Dragons throw support behind Vinnies Coniston
The St George Illawarra Dragons today stopped in at St Vincent de Paul Society’s Coniston Homeless Hub to help serve food, have a chat to the community, and tour the facilities.
Rising NRL stars Ryan Couchman and Dylan Egan were on hand alongside Chief Operating Officer Ben Creagh as well as the Dragons Community Team for the community-led barbecue.
The event recognised the importance of accessible, dignified and community‑based support, and highlighted how philanthropic partnerships directly strengthen frontline service delivery and integrate across the Society’s services.
The state is expanding its ability to support people experiencing hardship, thanks to a $250,000 donation from the PAYCE Foundation to support the ongoing delivery of Vinnies Vans.
The funding will support the ongoing delivery and sustainability of Vinnies Vans, helping ensure people can continue to access hot meals, essential items, connection and referrals to specialist support services through this vital outreach service.
Across New South Wales, Vinnies Vans are a lifeline for thousands of people. In the past year alone, dedicated volunteers supported more than 100,000 people through 13 Vans operating across Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Wagga Wagga and Orange.
The Illawarra Vinnies Van is co‑located at Charles Gordon O’Neill House in Coniston, alongside the Society’s housing and homelessness services, supporting a collaborative, place‑based approach to addressing local need.
The Coniston Hub also offers programs such as cooking classes and art workshops, and regularly hosts external services onsite, including Centrelink, legal aid and employment support, helping people access multiple supports in one trusted location.
