Territorial Commander cuts ribbon on new facilities at The Well
- deansimpson7
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 26
BY LERISSE SMITH
A dynamic fusion of passion, vision and an unshakeable community spirit shone brightly at the official unveiling of the newly renovated facilities at The Well at St Kilda Chapel.
More than 70 guests, including Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Colonel Kelvin Merrett, Colonel Winsome Merrett, MP Josh Burns and Rachel Westaway MP, gathered to celebrate the opening of the stunning transformation at The Salvation Army’s well-known Community of Hope in Melbourne on 13 June.
Photo books chronicling The Well’s journey were gifted to Mirvac and The Salvation Army. But the special celebration went beyond just speeches and ribbon-cutting.
Claude, a beloved community member, shared her powerful testimony and gifted the gathering with her voice over lunch in the garden – a reminder of what The Well offers: hope, healing and connection.
Major Narelle Jacobsen, Community Development Officer for St Kilda Chapel, said the space now stood as a testament to faith, perseverance and the generosity of many hands.
“Commissioner Mirriam summed it up,” she said. “Be The Hope. Mirvac – you are the hope.”
The Mirvac team delivered a new fully equipped kitchen for weekly meals and future cooking classes; added storage solutions and a community pantry supporting Doorways; upgraded the chapel with elegant cupboards; refreshed the paint and carpet; and created an outdoor room in the garden – now a sacred space for healing, prayer, and case work.
Stuart Penklis, Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use, said the company was passionate about the project.
“It is with great pride that we supported the renovation of The Well at St Kilda Chapel – a project that truly reflects Mirvac’s commitment to community, compassion, and craftsmanship,” he said.
“The Well is more than just a building; it’s a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can find connection and a sense of belonging.”
The journey began in August 2024, with Mirvac collaborating closely with Narelle and The Salvation Army team to determine the best way Mirvac could contribute.
They listened, they dreamed – and then they built.
“From there, our teams rallied together, contributing over 500 worker hours to complete the renovation in just five weeks,” Stuart said.
“An incredible effort made possible by the dedication of our project teams, trades, and generous partners. This project was never just about construction – it was about enhancing a place that will continue to serve and uplift the St Kilda community for years to come. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our subcontractors, suppliers and, of course, our very talented and passionate Mirvac Construction team.”
The roots of The Well run deep.
Seven years ago, Narelle was appointed Community Development Officer for St Kilda Chapel. The chapel doors closed to begin something new – a place called The Well.
“With a small team and a lot of prayer, a vision was born: to create a warm, welcoming space for the isolated and hurting – a home away from home,” she reflected.
“Out of this vision came Harvest of Love @ The Well, where people could connect over nourishing meals, learn to grow food, and find healing for body and soul. What began with a tiny, unequipped kitchen soon grew into a dream for something more. After COVID delayed building plans, hope remained. ‘God will provide,’ one team member said – and God did.”
In August 2023, during a visit from The Salvation Army national board, Miriam heard about the kitchen’s need and reached out to Stuart. He visited The Well in July 2024 and was deeply moved by the vision.
The wheels then started turning.
Soon after Stuart’s visit, Mirvac’s ‘A Team’, consisting of Joel Frederick, Leigh, Ben and Chris, brought the dream to life.
Narelle said the team had delivered a fully functional, beautiful kitchen where community meals were lovingly prepared each week, with cooking classes soon to begin.
“Joel and Leigh didn’t stop there,” she remarked. They asked, “What else can we do to help?”
From much-needed storage solutions came new storage cupboards and a community pantry used by our Doorways (emergency relief) program. Then, with a fresh coat of paint and carpet, they helped bring our Community Hub back to life!”
In the chapel, elegant new cupboards were installed to store chairs, freeing up valuable space, and in the peaceful garden, a new outdoor room was created.
“This outdoor nook has become a sacred and intimate space where people can receive support, healing, and hope,” Narelle explained. “It will also accommodate our new case worker and continues to be a space where prayer requests are received and faithfully lifted up.”
As part of the official opening celebration, Narelle also said an extra special thank you to all their volunteers, whose heart and time continued to nourish their community of hope: “You are the heartbeat of The Well!” she told the attendees.
