A rugby league rivalry dating back more than a century provided the perfect setting to promote the impact of our Vinnies Vans. 

We were invited to be part of the NRL match between archrivals the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs in September, spreading the message of our good works to more than 41,000 fans in attendance at Allianz Stadium. 

Our membership and fundraising teams, along with volunteers from St Patrick’s College Strathfield, Corpus Christi College Maroubra and generous corporate partners, collected close to $6,900 from attendees heading into the stadium. Once inside, digital signage donated for the night by Unibet amplified the message of our Vinnies Vans and a video featuring representatives from both teams was shown in the lead-up to kick-off. 

Our volunteers soaked up the atmosphere in the Roosters’ Community Corner once play got underway and were only metres away when Roosters’ winger Daniel Tupou scored in the second half. 

The crowd of 41,604 supporters was one of the biggest for a regular season NRL match this year and the second largest attendance for an NRL game since Allianz Stadium was redeveloped three years ago. 

A big thank you to the Sydney Roosters, Unibet and Venues NSW for their support in giving the Society NSW the chance to showcase the impact of our services to such a large audience. 

The Society NSW operates 13 Vinnies Vans throughout the state which make 106 stops each week, providing meals, connection and referrals to services for people in need. More than 115,000 people accessed our Vinnies Vans in the past year, increasing by 13% over the past twelve months. 

As part of the approach our Vinnies Vans take in connecting people with wrap-around support, we have established 16 hubs at locations across Metropolitan Sydney. These hubs act as one-stop shops for people to access health and AOD services, clothing, legal aid and connect with the Department of Communities and Justice. 

A new addition to our Vinnies Vans has been an outreach case worker role who attends day and night time services to connect with people and identify issues in need of addressing beyond immediate food assistance. 

South Sydney players Jai Arrow and Campbell Graham have regularly volunteered with our Vinnies Vans in Sydney. Jai’s involvement saw him recognised as one of the four finalists for the Ken Stephen Medal, awarded annually in recognition of the contribution that players and clubs make in the community. 

“To help people who are in need, it’s really rewarding and something that I’m fairly passionate about,” said Jai.