Adelaide, Perth launches showcase Salvos’ work in the community
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
Hundreds of Salvation Army supporters have attended major Red Shield Appeal launches in Adelaide and Perth over the past two weeks.
The Adelaide launch was a breakfast held on Wednesday 8 May at the Convention Centre in the city, while the Perth launch was also a breakfast event, held at Optus Stadium.
ADELAIDE
A local Kaurna man, Allen Edwards, brought a Welcome to Country for the morning. Guests included Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Child Protection, representing The Premier, and Michelle Lensink MLC, Shadow Minister for Social and Community Housing, representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon David Speirs MP.
Jane Doyle OAM was the MC for the event. “We are delighted you have chosen to join us today,” she said. “Together, we can ease the burden countless families are facing. Your generosity places the Salvos on the frontline, providing immediate support through emergency relief centres while working to find long-term solutions and a new beginning.
“Today, more so than ever in the past few years, surging prices are driving Australians toward greater hardship. Although there have been sporadic slivers of hope, increased inflation, successive interest rate hikes, and the growing rental crisis have caused unprecedented levels of financial and personal stress for millions across the nation.”
The Honourable Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia, provided a video message due to being overseas. Tanya Hosch, Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy with the AFL, was the keynote speaker.
“As a Christian movement, The Salvation Army is deeply involved in communities across South Australia, tackling rising issues like homelessness, financial struggles, family violence, addiction, isolation, and mental health challenges,” said Major Paul Hateley, Divisional Commander South Australia/Northern Territory.
“We’re all here today because we all share a commitment to helping those in crisis. From providing immediate relief like bill assistance and groceries to offering long-term support such as counselling and accommodation, together we stand ready to walk alongside individuals and families on their journey.”
The Honourable Katrine Hildyard MP presented a cheque from the South Australian government for $25,000. Electel Resources made a lead gift of $30,000. Mark Wood of Pro Vending donated $20,000 to the campaign.
The Salvos provided over 1.67 million sessions of care across all social programs in the past 12 months. Major Mal Davies, Adelaide City Salvos Corps Officer, spoke to a video presenting the story of Sue, whose engagement with the Salvos Moneycare financial services team empowered her to find a new beginning.
“Sue commenced by saying that the many complex factors that led her and her family into financial hardship felt like a tsunami, and she spoke of feeling ashamed and losing control and not being able to face her friends and family,” explained Major Mal Davies. “This is something that, sadly, we’ve seen more and more of as the cost-of-living crisis has continued.”
The morning also acknowledged and celebrated some of The Salvation Army’s valued supporters. Colonel Rodney Walters, Secretary for Communications, and Major Hateley presented the Eva Burrows Award to Mrs Shirley Uhrig and Mr John Uhrig AC.
The Others Award was presented to Mr Mark Gevers, Managing Director and owner of Electel Resources, supporters of The Salvation Army and major sponsor of the event.
Colonel Rodney Walter closed the morning in prayer: “Go into the world in peace, have courage, take hold of what is good, never pay back wrong for wrong, let compassion be your companion and forgiveness your constant friend. Keep the fires of the spirit burning; seek always what is best and keep the faith.”
Click through the slideshow below for more photos from the Adelaide launch:
PERTH
Communications expert Christina Morrissy was the MC for the Perth launch of the Red Shield Appeal.
Christina welcomed guests, including His Excellency Chris Dawson, Governor of Western Australia, and Sabine Winton, MLA Member for Wanneroo.
Divisional Commander Major Brad Potter spoke about the heart of The Salvation Army before presenting the Others Award to The Wearne Charitable Trust and the Eva Burrows Award to Keith Sorensen.
Doorways State Manager Lindsay Boyer shared about the Army’s impact across Western Australia and introduced Danielle Black, who powerfully shared about the life-transforming work in Karratha in the state’s far north-west.
“It was a wonderful morning celebrating the impact of The Salvation Army and highlighting the vital need for ongoing support and collaboration to care for our most vulnerable across WA,” Brad said.
Click through the slideshow below for more photos from the Perth launch:
