Fr Joe Giacobbe
Melton Ambassador
Fr Joe Giacobbe's involvement with inner-suburban Melbourne parishes in the 60s and70s made him acutely aware of the difficulties facing families and young people. This was particularly evident on the high rise housing estates, such as Fitzroy and Flemington. Many of the residents had limited financial resources and there was a lack of community support services. Fr Joe wanted to offer these people opportunities and the chance to improve their circumstances. He established Doxa Youth Foundation as a non-denominational organisation in 1972, with the help of friends in the racing industry, business and the professions. Prior to 1990, operating funding for Doxa came from the popular Annual Fun Runs, fundraising in hotels and bingo nights. Fr Joe then founded the Winning Post newspaper (which was sold in 2006, after Doxa received a strong commercial offer) and was instrumental in setting up the Doxa Social Club, both of which give all their profits to Doxa Youth Foundation. Fr Joe maintains an involvement in parish work in the inner and western suburbs and continues to play an active role in Doxa.