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The Salvation Army Emergency Services crew preparing meals for firefighters at the Jane Brook bushfire west of Perth on 22 December.  BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams in Western Australia have had a busy start to the bushfire season, with crews being called out to a number of fires in the state’s south-west since 1 December.   The Salvation Army’s State External Communications Manager, Warren Palmer, said most bushfires have been in the state’s south-west, particularly along the corridor stretching from Perth’s outer north-east through to the south-west and down to regional centres near Bunbury. Salvation Army crews were mobilised in several locations before Christmas, including areas such as Kenwick, Bullsbrook and Jane Brook.   Since Christmas and over the New Year period, crews were once again called out to fires at Boddington, Warnbro, Kalamunda, Boya and Cowalla (100km north of Perth). The Salvation Army Emergency Services was on the ground in response to fires in the Kenwick and Bullsbrook regions before Christmas.   “Rain, hail or shine, our teams travel, prepare and serve our first responders, 24 hours a day as required,” Warren said.   “It is important, though, to acknowledge that we (SAES) do not take a break from Christmas to New Year. In fact, it can be one of the busiest times of the season.” The Salvos’ set-up at Cowalla, 100km north of Perth on Boxing Day, providing meals for firefighters. A good example of the SAES crews’ commitment came in the days between Christmas and New Year when volunteers mobilised to cater for emergency personnel fighting fires near Warnbro (south of Rockingham) and areas north of Bunbury, serving hundreds of meals across a single day.   Warnbro train station and a large part of the Mandurah train line were closed as unexploded ordnance hampered efforts to contain a bushfire.     Rockingham Corps opened its doors to receive donations from the community, and local businesses provided support to the first responders.   Local residents donated carloads of items, with Coles stores at Lakelands and Rockingham, both Woolworths stores in Baldivis and Fantastic Furniture donating and delivering water, snacks and other refreshments. (Top) Salvation Army personnel from Rockingham Corps with donations from businesses and the SAES set-up at the Warnbro fires.   “I want to take a moment to salute and thank our amazing volunteers at Western Australia Salvation Army Emergency Services for sacrificing their time, giving of their energy and skills for our first responders who deserve nothing but our very best. They are a perfect reflection of humility as well,” Warren said.   “Thank you does not seem enough, but at this moment, we say 'thank God for our volunteers'!” Salvation Army volunteers serving at the Kalamunda fires west of Perth on New Year’s Day.

Safety at the playground took on another meaning for Salvos Online journalist Anthony Castle while watching his son interact with friends. Photo: Johnny Cohen on Unsplash BY ANTHONY CASTLE   I watch my child reach out and connect. First, he gets onto the platform and begins to explore. He feels the supports around him, finding his friends. He goes deeper into the network of platforms and people, the activity and noise growing. Before I know it, he makes a leap. For a moment, I can no longer see him. I am scared. Is he safe?   I am at the playground, during school pick-up, watching my son. It is a routine space of play, but also of risk. I worry for him, I watch him, and I see another child among the activity and the noise. They stand on the ground beneath, looking into their hand, holding a phone. They are watching TikTok.   My son lands on his feet and stands up, though I don’t see it. I was distracted by the child on TikTok, which seemed to scare me more, and I have thought about it in light of the Government’s social media age limit. TikTok has been found to harm attention spans in students, and social media has been linked to anxiety, addiction, and bullying in younger users. Some have even connected social media to suicide.   I am a parent, but I have also been a youth worker. I worked with The Salvation Army to support the safety and rights of young people for over a decade. My son sees children with social media apps on smartphones and asks when he can have it too. I explain the risks of growing up with social media, that it’s not safe, and he asks a question I don’t know how to answer: When will it be safe?   As of 10 December 2025, children under 16 have been banned from social media in Australia. The ‘world first’ legislation prevents young people from signing up to social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube and Reddit.   Social psychologists have argued for similar restrictions, observing that teen mental health remained relatively stable for decades but declined sharply around 2012-13 , just as young people began to use smartphones and social media. Sixteen is an age at which individuals are suggested to be more capable of engaging with online platforms.   In that respect, the legislation appears appropriate, welcomed by Australian parents who have lost children to cyberbullying and suicide . The policy has support among polled communities, but not everyone agrees, with some experts arguing that an age limit may infringe on a child’s rights and digital literacy .   Others have argued that banning phones and Facebook may be a distraction from bigger problems. A world-leading study found that the decline in youth mental health doesn’t just correlate to social media, but also to growing generational inequality, financial stress, and global instability. The data doesn’t find that social media is a big factor in mental health, but rather that it could be a soft target for regulation.   Social media is also an important support for marginalised young people, particularly for LGBTQIA+ teens and those experiencing family domestic violence. Advocates have argued that for many young people who are disabled, isolated, at-risk, and marginalised, social media isn’t life-threatening; it can be a lifeline .   When will smartphones and social media be safe? The answer is that they aren’t. The world never is. Young people are growing up amid crises in equality, in housing, in politics, and in the climate. They are growing into a world not just of risk, but of ruin. Taking away social media doesn’t change that.   I think back to that day on the playground, my son making the leap. I’m distracted by the sight of the smartphone, but injury is actually the leading cause of death in children. Playgrounds are one of the primary causes of child hospitalisation. We are right to watch and worry about our children, but risk isn’t just unavoidable; it’s necessary.   There are reasons to think the ban may not even be enforceable, too. Face-scanning technology has proven inaccurate in assessing user ages . Tech-savvy teens can use overlay networks to get around the age limit, and a poll found one-third of parents are willing to help circumvent the laws anyway.   We can’t be complacent about addiction or bullying, but we can’t protect young people from all risks. We must support young people in facing risk, right there, when they need it.   I’m not sure there are easy answers. The legislation will be helpful for some, even as it disadvantages others. The Salvation Army has developed a set of resources to help young people and adults understand this transition and navigate it with compassion.   I consider it all again at another school pick-up. My son asks if he can go to the playground, but one day he won’t. One day, he will be old enough to connect online. He will get onto a social media platform, explore, feel for supports, and find friends. It will be active and noisy – scary – but all forms of play involve risk.   I will watch and worry, but he’ll inevitably make the leap, and I won’t always be able to see him. In that moment, I will trust he lands on his feet. Young people need to grow up with risk so they can stand up to the ruin adults have made for them.   ‘Can !?’ he asks again, while I’ve been distracted.   “Go. I’m right here.” More helpful links:     • For those supporting young people in this transition, Salvo resources are available here . • Young people seeking mental health support can go to Headspace . • Adults and young people seeking more information about the restrictions can refer to the eSafety site here .

The Salvation Army Hornsby Gateway Cafe in Sydney’s north has become more than a meeting place – it’s a community where people feel safe, open, build meaningful relationships and explore faith. Members of the community in speak about the role of faith in their journey, and how this café has offered purpose, connection, and a path toward Jesus. See how Gateway Café is bringing people together in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment through simple conversations over coffee.

Welcome to Australia! Colonels John and Lani Chamness were treated to a view of Sydney Harbour on their arrival by Major Kim Haworth, Lieut-Col Brenda Young and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. BY DEAN SIMPSON Colonels John and Lani Chamness have finally arrived in Australia, touching down in Sydney and receiving a warm welcome at Redfern Territorial Headquarters.   The Chamnesses, officers of the USA Western Territory, have been serving remotely in their new Australia Territory appointments since October due to visa delays – John as Chief Secretary and Lani as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers).   Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas hosted an afternoon tea ‘welcome’ on Monday at Redfern THQ, attended by about 35 people.   “I am delighted that the Chamnesses are now here  ... with us ... in person!” said Miriam.   “They are delightful people ... spiritual, relational and fun ... and they get our Aussie humour! So, we warmly welcome them.” Their arrival in Australia is also a “welcome birthday present” for John, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow (7 January). Commissioner Miriam Gluyas with Colonels John and Lani Chamness on their arrival. Miriam, John and Lani also took the time to roam around the Redfern office, chatting to people at their desks.   Before their appointments to the Australia Territory, the Chamnesses served in the Canada and Bermuda Territory as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, respectively.   Official welcome meetings will be held in Melbourne and Sydney over the coming weeks.   The Melbourne welcome will be held at Camberwell Corps on Sunday 15 February. The Sydney welcome will be held at Parramatta Corps on Sunday 1 March. WATCH: What are the Chamnesses looking forward to in Australia?   ‌

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 (5-11 January)   we pray for the South America East Territory.   The South America Territory has 154 officers (108 active, 46 retired); 4 envoys; 10 cadets; 46 corps; 5 outposts; 1440 senior soldiers; 44 adherents; 901 junior soldiers; 222 employees   Colonels Elder and Roxana Dinardi lead the South America East Territory. The Salvation Army has been working in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay for over 130 years, sharing the message of Jesus and serving people in his name. The work of the territory includes: ·  Children’s clubs ·  Community health services ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response Serving those in need is a focus area of the South America East Territory.   Praise points: ·     We thank God that 10 new cadets will enter the Cadet School in March 2026. Two of them will train in a corps. Thank God for calling these men and women to extend his Kingdom. ·     We thank the officers and employees for their loyalty as part of the mission. ·     We are grateful for the new soldiers committed to being faithful to God in every corps. ·     We thank God for the financial strategies, for God’s provision, and that even in difficult times we see his hand giving what we need. A nutritional workshop helps guide families on preparing healthy meals. Prayer requests: ·     We pray that more young people will be touched in their hearts at the next Territorial Youth Institute; the motto will be "Metanoia" – transformed into the mind of Christ. ·     For the children's camps and Vacation Bible Schools. ·     That we can achieve the goals of our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan in the evangelism and growth of our officers and soldiers. ·     For renewed passion and courage among the officers in their service of the Lord. ·     For the families and children of the officers who, upon seeing the example of their parents, yearn for a life of dedication and dedication to the Lord. ·     Let us pray that our people will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, strengthened in faith and vision. ·     Let us cry out to God for a growing impact of mission, that all that is done may glorify Christ. ·     May the Lord give us a renewed focus to evangelise and disciple, with passion and creativity. ·     May we strengthen community relations, being light and salt in every place of our territory. ·     Let us pray to God that through our example, a sustainable legacy will be built – one that transcends generations. ·     Let us pray for greater levels of stewardship, stewarding well the goods that the Lord entrusts to us. ·     May we move forward in faith toward the implementation of new works, trusting in divine provision.   To find out more about the South America East Territory, click here . To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here . To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here .

Auxiliary-Lieut Mel Purcell and the resources developed by the National Youth and Young Adults Team. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army has developed a series of resources to help young people and adults navigate the Australian Government’s new social media age restrictions. Recent regulations require many social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent young people under the age of 16 from holding an account.   “The resources were created to support meaningful conversations between young people, parents and leaders,” explains Auxiliary-Lieutenant Mel Purcell, leader of the National Youth and Young Adults Team.   “We explored what resources were already available online and worked closely with the National Youth and Young Adult team to shape content that is practical, relevant and supportive. The goal is to help adults start open conversations to understand young people’s experiences and feel more confident in how they can offer support.”   The new changes are designed to reduce exposure to harmful content and create safer online environments, but they may also feel disruptive for young people who rely on digital spaces for connection, belonging, and friendship.   For some, losing access to familiar platforms can bring real feelings of loss, isolation, or fear of missing out. Age-restricted platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Switch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. READ MORE: To view the Start the Conversation resources, click here “Many young people may be feeling uncertain, frustrated, or disconnected as these changes affect how they communicate and stay connected with friends,” says Mel.   “For some, social media has been a key part of their social world and identity, so these changes can feel significant. While we may not see the full impact for some time, it is important that parents, carers, and leaders create space to listen, understand and walk alongside young people as they process how they are feeling.” The new resources were developed to provide practical and compassionate support for young people, parents, and leaders navigating this transition.  VIEWPOINT: A parent’s reflection on the social media ban Each resource explains what the changes mean, acknowledges both the challenges and potential benefits, and offers guidance for healthy conversations. Rather than focusing only on rules or restrictions, the Salvo resources aim to centre wellbeing, understanding, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships, both online and offline.   “This transition offers a valuable opportunity to deepen relationships with young people by being present, listening well, and offering consistent support,” Mel says. “By intentionally investing in real-world connection, we can help young people feel valued, understood and supported while also strengthening trust and community during a time of change.” More helpful links: • Young people seeking mental health support: Headspace . • Leaders, parents, and young people, stay informed about the restrictions here .

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Brownyn Buckingham have resumed their duties from International Headquarters in London.   “Today we experienced a truly special moment at International Headquarters, where we received a warm welcome and I had the privilege of sharing my testimony of God’s incredible restoration in my health,” said General Lyndon Buckingham, upon returning to London in early January 2026.   “We feel deeply blessed and excited for all that 2026 holds, trusting that God will continue to accomplish amazing things through The Salvation Army International.”   Officers and staff from International Headquarters gathered to welcome back General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries. “We are deeply inspired by their testimony, a powerful reminder of God’s miracles and answered prayers,” one participant shared.   The General suffered a medical incident while celebrating the 95th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s work in Hong Kong in October 2025. He was admitted to hospital where he received treatment in the form of heart angioplasty to clear a blocked artery.   He responded to this procedure well and was told to expect a full recovery. He has been recuperating over the past couple of months in his home country of New Zealand with Commissioner Brownyn, including working remotely.   “Join us in praying for abundant blessings and God’s protection over our international leaders as we step into 2026 together!” was the message shared on the IHQ Facebook page. To view images from the ‘Welcome Home’ meeting, see below.

Cyber-scamming is a scourge on communities worldwide. Victims are often left devastated, morally and financially, and sometimes at risk of their lives. Cyber-scamming is a scourge on communities worldwide. Victims are often left devastated, morally and financially, and sometimes at risk of their lives. To mark International Human Rights Day (10 December), The Salvation Army’s All the World magazine explored the historic roots and current landscape of human trafficking tied to scam centres in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia and how the Army is offering support to vulnerable people caught up in this modern-day crime.   BY MARCUS MOO* The Golden Triangle – where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet – has long been defined by rugged terrain, porous borders and shadow economies. Once dominated by the narcotics trade, the region is now the epicentre of one of the world’s fastest‑growing forms of exploitation: the mass trafficking of men, women and, increasingly, young people, into forced criminality within cyber‑scam compounds.   For decades, border communities in the Golden Triangle have faced conflict, poverty, and statelessness. In Myanmar’s Shan, Kachin and Kayin states, armed groups have long financed themselves through narcotics, extortion and illicit trade. Entire communities have been displaced by war, pushing thousands towards Thailand and Laos in search of safety or work. Advanced exploitation Northern Thailand is also home to hundreds of thousands of hill‑tribe people caught on the edges of the Myanmar conflict who lack access to formal education, healthcare and legal protection. These vulnerabilities create fertile ground for traffickers who prey on those with few alternatives. In Laos, economic hardship and limited state capacity have led many to migrate into Thailand’s agricultural and construction sectors – often becoming indebted, deceived, or exploited along the way.  These long‑standing patterns of vulnerability now feed a newer and more technologically advanced form of exploitation. The rise of scam compounds: from casinos to cybercrime   In 2019, transnational criminal organisations began shifting from gambling operations to the highly profitable world of online fraud. Old casino complexes and special economic zones were quietly repurposed into scam compounds. Individuals from across Asia – China, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Nepal, and beyond – were recruited with false promises of high‑paying jobs. Once transported to compounds such as Shwe Kokko in Myanmar, the Kings Romans–linked Golden Triangle SEZ in Laos, or large campuses in Sihanoukville, Cambodia; they found themselves trapped.  Passports were confiscated. Phones removed. Movements monitored. Inside these heavily guarded enclaves, victims were forced to operate what are referred to as ‘pig‑butchering’ scams (where scammers lure their victims into what they believe to be a romantic relationship – fattening them up to then exploit them financially), cryptocurrency fraud networks, or remote gambling operations, often under threat of starvation, beatings, electrocution, or torture.  Laos hosts a growing number of scamming centres. Rivalling the drug trade Recent reports estimate tens of thousands have been trafficked into these compounds. UN investigations in 2024-2025, show that scam centres generate tens of billions of dollars each year, rivalling the scale of the global drug trade and directly implicating armed groups, militias, and corrupt officials.  Crackdowns by regional authorities – such as the high-profile demolition of KK Park in Myanmar in November 2025 – often disperse rather than dismantle the networks. Trafficking victims simply disappear into neighbouring compounds, while operators rapidly rebuild elsewhere. A scam “state” has emerged: decentralised, mobile, and protected by complex political and economic interests. The Salvation Army in Chiang Rai: preparing the way Amid this unsettling backdrop, The Salvation Army’s compassionate work in Thailand has been developing since 2014. Since the movement’s official launch there in 2023, a surge of growth has been evident, including in Chiang Rai, a regional city in the northern Thailand.   Chiang Rai sits at one of the region’s most strategic crossroads: close to the Myanmar border town of Tachileik and only hours from Laos’ Bokeo province, where scam compounds have proliferated. It is a province marked by poverty, statelessness, and cross‑border movement; conditions that traffickers often exploit.  The Salvation Army’s Chiang Rai ministry is led by Major Lalrintluanga and Major Lalnunmawii who partner with other local non-government organisations (NGOs) to conduct simple, grassroots‑level awareness sessions for corps members and vulnerable communities. These sessions help families recognise deceptive recruitment tactics, understand safe‑migration principles and learn how to respond when encountering girls, women or young people at risk.  Future plans could potentially scale this humble prevention and awareness building community work to a level that will have greater impact across the province.  The concept imagines broader preventive work including:  strengthening referral pathways with government and NGOs  equipping screened corps members as protection volunteers   distributing relief kits to vulnerable families   creating early warning networks in border market communities such as Mae Sai   supporting stateless and migrant youth through education and social assistance   Aside from these plans that await international funding, the efforts being undertaken in Chiang Rai at this juncture remain foundational. Though quiet and localised at present, the work is meaningful. It builds trust, strengthens relationships and prepares the ground for deeper engagement.  A future safehouse for women and girls Alongside its work on awareness building and prevention, The Salvation Army has developed an aspirational concept for a protection facility in Chiang Rai dedicated to female victims of trafficking.  This vision is still in the early explorative stage. The proposal imagines a safe space equipped to provide immediate care including food, clothing, translation support, trauma‑informed listening, legal accompaniment and coordinated referrals.  Meetings with Thai provincial authorities are being organised to understand requirements, explore legal pathways and discern how such a facility might align with Thailand’s anti‑trafficking and child‑protection frameworks.  This is not yet an operational program. It is an aspiration – rooted in compassion, research, listening and the realities observed on the ground.  Challenges, caution and hope As The Salvation Army discerns its next steps, wisdom is essential.  The history of the Golden Triangle shows that when one illicit trade is disrupted, another quickly takes its place. Trafficking patterns shift. Syndicates retaliate. Vulnerable people continue to suffer. Any future safehouse must be built carefully, in collaboration with authorities and with deep sensitivity to community dynamics and security concerns.    Yet the need is undeniable. Every moment brings new stories: a teenage boy who escaped a scam compound and crossed into Chiang Rai; children left behind when parents migrate abroad and fall into harm. In these small encounters, The Salvation Army responds quietly –  offering meals, prayer, transport, referrals and presence.  These humble acts foreshadow the deeper mission at the heart of The Salvation Army.  Countercultural work The Golden Triangle stands at a pivotal moment. Its criminal networks are evolving faster than governments can respond. Entire economies have been reshaped by illicit online activities. Lives are being commodified at an unprecedented scale.  In such a landscape, compassion is countercultural and protection is holy work.   The Salvation Army’s current awareness efforts, and its hope for a future safehouse in Chiang Rai, reflect a commitment to walk alongside the vulnerable, advocate for justice, and offer refuge ‘in Jesus’ name’.  The road ahead is long, but through partnership, prayer and steadfast love, light can break through in a region often overshadowed by exploitation. A safe harbour in Chiang Rai may one day stand as that light: a sign that every life is precious, every girl is worth protecting and every survivor deserves hope.    Look out for an  All the World  documentary in the New Year on the growth of The Salvation Army’s work in Thailand.   *Marcus Moo is The Salvation Army’s Director of Social and Community Services and Social Justice for Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Click on the lonk for the full story as it appeard in All the World

Women in Australia are bearing the burden of cost-cutting, while more men are growing their investments. Image: Getty BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE When it comes to financial inequality in Australia, we tend to think of the main points – the income disparity between men and women, the superannuation gap, and the rising rate of homelessness among women over 55. But these inequalities do not tell the whole story. On a daily basis, women are facing the toll of trying to survive in a cost-of-living and housing crisis, and while men also face such impacts, women are disproportionately affected. November research from AustraliaNOW showed that women over-indexed on almost every financial management action, including shopping around, cutting expenses and budgeting, while   more men invest than women (16 per cent vs nine per cent respectively). Investing was also more associated with higher income earners who earned more than $100,000 per year, while cost-cutting was primarily the concern of lower-income households, with yearly incomes of under $50,000.   State Manager for Moneycare in Queensland Lucy Jones says the disparity between men and women seeking assistance with their finances is clear from Gold Coast data, where one counsellor’s caseload for the previous year was made up of 61 per cent women and 39 per cent men. In the Lockyer Valley, caseloads were similar, with the same timeframe for one staff member comprising 65 per cent women vs 35 per cent men. “ Working as a financial counsellor, I have always had more women than men present for support with their financial concerns ,” Lucy says. Lucy says she believes this speaks to the fact more primary carers are women, and more women experience higher living costs with dependents. She says many of these women are accessing “little to no” child support and have experienced some form of family and domestic violence (FDV). She says one client, who was employed full-time in a professional role, had left an FDV relationship and was in temporary housing while looking for a two-bedroom rental which would just be sufficient for both her and her children. Despite earning a full-time wage, she was unable to qualify for any rentals in the area because real estate agents require that rent is no more than 30 per cent of an applicant’s income. Lucy says such pressure can be crushing on single parents and families, especially on women. She says for many women, difficult periods in life or destructive relationships can leave them with residual debt which impairs their ability to be financially secure later in life. “Housing affordability is having a particularly damaging impact on people. Not being able to afford any rentals in the entire rental market of your area can leave people and families in crisis,” she says.    “I find that working with women on lower incomes, more often than not, they know exactly where every cent goes. They have a really clear understanding of what their costs are. They just don't have enough coming in.” ANZ research  gathered in 2021 and released in March 2023 showed that across all age groups, women demonstrated lower financial wellbeing than men, even though when comparing men and women between the ages of 25-34 – often a crunch point for career development and increasing salaries – women typically showed stronger savings mindsets than men. TSA General Manager for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and single mother of three Amanda Brummell Lennestaal concurs with Lucy that many women are simply not making enough money. She says for women, the issue of financial inequality goes far deeper than just making some small budget shifts. She says many women cannot work extra hours because of caretaking responsibilities or managing the basics of wellbeing, especially with children who have disabilities or complex care needs. She says not only is this an issue for women’s immediate needs, but also those facing retirement with what she describes as “grossly inadequate superannuation balances”. “There are only so many ways you can educate a woman in how she can stretch her money,” Amanda says. “Because at the end of the day, while ever women are bearing the brunt of child support systems that are used as tools of abuse [amid] a high cost of living and an often-disconnected social environment, we still allow women to bear the brunt of abuse and inequality if we assume that the only way we can help them is to find another $5 for the bread. “I know how to scrimp and save and how to cut corners, but you can only do that so far. The challenge is how we move beyond seeing entrenched disadvantage not as a lack of female capacity or skill, because at the end of the day, that becomes another active form of discrimination that says, ‘You can get yourself out of it if you just work a little harder’. “Sometimes women can't work any harder.” Amanda says that in her role, she is seeking to not only work to equalise gender and pay discrepancies but also encourage a workplace environment where it is acceptable to voice one’s needs and where women are truly heard. She says moving from a crisis response to a capacity-building framework is key to helping women operate as true equals to their male counterparts. “There are lots of practical things we can be doing,” Amanda says. “Ultimately over time, it’s about how we think about the government contracts, tenders and services we deliver [and] how we see women as strong, resilient and competent, and understand where their unique needs might be.” Moneycare Week At the start of a new year many people think about their finances in light of Christmas spending and the school year dawning. Moneycare Week offers a timely opportunity to share practical tips and resources that help people feel capable and supported.  During the week of 18–24 January 2026, there will be media activity and digital advertising to promote Moneycare Week.  READ MORE: MySalvos Moneycare Toolkit, click here  If you would like to highlight Moneycare Week in your mission expression during January, either physically or digitally, the resources below can help.   Please note: Moneycare has a wide range of resources for the community. Please feel free to share the public-facing Moneycare Financial Resources page with your community: The Salvation Army Moneycare Financial Resources page

As we step into 2026 together, hear from Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas as she shares a powerful New Year message for The Salvation Army. God is doing something fresh among us; a season of pioneering, planting and innovation. Inspired by Isaiah 43, Miriam reminds us that we are not standing still, we are moving forward with courage and faith, embracing new ideas, new expressions of church and new opportunities to serve and love people in Jesus’ name. Join us in 2026 as we lean into all that God is doing.

Boxer-turned-priest Father Jud, played by Josh O'Connor. Wake Up Dead Man is the latest instalment of the popular ‘A Knives Out Mystery’ series. Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a ‘perfectly impossible crime’ at a small-town church with a dark history. Salvos Online journalist ANTHONY CASTLE reviews the film from a faith-based perspective.   A young priest walks into an old church for the first time. The pews are empty, and a mark on the far wall shows where something had once been hung. He steps closer to realise what is missing from the sanctuary. The cross is gone.   The symbolism that opens Rian Johnson’s latest murder mystery film may not be subtle, but its clarity serves a larger purpose.   Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the latest whodunnit from the writer/director and another case for the mercurial detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), but it also asks a question facing faith and culture right now: what is the real value at the heart of the Church?   Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is a former boxer who turned to the priesthood. After punching a deacon in frustration, Father Jud is assigned to the small-town Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude. There he finds the congregation dwindling under the fire-and-brimstone preaching of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin).   Monsignor Wicks relies on shock and shame; his sermons are uploaded to YouTube, where they gather a larger following, while those in the pews increasingly walk out. “Are you here to take away my church?” Wicks asks. “I am here to serve,” Father Jud replies.   The two priests begin to work together, but Wicks is inexplicably stabbed to death in an alcove of the sanctuary during the Good Friday service. With no clear explanation as to how he was killed, Blanc arrives on the scene and calls it a “perfectly impossible crime”. Others call it a miracle.   The detective begins quizzing the parishioners about the case in a whirlwind tour of the ensemble cast that has all the wit and twists for which this franchise is known. The plot has all the secrecy and surprises expected of the genre, with a dose of miracle added to the mix. Johnson’s film is built around a series of polarities: reason and faith, grace and shame, an empty tomb and a missing cross (with many Biblical Easter Eggs along the way). Wake Up Dead Man writer-director Rian Johnson.  Writer/director Rian Johnson has reflected on his own experiences while promoting the film. A former ‘youth group kid’ , the filmmaker found his faith changing in adulthood. While no longer identifying as Christian, Johnson’s film wrestles with the questions that defined his faith and his doubt, and offers a surprisingly devout answer.   These are times of polarisation and distraction. Social media is a space where shame and misinformation are weaponised. Those in the Church can fall prey to this, like anyone. Wake Up Dead Man isn’t just a fun murder mystery but also a call to action for any parts of the Church that may have found itself distracted.    While the film’s miracles are debunked and the killer caught, the rationalist detective does come to see the worth in personal sacrifice, following a confession by Father Jud:   … my real and only purpose in life, which is not to fight the wicked and bring them to justice, but to serve them and bring them to Christ ... We are here to serve the world, not beat it. That’s what Christ did.   Rian Johnson’s film asks questions of the faith he once held and finds answers for those who are still faithful. There is a true value to be found at the heart of the Church, not in shame and judgement, but within Jesus, in the picture of the cross and the service it represents.   Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix Detective Benoit Blanc, played by English actor Daniel Craig, of James Bond fame.

Ukrainians have now endured almost four years of the full-scale Russian invasion. As many of us in Australia and around the world enjoy a holiday break after the Christmas season, others, such as those in Ukraine, continue to live with the trauma, fear and devastation of war. Salvation Army personnel in Ukraine and beyond are continuously working to bring help and hope to their communities, regardless of circumstances. Here, The Salvation Army's international magazine, All The World , shares four snapshots of stories from the frontlines.   Natalia Korkhova, Dnipro, Ukraine In March 2022, Natalia Ivanivna, 67, fled from Pology in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. She and her family escaped under heavy shelling, travelling dangerous, mined roads, and were robbed by Russian soldiers at checkpoints. After losing everything they settled in a small dormitory room in Dnipro. They are now living here – five people in one room – while Natalia’s son-in-law serves in the army.   “It was the first time in years I felt something light inside,” she shared. “The warmth of people around me helped me open up again.”   Natalia, a former accountant, hesitantly approached The Salvation Army for support. Over time, she became a volunteer and began attending programs. Last Christmas, she participated in a craft class and worship: “It was the first time in years I felt something light inside,” she shared. “The warmth of people around me helped me open up again.” She started praying and seeking connection with God – a meaningful shift in her life journey at such a difficult time.  Halyna (left) has now found peace. Halyna Pohrebniak (Kharkiv, Ukraine) Halyna is a displaced woman from Kupyansk. She lost her home in the chaos of war and barely managed to escape. Alone and exhausted, she arrived in Kharkiv with only a small bag of belongings. Last year, she received a devastating medical diagnosis – a possible brain tumour.   “I don’t want to talk about the war … I cry every time,” she said. “But here, I found peace.”   She came to The Salvation Army seeking help, but found something more – community. “I don’t want to talk about the war … I cry every time,” she said. “But here, I found peace.” During the Christmas Day celebrations at her church in 2024, she became a soldier (full member) of The Salvation Army. “You helped me see God differently,” Halyna shared. “You gave me hope when I had none.”   Nazarenko Family (Vinnytsia, Ukraine) In the summer of 2023, Viktor and Natalia Nazarenko fled their village in Zaporizhzhia after it was occupied. In Vinnytsia, they were referred to The Salvation Army by local services. Viktor quickly became a volunteer. Later, Natalia started attending worship services and programs.   For the first time since fleeing, their children laughed freely, and they felt a sense of safety and belonging. Last year they celebrated Christmas with their new family of The Salvation Army: “In our real home, there are now Russian soldiers. But here, with the Army, we celebrated Christmas like a real family,” Viktor said. The event included songs, food, games and warm conversation. For the first time since fleeing, their children laughed freely, and they felt a sense of safety and belonging.  Yuliia (Kyiv, Mayak Corps) In 2022, Yuliia and her husband evacuated from Sievierodonetsk. Her husband had previously survived captivity in 2016, so the decision to flee was immediate when the full-scale invasion began. With their young son, they began a new life in Kyiv.   Last year they celebrated Christmas at Mayak Salvation Army church and Yuliia was deeply moved. “We never celebrated Christmas – only New Year. But here, I felt something very different. Like I belonged to the family.” She later offered to teach fitness classes at the church for free, saying: “It’s my way of giving back.” Her three-year-old son also attended the celebration and received his first real Christmas gift.   Their mother shared: “For the first time since the war began, I saw my children smile and relax.” The Christmas event allowed the children to be children again – not victims, not refugees, but kids surrounded by care and celebration.   Kostia and Masha (Pisochyn, Ukraine) Kostia and his older sister Masha were forced to flee with their family when the war reached their hometown. “There were bombs. It was so scary,” he said. They settled in the small town of Pisochyn, where they knew no one and had nothing to do.   Soon after, they were invited to The Salvation Army’s local centre. There, they found not only safety and structure, but joy. “We make crafts, we have friends now,” said Kostia. His sister, Masha, especially enjoyed the Christmas celebrations which included a festive event with gifts, songs, games and a warm meal. Their mother shared: “For the first time since the war began, I saw my children smile and relax.” The Christmas event allowed the children to be children again – not victims, not refugees, but kids surrounded by care and celebration.   A child holding a Christingle orange with a lit candle on top, surrounded by festive decorations and warm lights. The tradition of making a ‘Christingle’ orange originated in Germany and is practised in many countries around the world. The orange represents the world in which a candle is inserted to symbolise Jesus the light of the world. The red ribbon represents Jesus’ sacrifice, and the sweets symbolise God’s bounty.  This Advent, when we light our Christingle candles, or Advent candles in other countries, let us not forget those in Ukraine and other regions of the world such as Gaza and Sudan where people continue to live under war conditions. We extend our love this Christmas to Natalia and her family, the Nazarenko family, Yuliia and her family and Kostia and Masha and all those who are suffering in war-torn countries.   Editorial Team IHQ Program Resources The team behind All the World