About the Vinnies Service Medallion

The Vinnies Service Medallion (VSM) is a state‑wide program that recognises secondary students (Years 7–12) for their commitment to community service, leadership, advocacy and social justice. It provides a simple, flexible way for young people to make a real difference while being formally acknowledged for their contribution.

Through hands‑on experiences with Vinnies initiatives, students develop empathy, confidence and practical skills as they learn about issues such as poverty, inequality and community resilience. The program encourages students to grow as leaders and active citizens who create positive change in their school and wider community.

The VSM is open and accessible to all secondary students across NSW. Young people can participate through their school or sign up independently, and there is no cost to be involved.

PROGRAM INFORMATIONFAQFLYERPOSTEREDM BANNERSOCIAL TILEPARENT/TEACHER ENQUIRIESREGISTER NOW

Our Vision

That all young people are afforded equal opportunities and are not limited by their geographic, socio‑economic or religious backgrounds.

The VSM is intentionally inclusive, removing barriers to participation and welcoming diverse experiences and pathways.

Our Aim

The VSM aims to deepen students’ understanding of key social justice issues and provide a platform for them to demonstrate strengths beyond the classroom, strengthening their employment prospects and future opportunities for university admission.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to recognise young people as compassionate leaders of social change and support them to understand social injustices, act meaningfully and contribute to their communities. The VSM gives students real opportunities to engage with issues and build skills for their future pathways.

Safeguarding

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that values and respects the dignity of all persons, especially the most vulnerable in our community.

Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults so that they thrive in their families and communities, is a fundamental aspect of our work in providing a hand up to those facing adversity.

The Society strives to work with the wider community to prevent all forms of abuse against children, young people and vulnerable adults and to ensure that the inherent dignity, care and wellbeing of all  vulnerable people is upheld.

All VSM activities must be supervised and approved by your school. Students must not undertake activities on Vinnies sites or directly engage with people we assist unless explicitly pre-approved by Vinnies NSW. For safety and compliance, schools should coordinate with their School Engagement Officer to ensure all activities meet safeguarding and risk management protocols.Society is committed to continually assessing and evaluating its Safeguarding strategies to ensure that we are vigilant in our work to support and protect vulnerable people.

The Society will:

    • support and nurture all children, young people and vulnerable adults who come into contact with the Society;
    • promote the rights, dignity and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults;
    • enable children, young people and vulnerable adults to fully participate in the Society and in their local communities;
    • ensure the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults and protect them from abuse and all forms of harm; and
    • always put the best interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults first.

All VSM activities must be supervised and approved by your school. Students must not undertake activities on Vinnies sites or directly engage with people we assist unless explicitly pre-approved by Vinnies NSW. For safety and compliance, schools should coordinate with their School Engagement Officer to ensure all activities meet safeguarding and risk management protocols.

REGISTER NOW

Contact us

The Vinnies Service Medallion is open to schools, community groups, and individual students. You can get started anytime by registering through the link above. Once registered, participants receive access to the full program kit and can begin tracking their service throughout the year.

If you would like additional support, reach out to your local Vinnies Youth team member. If you’re not yet connected with a regional contact, check the list below for the best email for your area.

For general enquiries, please email: vsm@vinnies.org.au

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the custodians of this land, with deep respect. May the Elders, past, present and emerging be blessed and honoured. May we join together and build a future based on compassion, justice, hope, faith, and reconciliation.

© 2022 St Vincent de Paul Society

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy Preferences