Appeal launch highlights increasing needs in South Australia
- deansimpson7
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
The 2025 Adelaide Red Shield Appeal breakfast launch provided an opportunity to highlight the growing need across the country and its impact in South Australia.
Salvation Army supporters and guests gathered at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday 21 May for the annual event, MC’ed by Mike Smithson, Seven News presenter and chief reporter.
“As many of you know, The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s most critical fundraising campaign, providing essential financial support that enables them to deliver life-changing services to people in need across Australia, including right here in Adelaide,” Mike explained.
“But the Salvos can’t do this alone. The theme of the Red Shield Appeal this year is ‘Be the hope people need’, and it is the generosity of loyal and faithful supporters like those in the room today that can be helpful.”
Allen Edwards brought a Welcome to Community, sharing about how the work of The Salvation Army has shaped his own journey.
Distinguished guests at the breakfast included Hon Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Child Protection, Senator Leah Blyth, Senator Barbara Pocock, Hon Heidi Girolamo, Hon Justin Hanson MLC, Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia and Acting Assistant Commissioner Rob Papworth from SAPOL.
“Today, we’re united by one mission, to help those in crisis,” said Major Paul Hateley, Divisional Commander for South Australia/Northern Territory. “Whether it’s giving immediate relief like paying bills and providing groceries, or offering longer-term support such as counselling and stable accommodation, we’re committed to walking alongside people on their journey towards a better life.”
The Salvation Army in Australia helps someone in need every 17 seconds. The compounded impact of the financial and social events of the past few years means homelessness is fast becoming the reality for an increasing number of individuals and families, including more employed Australians.
Over the last financial year, The Salvation Army provided over 1.1 million nights of accommodation and more than $24.3 million in financial assistance, including cash, gift cards, vouchers, and other forms of support, to those in need.
“In the first quarter of this year, almost 37,000 South Australians reached out for assistance with food security, genuinely faced with the prospect of feeding their children or paying rent,” Paul said. “At just one Salvos site in the city, 21,000 requests for assistance were received and 1500 food parcels were distributed.”
Paul accepted a generous contribution of $25,000 from Minister Hildyard, presented on behalf of the South Australian Government.
Guests heard from keynote speaker Mark McCrindle, Social Researcher and Demographer. Mark shared about the generational changes and the challenges of inclusion that modern Australia presents. Mike Smithson invited supporters to donate to the Red Shield Appeal, sharing that Electel has generously pledged $45,000 to help launch the appeal.
The Divisional Commander presented the 2025 Adelaide Others Award to Anderson Solicitors, accepted by Michelle Hutton and Antony Boonen. Anderson Solicitors has been a contributor to the Wills Day Program in South Australia since 2010.
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas closed the event and thanked all those who offered their support for The Salvation Army’s work.
“As we leave this event, I’d encourage you to be the hope in your everyday lives,” Miriam said. “When you hear of someone’s struggles, choose to listen. When you see hardship, choose compassion. When you know someone is battling, choose to step in and offer a helping hand.
The Salvation Army’s mission compels us to make good choices. Whenever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love, and fight alongside others to transform Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.”
