Charles O’Neil was the founder of Vinnies in New South Wales. An accomplished engineer and a former Parliamentarian in New Zealand, Charles was torn between his professional career and his desire to serve the poor. Charles sought a ‘more authentic vision of Christian charity that was unobtrusive, non-judgemental and respected the dignity of the poor’. At the request of the charity, he moved to Australia to establish the work of St Vincent de Paul around The Rocks area of Sydney. His energy, drive and passion took Vinnies from strength to strength and today the organisation helps 1.8 million Australians every year.

Further information:

Captain Charles, Engineer of Charity by Stephen Utick https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/oneill-charles-gordon-4333

https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/About/History/Founder_of_the_Society_in_Australia/

You can find Dr Paul Roe online at theoutbackhistorian.com.au

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