Golf day raises over $30,000 to bring Vinnies Van to the Hawkesbury
PEOPLE in need in the Hawkesbury will soon have access to meals, companionship and support after Celestino’s Charity Golf Day supporting St Vincent de Paul Society NSW raised over $30,000 to help establish the Region’s first Vinnies Van outreach service.
Held at Richmond Golf Club on 29 October and supported by the Hawkesbury News, the event brought together businesses and community leaders, to raise much-needed funds for the Society NSW’s work in the region.
Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, confirmed at the event that due to the funds raised exceeding expectations, the new van service would begin operating in the Hawkesbury in February 2027.
“This service will bring support closer to the Hawkesbury community, providing meals, companionship and a welcoming place where people can seek assistance,” Ms Saiz said.
“It will also help address the loneliness people experience when they are living in isolation, because having someone to talk to and somewhere you feel welcome is an important part of the support we provide.”
Ms Saiz said the need for assistance was evident locally, with the Society NSW supporting more than 130 people in the electorate and providing around $30,000 in assistance in the 2025/26 financial year.
Fifteen per cent of those were experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation, with 30 of those receiving help for the first time.
Across NSW, Vinnies Vans recorded 116,000 instances of support with food in the last year, along with over 14,000 referrals for additional support.
“Our work depends on the dedication of our members, volunteers and employees, and the generosity of those who support us,” Ms Saiz said.
“We thank everyone who attended the golf day for helping us take the first steps towards establishing the Hawkesbury’s first Vinnies Van service and expanding our Blacktown centre.”
Matthew Scard, Celestino CEO, said the event reflected the company’s commitment to the wider Hawkesbury community.
Matthew Scard, Celestino CEO hands over the donation for the Hawkesbury Vinnies Van outreach service; below - guests reading media sponsor The Hawkesbury News and below, the Vinnies Van.
“Through our new Jacaranda community at Glossodia, we’re becoming part of the Hawkesbury, and we want to contribute beyond the masterplanned communities we build,” Mr Scard said.
“Having a Vinnies Van here will mean people doing it tough can access support they need in the Region and we are so pleased that this golf day has helped Vinnies get this service on the road.
Event sponsors included Orion, WEM Civil, Willowtree Planning, Arcadia, Benaiah Project Management, Cook Constructions, Cruden Read, Cutcliffe Properties, Enspire Solutions, Fluvium, G.J. Gardner Homes, GLN Planning, Hawkesbury News, Keyline Property Group, Northrop, Place Design Group, Turner Home + Land, Turrell Building, Valquest – Development & Project Management, and The Premier Communications Group.
Mr Scard thanked sponsors, players, donors and raffle supporters for their contributions.
“Everyone who supported the day has helped make this possible and from 1 February, that generosity will help Vinnies provide meals, companionship and practical assistance to people here in the Hawkesbury,” he said.
“While this generosity has helped get it on the road, this service will need continued support to stay active, so we encourage everyone who can to dig deep and donate to Vinnies.”
To make a donation towards the Vinnies Van operations visit: https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-vans
Images: Home page - Matthew Scard, Celestino CEO hands over the donation for the Hawkesbury Vinnies Van outreach service; below - above: guestsreading media sponsor The Hawkesbury News and below, the Vinnies Van.
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