Women uplifted at SHE Weekend
BY LAUREN MARTIN
A country-inspired awards evening (complete with ‘Polly Darton’!), honest conversations about faith and teaching grounded in God’s word were all experienced at SHE Weekend – the annual NSW/ACT Women’s Retreat.
The Spiritually Healthy Encounters (SHE) weekend certainly delivered, with the Holy Spirit powerfully felt from the first evening, as women gathered at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Park, south of Sydney.
Speakers Natalie Kistan (Auburn Corps), Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane (Spiritual Life Development) and Lieutenant-Colonel Robyn Black (NSW/ACT Divisional Commander) spoke on mission, evangelism and spiritual warfare.
“The mission doesn’t change but the season does,” said Natalie, encouraging the women gathered to look at what (and who) is in front of them and see their present circumstances as the season of mission that God has placed them in.
“The messages were really received by women, and they were talking about them and what God had said to them,” said Robyn.
Those gathered had ample time for personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, with tables set up for prayer, devotional packs to take and ponder, and a selection of images to prompt prayer and discernment.
“There was a genuine sense of anticipation and openness to the Holy Spirit, creating space for God to move among us,” said Major Louanne Mitchell, who headed the team organising the event.
“Our prayers for SHE Weekend 2026 were truly answered. Women experienced a warm and welcoming community where kindness and inclusion were evident, existing friendships were strengthened, and new connections were formed.”
Electives included a weaving workshop with Sue Hodges (RAP Action Plan), bushwalking with Narelle Gurney (Mission Specialist), spoken word with Rosy Keane, parenting for faith with Carissa Ainsworth (Children’s Secretary) and ‘Be still’ with Major Melanie-Anne Wren (Recovery Coordinator).
Annette Donovan from Auburn Corps said it was wonderful to be amongst “ladies who were open to hearing from God and the support they gave each other”.
A highlight of the weekend was Saturday night’s Country Music Awards that featured entertainment by ‘Polly Darton’ (Kym Briggs – Shire Salvos) and ‘Renny Kodgers’ (Lieutenant Keven Williams – Eastern Beaches). The night also honoured various women from different corps who were nominated for their faith, passion and servant hearts.
“Saturday night just topped it off completely because it was such a great night,” said Robyn. “It was funny, creative, but it was also honouring of so many women. A culture that honours God and one another is such a beautiful space to be in.”
Those who received awards were:
Big Mumma Heart Award: Kate Crossley (Macarthur Corps)
Unshakable Faith Award: Natasha Barrington (Dee Why Corps)
Inspired Heart Award: Victoria Sharp (Blue Mountains Corps)
Sunshine Award: Dawn Wallace (Long Jetty Corps)
Hidden Gem Award: Gail Manning (Newcastle Corps)
(Left) A number of women explored a local waterfall during the bushwalking elective. (Right) Jacqueline O’Kane and Leslie Burke enjoy time in bushland near The Tops Conference Centre.
A collection for the ‘Making it Happen’ project raised more than $4500, which will help fund a Salvation Army women’s refuge in Papua New Guinea.
Lieutenant Alex Robinson from Sydney’s Dee Why Corps said she and members of her congregation look forward to the SHE Weekend every year, and always take something meaningful away.
“I feel so proud being part of the group of women who gather for SHE – a diverse group from all ages and walks of life – united in our love for Jesus, ability to have lots of fun, and passion to go deeper spiritually, as we certainly did this year.”
