Global Focus – Penny Wong meets PNG faith leaders, Colombia disaster update, Chief of Staff to retire
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Colonel Chris Goa, Territorial Commander of the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory, spent time in Canberra last week and met with Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, along with other senior church leaders from PNG.
Faith groups play a key role in communities across the Pacific,” said Senator Wong.
“[Last] week, I welcomed senior church leaders from Papua New Guinea to Parliament, and thanked them for their important contributions in connecting our communities, building resilience and advancing shared priorities.”
Daryl Crowden, The Salvation Army Australia’s General Manager for Emergency and Aid and Development, explained that the group met and “talked about the hugely impactful Church Partnership Program.
“It was great to meet and talk to Colonel Chris about The Salvation Army International Development (SAID) Australia’s support role,” Daryl said.
“SAID is proud to partner with The Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory to deliver life-transforming programs on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”
Divisional Commander gives Colombia update
The Salvation Army is continuing to support communities in Colombia affected by the devastating 10 August earthquake.
In Armenia and Pereira, neighbouring cities in Colombia’s west, The Salvation Army has helped more than 200 families with food supplies, hygiene kits and hot meals, providing immediate assistance to people facing the loss of their homes and belongings.
Major Ángela Pertuz, leader of The Salvation Army’s Colombia Division of the Latin America North Territory, speaks in the video below, about the response and continued support being provided.
Chief of Staff to retire
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill, and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill, were recently honoured at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) as they prepare to enter retirement.
The commissioners have been officers for more than 33 years, engaged in ministry around the world.
International leaders, colleagues, friends and invited guests gathered on 10 September at IHQ in London for a morning of celebration, worship and reflection ahead of the Hills’ retirement on 1 October 2026.
Commissioner Garth Niemand, International Secretary for Business Administration, described it as a day of “laughing and crying at the same time”, celebrating God’s faithfulness while saying goodbye to two much-loved members of the IHQ family.
For the full story and additional photos, click here.
Ebola response continues
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to spread, with cases now reported across multiple provinces.
As the outbreak reaches new districts, The Salvation Army is expanding prevention efforts beyond health facilities and into communities. Through schools, corps and community programs, local teams are providing trusted information about Ebola prevention, promoting hygiene, and strengthening infection prevention practices.
This locally led approach helps communities understand how Ebola spreads, how to reduce risk, and when to seek help.
To see how The Salvation Army is expanding response efforts in the DRC, click here.
