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Commissioners Garth and Patti Niemand are originally from the Southern Africa Territory. By COMMISSIONER EDWARD HILL Chief of the Staff On behalf of the General, I am happy to announce that he has chosen and appointed Commissioner Garth Niemand to be the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Patti Niemand to be World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, effective from 1 October 2026. They will succeed my wife, Commissioner Shelley Hill, and I, who will be retiring from active officer service. Commissioners Garth and Patti Niemand entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1998 and were ordained and commissioned as Lieutenants in 1999 as members of the Forward 2000 Session in the Southern Africa Territory. Their ministry began with three years of corps and community service leadership at a Corps and Goodwill Centre in Pietermaritzburg. In 2003, as captains, they were appointed Corps Officers of Johannesburg City Corps. From 2004 to 2008, they also served as Administrators of Johannesburg Social Services, during which time Garth additionally fulfilled responsibilities as Sectional Youth Officer. In 2008, both officers were appointed to Territorial Headquarters. Garth became Territorial Public Relations Secretary, and Patti was appointed Territorial Planned Giving and Legacy Director. In 2010, Garth assumed the role of Assistant Secretary for Business Administration, and in 2011 Garth and Patti were appointed Territorial Secretary for Business Administration and Territorial Social Programme Secretary, respectively. Throughout this period, both contributed significantly to the development of future officers through regular lecturing at the College for Officer Training. In 2015, now serving as majors, they were appointed to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory. Garth became the territory’s first Territorial Secretary for Business Administration, and Patti served as Assistant Programme Secretary (Social). In January 2018, Patti was appointed Territorial Secretary for Programme. Later that year, on 1 November 2018, Garth and Patti were appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 2019, Patti also assumed responsibility as Territorial Secretary for Leader Development. On 1 May 2020, as colonels, they were appointed Territorial Leaders of the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory. On 1 September 2023, they were appointed as commissioners to International Headquarters, where Garth serves as International Secretary for Business Administration and Patti as World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development. Garth holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Theology, and qualifications in Accounting and Leadership. Patti holds a Bachelor of Theology and an Ascent Leadership Certificate. Commissioner Garth Niemand will be the first Chief of the Staff from a supported territory, and the first from Africa. I know you will join me in assuring Commissioners Niemand of our prayers and support as they prepare, both in heart and mind, to assume the significant responsibilities that will be entrusted to them in service to our international leaders and the worldwide mission of The Salvation Army.

Jena Clarke works with TSA's Policy and Advocacy team. Image: Supplied The Salvation Army’s Policy and Advocacy team recently welcomed another staff member, Support Coordinator Jena Clarke. The Policy and Advocacy team is part of The Salvation Army’s newly formed Centre for Mission Impact, and advocates to influence key decision makers and those who have the power to implement social policy change across state and federal jurisdictions in Australia. Salvos Online journalist KIRRALEE NICOLLE recently caught up with Jena to find out about her background, her passions, and why she loves what The Salvation Army does. Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how you ended up here at the Salvos? Sure. I graduated from my undergraduate in 2024, having studied social justice and creative writing. I really loved my time at uni, and I learned a lot about the world, its need for justice and ways of achieving justice and equity through that process. In 2025, I spent time volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers around Sydney, and that was a really rewarding experience and something that I still do currently. I loved those connections, but I knew that I wanted a role where I could use my gifts in writing and language to make change. So, I joined Policy and Advocacy in November as a volunteer to learn about what the team did, and it quickly became clear that I wanted to further dedicate myself to the incredible work the Policy and Advocacy team was doing. That's a really interesting combination – social justice and creative writing. What are some ways that you've used that already, in either in this role or previously? I think the strengths of that combination came to the fore at uni. All of my creative writing assignments had a bit of a social justice twist to them, and I felt like I was using writing and stories to talk about society and about what was going on for real people. Then as I've come into this team, I use the same skills to edit work or to analyse it. I'm learning a lot from the team because it’s a different kind of writing, but I have a deep appreciation of language as something so powerful and so I'm so glad I can bring that appreciation into this role. You've already mentioned that you've done some volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers, but I’m curious about what specifically draws you about this work and about the work of the Salvos? I think it's pretty clear that the Salvos have such a big reach around Australia and have been making changes for people on an individual level, on a community level and on a wider level for a long time. As someone who wanted to use my skills to help make change, I was really keen to get on board with Policy and Advocacy and to see what their work was doing for people in Australia. Since volunteering with the team and now being on staff, I’m seeing that we take what we see in Salvos services and we share that with state and Commonwealth and say, ‘Hey, this is what people really need, and this is what this is what will be beneficial for the people that we are interacting with’. I sometimes found that when you study and think about all the difficult things that we face in society, it can feel like there's no hope, but I feel like Salvos has this real hopefulness about it as an organisation. And that comes through in this kind of advocacy work, because we're having the real conversations and we're trying to make change for people in a really structural way. Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies? I love words. I love to write, and I love to read. I’m always reading short stories. While our personalities don’t align, I love the way Hemingway wrote! I have a great appreciation for the way he used setting to tell the whole story and get a deeper point across. What are your hopes for this role going forward, and what are some of the things that you're looking forward to? I’m excited to grow in this role. I’ve got a lot of passion and to be able to learn from the expertise of the team is unreal. I'm looking forward to supporting the team in the work that they do, and I'm also keen to use my gifts to benefit others.

Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (8-14 June) we pray for The Salvation Army in the India Eastern Territory. The India Eastern Territory has 405 officers (304 active, 101 retired); 24 cadets; 13 Aux-Capts; 252 corps; 168 outposts and societies; 40,818 senior soldiers; 183 adherents;10,510 junior soldiers; 170 employees Commissioners Colonels Lalbulliana Tlau and Lalnunhlui Khawlhring lead the territory. The work of the territory includes: · Education · Support for elderly people · Rehabilitation centres · Modern slavery and human trafficking response Praise and prayer points for the India Eastern Territory: Praise points · We thank God for the success of all the programs in 2025. · We give glory to God for the success of the Ordination, Commissioning and Appointment Service for the seven Lieutenants on 11 April 2026, Keepers of the Covenant Session 2024-2026. · We praise God for the faithful Salvationists who made generous contributions to support the smooth running of the territory and help it sustain itself. · We thank God for the 13 Territorial Evangelism Ministry speakers who have travelled, preached and nurtured Salvationists without pay, all year round. · We thank God for the 'Soldier of the Cross' and evangelist teachers who served the Lord in difficult places with very minimum pay. A recent 'Festival of Praise' in the India Eastern Territory. Prayer Requests · For the visit of General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to the Territorial Congress of the India Eastern Territory from 17-19 October in Nepal, and from 20-27 October in Aizawl. · For Salvationists and Officers of India Eastern Territory, that the territory may grow stronger as a self-supporting territory, especially in meeting the many needs of the weaker centres. · For Women's Ministries – the strong backbone of the territory. · For the ongoing cadets undergoing field training in three divisions. · For Prayer Mountain, where 14,434 people from different denominations will visit this year. Pray also for the on-going developmental works. · For the 14 Social Institutions: Baby Homes (2), Boys Homes (6), Blind School (2), Adult Rehabilitation Centre, Hearing Impaired, Girls Home and Home for the Aged. · For the production and tailoring centre run by Women's Ministries which has provided care and job opportunities for vulnerable women trained in the tailoring centres. · For the 18 territorial evangelical speakers. Some of them come from underprivileged families and need prayer support in every aspect of their lives and ministry. · For Men's Fellowship Sunday, to be observed on 19 July 2026, that the India Eastern Territory may be blessed with more dedicated and self-sacrificing men. · For the Salvation Army Youth Action Plan 2026, 'Bring them in 2.0', that more youths and members will be brought in. · For the Young People Corps and the Corps Cadets, along with all the Sergeants and Company Guards who serve the children with their best. To find out more about the India Eastern, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Majors Steve and Linda Miller (left) with Jeannie and Charlie Koellner, members of The Lighthouse ministry at St Helens. Image: Supplied BY LAUREN MARTIN The road between Orford and St Helens on the East Coast of Tasmania is slow and winding, passing through small towns and beside windswept beaches. It connects lonely townships, many bereft of services like banks, healthcare and parish priests. But the heartbeat of these communities is strong, and a Salvation Army mobile mission is capitalising on that by connecting members to each other, and to Jesus. East Coast Mobile Mission Officers, Majors Linda and Steve Miller, had never ministered without a corps building before being asked to take on the new appointment in January 2021. The Salvation Army had never had a presence on the east coast of Tasmania before and, so, the Millers simply got in their car and started driving to each town, making connections along the way. “We’re pretty old for pioneers,” Steve, who’s just a few years out from retirement, jokes. But, later, he agrees that the new appointment has energised him. “We were told to leave a Salvation Army footprint, to build community. “For us old people who have been corps officers forever, it’s exciting to do something new. We are just doing what we love and just being part of the community.” Salvation Army officers Steve and Linda Miller are key members of The Lighthouse, a Christian charity at St Helens. Image: Supplied The Salvation Army’s vision statement, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus has come alive in their lives and the lives of those whom they encounter. “Salt and light,” Steve says. “The hands and feet of Christ.” “Our calling is to love God and to love his people,” adds Linda, as she references The Salvation Army’s spiritual focus for 2026 and beyond, ‘The Way’: “This is a real opportunity for us just to live the Jesus way: just travel with people, walk with people, share life and faith with people without the time constraints of program and property and everything else that pulls at you.” She says it was only when she and Steve took a leap of faith and stepped out of corps life that they realised how much it freed them up to be present with people and to really do life’s journey alongside individuals and communities. As Linda and Steve have followed God’s leading on the highways and byways of the east coast, the Holy Spirit has been moving. Partnerships have been formed. Lives are being transformed. These are just some of the stories: Jacquie proves you’re never too old Jacquie Mitchellmore (centre) proves you’re never too old to start a house church! Image: Supplied Ninety-two-year-old Jacquie Mitchellmore stopped going to church a few years ago. “I read my Bible every day,” she says. “But I was missing the fellowship.” She met Steve Miller when he came to the Orford Probus Group to chat. Afterwards, he mentioned that he would like to start a fellowship group in the area and before she knew what she’d said, Jacquie blurted out an offer to host it at her home. “It just popped out!” she says. Her husband had passed away three years ago and she thought, “My home is a comfortable home, so I might as well use it.” She also has a piano and, once the group had begun, realised how much she had missed playing and singing amongst others. For Steve, Jacquie’s offer to host the fellowship group was an answer to prayer. The regular meeting provides a place to which he can invite people along who are new to faith or interested in finding out more. The diversity of the attendees has invigorated Jacquie, who has made new friends through the group. “I’ve belonged to Bible study groups before, but they have never been quite like this one,” she says. “Steve is wonderful leading the group, because everybody can be themselves and be included in what they want to say [and] what they’re thinking, and that’s what I really like about it.” The group meets every second week for Bible study, fellowship, some singing and, of course, a cup of tea. Jacquie enjoys hosting the group and says she has grown in her faith as a result. “God’s not done with me yet!” she says, “I feel that God is still using me, and it feels good.” ‘Lunch with Mates’ church partnership Images supplied. Just up the road at Triabunna, Anglican Church Parish Warden Sue O’Rourke remembers being at the church for a Bible study one day, when Steve and Linda Miller turned up for a meeting with the new Parish Minister. She, and others, were also invited to attend. “That was when ‘Lunch with Mates’ was born,” she says, referring to the weekly community meal that the Anglican parish now puts on in conjunction with The Salvation Army’s East Coast Mobile Mission and the local RSL club. “It’s for anyone who wishes to come along to have a free meal once a week,” says Sue. “It’s also particularly for older people who are on their own like I am now, who may not get a nourishing meal every day and [want] to have social interaction with other people within the community.” The Anglican Church funds the ministry, and Steve and Linda work with volunteers to make it happen. About 30 people attend regularly. Sue says it’s a beautiful ministry that has seen people make new friends and care for each other outside of the weekly meal. “If we know somebody within the community who needs a meal, we will take it, or we will organise for Steve and Linda to take it to them. It’s pastoral care.” Charlie and Jeanne gain friends, mentors and support The Millers with the Koellners. When you step out in faith and pursue God’s calling on your life to pioneer something new in community, it can often feel lonely and isolating. Charlie and Jeanne Koellner founded the St Helens Lighthouse ministry three years ago, along with Alexander and Carole Withers and other members of a combined church prayer group. Since then, they have fed and supported more than 5000 people. “I always thought the Salvos were just people who stood on the corner and sang and banged their tambourines,” Charlie jokes, “but we were just blown away when Steve and Linda arrived and offered to put on a barbeque for us.” After that initial offer of assistance and involvement, it became apparent that the two couples had the same heart for God and for people. “You can’t not fall in love with Steve’s laughter and Linda’s beauty – they are just wonderful,” says Charlie. The two Salvation Army officers are now established Lighthouse team members. “They’re there when we need them,” says Charlie, who is encouraged by Steve’s regular phone calls to check in and pray. Through their connections as Salvation Army officers, Steve and Linda can also source and access donations of goods, clothing and – at times – financial assistance, which they generously pass on to keep the ministry running and to bless those who need the service. “We have had ladies living in cars with kids and people who have had their tent blown away, and we just love on them and support where we can,” says Charlie. It’s a blessing to be able to refer individuals with complex needs to Steve and Linda, who can work alongside the Lighthouse team and assist. It wasn’t long into their partnership that Steve and Linda started a regular ‘Hope Group’ fellowship and Bible study meeting, using the local St Helens Uniting Church. This enabled existing Christians who weren’t already in a small group and people from the Lighthouse who were interested in faith to connect in a meaningful way. A new group has just started for men that meets every second Thursday, and the leaders are seeing people meeting Jesus for the first time. “There are quite a few musicians amongst us, and we have a worship time as well as prayer and Bible study, and talk about everybody’s issues and support each other,” says Charlie. “It’s great!” Mick’s life transformed Mick (left) says his life changed when he came into contact with Steve Miller (centre) and Charlie Koellner at The Lighthouse in St Helens. Image: Supplied One of the men who attends the fortnightly Men’s Hope Group is Mick D’Amico, who moved to the East Coast of Tasmania in May last year. He started attending the St Helens Lighthouse ministry and admits he was a “broken man” when he first arrived. “I’ve always believed in Jesus, but I followed the wrong path of new-age spirituality and that led me down some slippery slopes and [into contact with] some evil people, and that wasn’t right,” he says. When he started going to the Salvos’ Hope Group Bible study, then the Men’s Hope Group, then joined a local church, he says things started to shift spiritually. “I just love the Bible now. I make sure every morning I read the ‘Word for the Day’ on the Bible app and listen to Christian radio ... My connection with the Salvos enriches my life, and being in that Bible group, I’m better off for it, same with the church and Lighthouse.” Mick is now volunteering at the Lighthouse and has started his own Bible study group in his home that other members of the church, including Charlie, attend. “I’ve always felt like an outsider, but here I feel like I fit in.”

The Collaroy Centre is embarking on a project (depicted as an illustration here) to cover and weatherproof its tennis and basketball court, which includes solar panels to make the property more environmentally sustainable. Image: Supplied BY LAUREN MARTIN A plan several years in the making is about to come to fruition at The Salvation Army’s Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches, with a covered roof of solar panels to be installed over the tennis/basketball court. The Collaroy Centre is one of The Salvation Army’s single biggest users of electricity, and the solar panels are expected to cut electricity use, and associated costs, by up to 50 percent. A sketch of the new solar panel roof. Image: Supplied “Sustainability is important to us because we want to ensure The Collaroy Centre continues operating responsibly and effectively for future generations while supporting The Salvation Army’s broader commitment to creation care and community impact,” said Centre Manager, Carlos Lopes. The project will also include a 30,000-litre water tank to support more responsible water use across the site. Carlos said with 35,000 people a year enjoying The Collaroy Centre for experiences like school camps, conferences and retreats, the project will enhance the venue for years to come. “Projects like this help ensure we can continue providing high-quality experiences, supporting community connection, and generating strong outcomes that ultimately contribute back into mission expression across The Salvation Army.” Construction is expected to start in the next few months, with the new solar panel roof up and running by the end of the year.

Each month on Salvos Online, Rosy, the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, shares her thoughts and reflections on the spiritual issues that shape our lives as Christians, exploring how our faith intersects with our everyday experiences and how we can deepen our relationship with God. Today, she focuses on a weekend trip to corps at Maryborough and Bendigo where she experienced a beautiful picture of relationship, service and worship despite and amidst her own personal pain. My husband and I recently travelled to Maryborough Corps (Vic.) to attend its Red Shield Appeal quiz night, organised by some of the young people from the corps. It was an incredibly well-attended evening that raised a significant amount of money through silent auctions, bargain tables and people offering goods and services. Tristan, a young person serving in the Family Ministry Assistant role with the corps, had approached local businesses to ask them to support the Red Shield Appeal by donating vouchers and materials, while also helping to coordinate the entire event with the team. It was an incredible night, and I came home with a clock and a whole collection of treasures from the bargain table. What a creative and community-filled way to raise funds! The Red Shield Appeal has been taking place across the country since the start of May, as employees, volunteers, officers and soldiers come together to invite Australia to support the work of The Salvation Army Australia through financial giving. Across the movement, people continue to find creative ways to raise money, offer services and support their local communities. There is an enormous amount of time and effort involved. From intersection collections, where people run between cars collecting donations, to scheduling, coordinating sites and building relationships with local schools and communities, so much unseen work goes into the appeal. I want to thank everyone who has taken part and given their time, talents or finances to support The Salvation Army Australia. Pentecost Sunday at Bendigo The next morning, we drove to Bendigo, where we spent the day with the corps there. Major Jean Cassidy shared a powerful message on waiting for the Holy Spirit, and I had been invited to lead a prayer activity for Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is the moment recorded in Scripture, and remembered in the Christian calendar, where we commemorate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the waiting believers. The gift Jesus promised he would leave with them. He said, “Do not hold onto me …” but promised to send the Advocate. A couple of days earlier, either out of economy or stubbornness, I had loaded all the week’s groceries into one giant blue IKEA bag because I did not want to make three or four separate trips. I hoisted it onto my shoulder and carried it inside. Somewhere in the process, I must have torn or strained something, because for the next seven days, I was in radiating, excruciating pain. At times, it hurt to breathe. I was grateful I knew it was musculoskeletal and not a heart attack, because honestly, at times, it felt like one. On Sunday morning, as we prepared to go to Bendigo Corps, I found myself speaking aloud just to encourage myself to keep going. Putting on my uniform was painful. Buttoning it up and putting on my coat hurt. As I dressed that morning, I worshipped anyway, and from somewhere deep in my spirit came a worship song I loved as a child (mostly because you are allowed to clap loudly while singing it!): “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart,I will enter His courts with praise.I will say this is the day that the Lord has made,I will rejoice for He has made me glad.” Because of whatever was happening with my ribs, it hurt to sing. I had to pause at the line, “He has made me …” and suddenly, in that moment of worship, it struck me afresh: He has made me. As I prepared to share that morning, God gave me a picture of a sail on a boat. It does not matter whether the sail is beautiful or plain, well-branded or unimpressive. The only thing that matters is whether it yields. Whether it can be filled with the wind. In the same way, we are called to be filled with the wind of the Spirit. How often do we, in all our economy and industriousness, overload our metaphorical blue IKEA bags because we do not want to make multiple trips? How often do we rush because we do not want to wait? How often do we keep working because waiting feels too wasteful? We row, and we row, instead of unfurling the sail. Our ability to move towards the horizon is only matched by our willingness to yield our sails to the wind of the Spirit, so we can enter the new waters God is calling us into. This connected deeply with a prophetic picture I had received a few weeks earlier while meeting with the Spiritual Life Committee, made up of key leaders and representatives from across The Salvation Army Australia. We meet regularly to pray, discern and discuss matters facing our movement, seeking God together and asking for his direction. My husband Scott and I (far left) with Major Jean Cassidy and the Bendigo Corps Officers, Captains Hummera Ashir and Ashir Morris. I sensed strongly that the rowing we have done in the past, the industrious labour of continuing to do the same things the same way, will hinder us if we keep rowing into the new season and the new waters God is inviting us into. I felt God asking us to unfurl the sails. At Bendigo Corps, beautifully crafted wooden and metal pieces by local Salvo David Reid and several young people represented key elements of the Bendigo community. One intricately welded piece reflected a well-known local structure. On the left-hand side of the stage sat the holiness table, made from local timber with shopping trolley castors on the bottom. David later shared the story behind it: In the late 1990s, the youth ministry wanted the furniture in the Bendigo Salvation Army building to connect with the local community. At that time, I was working in a cabinet-making business, which did not excite me much, so I took on the challenge to work with four young men who did not have a father figure living in their home. We worked on these projects on Wednesday nights for two years. There was no timeline, which meant it became about the time spent together. Through our conversations, I was able to offer a parent’s perspective on various aspects of life, and I found it incredibly rewarding. My wife and I have two daughters, so it was meaningful for me to spend time working with young men. Even now, when I occasionally see some of them, they still stop for a chat about the time we shared. Looking back, God created the opportunity for this program to happen. It became about connection, community and conversation, and the projects themselves were simply a bonus that we still enjoy today. I thank God for that opportunity. He has made me. Behind these pieces stood the Salvation Army flag, and this became the illustration I used that morning (while also apologising for touching it)! Although it is not a sacred object, it is held in deep esteem within our movement, representing the blood of Christ in red, the fire of the Holy Spirit in yellow, and the purity and holiness of God in blue. I held the flag out straight and said that it is something you can only properly read when it is stretched open. And yet if we covered it in starch or superglue to forcibly man-make the words to remain perfectly visible and neat, it would no longer yield or be capable of being filled. We, too, need to be yielding, like a flag or a sail, so we can be filled with the Spirit and become useful in the direction God is leading. Otherwise, we simply hang limp, unmoving, while continuing to row without ever reading the wind or recognising the seasons around us. We read from Psalm 124 together three times. Then we read Psalm 126, then again from the final line backwards through to the first! “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,we were like those who dreamed (the footnote says: or were restored to health!).Our mouths were filled with laughter,our tongues with songs of joy. Those who sow with tearswill reap with songs of joy.Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Restore our fortunes, Lord,like streams in the Negev.” That afternoon, a huge number of high school students from the local school came to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal collection. We served sausages, onions and cake, and thankfully, after an hour or so, my shoulder eased enough for me to help hand food out. Watching these bright young faces arrive and thanking them with a simple meal before they headed out to collect, thinking of all such similar circumstances and encounters all around The Salvation Army Australia this time of year in Red Shield, I saw such a beautiful picture of relationship, service and worship despite and amidst my own personal pain. He has made us glad. It reminded me of a short poem I wrote for Creative Brengle in 2024: Did you ever think about the double meaning of ‘yield’? To yield is to surrender. To yield is to bear much fruit. Maybe in the creation and recreation, the producing and reproducing, we find life in our surrender and therein lies the spiritual bloom. I also thought of Elijah when God spoke to him: “The Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord …” Elijah, too, had to yield, to surrender, so the presence of God could pass by him. A haiku: Yield so you may pass Fruitful fields yield harvest grass Surrender bears life

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following officers who will reach the retirement milestone in 2026: 30 June 2026 Major Heather Jenkins Major Andrew McKeown Lieut-Colonel Chris Reid 31 May 2026 ‌Commissioner Kelvin Pethybridge Commissioner Cheralynne Pethybridge Major Simon Steele Major Craig Todd 30 April 2026 ‌Major Tony De Tommaso Major Yan De Tommaso Major Fran Everitt Major Kaylene Fyfe 31 March 2026 ‌Major Neil Clanfield Major Sharon Clanfield Lieut-Colonel Robyn Clinch 28 February 2026 Major Rick Hoffman Major Rowena Smith 31 January 2026 Major Lauriee Arthur Major Paul Arthur Colonel Rodney Walters

Captain Tarsha Laundon, Lieutenant Vikki Song and Captain Lesley Newton collecting at a Bunnings on Sydney’s northern beaches. BY LAUREN MARTIN The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal Weekend has concluded for another year, and those on the frontline are telling stories of meaningful connections with members of the public. “There is always someone that comes up and tells us a story of how the Salvos has helped them or someone they know, I love it!” One volunteer said, after their collecting shift on the weekend. Another collector, long-term volunteer and soldier Don Archer, came across a woman whose husband had passed away that morning. She approached him as he was collecting and asked him to pray for her. He did so immediately. “He also spoke with a man who told him he became a Christian as a result of The Salvation Army ministry whilst in prison,” said Don’s wife, Jean. “What a sacred trust we have wearing our Army uniform.” Captain Lesley Newton, a chaplain at Elizabeth Jenkins Place Aged Care Centre, collected at various locations on Sydney’s northern beaches. She said she had had “lots of conversations over the last week”, with many people telling her how much they loved The Salvation Army. She said some thanked her that The Salvation Army still took singular donations. Whether wearing an officer’s or soldier’s uniform or a volunteer bib, The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is always about more than collecting. NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black spent her collection hours in prayer for meaningful interactions. NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black shares a smile with passers-by as she collects in western Sydney. “To be honest, it’s never about the money. I love the idea that by smiling and saying hello to people, I might bring joy, and often people stop to talk about life,” she said. Captain Pete Brookshaw, from Waverley Corps in Melbourne, said the Red Shield Appeal weekend was busy but fruitful. “My 15-year-old son Elijah collected at a shopping centre with his sister. An older lady gave them a pack of lollies to thank them for collecting. Then Elijah saw a man [who appeared to be experiencing homelessness] sitting out the front of the shops. He proceeded to give him the lollies, invite him to church and even laid his hand on his shoulder and prayed for him.” Elijah Brookshaw, who collected with his sister in Melbourne, took the opportunity to pray with a man. Sydney soldier Brooke Sellars has been collecting for the Red Shield Appeal every year since she was a baby. She reflected this year that now her children have been collecting for the appeal every year since they were babies. “I think it’s important to show them that by sacrificing just a couple of hours of our time, we can make such a difference in somebody’s life,” she said. “Whether that difference comes from the money we raise collecting, or whether it is just by having a conversation with somebody who is walking past our bucket who is struggling with the heaviness of life. Showing kindness and being selfless can honestly change somebody’s life, no matter how old or young you are.” Sydney Salvationist Brooke Sellars has been Red Shield Appeal collecting since she was a baby, and has been collecting with her children since they were babies. South of Sydney, a collector in northern Wollongong was able to refer a man to The Salvation Army’s Positive Lifestyle Program: “I don’t know if he will follow through with it, but we had a long conversation and I listened as he explained the relationship issues he was having with family members. He felt heard and valued.” And they’re the connections that matter. The Bible promises us that “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). So, if we can trust in the Lord to resource his mission in this world, we can simply enjoy the relational connections that fundraising during the Red Shield Appeal brings our way. Thank you Jesus! Collectors were out an about on the waterfront at Newcastle (NSW) over the Red Shield Appeal weekend.

To read Ted’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here

Lieutenant Jose Porcia delivers his heartfelt and inspiring testimony at the Gold Coast Red Shield Appeal launch. The Gold Coast launched its Red Shield Appeal with a breakfast at the Crowne Plaza on 26 May with 240 people gathered for the event. The room was an energised mix of corporate leaders, local philanthropists, business people, individuals and students, united in support of a shared cause as together they raised funds for The Salvation Army’s work in the community. Master of ceremonies Councillor Glenn Tozer welcomed everyone to the launch, including Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and other Salvation Army leaders. Tahana Turner, Queensland Divisional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator, gave an Acknowledgement of Country, encouraging everyone to help bring hope to our great nation. Divisional Commander Major Mark Everitt made some opening comments, speaking about the social and financial crises locally and nationally. He thanked those gathered, not just for their generosity in giving financially, but in their choosing to care and wanting to make meaningful change. “This reminds us that we’re part of a nation, not just individuals navigating life alone,” he said. “You become part of someone’s turning point when you give. You help create stability where there is uncertainty, and you bring hope to people where and when it’s needed most.” In his address, Councillor Mark Hammel, Deputy Mayor, City of Gold Coast, took time to acknowledge those in the room with lived experience of homelessness, family and domestic violence, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and other forms of significant hardship. “You are the reason this room matters,” he said. “Your presence ensures the conversation is grounded … that behind every one of those statistics is a person, a story and often a long and difficult journey.” Councillor Hammel also announced a gift of $380,000 to the Red Shield Appeal. Councillor Mark Hammel addresses the launch breakfast. Keynote speaker, Rod McGeoch AO, Emeritus Chairman of Chubb Insurances, spoke of his long association with and support for The Salvation Army, particularly with major building appeals. “As a lawyer, I have a licence to practise law, and it’s a privilege,” he said. “And with that comes a responsibility to protect the public interest, and I take that very seriously.” Rod shared how in Peru, he saw the mayor of Lima intensely concerned about the plight of the homeless and not wanting to move them on for the sake of convenience. He spoke about how that had made a deep impact on him. “We have an obligation to do something about the needs of all human beings – we are in this together, we have common needs, so please support The Salvation Army, this fantastic organisation that does so much for people,” he said. Rod McGeoch (right) proudly shows off his Salvos socks, with Lieutenant Jose Porcia and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. Lieutenant Jose Porcia had all in the room riveted to the stage as he shared his testimony titled ‘From garbage to grace’. The audience laughed and cried as Jose shared his journey from moving to Australia from the Philippines as a teenager, finishing his education and gaining work in the banking sector. A chance experience with drugs in 2003 led to a 13-year addiction that included times in hospital and prison. After a reality check after being released from prison, Jose attended, and completed, the treatment program at The Salvation Army’s Adele House, Coffs Harbour. “Most significant of all in my journey was The Salvation Army,” Jose shared. “The people there lived, loved and fought alongside me in the early days when I couldn’t live, love and fight myself,” he said. He then told of how an amazing encounter with God and the support of The Salvation Army then led him to repentance, completing university, and becoming a Salvation Army officer. READ MORE: Meaningless-becomes-meaningful-for-Jose An opportunity to donate to the Red Shield Appeal was then allocated, with most people using the QR code to access services. Salvation Army table representatives assisted with this process as needed. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas took to the stage to present The Salvation Army Others Award to the Crowne Plaza, who have supported the breakfast for many years, as well as officer retreats and other Salvation Army events. General Manager Crowne Plaza, Jason Farnworth, accepted the award. Councillor Glenn Tozer (right) with Jason Farnworth, General Manager Crowne Plaza, and the Others Award. “You have been doing this for a long, long time, and you’ve blessed us in so many ways,” said Miriam. “We are so very, very grateful and your heart in doing this for so long has meant that so many people are blessed.” “It’s always a pleasure for our team,” Jason shared. “I hope you’ve enjoyed the breakfast this morning, and it’s our contribution to give back for such a worthy cause. I’m honoured to receive this on behalf of the team.” Miriam closed the event, thanking those present for their “next level” support when it comes to great need.

Ebola education and training is part of The Salvation Army's response to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Salvation Army is standing with communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), supporting Ebola response efforts through health education, hygiene programs and medical equipment support. Authorities in the DRC and Uganda have confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin released on 17 May 2026. Affected areas The primary location affected in the DRC is the Ituri Province (Bunia, Mongbwalu and Rwampara) with confirmation of spread to North Kivu and South Kivu including Goma. At the time of writing, there are between 900 and 906 suspected cases of which 101-105 have been confirmed and over 200 suspected deaths of which 10 have been confirmed. In Uganda, there have been seven confirmed cases and one confirmed death. Emergency response Public health officials in the DRC have launched emergency response measures, including contact tracing, case isolation and laboratory testing, as efforts intensify to prevent wider transmission. Surveillance teams are also monitoring neighbouring areas for additional suspected cases. The outbreak comes as the region continues to face multiple public health challenges, placing increased pressure on health-care systems already responding to complex needs. The previous outbreak of the virus in 2025 in Kasai Province claimed 45 lives. As such, international health agencies are expected to support containment operations and reinforce preparedness measures across affected communities. Prevention and awareness During previous Ebola outbreaks, The Salvation Army has contributed to response efforts in the DRC by providing public health education, hygiene programs and medical equipment. Its teams have distributed handwashing and hygiene kits to hundreds of schools, churches and mosques within impacted regions, while also training thousands of community leaders on Ebola prevention and awareness. Salvation Army teams distribute handwashing kits. The movement has additionally supplied local clinics with protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, goggles, boots and biohazard suits, to help safeguard health-care workers treating suspected Ebola virus patients. Plans are underway to carry out similar actions for this response. Working alongside regional health authorities, The Salvation Army says its response focuses on limiting transmission through education campaigns, improving sanitation practices and reducing stigma surrounding infected individuals and affected families.

To read Keith’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment record, click here