Salvos’ emergency and defence services stride out for Veterans
BY SIMONE WORTHING
The Queensland Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) recently partnered with the Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS) in Townsville to cater for enthusiastic walkers in the Wounded Heroes* 24-hour Challenge on Castle Hill.
Funds raised through the challenge will help provide immediate support to Far North Queensland Australian Defence Force members, as well as Veterans and their families facing housing, financial and other crises.
Around 700 people attended the opening of the event, including local politicians and supporting agencies. Approximately 300 joined in to walk, including 12 who walked for 24 hours.
Salvation Army walkers included Major Brett Gallagher, Head of Integrated Mission and Resourcing; Aux-Lieutenant Vaughan Agnew, RSDS Chief Commissioner; Captain Ali McKeand, RSDS Defence Veterans Ministries Co-ordinator RSDS; and Territorial Envoys Heidi and Stuart Grice, RSDS representatives at Townville’s Lavarack Barracks.
“The menu available at our truck included fish and chips, chicken schnitzel and chips, butter chicken and rice, pesto pasta, egg and bacon rolls and drinks,” said Daryl Crowden, General Manager Emergency, Aid and Development.
“We were fuelling the ‘walkers’ trekking up and down the hill with carbs and sugar as some of them – one man in particular who climbed the hill 27 times in 24 hours – came up on 100km.
“Thanks to our additional serving partner, Woolworths, for the extra carbs.”
Daryl explained that the assistance was provided as a “holistic, integrated mission opportunity”.
“Captain Ali has built a relationship with Wounded Heroes in her role, and SAES had the necessary assets in Townsville, so we responded to their request,” he said.
*Wounded Heroes Australia provides 24/7 immediate crisis support to the Australian Defence Services, veterans and their families in financial crisis, experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness nationwide. Its sole charitable purpose is the prevention of veteran suicide. Since 2007, Wounded Heroes has financially supported over 38,000 military families, with 4,223 in 2024 and 5,800 in 2025.
