The 2025 Red Shield Appeal is here! This year’s theme, ‘Be the Hope People Need,’ is inspired by Romans 15:13. You can make a positive impact by volunteering to doorknock. The iconic doorknock has always been a core part of the Red Shield Appeal, and this year it is bigger than ever. Rally your friends, family, and corps so that together we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Check out all the ways your community can get involved at https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/get-involved/

Major Brendan Nottle addressing the crowd at the launch. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The new Project 614 Health Clinic officially opened on 1 May at a gala ceremony and high tea at the 69 Bourke Street building in Melbourne’s CBD. The event, attended by dignitaries including Victorian Premier the Honourable Jacinta Allan MP, Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne Nicholas Reece and Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, launched the clinic as a collaboration between CoHealth, Alfred Health and The Salvation Army. The event also marked 130 years of The Salvation Army’s presence in the 69 Bourke Street location. Master of ceremonies Chloe Shorten, Deputy Chair of Alfred Health, introduced the ceremony by describing how about 600 people accessed the services at Project 614 every day, receiving a “warm shoulder to lean on, a safe place and most importantly, hope to get through tough times”. She also described Project 614 Team Leaders Majors Brendan and Sandra Nottle as “national treasures”. The crowd watching the smoking ceremony prior to the launch. Image: Supplied Thanks to the innovation of Victoria’s Chief Addiction Medicine Advisor Dr Paul McCartney and his colleague and friend Dr Dean Membrey, as well as the work of Brendan and Sandra Nottle, the new clinic will offer general practitioner services from 9am to 1pm on weekdays, as well as a nurse onsite and access to mental health services delivered by Alfred Health. Alfred Health Program Director for Mental and Addiction Health, Associate Professor Simon Stafrace, said the team was building on the ethos pioneered by The Salvation Army and was committed to working beyond its own walls. “We want to provide accessible, timely, and person-centred mental health care for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks,” Simon said. “From mental health perspectives, our priorities will be very clear. We intend to build trust. We want to deliver early assessment and advice. We want to support our colleagues [at] CoHealth and the Salvos … we want to improve pathways into more structured care only if that’s needed. Image: Supplied “In other words, we want to help people sooner and more safely before they find themselves in crisis or in emergency departments.” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan spoke, thanking Brendan and Sandra Nottle for their work in caring for Victorians facing homelessness, addiction and social isolation in Melbourne’s CBD. “If you want to find the real beating heart of our city, look right here: Brendan Nottle,” Jacinta said. Jacinta said healthcare was not just about medicine, it was about trust. She said patients wanted to be treated like human beings, not a problem to be solved. “That’s what this place understands, and that’s certainly what The Salvation Army has been doing here quietly for more than a century,” Jacinta said. “Through war, through depression, through pandemics, they’ve kept these doors open. Not because it was easy, but because they knew just how much it was needed. “The opening of this new health hub that we are marking here today is so much more than bricks and mortar, it’s a statement of belief. A belief in fairness; a belief in dignity – in the idea that care should be available to everyone where they are when they need it. It’s a reflection of what we value most as a community: not status or profit, but people.” Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at the event. Image: Supplied Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt MP said the State Government was really proud to support The Salvation Army, CoHealth and the Alfred with an investment of $2.9 million. She spoke of the wraparound support provided at Project 614, including general practitioners onsite, nursing, wound care, mental health support, pharmacotherapy services, as well as support to navigate government services, including housing, financial and legal support. “We all love this city and we’re extremely fortunate to live in an affluent country, but with that fortune does come a responsibility to ensure that no one gets left behind,” Ingrid said. “People on the margins facing complex challenges in their lives deserve our care and our support, free from judgment and free from stigma.” Nicholas Reece said as Lord Mayor, he wanted Melbourne to be the “best and fairest city in the world”. He drew attention to the verse on the wall of Project 614’s hall, Matthew 28:11, which reads “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest”. “That’s what The Salvation Army has been for 130 years – a place where people can find sanctuary, the care they need and making true that great aspiration for our city that Melbourne [is] the best and fairest of them all,” he said. Dr Dean Membrey and Dr Paul McCartney, innovators of the health clinic. Image: Lauren Martin Veteran ABC broadcaster and Salvation Army historian John Cleary offered a history of the Salvation Army’s work in the Bourke Street building. Collingwood Football Club Chief Executive Craig Kelly and Miriam Gluyas, as well as CoHealth Chief Executive Nicole Bartholomeusz, also spoke at the event. Nicole said CoHealth had been providing outreach to those needing support with addiction for more than a decade, but this new clinic offered a wraparound service in a location where people already felt safe. “Trust empowers people to make their own choices knowing that help will be there when they need it,” Nicole said. “This is what compassionate, non-judgmental care looks like. But none of this happens alone. It starts with strong partnerships. When we come together to support those who face huge challenges, we’re not just helping individuals, we’re improving the health outcomes of the whole community.” Brendan Nottle closed the event by thanking all those present and those who were involved in the clinic, saying each one was “vital” to the work of Project 614. The cake to celebrate 130 years of The Salvation Army's presence at 69 Bourke Street. Image: Miriam Gluyas “We’ve been here 130 years, and The Salvation Army is planning on being here at least another century,” Brendan said, to whooping and hollering from the crowd. “I just want to say this: while there remains one hungry person in the city, The Salvation Army shall not, the Salvation Army must not, and the Salvation Army will not move from this location. While there is one person with mental health issues and health issues that are undiagnosed and untreated, The Salvation Army shall not, must not and will not be moved from this location. While there remains one person in the city who has no friends, who is socially isolated, who’s locked out of meaningful, inclusive community, The Salvation Army must not and will not be moved from this location. “While there continues to be one person that’s locked out of access to the basic human rights, The Salvation Army shall not, must not, will not be moved from this location. Seal, sign and deliver it,” he said.

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Jean, click here

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Ian, click here

Did you know that the Kenya East Territory has almost 100,000 senior soldiers? Each week throughout 2025 year, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (5-11 May) we are praying for the Kenya East Territory.   The Kenya East Territory has: officers 870 (798 active, 72 retired); aux-captains 55; cadets 82; envoys 51; employees 132; corps 547; outposts 287; senior soldiers 96,862; adherents 736; junior soldiers 61,396.   Colonels Anne and Daniel Kiama lead the territory.   Praise points: We are grateful to God for a successful five-day territorial prayer and fasting event, which took place at the beginning of this year. The event brought a sense of rejuvenation and commitment. Salvationists were re-energised spiritually, psychologically, emotionally and physically for the service of God. We have heard powerful personal testimonies of spiritual deliverance and newfound freedom in Christ, of emotional breakthrough and reconciliation among estranged families, and of spiritual transformation, physical healing and renewed faith in God. Prayer requests: ·       We pray for God’s Spirit to lead us as a territory as we play our part in empowering people, enhancing mission impact and establishing an enduring legacy in response to the General’s call in the global strategic framework. ·       We pray that the spirit of soul winning in all programs – in youth and children ministries, men’s ministries, women's ministries, social, community and projects – will continue to be our priority. ·       We pray for spiritual awakening, renewal and deeper commitment to God’s will of all Salvationists in the territory. We seek God’s guidance, fresh anointing and spiritual growth so that we may rise to new and greater heights in faith and service in 2025 and beyond. ·       We pray that all the events and activities scheduled to take place this year in our corps, institutions, commands, in different communities, including all territorial appeals, will bring glory and honour to God. ·       We pray for the success of all command reviews, which began in March 2025, that God will grant abundant grace and favour to our territorial leaders and to all those who will be involved during the review exercise. ·       We pray for the wellbeing and good health of all active and retired officers, all employees and all Salvationists in our territory. ·       We pray for peace, stability, harmony and unity in our nation of Kenya. May God inspire our national leaders and all citizens to love and support one another so that we may realise a healthy and a caring nation. To find out more about the Kenya East Territory, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

The team at Bayswater Salvos Store in Victoria after the Easter Reflections service. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Shoppers at Salvos Stores across the nation were invited to participate in an Easter reflection during the week leading up to Good Friday.   Corps officers and mission leaders told the story of the apostle Peter and invited people to experience the living hope that Easter offers.   “Two of the most important invitations Peter ever had were to come follow Jesus and to come and see the empty tomb,” the Salvos Stores Easter Reflections service script explained. “In accepting both these invitations, his life was changed forever.   “Those invitations are still there today for each one of us. This Easter, like Peter, we invite you to come and wonder at the meaning of that empty tomb. Come and see a living hope revealed for you this Easter.”   Staff and volunteers paused work to participate in the service, and many shoppers also stopped to listen. Some stores then held a community morning tea with Easter eggs and hot cross buns.   Other stores invited shoppers and children to enter a colouring-in competition, and some stores decorated a segment of the store to showcase the real meaning of Easter.   “So grateful for the privilege and the opportunity to share in this way,” said Perth Fortress Corps Officer Major Aaron Stobie. “We had a fabulous time sharing at the Mt Hawthorn Salvos Store.”   Morley Corps Officer Major Pete Brookshaw said it was “a great opportunity to connect committed, friendly volunteers to the broader story of hope found in the person of Jesus Christ.”   In NSW, Macquarie Fields Corps Officer Major Darren Kingston store-hopped (or bunny-hopped?!) and led the Easter reflections service at both Moorebank and Campbelltown stores. “The managers, staff and volunteers really appreciated it,” he said.   This is the second time Salvos Stores leadership has created missional material for significant Christian events.   In the lead-up to Christmas last year, corps officers and mission leaders were invited to share in a Christmas reflection in-store, which was also a resounding success. READ MORE: Jesus takes centre stage in Salvos Stores across the country After the success of the in-store reflections at Christmas and Easter, Salvos Stores are planning to hold the next one on 5 September to coincide with the 145th anniversary of The Salvation Army in Australia ( based on the Adelaide beginning ). More photos of Easter reflections in Salvos Stores across Australia: Lieut-Colonel Lyn Edge leads the service at Wollongong Salvos Store (NSW). Majors Lauren and Aaron Stobie at the Mt Hawthorn Salvos Store (WA). Major Mark Williamson leads the Easter reflection service at Grafton Salvos Store (NSW). Gift bags with the Good News of Easter were handed out at Riverland Salvos Store (SA). Wollongong Corps soldier Karen Walker led the Easter Reflections service at Unanderra (NSW). Music featured at Kilsyth Salvos Store (Vic.). An Easter cross display at Coffs Harbour Salvos Stores (NSW). Salvos Stores Chaplain Major Tracey Wicks with the Fairy Meadow Salvos Store (NSW). The Easter Bunny and staff at Fawkner Salvos Store (Vic.). A colouring-in competition was held at Fawkner Salvos Store (Vic.). Major Debbie Serojales from Merri-Bek City Salvos with the Salvos Stores Easter Bunny.

As a younger man, I played a lot of sport. This included Saturday cricket for about 20 years and volleyball to State League level. I’ve also played competition: indoor cricket, basketball, table tennis, mixed netball, racquetball and indoor soccer.   Now, I enjoy watching sport, particularly test cricket and AFL football. I also love watching unusual sports on TV and seeing things like competition-level chasey, cornhole throwing, extreme ironing (Google it) and – my favourite – keep the balloon off the ground (yes, really, it’s a competitive sport played on an obstacle course between university students).   In the 1990s, in the Christian Church, there was a huge fad based on four letters – WWJD? – which stood for ‘What would Jesus do?’. It originated from the book, In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon – written in 1896 – in which fictional characters explored the notion of asking themselves this question whenever they had to make an important decision.   I can’t help but wonder: if Jesus were here now, what sport would Jesus play? WWJP?   Golf – There are many jokes about this actually happening. Jesus putts from eight metres away; the ball is missing the hole by half a metre; a bird flies by and its wing brushes the ball, sending it closer to the hole; at just the right time, a worm pops up out of the ground and the ball deflects 2cm into the hole. The other players say, “Aw, cut it out will ya, Jesus!”   Cricket – Jesus is batting, and the team needs four runs to win off the last ball. He strikes it cleanly: a textbook cover drive. The ball rolls out towards the boundary and stops just a half-metre short of the boundary rope. It’s not a big ground and the batsmen are just starting their third run when the fielder bends down to pick up the ball – only to see the ball suddenly roll to the boundary! The opposition team cries out, “Aw, cut it out will ya, Jesus!”   Tennis – It’s been a long rally as the players send shot after shot back to their opponent from the baseline. It’s a slugfest. Who will triumph? Thirty shots into the exhausting rally, Jesus sends a sizzling backhand towards the sideline that clearly lands a good 20cm outside the court. The opponent pumps his fist in triumph and is amazed – as is the crowd – when Jesus challenges the call. The umpire calls for the Hawk-Eye technology to show a close-up of the ball landing, and it shows the ball landing inside the line by a few centimetres. The opponent calls out, “Aw, cut it out will ya, Jesus!”   Water polo – It’s a tied game and the clock is ticking down in the final quarter. If Jesus’ team can score a goal, they win. One of his teammates has the ball and Jesus cries out, “I’m open! I’m open!” Instinctively, he throws the ball to Jesus. As he does so, he sees that Jesus has four opposition players bearing down on him! How is he open? Jesus grabs the ball in one hand, rises out of the water, runs across the top of the pool, leaping over opposition players as he goes, and throws the ball into the goal. Jesus’ team wins and the opposition yells, “Aw, cut it out will ya, Jesus!”   Basketball – Jesus’ team is eight points down with three seconds on the clock. He’s passed the ball but is standing in the middle of the court. He throws the ball towards the goal ring, and, wonderfully it goes through for a three-pointer. As the ball drops through the net, it suddenly loops back up and drops through the net again! And then it does it again – the ball has passed through the hoop three times without hitting the ground or being touched by an opposition player! The umpires confer and award nine points to Jesus’ team – they win! The opposition calls out, “Aw, cut it out will ya, Jesus!”   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

We don’t have to look far in the world to understand what happens to truth, writes Kirralee Nicolle. Image: Joppe Spaa, Unsplash As World Press Freedom Day is being marked this weekend, Salvos Online journalist KIRRALEE NICOLLE writes that without truth-telling, we have no way of knowing what is real, who to trust, or even what we should be doing. One hundred and seventy-six. That’s a conservative estimate of just how many journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza while covering Israel’s bombardment of Palestine since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.  These numbers from the Committee to Protect Journalists are from a preliminary investigation as of 25 April 2025, and for the true toll, we will be forced to wait and see what time uncovers. Already, this conflict is the deadliest for journalists in the 21st Century.  But of course, it isn’t only Israel. There are dozens more examples of this kind of tragedy.  With World Press Freedom Day marked on Saturday 3 May, it’s an eerie reminder of what should not be, and what happens to those who try to tell the truth. We don’t have to look far in the world to understand what happens to truth. Thanks to postmodern, post-truth spin, artificial intelligence and a free market skewed towards building economies at the cost of humans, animals and the planet, the anchor of truth doesn’t take hold easily. And when it does, the expense is often lives.  Egyptian-American journalist Omar El Akkad has written a chilling reflection on the state of play in Palestine and its conception by the rest of the world in his book One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This .   “One day the killing will be over, either because the oppressed will have their liberation or because there will be so few left to kill,” Omar writes. “We will be expected to forget any of it ever happened, to acknowledge it if need be but only in harmless, perfunctory ways. Many of us will, if only as a kind of psychological self-defense. So much lives and dies by the grace of endless forgetting.”  As a journalist in an age of AI and ‘alternative facts’, I’ve had to come to terms with what my work requires of me, and how far my responsibility extends in making sure my words aren’t twisted. Once something is published, it can be endlessly repackaged, and one doesn’t necessarily have control over who takes it as their own or uses it to their own ends.  Now, I don’t mean to place journalists in a special category. Anyone who communicates in a public manner deals with the same concerns. When it comes to risk in war zones, it appears that currently, being any kind of civilian affords one no protection. Babies, young children and women are being killed every day in battles across the world. But without a free press, we lack recourse when things fall apart. When there is exploitation, murder, greed and inconsistency, we need someone trained in how to pry. But without those prying being protected, the questions cease.   Without truth-telling, we have no way of knowing what is real, who to trust, or even what we should be doing. Disinformation is a particularly cruel tactic of dictatorships – it turns family members and friends against one another to further political aims. It is greedy, manipulative, cunning and dark.  Suppressing truth is the antithesis of the gospel message. Of course, there may be times when we are careful about what we say, but this should never be to protect aims that do not further the work of loving God and neighbour, of protecting those on the margins and of loving with integrity.  Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.”   Sometimes, given the state of evangelical Christianity these days, I wonder why we are so willing to overlook some things and choose to fixate on others. Whether we have forgotten that we are all members of one body – one body placed in the world to nurture it, to love and to sustain peace. We should be people of truth, united by the ultimate Truth-Teller: Jesus.  Journalists don’t deserve a pedestal, but they do deserve protection. As people of truth, we ought to defend the work of truth-telling. It’s at the heart of our faith, and it's key to sustaining our integrity.

Captains Tracy and Chris Sutton are the Corps Officers at Horsham in Victoria. 1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? Alongside my wife, Tracy, I am the Corps Officer of the Horsham Corps in Western Victoria and we have been here for over six years now. We are close to many tourist destinations like the Grampians and many rivers and lakes. I enjoy the country lifestyle. It is less busy than the city and is great for our young family. I love the close-knit community here and the love and support shown to me and my family.   What I love about this appointment is the work in the community we are part of, including our community lunches, working alongside our housing team and facilitating the positive lifestyle program. Our site can be very busy throughout the week, and each day can be different. I also love being part of a couple of community groups and getting to know the people in the wider community. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   To relax and unwind, I enjoy spending time with Tracy and the kids, reading, TV, the occasional game of golf, walking along the Wimmera river, and following footy, soccer, cricket and Formula 1 motor racing. I also love holidays and trips in our caravan.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it?  That is a hard question to answer, as there are so many that I love. One that has special meaning is ‘take my life and let it be’, which speaks of my commitment to God and my response to him for his love and grace. Verse 5 sums up my calling: Take my will and make it thine, It shall no longer be mine; Take my heart, it is thine own, It shall be thy royal throne . I like the Christian band, For King and Country, and their song ‘Together’ is another favourite. It speaks about the Kingdom of God and how we are all together in God’s Kingdom with whatever we are going through. It doesn’t matter what our struggles or pain is, we can love and support one another.   If we fall, we will fall togetherTake my hand togetherCome and standWhen we rise We will rise together Together Together we are dangerousTogether with our differencesTogether we are bolder, braver, stronger   4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? Apart from Jesus, I think I would love to sit and chat with Paul. I would ask him about his incredible transformation from someone who tried to wipe out the Church to being part of it and one of Jesus’passionate followers. I would also ask him about his courage and how he faced the opposition and persecution he experienced. I would also love to travel with him and see and hear the growing churches he visited and encouraged. I wouldn’t want to go to prison with him though!   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?   I would say yes. I would recommend officership to anyone who is exploring it. It is the most rewarding job I have ever had, and it is more than just a job. You sacrifice a lot to become an officer, but my experience has been that you gain so much more in terms of contentment and blessing. Officership has given me experiences and taken me to places I wouldn’t necessarily have had beforehand. I would recommend anyone considering full-time ministry to trust in God, seek his will, and take a step of faith.

The survey is available in 15 languages other than English, with more still to come. Image: File The Salvation Army’s Spiritual Life Development team has released a short survey to evaluate the overall spiritual life of the global Salvation Army. International Headquarters has designed the survey to be accessible across all territories, with translations into Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese, English, Filipino, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish and Tamil, with further translations to come. All those connected with The Salvation Army are invited to complete the survey, from adherents and soldiers to staff and volunteers. There is no age limit on participation. The survey will be live here  from the 22 April until 22 June 2025. The team has requested prayer for openness, honesty and for every person who chooses to take part. They have also requested that Salvationists share the survey with their friends, colleagues and on social media pages. The Salvation Army’s Spiritual Life Development stream is part of Compass, the Salvation Army's 12-part Global Strategic Framework. Take the survey: The Salvation Army International - Spiritual Life Survey More about Salvation Army Spiritual Life Development: The Salvation Army International - Spiritual Life Development Compass assets: Compass Toolkit

Salvos Housing Victoria coordinator Patricia Richard says her team is proud of the two new projects at Yarraville and Maidstone. BY LERISSE SMITH Two multi-million-dollar pioneering Salvos housing projects have been unveiled, a powerful step forward in tackling Victoria’s growing housing crisis. The Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) developments in Yarraville and Maidstone are set to welcome tenants next month, marking an exciting chapter in the organisation’s vision to deliver modern and affordable residences for diverse communities. Their completion embodies a long-term commitment to real and lasting change – and to transforming lives one at a time. “It’s a really exciting time for us in housing, in our region, and within Salvation Army Housing as a whole to be able to see our vision come to life,” said Patricia Richard, housing coordinator with the SAHV. “Our vision is to be able to change one life at a time, and this gives us the opportunity to change multiple lives at a time at both ends of the community. We have got our more established mature aged cohort, who are quite vulnerable in today’s society and are really affected by their affordability of housing. “We have also been able to work with the Salvos youth programs and reach that other end of the scope where youth crime and everything is skyrocketing – housing, mental health and everything that comes with the challenges of having stable housing. “So, being able to be in a team where we are making changes to people’s lives in a positive way on both sides is just absolutely amazing. It is why we do this at an organisation like The Salvation Army. It makes me proud to be where we are.” Yarraville development The Yarraville development will offer accommodation for a range of tenants, including single parents to mature-aged couples. In Yarraville, the Salvos completely transformed its complex site in Hance St, turning an ageing apartment block with renters into a fresh, future-ready housing complex with 16 modern two-bedroom units. What once housed just eight to 10 older units will now serve a wider, more flexible range of tenants, including single parents, mature-aged couples, and older people requiring special needs or carer support. No current renters of the older properties were displaced during construction. Instead, residents were temporarily relocated while construction took place with an understanding that they would return home to something even better. Now, the new units offer tenants long-term housing through a public housing offer under the Victorian Housing Register, where they can remain as long as they need to – whether that is a year, 20 years or a lifetime. But bringing the project to life wasn’t without its hurdles. “We actually got all the go-aheads during the first year of COVID, and then there was a big stop to everything due to all the prices of absolutely everything skyrocketing post-COVID,” Patricia said. “So, what was meant to be a 12 to 18-month project has drawn out to be three-plus years.” However, despite the delays and frustrations, the result has been worth celebrating. “We are nearly there and very excited for it,” she remarked. “The project in itself is a great opportunity for us at Salvation Army Housing to be able to give back to more of the community. It is giving us an opportunity to expand the opportunities for the community and for the existing clients as well. What better option than to be able to house 16 families and make a difference for them?” The Yarraville development is located on Hance St and has 16 modern two-bedroom units. Paving the way was funding from Homes Victoria alongside Salvation Army Housing. Thoughtfully redesigned, the new units support a richer diversity of tenants through adaptable spaces built for real-life needs. Where originally the site had single, more mature aged clients, the new development can cater to single parents and the older generation, who require special needs or a carer due to having a second bedroom. Additionally, it can also cater to couples as they mature and age, allowing them to live together. At the heart of the project’s success has been Program Delivery Manager Tuyet-Anh Le, whose leadership has earned high praise from the team. “She has been an absolute godsend since she started with Salvation Army Housing,” Patricia explained. “Tuyet-Anh hit the ground running to make the projects move forward ... and very smoothly. She has been that driving force with the builders and the architects – and with Salvation Army Housing and Homes Victoria. Most people see her as the program manager and coordinator because she oversees the whole space. But she’s much more than that, and ever since she has come on board, probably in the last 12 months, both the projects have really just moved forward, and we are at that finish line now.” Maidstone development The Maidstone development is aimed at housing young people aged 18-26. Another bold vision that has come to life (and just a short trip away from Yarraville) is the Maidstone development. The innovative project aims to empower young people aged 18 to 26 through Salvos’ Youth Education Pathways Program. Tailored specifically for young tenants actively engaged in education, the development features two contemporary townhouses on one site – a front one with two bedrooms and the rear one with three bedrooms. Entirely funded by generous philanthropic donations, driven by Youth Services Manager Ralph Salera and other Salvos programs, the project offers secure and supportive housing for young people dedicated to their studies. The residences target youth engaged in the Salvos’ Education Pathways Program. They will be funded to pursue further education. Two tenants will move into the front townhouse, with three more set to call the rear property home, creating a small, supportive community built around growth and opportunity. A key component will be encouraging the young people to work on their education, offering them a stable, supportive environment as they pursue training, employment and long-term success. “They (the tenants) will be funded to actually engage in their further education,” Patricia said. “They will be fully engaged with The Salvation Army Youth Services, who will be helping them with their life skills, employment skills, education skills and homework groups, as well as also having them actively part of, and engaging in, the youth community as well.” Tenants will be selected by the Youth Services program, with Salvos Housing having input into the rent charges and property management. “Like most of our properties, we will only charge a percentage of their income,” she added. “So, it still remains affordable housing while the Youth Services provide our young people in our community the opportunity to get an education, pursue a career and break the cycle once and for all.”

Hope 103.2 presenter Ben McEachen and his four-part ‘everyday theology’ podcast series. Ben McEachen is a presenter on the Sydney Christian radio station Hope 103.2FM. He currently hosts the Mornings Show . Over the past two years, he has developed four podcasts that present theology in accessible, everyday ways.   The John 3:16 Podcast -  John 3:16 Podcast - Hope 103.2 The Lord’s Prayer Podcast -  The Lord's Prayer Podcast - Hope 103.2 The Psalm 23 Podcast -  Psalm 23 Podcast - Hope 103.2 The Gospel According to the Gospels Podcast -  The Gospel According to The Gospels - Hope 103.2   The first three focus on some of the Bible’s most famous verses. In conversations with Bible experts, Ben dives deep into familiar Scripture to encourage Christians to expand and engage with their faith.   In December 2024, Ben released The Gospel According to the Gospels – a six-part series on the question: “What is The Gospel of Jesus Christ?”   “The overall aim was to explore something familiar – the gospel! – to benefit and increase the faith of listeners,” Ben says.   “‘Doing theology’ doesn’t have to be daunting. I’m hoping followers of Jesus can get to know more about the things of God via this brief podcast series.” Salvos Online journalist LAUREN MARTIN recently interviewed Ben where they discussed life, his love of Jesus and his hopes for the podcast series   So Ben, tell me a bit about yourself and your Christian journey   I grew up going to church and loved plenty of things about God and Jesus. But I lived life how I wanted to, bringing God in where I saw fit. I moved from Adelaide to Sydney almost 20 years ago, when I was 30 and reviewing movies and television for Empire magazine. My experience in a new church helped the Holy Spirit finally convict me that Jesus was not only Saviour but Lord of my life as well.  More than 10 years ago, I quit being a full-time reviewer and became a full-time student at Moore Theological College in Sydney. This study helped me shift into Christian media, where I have worked with the Uniting Church, Sydney Anglican and Eternity News . For the past three years, I have hosted the Mornings Show on Hope 103.2FM. I am married to Amy, and we have two daughters (aged 8 and 10). We like to go camping, eating ‘treats’ and watching movies. I also love listening to music and reflecting on joy in Jesus.   You’ve developed a number of podcasts that break down theology to make it easy to understand – why are you passionate about this?   Every follower of Jesus is called to grow in faith, separately and together – this is referred to in 1 Peter 2:1-3 , 2 Peter 3:18 , Ephesians 4:15-16 , and Hebrews 6:1 . Personally, it took me a long time to recognise this and prioritise it. As my desire to love and know God and Jesus has increased, so has my appetite for encouraging anyone else to do the same. Spending three years at a Bible College also taught me that all of us can often elevate ‘theology’ to a stratosphere only reserved for elites or academics. But that’s not accurate or helpful. For if Christian theology boils down to trying to better grasp God and how to live for him, in Jesus, then every Christian is a theologian. At least, we should be. Or should strive to be, in the power of the Spirit. The podcasts that I have worked on are resources aimed at supporting or spurring on the ‘everyday theology’ of anyone able to press ‘play’ on an episode.   Tell us about the podcasts you’ve developed.   I noticed there is a gap in Christian podcasts. There are sermons, daily devotions and ‘Bible in a Year’ podcasts. Also, there are podcasts that offer in-depth commentary or theological study of Biblical books or themes. But I thought it would serve a Christian’s faith to enjoy a podcast series that encourages exploration of well-known parts of God’s word. The limited series I created are The Lord’s Prayer Podcast, The Psalm 23 Podcast, The John 3:16 Podcast and The Gospel According to The Gospels podcast [links at top of story].   I had detailed yet accessible conversations with various Christian experts to guide us into deeper consideration of The Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, and John 3:16. These passages are among the most ‘famous’ Bible verses, but how well do we actually know them? We might be able to recite them off by heart, but what do the words mean? More than that, what truth is revealed through slow, deliberate study of God’s word, and how can it nourish your faith in love, deed and words? Returning to significant parts of the Bible should offer foundational and revealing aspects of the life we are called to in Jesus Christ.    For The Gospel According to The Gospels, I wanted to spark an investigation into what The Gospel of Jesus Christ is. While it can be an easy thing to say, what exactly is ‘The Gospel’? Across the world and history, there have been so many different versions of the ‘same’ Gospel. So, then, what is The Gospel? Using the four Gospel narratives in the New Testament, I invited scholars and evangelists to journey through different aspects of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without trying to narrowly define it, we also aimed to provide insight and guidance into what we can know and embrace about the good news of Jesus.   What is your hope and prayer for the podcast series?   I hope and pray God’s Spirit would be at work within anyone listening to this series, assisting them in expanding their love, devotion and commitment to God and his incredible sacrificial son, Jesus.