Gold Coast RSA launch focuses on our common humanity
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Gold Coast launched its Red Shield Appeal with a breakfast at the Crowne Plaza on 26 May with 240 people gathered for the event.
The room was an energised mix of corporate leaders, local philanthropists, business people, individuals and students, united in support of a shared cause as together they raised funds for The Salvation Army’s work in the community.
Master of ceremonies Councillor Glenn Tozer welcomed everyone to the launch, including Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and other Salvation Army leaders.
Tahana Turner, Queensland Divisional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator, gave an Acknowledgement of Country, encouraging everyone to help bring hope to our great nation.
Divisional Commander Major Mark Everitt made some opening comments, speaking about the social and financial crises locally and nationally. He thanked those gathered, not just for their generosity in giving financially, but in their choosing to care and wanting to make meaningful change.
“This reminds us that we’re part of a nation, not just individuals navigating life alone,” he said. “You become part of someone’s turning point when you give. You help create stability where there is uncertainty, and you bring hope to people where and when it’s needed most.”
In his address, Councillor Mark Hammel, Deputy Mayor, City of Gold Coast, took time to acknowledge those in the room with lived experience of homelessness, family and domestic violence, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and other forms of significant hardship.
“You are the reason this room matters,” he said. “Your presence ensures the conversation is grounded … that behind every one of those statistics is a person, a story and often a long and difficult journey.”
Councillor Hammel also announced a gift of $380,000 to the Red Shield Appeal.
Keynote speaker, Rod McGeoch AO, Emeritus Chairman of Chubb Insurances, spoke of his long association with and support for The Salvation Army, particularly with major building appeals.
“As a lawyer, I have a licence to practise law, and it’s a privilege,” he said. “And with that comes a responsibility to protect the public interest, and I take that very seriously.”
Rod shared how in Peru, he saw the mayor of Lima intensely concerned about the plight of the homeless and not wanting to move them on for the sake of convenience. He spoke about how that had made a deep impact on him.
“We have an obligation to do something about the needs of all human beings – we are in this together, we have common needs, so please support The Salvation Army, this fantastic organisation that does so much for people,” he said.
Lieutenant Jose Porcia had all in the room riveted to the stage as he shared his testimony titled ‘From garbage to grace’. The audience laughed and cried as Jose shared his journey from moving to Australia from the Philippines as a teenager, finishing his education and gaining work in the banking sector. A chance experience with drugs in 2003 led to a 13-year addiction that included times in hospital and prison. After a reality check after being released from prison, Jose attended, and completed, the treatment program at The Salvation Army’s Adele House, Coffs Harbour.
“Most significant of all in my journey was The Salvation Army,” Jose shared. “The people there lived, loved and fought alongside me in the early days when I couldn’t live, love and fight myself,” he said.
He then told of how an amazing encounter with God and the support of The Salvation Army then led him to repentance, completing university, and becoming a Salvation Army officer.
READ MORE: Meaningless-becomes-meaningful-for-Jose
An opportunity to donate to the Red Shield Appeal was then allocated, with most people using the QR code to access services. Salvation Army table representatives assisted with this process as needed.
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas took to the stage to present The Salvation Army Others Award to the Crowne Plaza, who have supported the breakfast for many years, as well as officer retreats and other Salvation Army events. General Manager Crowne Plaza, Jason Farnworth, accepted the award.
“You have been doing this for a long, long time, and you’ve blessed us in so many ways,” said Miriam. “We are so very, very grateful and your heart in doing this for so long has meant that so many people are blessed.”
“It’s always a pleasure for our team,” Jason shared. “I hope you’ve enjoyed the breakfast this morning, and it’s our contribution to give back for such a worthy cause. I’m honoured to receive this on behalf of the team.”
Miriam closed the event, thanking those present for their “next level” support when it comes to great need.
