St Vincent de Paul was originally a French organisation founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam and some friends to alleviate poverty in Paris. They named it after St Paul, the Patron Saint of Christian Charity. The first Australian conference began in Melbourne in 1854. St Vincent de Paul came to Launceston in 1899 and subsequently established conferences in other parts of Tasmania. In 2012, it offers a wide range of services, including assistance to people who are homeless.
Prepared by: Caroline Evans
Created: 20 July 2012, Last modified: 15 August 2017