New leadership team affirmed for the Victoria Division
- deansimpson7
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
Major Mal Davies has been installed as the new Victoria Divisional Commander and Major Kate Baudinette as Assistant Divisional Commander during a special divisional gathering in Melbourne.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas conducted the installation ceremony on Sunday 12 October at the Hyatt Place Event Centre in Essendon Fields.
Nine Salvationists from across the division were also awarded at the event for their pioneering spirit in ministry and social work.
The event, attended by hundreds of Salvationists, also featured the Salvos Big Band and the Children’s Ministry Team.
Mal, who has been Assistant Divisional Commander for Victoria, replaces Colonel Kelvin Merrett, who recently retired from his role as Victorian Divisional Commander.
Kate leaves her role as Area Officer for Metro East Melbourne, which is now led by Major Darren Elkington.
Miriam called it a “wonderful day” for the Victoria Division, and referenced the catchphrase of the event, saying the awards and installations provided a challenge to “be bold”.
“I love that Mal and Kate will continue on with the vision of ‘recasting the nets’ across the division, looking for the best ways to see the Kingdom advance,” Miriam said.
New Victoria Divisional Commander Major Mal Davies and Assistant Divisional Commander Major Kate Baudinette speak after being installed into their new leadership roles.
Mal said the day had been a great success, and it was encouraging to see such enthusiasm and optimism for the future of The Salvation Army.
“We chose the theme ‘Be Bold!’ because we want Salvationists to move forward with courage and conviction, and because in an increasingly secular culture, we want Christians to stand up and boldly declare their faith.
Mal added, “Colonel Kelvin Merrett began working towards some new principles under the banner ‘Recasting the Net’ and Kate and I will continue with that work as we’re seeing so many positive signs of growth and innovation across the Victoria Division.
“I’m delighted to have Kate as Assistant DC as she brings such a spiritual maturity and strength to divisional leadership. We have no doubt at all that we’re in a spiritual battle, and Kate and I are ready for the fight.”
Pioneering Awards
Seven received James Barker Pioneering Awards for Social Mission. They were:
Jane Barnes – for her instrumental work in pioneering a significant shift from the congregate care model of homelessness support to independent living, integrated with a multidisciplinary approach.
Major Ashley Davies – for adapting and implementing the Positive Lifestyle Program, a conversation-based course, to better reflect Australia’s unique cultural context and meet the real needs of those who needed it most.
Major David Eldridge – for being a driving force in developing youth homelessness services in Australia.
Dr Wilma Gallet – for leading the pioneering development of Employment Services for The Salvation Army.
Major Graeme McClimont (posthumous) – for his leadership in advancing Australia’s response to youth homelessness. The award was collected by his wife, Helen.
Major Robbin Moulds – for being instrumental in the establishment, growth and development of Street Level.
Jenny Plant – for being instrumental in launching a TSA–Victoria Police partnership supporting high-risk families, and for leading the creation of International Overdose Awareness Day, evolving from a local initiative to a WHO-recognised Global Day of Remembrance for lives lost to addiction.
Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans were also honoured with the Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore Award for their exceptional service in planting new corps across the Solomon Islands. The Evanses originally received the award at their farewell service in the Solomons. Click here to read that story.
Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the service (all photos by Major Steven Haworth):
