THQ staff honour much-loved Secretary for Communications
- deansimpson7
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
BY DEAN SIMPSON
Colonel Rodney Walters has been farewelled by the Communications Department at both Blackburn and Redfern Territorial Headquarters this week as he prepares to retire, along with his wife, Colonel Wendy Walters, after 41 years of service as a Salvation Army officer.
Rodney has served as Territorial Secretary for Communications since 2022.
His farewell service in Melbourne on Wednesday, attended by about 60 THQ staff, was led by Major Kim Haworth, who spoke of Rodney’s faithful service overseas and in Australia. Several others spoke of Rodney’s vibrant faith and his love for Jesus in everything he did.
Department heads were asked to describe Rodney in three words, with responses including “faithful, encouraging and positive”, “engaging, quick-witted and Jesus-focused”, “wise, generous and humble” and “faith-filled, forward-looking and warm-hearted”.
Judi Agnew, Fundraising Relationship Manager, read a poem she’d written about Rodney, who was also presented with a framed poster illustrated by Rod Allen from the Internal Communications team.
Staff at THQ in Blackburn, Melbourne, gather to farewell Colonel Rodney Walters; Julie Agnew reads her poem to Rodney; Carolyn Hallett, Communications Executive Assistant, presents Rodney with a framed caricature.
A similar farewell service, led by Commissioner Mark Campbell, attended by about 30 staff, was held in Sydney on Thursday. Several people spoke about the impact Rodney has had on them and the department.
“I’ve loved every minute of being part of the Communications Department over the past few years,” said Rodney, who sported his favourite Christmas shirts for both farewell occasions.
“I’ve valued the contribution of every single person – some are Christians, some are non-Christians – but every person, regardless of faith, has worked for The Salvation Army, which openly expresses its faith in everything it does ... communicating the Good News of Jesus to a world that desperately needs it.”
Also in attendance were Captain Frank Wang (Bankstown Corps Officer) and Captain Sean Li (Hornsby Corps Officer), who have been mentored by Rodney and Mark over the past year, focusing on qualities needed in leadership.
Frank spoke highly of the positive impact Rodney has had on his life.
Rodney and Wendy have served as Salvation Army officers for more than 40 years, having been commissioned in 1985 as part of the Servants of Christ session.
During his officership, Rodney has held many roles, including corps officer, chaplaincy, youth work and emergency services, as well as leadership roles at divisional and territorial levels. He also served internationally in Europe and Asia, primarily as Chief Secretary and Territorial Commander of Eastern Europe, and as Territorial Commander of Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory.
Wendy has also held many roles in her officership, including Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in both Eastern Europe and the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar territories. She has been Head of Officer Personnel since 2023.
To view Rodney’s appointment service record, click here. To view Wendy’s appointment service record, click here.
Rodney and Wendy will officially enter retirement on 31 January 2026.
South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander Major Paul Hateley will become the new Secretary for Communcations. His wife, major Wendy Hateley, will step into the role of Area Officer - Metro Central (Vic.).
