The Good Works Awards honoured recipients during a special ceremony in front of 400 fellow members, volunteers and employees, at the dinner function of the Society NSW’s first Good Works Summit, held in October at Bankstown Sports Club.  

The Good Works Awards is a signature initiative of the Society to honour individuals and teams who embody the Society’s mission: to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy.  

These awards will celebrate the outstanding contributions of Members and Volunteers whose work uplifts communities and advances the Society’s values of Commitment, Compassion, and Advocacy. 

The ceremony was a moment of reflection, celebration, and inspiration, affirming the ongoing good works of our Vincentian community and will be built upon for years to come.  

Many worthy nominations were received and we were delighted to honour the following recipients of the Good Works Awards. 

Good Works Award for Member Contribution 

Dual Winners – Julia Torresan-Mann and Mary-Ellen Taylor, for faithful commitment to the Vincentian mission and meaningful impact. 

 
Marissa Papaspiros, NSW Vice-President, Youth, presented Julia with her award, recognising her outstanding faith, kindness, compassion through over 200 hours of volunteering, while being a student at the University of Technology, Sydney. 

Yolanda Saiz, NSW CEO, presented Mary-Ellen with her award, recognising her passion for social justice and contribution to the Wagga Wagga community, especially through the Wagga Family Fun Day, Tolland Renewal Project, and Community Sleepout.  

Good Works Award for Volunteer Service 

Winner – John Neylan, for exceptional dedication and impact in service to the community 

Michelle Chahine, Board Member, presented John with his award, recognising volunteering for over 20 years, including in the Compeer / Vinnies Connect program, mobilising thousands of students and parishioners for door knock appeals, Vinnies Van team leadership, and Busking in the Mall. John is exceedingly caring, compassionate and humble. 

Good Works Award for Collaborative Impact 

Winner – Dennis Crimmins, for an individual or team, from across members, volunteers or employees, whose work created impactful, mission-driven outcomes for the community. 

Sam Crosby, Executive Director, Membership, Volunteers and Early Intervention, presented Dennis with his award, recognising over 50 years of service, in countless leadership roles, and most recently has coordinating Christmas hampers for over 350 households in Dubbo. Dennis has secured many donations from schools, hospitals, service clubs, businesses, and other organisations, and overseen an army of parishioners and students delivering the hampers. 

Good Works Award for Outstanding Vincentian Service 

Winner – Patrick Yeo, for commitment to the highest ideals and the mission of the Society. 

Beverley Kerr AM, NSW Vice-President, presented Patrick’s award to Jan Cameron, President, St Patrick’s Conference Dubbo, on his behalf, recognising over 20 years’ service, for holding every executive position at Conference level, and service as Regional President and Central Council President. Pat is a great mentor, collaborator and role model, a gentle and calming presence for people we assist, Conference members and all he meets. He is an exceptional and persevering member, eager to return to full participation in Conference work.