make ends meet.

The Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP, presented the Dempsey Medal at the recent Sydney Street Feast.

Paula said she never expected recognition, believing instead that compassion must simply be “lived every day.”

She described the honour as “a tribute to the volunteers, supporters and community who make this work possible.”

The PAYCE Foundation, a long-time supporter of St Merkorious, congratulated Paula on the accolade.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said Paula’s achievement reflects an extraordinary personal mission that has transformed lives across Sydney.

“Paula embodies the very best of community leadership,” Mr Sullivan said.

“She built St Merkorious from her kitchen and, through sheer determination, has created a charity that delivers dignity, hope and practical support to thousands of people every week.”

The PAYCE Foundation has been a long-term supporter of St Merkorious Charity.

Record-breaking turnout for Parramatta Street Feast

Nearly 400 people came together at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta on 19 November for the fifth annual Parramatta Street Feast, marking the largest gathering in the event’s history.


The Parramatta Street Feast attracted a record number of people keen to share a meal. Photo: Alphonsus Fok

As the founding philanthropic partner, the PAYCE Foundation played a pivotal role in supporting a day dedicated to people facing poverty, hardship and homelessness.

This year’s theme, A Festival of Welcome, delivered the most expansive program to date.

Refugees, individuals experiencing hardship and local families participated in creative arts, friendship bracelet workshops, face painting and other community activities.

The traditional shared lunch and live performances created a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor, the Parramatta Street Feast was established to honour people experiencing disadvantage and to build understanding and connection across the community.

(left to right) PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan, St Merkorious Charity Founder Paula Nicholas and Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long. Photo: Alphonsus Fok

This year’s event also aligned with the global Jubilee of Hope, encouraging people everywhere to reach out to others with empathy and solidarity.

The Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long, who is a former refugee, said he felt a profound bond with those living on the margins.

“This is a celebration of humanity,” Bishop Vincent said.

“In encountering each other, we encounter the Creator God.”

Dominic Sullivan, Director of the PAYCE Foundation, said the record attendance reflected both community generosity and the increasing pressures facing people in Western Sydney.

“These rising numbers remind us of the deep challenges poverty and homelessness bring to our community,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Many people struggle quietly, often unseen, and each one deserves our care, attention and compassion.”

The event was convened by the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta with support from 14 partner organisations, including 10 new groups.

Alongside the PAYCE Foundation as founding partner, supporters included Paynter Dixon and Anbaalayam Australia.

Performances by the Sydney Street Choir and students from Cerdon College High School, Merrylands, helped create a vibrant and uplifting celebration of community.

Sydney community celebrate as one at eighth annual Street Feast

Hundreds gathered on the steps of St Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate community over a shared meal thanks to another successful Sydney Street Feast.

Sydney Street Feast: Created in conjunction with, and sponsored by the Sydney Catholic Archdioceses, PAYCE Foundation, St. Merkorious Charity, St Vincent de Paul Society and Thread Together.

The eighth annual gathering proved ongoing pressures of cost of living have pushed more people into extreme living conditions.

Those struggling to make ends meet or living on the streets had an opportunity to not only share a meal but access a slew of essential services.

Clothing from Thread Together hung out on racks for visitors to choose from, the smell of a hearty meal provided by St. Merkorious Charity filled the air, and cheery tunes performed by the Sydney Street Choir had volunteers and visitors singing and clapping along.

PAYCE Director Dominic Sullivan said this year’s event was “one of the biggest turnouts”

“It’s an opportunity to remember that there are many people struggling in this city,” he said.

“Here, we get to sit down and share a meal, share conversation, share stories.”

The Sydney Street Feast was created in response to the late Pope Francis’ call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.

This year’s theme of Signs of Hope in this Jubilee Year is supported by acts of love for the poor and vulnerable.

“There’s lots of different things happening. It’s a wonderful occasion,” Bishop Danny Meagher said.

St Merkorious Charity Founder & President Paula Nicolas said Street Feast is an opportunity to reach out to those in need.

“And if people come in and they need our services, [this event] is another point of contact,” she said.

The event featured volunteers from various agencies both serving and sharing a meal with those who gathered.

Volunteer Dan M. said it was his first time volunteering for the event and he was inspired to return next year.

“My favourite part is making friends with everyone, no matter their circumstances,” he said.

Sydney Street Feast: Created in conjunction with, and sponsored by the Sydney Catholic Archdioceses, PAYCE Foundation, St. Merkorious Charity, St Vincent de Paul Society and Thread Together.

Melrose Park Community Cup proves a winner

The Melrose Park Community Cup has once again proved a winner for local organisations, raising a record $102,000 at this year’s event, continuing a proud tradition of community support that began with the PAYCE Foundation as the founding major sponsor.


Proceeds from the fundraising event, featuring an Ambrose Golf Day and a sold-out dinner at Ryde Parramatta Golf Club – will support Parramatta Women’s Shelter, West Ryde Rovers, Melrose Park Public School, St Michael’s Primary School, Ermington United and Find Ya Feet.

Now in its seventh year, the Melrose Park Community Cup has raised more than $600,000 for local organisations that make a lasting difference in the community.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said the Foundation was proud to have helped establish the Community Cup as one of Sydney’s leading local fundraising events.

“The PAYCE Foundation was the founding major sponsor of the Melrose Park Community Cup, and we’re delighted to see it go from strength to strength,” Mr Sullivan said.

“It’s wonderful to see the event now thriving with new supporters joining an amazing community tradition of bringing the Melrose Park community together for a great cause.”

“The Community Cup embodies what Melrose Park is all about – connection, generosity and collaboration among local groups who work tirelessly to support others.

“All of the community organisations that will benefit from the event play a vital role in making Melrose Park a special place to live.

Local community representatives echoed the sentiment, describing the event as a highlight of the year that brings people together across schools, clubs and charities.

“We’re all different groups from all different backgrounds, but at this event we all come together as one,” said Ermington United President Joe Moses.

“It’s our main fundraiser for the year and it just keeps getting bigger and better,” added Melrose Park Public School P&C member Nina Mather.

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.”