On Saturday 15 February, Wagga Wagga Central Council celebrated its new President, Anthony Foley, in a Commissioning Ceremony held at Sacred Heart Church, North Albury. 

The Wagga Wagga Central Council stretches from Junee and Griffith in the north down to the Murray River, with over 20 Conferences, whose more than 250 members assist thousands of people in the community each year. 

The Commissioning Ceremony of a Central Council President is a powerful moment that deepens the spiritual dimension of being a Vincentian. 

“I appreciated the opportunity to gather as a community and thank my fellow Vincentians for their trust in me. It was certainly special,” Anthony said. 

Fellow Vincentians attending the ceremony included local members, representatives of Wagga Wagga Central Council, such as Peter Burgess, former Wagga Wagga Central Council President, Conference representatives, and members of the NSW State Council. 

Local and senior staff were there to congratulate Anthony, such as Sam Crosby, Executive Director of the Society’s Membership, Volunteers and Early Intervention team, and Leo Tucker, Executive Director of Mission & Formation. 

In a ceremony imbued with deep symbolism, Anthony was presented with a Bible, The Rule, a loaf of bread and a candle, each signifying essential Vincentian characteristics. 

In a special touch, Judy Foley, Anthony’s wife, was liturgical organist for the Commissioning Mass. 

“It’s been a building exercise in a lot of ways and it’s getting a lot more self-sustaining, which is great,” Anthony said of his first months in the role. 

His priorities as President include supporting members in their activities, such as Care and Support Centres and Home Visitations. Interstate collaboration with Victorian Vincentians is a growing topic of interest, in a Central Council with several border cities and towns, such as Albury-Wodonga, Corowa-Wahgunyah, and Yarrawonga-Mulwala. 

It’s a vast territory with growing need exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. 

“A lot of people are moving into the area or through the area, looking for housing and furniture and often seeking food support,” Anthony said. 

“As an area, it’s quite dynamic in terms of what’s changing and what’s coming.” 

“We work closely with the shops in order to assist people,” he said. “The Central Council support staff in Wagga are great and I meet them in person quite often.” 

The charitable works of a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society are a world away from Anthony’s professional life as a civil engineer. Before joining the Society, Anthony worked on projects and infrastructure across NSW, including in the regional centres of Hay, Wentworth, Balranald, Young and Albury.  

“The St Vincent de Paul Society was the obvious choice for me when I retired and was looking forward to doing something more people oriented and charitable,” Anthony said. 

Anthony follows in the footsteps of Captain Charles Gordon O’Neill, the re-founder of the Society in Australia, by applying a keen engineering mind to charitable purposes. 

Anthony’s involvement with the Society has been highly rewarding, and an integral part of a retirement experience enriched by family, faith, music and sport. 

Music is a family passion, with Anthony playing trumpet and cornet for Albury City Band and Wodonga Brass Band, respectively, at special concerts and community events, including on Anzac Day. 

“Judy is a music teacher, so she’s my trusted advisor there,” Anthony said. 

Anthony also keeps fit at the pool several mornings each week and his contributions to the sport were recognised with a Life Member of Ovens & Murray District Swimming Association. 

It’s a polyphony of responsibilities that Anthony has fulfilled with a steady stroke for the past decade, whether undertaking roles in the Society including President and Treasurer at St Clare’s Conference North Albury, serving as Wagga Wagga Central Council Vice-President and on the Albury Regional Council or volunteering with the Albury Care & Support Centre. 

As Anthony continues his leadership in this vital role, we extend our heartfelt wishes for good health and success.  

His commitment to serving the people of the Wagga Wagga Central Council area with love, humility, and compassion reflects the very heart of our mission.  

We are grateful for his steady presence and pray that he remains a beacon of continuity for the Society’s enduring witness to faith in action.