SAES volunteers preparing meals for fire crews in the Shire of Gingin, WA. Image: The Salvation Army WA Emergency Services Facebook page. With a bushfire threatening the coastal town of Ledge Point in Western Australia, Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams are preparing meals for fire crews battling a total of three blazes burning across a region stretching about 100km north of Perth. Residents of Ledge Point were this morning advised to leave immediately, with the blaze pushing west-north-westerly at a distance of only 500 metres from the caravan park. About 30 SAES volunteers have been preparing food for more than 200 fire personnel each mealtime since last night, when they were deployed to a neighbouring blaze in the Shire of Gingin. Volunteers have also been transporting lunches to crews at Ledge Point, with the team transporting 250 rolls to fire crews earlier today. WA Response Coordinator Benjamin Day said SAES crews were expecting to be deployed closer to the Ledge Point fire this afternoon, with a 40-minute drive between the Gingin Emergency Services Complex and the Ledge Point blaze making food transport difficult. – Kirralee Nicolle

My appointment involves some travel around the Victoria Division, and on trips further from home I will stay at a motel overnight if it’s just too much driving for one day. The quiet of a motel room often allows me to open my laptop and catch up on emails or do some writing (like this article). Although, depending on my timing and obligations, sometimes I can get out and wander around whatever town I’ve landed in and see the sights.   I’ve found that some towns don’t have many sights. Recently I stayed in a town where the ‘sights’ were the silos and the playground built by Rotary. Dinner was an interesting adventure – nothing open after 6pm, and not even a fish ’n’ chip shop in town!   The motel room was, well, adequate, and I wasn’t scared of the cockroaches in my room because I knew the spiders would eat them. When they weren’t dining on the ants. Or the mosquitoes.   I recalled the tradition (or myth) that says St Francis preached to the birds about how God cared for them and also for the sweet singing of their praises. I figured I could give it a crack with what I had at hand.   “Blessed are the cockroaches, for they shall eat small, flea-like mite things that crawl in the dust and are probably living in this mattress I’m about to sleep on.   “I pray, my tiny six-legged, hard-backed friend, that you dine well and protect me from the slight bite of the mite. I acknowledge the fact you have survived countless millennia on this planet and can survive for days even without a head, which is pretty impressive. Thou art wonderfully made, and I salute thee.   “Brother and sister ant, while inspired by your work ethic and the methodical and systematic way you seek food, I implore you to heed the word of the Lord as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. He writes: ‘D o not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’   “I pray that you find rest from your work – especially for about the next 12 hours if you don’t mind – and find rest in God alone.   “And the humble mosquito, what can I say about you, thou flying, buzzing, dive-bombing, stinging, screaming, pointy-nosed bringer of pain?   “Thou art spawn of Satan and deserve naught but the bottom of my size-10 rubber thong descending as if from on high and delivering due and warranted retribution on thy being.   “May thy tiny, slender, segmented body be torn asunder and thy whiny buzzing sound cease for evermore or resound in hell from whence thou surely comest.”   I felt better after those prayers (although I also wondered why I’d slipped into language from the 17th century). Anyway, I slept well and wasn’t bothered by insects at all during the night. I suspect the lizard in the corner got most of them.   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? Along with my wife Sunny, I have been appointed to Sale Corps in Victoria as the Corps Officer since 2022. The corps is located in eastern Victoria and celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2024, which means The Salvation Army has been serving the community with the love of Jesus for more than 140 years. The Gippsland area has the second highest rate of domestic violence in Victoria, and it is a privilege to work with other non-profit organisations alongside vulnerable people. It is also a regional area where local churches are connected and have a good relationship in the kingdom of God. So, most of the churches are used to host combined services throughout the year, such as cross marching at Good Friday, a Christmas parade and Christmas carols. Sale Corps has been trying to engage with the community through Doorways, a community lunch, a Bible study and Sunday service to support and help out in the aspects of spiritual, emotional and physical growth to deliver  holistic mission. I find the area where The Salvation Army officers are able to find God’s passion for people is in regional areas because wilderness consists of two Hebrew words – a place and God’s Word. Sale Corps is a remote area and sometimes I feel that I am in the wilderness. However, God turns the wilderness into the place where I am able to hear the word of God.   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I like to step out of the busyness. I enjoy spending time with Sunny and our two kids and hanging around the regional area. There are many beautiful beaches and mountains. I love sitting in a small café to unwind from the role of corps officer. Also, when I go home, I am used to walking home. While I am walking, it is time to have quality time with God and reflect on the day I have spent with others.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? Of course, I like most Christian songs, but one song that came into my mind was ‘Way Maker’. The song is played in the Sunday service. The reason I like the song is that God is the way maker in the wilderness, the stream maker in the dryland, and a promise keeper. And God is working and moving for us even though we may not feel God is working or that God is being with us. Living as a corps officer, sometimes I feel that I am working in the darkness, but the reason I can keep going through the darkness is that God is the light in the darkness.   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? Among the characters in the Bible, I would like to recommend is the Apostle Paul. As a result, I often read Paul’s letters when I read the Bible. If the four Gospels in the New Testament are a record of Jesus’ teachings about what the gospel is, Paul’s letters can be said to be a guidebook that tells us how to live our faith as Christians. In addition, he explains the meaning of the gospel in an easy and logical way. I believe that through these letters of Paul, we can form our values ​​about how to live as Christians who have experienced the love of Christ. What is great about him is that he wrote 13 Canons and still influences many people even though he did not meet and work with Jesus.   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationist and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I would recommend officership in The Salvation Army. This is what I have been doing since I became an officer and meeting people other than Australians. In my perspective, The Salvation Army represents what the ministers would be. As Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” What I am trying to say is The Salvation Army supports and provides whatever the officer needs, and all we need to do is to fight alongside with others in the frontline of the spiritual warfare. Wherever we are sent, and whatever we do, God will provide and be with us through The Salvation Army. All the officers need to do is to fix their eyes on the cross and share the cross to the world. I highly recommend it.

In Week 3 of Self Denial, we meet Viktor, a young man who went from begging on the streets to becoming a leader in his community. Discover how Salvation Army programs in Georgia provide a lifeline to children and adults alike, transforming lives through love and faith. Each week throughout the Self Denial Appeal season, we will hear inspirational stories from Salvation Army programs in Georgia, Bulgaria, Tanzania and India. To find out more and donate, visit selfdenial.info

The new mural at the Lawnton Campus, painted by artist Rachel Saurini, of Big Picture Designs.  BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army’s Independent School at Lawnton (Qld) has unveiled a new mural by a local artist.   The Lawnton Campus north of Brisbane is a Non-State Special Assistant School that supports students who are or have been disengaged from mainstream education. The mural was created to express the school’s unique environment and values.   “This vibrant addition to our little oasis has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of our school but also serves as a wonderful reminder of the stunning natural environment that surrounds us,” says Kimmi Naidoo, Assistant Principal. Kimmi Naidoo is the Assistant Principal at the Lawnton Campus. “The mural’s design was inspired by our school team’s intention of creating a sacred space of belonging.”   ​ The Lawnton Campus has been delivering specialised programs to the community for a decade, offering an alternative learning approach for young people who have disengaged from school.   Lawnton is a positive learning environment, offering social, spiritual and emotional development with an emphasis on social justice. In 2022, the school opened a new campus facility on the Pine Rivers Corps site, including four learning areas, a hospitality centre, and an art and IT centre.   “We are deeply grateful to Pine Rivers Corps for sponsoring this wonderful project,” says Kimmi. “Their generosity has enabled us to bring this vision to life, and we are thrilled with the outcome.” Read more: Pine Rivers Corps goes back to school in vibrant educational partnership The mural was crafted by artist Rachel Saurini, the owner of Big Picture Designs .   It features a quote from Psalm 1:3 to reflect the school’s values: “They are strong like a tree planted by a river. The tree produces fruit in season, and its leaves don’t die. Everything they do will succeed.” The students have embraced the mural, with some students sharing what it means to them: “It makes the school feel more welcoming” ... “I love the colours; they make it feel alive!” ... “This makes me proud to be here.” The new mural showing the Bible verse from Psalm 1:3. To view a Salvos Studios video of the Lawnton campus, click here   To donate to the school, click here

Photo: Ben White (Unsplash) In Global Focus this week, retired Salvation Army officer Lieut-Colonel NEIL YOUNG* recalls a reassuring moment from his time as principal of a Salvation Army school in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), Africa, when he sensed God’s affirmation amid doubts about his service. Did we achieve anything? As my wife Dorothy and I neared retirement, I began to be quite troubled about my officership. God had called me, but was he pleased with what I had done? For a time, there appeared to be no answer. Then, one day, while we were praying at a spiritual day at Territorial Headquarters, I had a vision. I was back at Howard Secondary School in Zimbabwe, Africa, teaching mathematics to a class.   It was my practice to walk around the class checking the students’ work, but on this particular morning, we had just started a new chapter, and I was standing at the back of the room watching them work. A few desks in front of me sat a young boy who was struggling with his schoolwork. (This is a very serious matter because if a student cannot do his schoolwork, he won’t pass his exams, which would mean going back to village life and subsistence living.) He was becoming quite distressed and was on the verge of panicking. I stood there watching him and felt immensely sorry for him. It seemed to me that all of Africa was in that boy … the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations, the future, and the strivings of the whole continent. I was about to go to him and offer help, but then I thought it would be better if he could work it out himself. Then he turned and saw that I had been watching him. The despair on his face transformed into relief. He seemed to be saying, “I’m not doing very well, am I, but you are there.” Then I went to him and said, “Can I help you?” The vision faded, and it was as though God was saying. “Well, that’s all I called you to do, to sense other people’s pain and, where possible, and in so many ways, you’ve been there to help.” It struck me that that’s really all there is. And I was satisfied. *Lieut-Col Neil Young and his wife, Lt-Col Dorothy Young, both 97, are retired Salvation Army officers living in Gympie, Queensland The Salvation Army’s Self Denial Appeal is now in Week 2 of a six-week series. This week, we journey to Tanzania and see how sustainable agriculture and livestock projects are empowering communities. Here we meet Ahadi, whose family has been transformed through training, sustainable farming, and a renewed sense of hope.   To view the Week 2 video, click here To find out more and donate, visit selfdenial.info

To read the Appointment Change Bulletin, click here

A staff member at The Salvation Army’s Riverview Gardens Aged Care centre celebrates Harmony Day last year. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Salvation Army Corps, mission expressions and enterprises are being encouraged to celebrate Harmony Week (17-23 March) as a way to increase engagement with local communities.   Alison Geno, an Intercultural Ministry Worker at Cairns Corps (Qld), shares that they have celebrated Harmony Day and Harmony Week for many years because it’s a fun and simple way to spark conversations and demonstrate to people in the community that they are valued and respected.   “My favourite colour is orange, so Harmony Day is literally my favourite day of the year!” she said.   Alison says celebrating Harmony Week doesn’t have to be ‘hard’ or onerous.   “It taps into people’s identity and culture, which is extremely important. Harmony Day gives us an opportunity to start conversations.” MYSALVOS RESOURCES: Harmony Week resources can be found here Last year, across Australia, several corps, expressions, and enterprises celebrated Harmony Day.   Nuria Gonsalves, from the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team, says she wants to see more Salvation Army expressions getting involved. “As Australia’s multicultural landscape continues to expand, it is more crucial than ever that our churches welcome diverse communities and create spaces where all individuals feel truly included and empowered to lead,” she says.   “Harmony Day provides a unique chance to embody our commitment to intercultural engagement in alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission.” Major Kim Haworth, Nuria Gonsalves and Major Romona Kinder celebrate Harmony Day at Redfern THQ in 2023. The theme for Harmony Day on Friday 21 March is We all have a role to play , which reminds us that unity and understanding are not achieved by any one person, but through the collective efforts of every individual.   Nuria has suggested five ways that corps, mission expressions and enterprises can celebrate Harmony Week, 2025: 1.        Culturally Inclusive Worship Services : Hold a special Harmony Week service that includes cultural expressions from the diverse communities you serve. Invite members from different backgrounds to lead parts of the service through music, prayer, or Scripture in their mother tongues. This promotes inclusivity and showcases the power of diverse leadership in worship. 2.        Multicultural Leadership Panels and Testimonies : Host a panel or testimony-sharing session with Salvation Army leaders from CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds. This can inspire people, highlight the importance of intercultural leadership, and encourage emerging leaders to step forward. 3.        Partner with Local CaLD Communities : Collaborate with local organisations serving multicultural communities. These partnerships will allow for best practices in community engagement and open pathways for culturally diverse individuals to take on leadership roles. 4.        Cultural Meals and Fellowship : Host a multicultural meal after worship or during a midweek gathering where people are encouraged to bring dishes from their cultural backgrounds. This fosters fellowship, encourages unity and provides a welcoming space for leaders from diverse backgrounds to connect. 5.        Leadership Development for CaLD Members : Harmony Week can serve as the beginning of a year-long focus on leadership development. Offer mentorship, training, and small leadership opportunities to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds. This initiative can build up future leaders who reflect the communities we serve. For more information on Harmony Week from the Australian Government website, click here

Colac Corps volunteers (from left) Nola Gray, Robert Wadsworth and Christine Oakley test out the new laundry facilities donated by The Rotary Club of Colac West.  BY LERISSE SMITH   It may appear to be a small gesture.   However, the provision of new washing machines and dryers for the Colac Salvos Community Centre in Victoria’s west has fostered greater community engagement and strengthened connections among local residents from all walks of life.   “It has been a lifeline,” says Josiah Van Niekerk, Colac Corps Leader.   “More people can now come through our laundry. It has more than doubled our capability in that space, and, for us, it is great to be able to have people in washing their clothes.   “But what we really want them to do is also eat the cakes and drink the coffee that we make and have a sit down with the team and a chat. We have a lunch on Monday, brekky on Wednesday and food all day Friday, and we want people to come in and spend their time here and make this space as a second home, which we are seeing more and more.” Colac Corps Leader Josiah Van Niekerk says the gift of new washing machines and dryers for Colac Salvos Community Centre has opened the door to greater community engagement. A key component for the Salvos team has been reshaping their mindset about the individuals in need who use the laundry. It’s not exclusively the homeless or those facing financial hardships who utilise the facility. It serves the entire community and has attracted a variety of diverse people.   “It can be a social, mental or spiritual need being met,” Josiah says.   “We might have someone come in who is a multi-millionaire that has got 75 washing machines at home, but they are coming in so they can have a cup of coffee while getting their washing on . “At the end of the day, the greater need for any Salvation Army expression isn’t necessarily to feed people or get their clothes cleaned – that’s a bonus. That’s the easy part. It’s about building relationships [and] building pathways for people to get access to the Kingdom of God. A washing machine is a vessel where people can do that.”   The four shiny new washing machines and four dryers donated by the Rotary Club of Colac West are getting a good workout for five hours each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Volunteer Robert lends a helping hand by loading clothes into one of the new washing machines. The new washing machines and dryers operate for five hours a day, three times a week.  The space can easily accommodate about 8-10 households each session, while on a good day, there were only about four. Additionally, the new vented dryers allow people to dry items such as sleeping bags, blankets, dressing gowns and a larger volume of clothes.   Josiah said the donation of the white goods had also helped with the financing of the facility. The cost of running the laundry has not been cheap. Since the Community Centre opened about 20 months ago, there have been huge costs associated with getting everything up and running.   “We need to cover things that aren’t glamorous, like the laundry,” Josiah said. “To get it functional, we had to run $10,000 worth of power in the laundry room, and to run a whole new circuit to make it operational and some more water in as well cost about $15,000 to $18,000 before you buy the washing machines.   “It has been an amazing opportunity to work with the Rotary Club to give generously to the community with the laundry service a really good way to get different kinds of people in that might not necessarily come in for relational kind of purposes to begin with. We definitely rope them in where we can!” Read more: Colac’s new leader a textbook example of community engagement

Bandit, a beautiful Border Collie, is making a significant impact on the lives of others at SalvoConnect in Barwon, helping to calm fears, soothe daily stressors, and be a faithful companion through tough times.   BY LERISSE SMITH   He is affectionately named Bandit – and is one chilled dude.   He loves nothing more than unwinding after a hard day’s work, enjoying an afternoon siesta, and mingling with others. In fact, he’s well known for being a calming presence at hospitals, a silent comfort at funerals, and a crowd favourite at The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal.   However, Bandit is not just your everyday guy.   He happens to be a two-foot-tall, black-and-white six-year-old Border Collie therapy dog with an uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks of life. At Geelong’s SalvoConnect (Barwon SW region, Victoria), he’s making a significant impact on the lives of others by helping to calm fears, soothe daily stressors, and be a faithful companion through tough times.    And his owner could not be prouder.   “He is really special, intelligent, placid and devoted, one out of the box!” says Anne Cotsell, who is the Community Chaplain at SalvoConnect [a service for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness]. “He is not a licky dog. He just walks into a room, circles around, sums things up and then sits with the people.” Bandit proudly wears a special little coat with The Salvation Army shield and ‘Therapy Dog’ standing out in vivid purple. Anne says the therapy dog has become a much-loved and critical member of the team. Anne has been with the Salvos for more than 30 years, transitioning to her current chaplaincy role at SalvoConnect eight years ago. Both she and fellow chaplain Major Colin Eldridge support programs aiding those facing life challenges. After COVID, they found tensions increased among some vulnerable individuals, and there was a need to ease the stress in the building’s reception areas.   “We had some awful periods where we were calling the police quite regularly,” Anne reflects.   “It got really quite to the point where we had to have a security guard here. If you’ve got women who have come from family violence, and you have this big guard here, it’s not a good look. So, I just sort of thought there must be a way you can tone things down a little bit without making obvious knee-jerk reactions to things.”    And that’s when Bandit came into the picture in April last year.   It was a serendipitous moment when Anne’s sister, who breeds Border Collies, gave Anne a beautiful black and white one named Bandit, who was being retired as a breeding dog because his coat colouring wasn’t right for the current market.   At first, Anne had not thought of Bandit as a therapy dog, but his calm, gentle and laid-back demeanour quickly caught her attention, especially as she’s always had Border Collies.   “He’s just so gentle, so I thought, gee, he might make a nice therapy dog,” Anne explains. “He’s pretty chilled by Collie standards.”   After a six-month probation with Colin and Anne in the office, Bandit passed with flying colours (despite not being good with lifts!) and went on to complete his professional dog therapy training course.   Since then, Bandit’s presence has been a game-changer.   He’s become a vital part of their work with clients and those experiencing difficult and challenging life issues. Community Chaplain at SalvoConnect, Anne Cotsell, says Bandit is a crowd favourite at The Salvation Army's annual Red Shield Appeal. They are pictured preparing for another busy day. Bandit also proudly wears a special little coat with The Salvation Army shield and ‘Therapy Dog’ standing out in vivid purple. Anne recalled how Doorways program clients first noticed the Collie sitting underneath her desk in the initial six months of his new role.   “They would reach down and pat him,” she said. “And you could feel or see their body relax. It was just incredible.”   Since that time, he has become a much-loved and critical member of the team.   Bandit accompanies Anne, who is also a Justice of the Peace, to visit people in hospitals and aged care homes. The patients and residents love him and find the beloved Collie as a source of great comfort. As soon as Bandit enters a hospital, the nurses smile and their demeanour changes. Often, the interaction with patients will lead to people talking about their own pets and sharing personal stories.   And the therapeutic benefits of Anne and Bandit’s presence have touched many lives.   “They don’t see a uniform per se.” Anne reflected. “They see someone with a uniform and a dog.” “We have been to three funerals of some dear people, and Bandit was excellent.”   One memorable moment Anne remembered was when she was asked to visit a man in hospital with brain cancer. She sought permission to take her beloved Collie along, too.   “Bandit just sat next to him while we did some paperwork in my role as JP,” she said. “And the man just patted him. We have done that a few times in the hospitals.”   Funerals are also another area in which the pet therapy dog’s presence has been of comfort.   “We have been to three funerals of some dear people, and Bandit was excellent,” she said. “The family came up and said to me, “That is lovely you brought him.”   His foray into the public arena has also expanded to attending church a few times, too. He has embarrassed Anne when continuing to roll over on the floor during the service – but no one has minded.   While Bandit is dearly loved in the office, Anne takes him home each lunchtime and is dedicated to his ongoing care, which includes pricey dental visits. “It was my commitment,” she said. “And to those around me. I am sure the Lord put Bandit in my way.”

The new historical drama and thriller about the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer is being released today (13 March). One voice can become the loudest rebellion.   As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is swept into the epicentre of a deadly plot to assassinate Hitler. With his faith and fate at stake, Bonhoeffer must choose between upholding his moral convictions or risking it all to save millions of Jews from genocide. Will his shift from preaching peace to plotting murder alter the course of history or cost him everything?   Written and directed by Todd Komarnicki, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin is a new historical drama and thriller about the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer.   “In 1933, when Hitler attained power in Germany, the first thing he took over was the German church,” says Todd, writer and director. Photo courtesy of Collection Christophel/Alamy (used in Guardian review). “He used his brute nationalism to sway the Lutheran and Catholic leadership to his way of seeing the world. Within months, Bibles and crosses disappeared from sanctuaries, replaced by copies of Mein Kampf and the ever-present swastika.   “One man inside the church decided that political courage was an act of faith and to stand silent in the face of evil was, in fact, evil itself. Bonhoeffer is the story of that man.” Bonheoffer; Pastor. Spy. Assassin features Jonas Dassler in the role of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Flula Borg, David Jonsson, August Diehl, and Moritz Bleibtreu. The film releases today (13 March) and is rated PG-13 for violent content, thematic elements and some smoking.

Darlene Zschech’s new book and album are available for purchase now. Pastor Darlene Zschech, an award-winning artist and author, invites readers into an immersive experience of worship and reflection that pairs a daily message with songs spanning the last 30 years up to today.   Along with thought-provoking readings, the devotional features QR codes that guide users to a multi-sensory devotional experience.   Releasing alongside an album of the same name, featuring re-recordings of Darlene’s most beloved songs, the devotional offers a unique experience for those eager to encounter God through worship.   Some of Darelene’s more famous songs over the past three decades include ‘Shout to the Lord’, ‘Potter’s Hand’, ‘In Jesus Name’, ‘Victor’s Crown’ and ‘Yes Again’.   “Really, this is what worship is all about, not platforms for the glory of man, but that the whole of our lives would be poured out for the glory of God,” says Darlene.   “It’s not always easy to choose this kind of life, but obedience when following Jesus is the only way you’ll ever walk in true freedom. This is my story and the foundation from which Testament has been woven together.”   Darlene Zschech is a pastor at Hope Unlimited Church on the NSW Central Coast. Photo courtesy of CCM Magazine. Darlene is a renowned Australian composer, worship leader, pastor, author, and speaker.   She and her husband serve as senior pastors of Hope Unlimited Church (HopeUC) on the Central Coast of New South Wales, which has expanded into India and the USA.   She has authored six books.   For more information and to purchase the book and album, click here