The St Vincent de Paul Society will host a charity golf day to raise funds. Picture: Renae Droop RDW Photography.
Wagga residents are invited to St Vincent de Paul Society’s Wagga Wagga Vinnies Charity Golf Day on 17 October at Wagga City Golf Club.
The inaugural community fundraiser aims to raise funds to support local services in the region, which will be split evenly between Wagga Wagga Vinnies services that provide emergency accommodation, food hampers, utility bill assistance and other vital support for individuals and families, as well as raise money for the new Vinnies Van coming in late 2025.
Last year, 2500 people were supported by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members in the area through $408,000 in financial and material assistance, and Regional Director Operations South Solange Frost hopes this year will yield the same results.
“In the past year alone, thousands of locals have turned to our members for support. Going without food, behind on rent, it’s becoming a daily reality for many in our community,” Ms Frost said.
With growing pressures from rising housing prices and the cost of living, demand for support from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in the region continues to grow each year.
Of those seeking assistance, one in three are experiencing housing stress, while one in four are in need of food. These essentials are becoming increasingly difficult to afford for residents.
The community fundraiser will raise funds for a Vinnies Van coming to Wagga later this year. Photo: Vinnies NSW.
Ms Frost said the society would be introducing a new Vinnies Van to Wagga by the end of the year to meet these needs. Through this service, locals will be able to receive warm meals and access services assisting them in finding subsidised housing, assistance with bills, clothing, education and more.
“The new Vinnies Van will be an essential frontline support to meet the growing need in Wagga,” she said.
“As more families face housing and food insecurity, this mobile outreach service will allow us to meet people where they are, providing more than just food, but a safe place to connect with long-term, wraparound support.”
Community members can expect a range of activities on and off the course on 17 October, including ‘nearest to the pin’ and ‘longest drive’ to build up some healthy competition. For supporters on the sidelines, there will be live music, a barbecue, inspiring guest speakers and a silent auction.
Guest speakers on the day will include St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz, Pararoos footballer William Foley and Reventon CEO Chris Christofi, who was also the highest fundraiser in 2025’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
“We’re encouraging locals, businesses and families alike to get involved. Whether you’re on the course, or on the sidelines, you’ll be helping deliver essential services to locals doing it tough,” Ms Frost said.
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s Wagga Wagga Vinnies Charity Golf Day will run from 9 am to 9 pm on 17 October at the Wagga City Golf Club.
To register a team, sponsor holes or simply give a donation, visit its events page.
