Adelaide RSA Launch applauds 'next-level people'
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
Last week, a crowd of philanthropists, VIPs and supporters of The Salvation Army gathered alongside Salvation Army personnel to launch this year’s Red Shield Appeal in style.
The breakfast event was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, and featured guest speaker David Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH), a Welcome to Country from Allen Edwards, an address from the Honourable Lawrence Ben, Assistant Minister for Copper, Steel, Critical Metals and Minerals, as well as a lived experience story from Tahlia, a client of The Salvation Army in Adelaide. Master of ceremonies was Mike Smithson, Seven News Adelaide.
As the sun rose over the city, attendees enjoyed a locally-sourced breakfast, and heard the impact of The Salvation Army since the movement first began in Australia, in the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Lawrence Ben spoke about the greengrocer’s cart meeting led by railway worker Edward Saunders and former bricklayer John Gore. Lawrence referenced Gore’s invitation to the crowd that if there was a man there who hadn’t had a decent meal today, “let him come home to tea with me”.
“I think that quote summarises perfectly exactly what you do, right? And I'm so proud to be here to represent the South Australian Government,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence spoke about how movements were not just about structures or buildings, but about people.
“That's what everyone here is doing today,” he said. “You're a movement supporting this incredible organisation.”
David Pearson spoke about growing up in Alice Springs, and being familiar with disadvantage and homelessness. He reflected that in his lifetime; things had gotten worse.
“For those who are experiencing homelessness, it's even harder than it's ever been,” David said.
He said door knocking for the Red Shield Appeal had been part of his formative years, and that the ongoing work of The Salvation Army had brought much-needed hope amid despair.
“There is reason to be hopeful,” he said. “Even though it's worse now than it's ever been … we actually know now what it takes to solve this problem. We haven't always known that.”
He said what was needed going forward was an “upstream” approach, where those at risk of homelessness were engaged with and supported before the crisis hit its worst point. He said the necessary data to try to map out an approach was being collected in conjunction with The Salvation Army and other service providers.
“I couldn't speak more wholeheartedly … the support that you provide or will provide today to The Salvation Army through The Red Shield Appeal will save lives. It will help people who are in a dark place, and it will help us transform systems that will stop people from finding their way into that dark place in the first place,” he concluded.
Lived experience speaker Tahlia told the crowd that, after a series of terrifying crisis moments and an abusive and neglectful relationship, she found herself Googling “I'm about to be homeless in 10 days with two kids, what do I do?”
It was through this search that she managed to get connected to The Salvation Army and Case Manager Rachel Rattus.
“From the beginning she made me feel like I mattered, like someone actually cared about me and wanted me to succeed,” Tahlia said.
“It wasn't just about housing. She helped me set goals, navigate systems I didn't understand, and access things like childcare and basic essentials. And every time she showed up, it took a weight off my shoulders, and before that I felt like I had nothing left. She gave me hope.
“Today things look very different. I still have challenges, but I have stability, I have support and I have direction and most importantly, I have my kids and everything I do is for them. All I've ever wanted is to give them a better life than I had, and for the first time, that actually feels possible. The Salvation Army came into my life at a time when I had nothing left, and they didn't just support me. They've stood by me while I've rebuilt everything from the ground up.”
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas closed out the event with a reminder that it takes a lot of people who are willing to bring hope where it is needed.
“There are next-level needs right now, but I tell you in this room, there are next-level people, and thank you for who you are,” she said.
“It takes every single one of us to play a part, and we can.”
