Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 with the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’, honouring five decades of culture, resilience and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We reflect on the strength of Elders, the power of community, and the voices shaping the future, while recognising the ongoing journey of truth-telling, justice and hope. Join us as we commit to going forward together – acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God. READ MORE: Go to The Salvation Army NAIDOC Week 2026 website here

Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn (centre) flanked by Project 614 and Magpie Nest personnel, with Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hateley (far left) and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (far right). Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Patron-in-Chief of The Salvation Army, recently visited The Salvation Army’s Project 614 in Bourke Street, Melbourne. During the visit on Tuesday 9 June, the Governor-General observed key programs that operate from the centre under the leadership of staff and volunteers. In a press release from the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, it was announced that Her Excellency was invited as Patron and guest of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. In reflecting on the visit, Miriam said the Governor-General was an amazing supporter of The Salvation Army who was “the kind of person who just loves people”. “[The Governor-General] coming to 614 was absolutely delightful,” Miriam said. “What blew me away was she gave so much time to those folk who come to access services, but she was also genuinely interested in the stories of people and exactly what they were going through. “There’s this mutual admiration from us to her and her to us, and any way she can help, she wants to help.” Governor-General Sam Mostyn meeting Project 614 personnel. Image: Supplied Secretary for Communications Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hateley said the event demonstrated the close, aligned relationship between the Governor-General and the work of The Salvation Army. “Such a great morning at Project 614 Melbourne,” he said. “The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn spent the morning with staff and participants, learning about the extraordinary ministry and collaboration that takes place at 69 Bourke Street. Her Excellency demonstrated how care, kindness and respect are at the centre of her role. We are blessed to have her as our Governor-General.” One program that the Governor-General observed was a Salvos Schools initiative called the Homelessness City Tour. This runs as a two-hour session in which school students are invited to attend a classroom component where stereotypes about homelessness are challenged, and students are encouraged to respond to the issue of homelessness with compassion and learn about the support The Salvation Army provides. In the second hour, students are led on a walk around Melbourne CBD, visiting locations where people have slept rough in the past, and their stories are shared with consent. National Schools Engagement Manager for TSA Grace Davidson said the visit was timely, as that day, Year 9 students were working on a project where they had to choose some of the social issues they could observe in the city and develop a written response to them. “It was a wonderful opportunity for Her Excellency to see firsthand how students are engaging with community issues and developing compassion through the program,” Grace said. Grace said when the Governor-General arrived, the students were working on a scenario-based activity. “I think that was a really great activity for [Her Excellency] to come in [during] because it was about elevating student voices, and pushing past stereotypes and digging deeper to come to a place of compassion,” she said. Grace said the following activity involved students having to guess how common each form of homelessness was in Australia. The key takeaway for students was that even though rough sleeping might be the most visible form of homelessness, it only accounts for roughly six per cent of the total of those experiencing homelessness across the country. She said the program was a thoughtfully designed workshop that encouraged students to explore issues critically and bring their own perspectives into the classroom, rather than simply being presented with information. “[Her Excellency] got to see us provide this really holistic engagement,” Grace said. Grace said the Governor-General was also able to share a heartfelt message with the students as well, which included her focus on the importance of community. “What stood out to me, was that the Governor-General really values community and the voices of young people, because when she asked for back and forth and contributions, she was so with them. It was so reciprocal. She heard what they had to say,” Grace said. “For Salvos Schools, it was a really wonderful opportunity to share what we do, and to welcome her to observe how we are investing in the next generation and working to build compassionate, social justice-focused opportunities for young people to step into that space and to grow. “The young people already have those skills and interests and talents, but we’re meeting them where they’re at.” Project 614 staff shared in a Facebook post that the team were “incredibly honoured” to welcome the Governor-General of Australia to the site. “It was a privilege to showcase the vital work being done across our community – supporting those experiencing hardship, providing hope, and creating pathways to a better future. The visit highlighted the importance of compassion, connection, and collaboration in strengthening our community,” the team wrote. “We’re grateful for the recognition of our team, volunteers and partners, whose dedication makes a real difference every day. Together, we continue to stand with those in need and work towards lasting change.” All images supplied.

Allira Fry (front, crouching) and the Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee celebrate young people in the community with a Youth NAIDOC Ball. BY JULIA HOSKING The Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee – like so many others around the country – is passionate about celebrating and sharing their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements. They hope to continue raising awareness of NAIDOC Week and to create events that bring the whole community together in a positive and inclusive way. They are also passionate about creating opportunities for young people to feel proud of and connected to their culture. Many Salvation Army employees and volunteers are members of the Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee: Laurel Baxter, Bayden Clayton, Cree Clayton, Allira Fry and Keely Teariki. The Salvation Army Swan Hill Corps leaders, Major Rob Champion and his wife Wendy, are also big supporters of all NAIDOC events. Swan Hill NAIDOC Committee member Allira Fry, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Worker at Swan Hill Corps (Vic.), located on Wamba Wemba Country, shares her thoughts on NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme – ’50 Years of Deadly’. Why is NAIDOC Week important to you? NAIDOC Week is an important time for our community to come together to celebrate our culture, and to recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a way to honour our Elders and those who paved the way before us. Celebrating NAIDOC Week is also a chance to educate, connect and build stronger relationships across the wider community. NAIDOC creates pride, healing and unity while also keeping our culture alive for our future generations. How can the 2026 NAIDOC theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, capture the spirit of your community? The theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’ reflects the strength, resilience and pride within our community. In Swan Hill, we have many deadly people who continue to lead, support and inspire others through culture, community, work, sport, youth leadership and family connections. The theme captures the spirit of our community by celebrating our past achievements while continuing to empower our next generation to be proud of where they have come from. What has been your deadliest moment, or memory of NAIDOC celebrations gone by? One of the deadliest moments for our community was bringing back the Debutant Ball in 2024 after 12 years. It's a tradition that will now be held every two years. It is a special event that brings families and community together to celebrate our young people, aged 16 upwards, and our Elders. It creates pride for us. Hosting the first Youth NAIDOC Ball was also a highlight, as the younger generation felt recognised and celebrated for their achievements throughout the year. Seeing the community come together to support and uplift our youth was something very meaningful and memorable. What is your hope for NAIDOC celebrations in the next 50 years? Our hope for the next 50 years is that NAIDOC continues to grow stronger each year, with more community involvement, showing our culture pride towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We hope future generations continue to stay connected to culture, language and country as well as to feel empowered to lead their communities. We also hope NAIDOC celebrations continue bringing all people together in respect, understanding and unity. Learn more about The Salvation Army’s commitment to recognising the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by reading our Reconciliation Action Plan here For more information on NAIDOC Week and to download resources, click here

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 (6-12 July) we pray for The Salvation Army in the Spain and Portugal Territory. This territory has 37 officers (29 active, 8 retired); 3 cadets; 1 Envoy; 15 corps; 563 senior soldiers; 75 adherents; 90 junior soldiers; 13 employees Commissioners Colonels Wilson and Nara Strasse lead the territory. Some of the territory’s officers, leaders and senior soldiers. The work of the Spain and Portugal Territory includes: · Homelessness services · Support for older people · Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Praise points: · For the Territorial Men’s Camp held in May, where 70 men shared unforgettable moments of fellowship, Bible study and reflection on God’s Word, being encouraged to remain firm on the Rock. · For the children, youth and teenagers’ gatherings that are being carried out successfully, bringing spiritual growth and encouragement to the younger generations. · For the Parents’ School program, with the participation of parents from the communities where the corps are established, and for the positive fruits that are already being seen. · For the new young soldiers who have been enrolled recently, which shows the fruit of the work carried out over previous years. · For the positive reception and participation in the online workshops for territorial volunteers. · For the enrolments of soldiers that have taken place during the first part of this year. · For the Women’s Ministries groups that remain active and continue to grow. · For the two volunteers serving as NCP (National Contact Persons) SAP for MSHTR (Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response), and for the early stages of work being carried forward through the networks in each country. · For those who continue to show interest in serving as Salvation Army officers. · For our officers, National Director, technical staff and co-workers who faithfully carry out the ministry of care and service in the institutions throughout Portugal, with great commitment and dedication towards every individual and their families. · For the local response and social impact represented by each of our institutions in Portugal, that they may continue to be recognised as trustworthy organisations with a strong and positive reputation within their communities. · For the opportunities God grants us to make visible a Salvation Army that serves and loves others, and for his provision of resources to meet every challenge. · For the work carried out over the past years under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonels Karina and Rafael Giusti. Four of the territory’s 90 junior soldiers. Prayer Requests: · For the summer children’s camps, that the Gospel may be presented with excellence and that many children will accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord. · For effective discipleship of children throughout the territory, ensuring a present generation actively involved in ministry and a future generation of strong, local leadership. · For the Territorial Youth Camp, that the invited guests may be Spirit-filled individuals who can inspire, encourage and motivate our young people through the Word of God, and that there would be a movement of holiness and power in their lives. · For the Women’s Ministries training sessions for local officers, W.M. leaders, and future leaders. And, for the special guests leading the different topics, that these opportunities may strengthen commitment and encourage the development of outreach groups across the territory. · For the four people currently in the candidate process within the territory, that God will sustain and guide them while we await everything being ready for them to begin training in 2027. · For the new Strategic Plan for 2027-2030, that God will guide every idea and objective so that the work in SAP may continue to grow and flourish. · We pray that God will continue calling people to officership, as the territory is facing a shortage of personnel to fill several appointments. · For wisdom and strength to continue providing social support successfully and with excellence, grounded in the Christian identity of our organisation, sharing our biblical principles through our care and service, and in partnership with government agencies and institutions. · For a smooth and blessed transition for the new territorial Leaders, Colonels Wilson and Nara Strasse. To find out more about the Spain and Portugal Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Auxiliary-Lieutenant Colin Sampson (right) with students from Concordia College. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE A Salvation Army corps in the inner-southern suburbs of Adelaide recently collaborated with a private school to raise funds for the Red Shield Appeal. Concordia College in Highgate has had a long-standing relationship with personnel from nearby Unley Corps, where Auxiliary-Lieutenant Colin Sampson is currently Corps Officer. Recently, Concordia College conducted its yearly Sleepout to raise funds for the Digital Doorknock as part of the Red Shield Appeal, and raised more than $7000 through the event, which also included a bake sale and donut sale. For every $500 raised, school staff and Year 12 student leaders had slime poured over them, and with the team exceeding its targets this year, Colin was also slimed. Colin Sampson after being slimed. Image: Supplied Colin said the corps’ relationship with the Concordia team went beyond fundraising, with students from the college volunteering with corps programs and Colin offering religious education at the school and running chapel services twice a year. He said some students were wanting to be even more involved in the faith and spirituality aspects of the corps, with talk of some putting together a choir for Christmas time. “They understand where we [The Salvation Army] are coming from, and not only does it give people an understanding of why we do what we do and why as Christians we really care for this community, but it also sets us up in the future to have people who want to either volunteer, donate or become members of the Salvos,” Colin said. Colin said some of the students were also asking to learn raw data about disadvantage in the local community, and corps leaders were looking to meet this request in age-appropriate ways. “Being able to talk to them about that has been really powerful. And we’re seeing some really, really good, long-lasting relationships [forming in the community],” he said. Concordia College staff announced the results of the fundraiser on the school’s Instagram account, thanking everyone who had contributed. “Our Student Leaders did a wonderful job arranging a special non-uniform day at Concordia Campus, complete with a lunchtime ‘sliming’ event, with more staff being dunked with slime for every $500 raised. To conclude the event, the Year 12 Student Leaders also had their turn getting slimed for charity. In the end, were thrilled to surpass our $5,000 goal, raising over $7,000 for this worthy cause,” the team announced. The Salvation Army Unley Corps will also soon collaborate in an additional Sleepout to raise funds for services alongside Scotch College, another school in nearby Torrens Park.

The Salvation Army’s response in Venezuela is expanding, with teams reaching multiple affected areas. The Salvation Army’s response in Venezuela is continuing to grow, with teams reaching multiple affected communities. They have been distributing essential relief items and offering practical, emotional and spiritual support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. The Salvation Army’s Regional Coordinator, Captain Edicson Sánchez, said: “In the most difficult moments, when communities are facing the pain and devastation caused by disasters, our mission becomes even stronger. Today, more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to serve without discrimination and to be a beacon of hope in the midst of recovery.” With thanks to donations from Canada, USA, France, the Netherlands, Norway and other partnerships, The Salvation Army is now preparing to scale up assistance with the United Nations, local authorities and other organisations on the ground. Next steps include further targeted distributions in underserved areas, ongoing community mapping and needs assessments, participation in UN coordination meetings and development of a larger International Emergency Services-supported response project. Latest government figures report that more than 2295 people have died, with more than 40,000 still missing as of 30 June. Ministry of Health reports indicate that 11,267 people have been injured, while UNOCHA has reported that 15,800 people have been directly affected and 6400 rescued. Practical help on the ground The Salvation Army teams have reached approximately 160 affected individuals across central Caracas, the Historic City Centre, Lecuna Avenue, Bolivar Avenue, Nuevo Circo and surrounding communities and have distributed personal hygiene items and basic relief supplies. Essential food supplies including flour, sugar, rice, canned tuna and other items have also been distributed. In addition, the teams have provided much-needed spiritual care, prayer and encouragement to individuals and families who are dealing with exhaustion, grief and uncertainty. In the Kilometro 24 community in El Junquito, where families are living in temporary shelters, teams have distributed essential supplies including flour, sugar, rice and canned tuna. Storage and distribution operations have been established through Diego Pilar School complementing activities based at Emmanuel Church. Further needs assessments have been carried out in communities around the church currently hosting the response team. Donated items have been unloaded and sorted from a container shipment and the teams have taken part in coordination meetings with other organisations operating in the area. Salvation Army teams are working alongside Civil Protection and rescue teams, providing much-needed meals, hot drinks and hygiene kits to frontline responders who are working long hours clearing rubble. Challenges remain Access across Caracas remains difficult, with congestion, road closures and restricted movement around the main collapse area continuing to affect operations. Flights are now landing in Valencia, around two to three hours from the team’s base, adding further logistical challenges. Ongoing aftershocks also remain a concern. On 1 July, a 4.1 magnitude tremor affected the airport in Caracas. Teams continue to operate under heightened alert while monitoring seismic activity and its impact on communities and response work. A ministry of presence and hope The humanitarian situation remains deeply challenging. Many communities are living with fear, uncertainty and displacement, while large numbers of families remain separated from loved ones who are still missing. Needs are significant across all age groups, including children, older people and vulnerable individuals. Next steps include further targeted distributions in underserved areas, ongoing community mapping and needs assessments, participation in UN coordination meetings and development of a larger International Emergency Services-supported response project. The Salvation Army remains deeply grateful for continued prayers and support. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, families still waiting for news, responders and volunteers working in difficult conditions, and for wisdom, protection and strength for all involved.

Each month on Salvos Online, Rosy, the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, shares her thoughts and reflections on the spiritual issues that shape our lives as Christians, exploring how our faith intersects with our everyday experiences and how we can deepen our relationship with God. Today, she focuses on the two ‘multiplication’ stories in the Bible. I’ve been hung up on something lately, specifically that the two multiplication stories in the Bible serve as examples of both Jesus’ provision and our personal accountability for the stewardship of what we have. Multiplication 1: Loaves and fishes For those unfamiliar, the first story is about the preacher who went on too long, and the crowd grew hungry because it was dinner time. The preacher’s backup team looked at one another and grew increasingly stressed about what would happen next. Because the preacher had talked for so long, the people in the crowd were now expecting food because … that’s what happens at events. But they were a long way from town, and feeding that many people was going to be really, really expensive. As the adults argued and stressed among themselves, a small child was present. Well, we know that many children and women were present, but they were not included in the total numbers in the Bible story. As was the custom in many cultures, the children would have been seen and not heard (and perhaps not even seen at all!). This little boy would not have been spoken to or consulted about the imminent disaster. No one asked for his opinion, nor did anyone ask what he thought or how he thought this problem or crisis might be solved. I imagine this little boy looking up and seeing the frowns and anxious tones on the faces of the people in charge, even if he didn’t understand it. Or I wonder if the little boy looked over at that man, Jesus, the preacher, and saw something different. Something serene in his face. I wonder if Jesus looked at him and somehow said, “You’ve got this.” It might be fanciful thinking, and I don’t want to add to the Bible, but what we do know is that this little boy offered his fish and bread to the disciples. Something about that offering was so significant that they gave it to Jesus. Maybe Jesus was right there as the little boy handed them the food. Can you imagine it? In that state of distress and heightened anxiety, a child tried to give his mum’s fish sandwiches for lunch to the disciples to feed five thousand men, and however many women and children were in the crowd. The laugh, the sneer, or even the straight-out ignoring of the child that the adults may have given him in that moment. But for Jesus ... the same Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me.” The same Jesus who didn’t let the disciples stop the children from coming. Perhaps he was present, and instead of letting them turn the child away, he opened his hands. Then, from that simple offering, Jesus fed everyone. The Samaritan woman It made me think of the Samaritan woman at the well, who had been divorced by multiple men and cast aside for another. Women were not permitted to issue a certificate of divorce. They were at the mercy of the men in their lives. In all patriarchal cultures, the violence and exploitation by men can often be stopped only by another ‘benevolent’ man intervening. This woman was now with a man who had not married her. It was incredibly shameful on his part, yet it brought social shame upon her. Many commentators say that she went to the well in the middle of the day's heat perhaps to avoid awkward interactions with others. And here again she runs into a man ... who dares to speak to her. Probably not unused to uninvited male attention, yet here was a rabbi, esteemed and with the power to shame or condemn her if she had done something wrong. Instead, he asked her, “Will you draw me something to drink?” Instead of silently and meekly doing that with eyes downcast, she surprisingly responds. What follows is the longest theological conversation in Scripture between Jesus and anyone, occurring between Jesus and a woman who was scorned, shamed, and alone. I was reflecting on the fact that when he told her everything she had ever done, and she went away, filled with joy at his revealing himself to her, this Samaritan woman ran throughout the town saying, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” I have no doubt that, in the gossip culture of both men and women in many towns, people probably knew who she was. “Have you heard about her?” “All those husbands.” “Difficult woman.” And yet, instead of choosing a fancy, smart head of something, Jesus chose this woman. He chose her story. The story of shame that had separated her now became a testimony. I think it was the pall of shame being lifted that made people notice. Perhaps, as she ran about telling people about this prophet and how he knew everything, there was such joy, exuberance, and freedom that they couldn’t help but ask, “How could she, of all people, be saying that?” “How could he, of all people, speak to her?” “How could she be so free with the story that used to cause her so much pain?” Multiplication 2: Parable of the talents The second story of multiplication is the parable of the talents in the New Testament. Talents were a form of gold or money. Today, when many of us hear the word talents, we instead think of the things given to us freely by God: our skills, our abilities, and the things we must use and nurture to honour God and see multiplication. Perhaps the trap here is thinking of our own skills and abilities, and our faithfulness in using them, as a singular pursuit. But if we tie this to the first story of multiplication, perhaps it is about recognising the resources, gifts, and abilities in those we least expect. And the multiplication is to feed the massive army waiting, hungry. The world waiting, hungry. Specifically, in the case of what I am calling ‘fish sandwiches’, the fish and bread came from a child. I just feel so struck by the idea of this child saying, “Here, you can have my lunch.” I wrote a haiku about it: Mum’s fish sandwiches. Daily bread. Fish caught freshly. Everyone agrees. God’s provision of daily bread. God’s provision that we shall become fishers of people. God’s provision of family together. God’s provision of taking the lowly, the meek, the humble, and the overlooked. The, “No, not quite yet.”s The, “maybe one day when you grow up.”s The, “How about when your reputation is salvaged.”s God says, “Now.” He removes the pall of shame. There is no veil between us. But we must make sure to listen and look to where the provision will come from. I was thinking about all of the undiscovered treasures. All of the lost rings and jewellery. Viking coins. Aztec gold.Imagining what it’s like to be that treasure, stuck, buried, or hidden, looking out, waiting to be discovered. Some of it never will, probably for good reason. But then I think of all the talent, resources, gold, prophetic vision, revelation, and strength that God has hidden and embedded in children, in those whose stories might carry social shame, or in those we may only see as stigmatised. What could we learn? What could feed us! There is a saying: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” I can see that sometimes in the Church – we’re very adept at wanting to do more of what we’re already doing, even if it’s not quite giving us what we’re hoping for. I sometimes hear talk of The Salvation Army being the second-fastest declining denomination in Australia, and I worry about leadership, congregations, corps numbers, and how we’re all connected. But that little boy’s mum didn’t give him yesterday’s sandwiches. She gave him fresh bread and fresh fish, fit to feed an army. Are we prepared in the same fashion? Do we go to God daily? Do we read the Scriptures? Do we pray? Fast? Gather in congregational worship? Practise vulnerability? Pursue discipleship and fellowship? Repent? Rest? Maybe we all find that mum’s fish sandwiches will feed our Army for the future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God” (Romans 15:13-17 NIV).

Tahana Turner is the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator for The Salvation Army. BY TAHANA TURNER* NAIDOC Week 2026, celebrated from today through to next Sunday (5-12 July), is dedicated to recognising and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. For 50 years, NAIDOC Week has provided a space for truth-telling, celebrating culture, recognising resistance, and affirming the strength and dignity of First Nations peoples. This year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, marks an important milestone. ‘Deadly’ is a word that speaks to excellence, strength and pride. Deadly can also mean having a strong sense of identity and culture while looking ahead to a hope-filled future. This theme honours the generations who made NAIDOC possible: • The Elders who stood firm • The organisers who created space • The artists who painted, sang and danced, turning the struggle of recognition into a beautiful expression of culture • The communities that have continued to show up, year after year. READ MORE: Go to The Salvation Army NAIDOC Week 2026 website here NAIDOC has never been just a week. It has always been a platform. A strong walk of pride. A celebration. And a statement of survival. It reminds us that progress has not come by chance, but because people refused to be silenced and chose courage, community and hope. Today and tomorrow 50 Years of Deadly also recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today: • Grounded in culture • Strong in identity • Leading change across every field, from health and education to media, business and the arts. It is about telling our stories: in our own voices, in our own way, and on our own terms. And it is about the future: • The next 50 years • Young people growing up proud • Languages remaining and returning • A deeper reconnection to Country • And the ongoing work for justice, dignity, and healing – carried forward with new tools, new voices and the same fire. Hope lives in the actions we take today for future generations. In Isaiah chapter 43, verse 19, the Bible says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God is doing a new thing! A fresh, current and future-focused move of God is happening now amongst our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Join with us 50 Years of Deadly is not merely a marker of time passed. It is a reminder of momentum – of what is possible when cultures lead and community comes first. NAIDOC belongs to mob. It always has. The theme asks us to look back over 50 years – to acknowledge the stories, conversations, and meaningful connections we have encountered alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We would like to take this time to acknowledge and honour our non-Indigenous brothers, sisters and churches who have walked beside us and celebrated being deadly with us over these 50 years. Your conversations with us, your listening ears, and the way you have joined with us in ceremony have been deadly. So, thank you. As representatives of The Salvation Army, and of our mobs and communities, we offer this encouragement – to keep listening deeply, to walk with greater respect, and to honour what has come before us by continuing the work of the Lord side by side. Let’s be ALL IN and DEADLY for the next 50 years. *Tahana Turner is the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator for The Salvation Army. NAIDOC Week resources can be found on MySalvos here

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

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? The beautiful, challenging Outback and Northern Territory town of Katherine is where I serve. The corps provides two meals a day plus shower and laundry services five days a week. We work alongside six other TSA mission expressions onsite and regularly have more than 100 community members using our centre. We have a strong worship expression every Sunday night, and some great community engagement outreach activities such as the lost kids stand at the annual Katherine Show, and a huge Christmas Day lunch every year that has up to 40 volunteers helping out. Supporting volunteers is one of the most satisfying parts of my role. They are needed, and many of them need the connection that serving brings them. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? My husband and I have two eight-year-old Labrador dogs – one black and one brown one. When I walk in the door after work, nothing can switch my brain into relax mode more than my dogs being overjoyed to see me. I try to walk and swim and I will read anything, including the back of a tin can. So, really enjoying good modern novels of positive topics, when I’m disciplined enough to get off my iPad screen, is a great way for me to unwind. Sandra serving the Kstherine community during the Top End floods in March. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? I have many but can’t go past the modern day setting of the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi: ‘Make me a Channel of Your Peace’. I love some of the modern Christian YouTube clips and also value the traditional Salvation Army Song Book. I want to sing about Jesus, or with words directly from the Bible. I like songs that remind me of what Jesus has done by forgiving my sin and putting me right with my creator God, for a life beyond this one. 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? I think I’d like to get to know the Apostle Thomas. He’s the one who asked Jesus to prove he really had come back to life. I like his bravery and willingness to ask what other people may be thinking. I would talk about doubt with him and why doubt is okay with God and is the flip side of faith. 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 first share the final command of Jesus to his disciples recorded in Matthew 28, verses 16-20. This reminds us that everyone who follows Jesus is asked to ‘Go and make disciples’. This is not just for church leaders or ordained people, it’s for all of us. However, like me, if The Salvation Army is a movement that you know and love, there is a place for you in full-time ministry today. Please pray about it and speak to a trusted leader in The Salvation Army to explore options for full time serving. You will find a fulfilment in serving. I do not regret one day of my now eight years as a late vocation auxiliary-lieutenant in The Salvation Army Australia. You are needed. God will go before and you will have lots of support to be the best you can be as a Salvation Army officer. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

The Adelaide Congress Hall's City Women's Group at the event on 27 June. Image: Facebook A group of Salvationist women from Adelaide Congress Hall recently came together to help make menstrual health kits for women and girls experiencing disadvantage. The Project Day was held in partnership with Days for Girls Australia (DfGAL), a global charity transforming the lives of women and girls by providing reusable menstrual health kits, education and support. The City Women’s Group came together as a team to complete 35 kits across 13 workstations, with 148 partially completed. The event, held on Saturday 27 June at Adelaide Congress Hall Corps, was organised by retired officer Major Bev Beeson, who spoke highly of the Days for Girls initiative. “It was a privilege to partner with Days for Girls and a wonderful day of fellowship, service and fun. It was especially encouraging to see younger and older women working side by side, including some who had never sewn before,” Bev said. “Along with the completed kits, the group also donated fabric, $200 in cash, underwear and face washers to support this important ministry.” As part of the event, Susan Harris OAM, who played a key role in connecting with Days for Girls International and establishing the project in Australia, shared about the organisation’s life-changing work and the ongoing global need for these kits. All images: Facebook In many parts of the world, girls miss school or face shame and isolation simply because they lack access to menstrual products. Through volunteers, local partnerships and social enterprises, Days for Girls helps restore dignity, improve health, keep girls in education and create opportunities for brighter futures. Working in more than 145 countries including Australia and the Pacific, the organisation believes that every girl deserves the knowledge, resources and confidence to thrive, because periods should never be a barrier to opportunity. From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, DfGAL organised for 40,342 girls and women to receive kits in 24 countries around the world. Seventeen per cent of these kits were distributed in Australia.

Salvation Army teams are assisting in some of the worst-hit areas after the earthquakes in Venezuela. Salvation Army teams continue to expand their initial earthquake response efforts in Venezuela to help support communities impacted by affected by two powerful earthquakes that struck on 24 June. The teams are delivering food, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to earthquake survivors, as well as supporting first responders with hot drinks and snacks as they work around the clock in some of the worst-hit areas. A central coordination and operational base has now been established at a local church, where additional volunteers are arriving to help meet growing needs. The desperate search for survivors continues as Venezuela marks one week since the devastating twin earthquakes. More than 2200 people have died, with about 50,000 believed to be still missing. The Salvation Army has been present in Venezuela since 1972. Venezuela is part of the Latin America North Territory. Salvation Army workers assisting people impacted by the earthquakes. Hope on wheels in Ukraine For many years, The Salvation Army in Ukraine has been working on and waiting for this moment – the arrival of a brand-new emergency response vehicle, complete with a built-in kitchen. “This isn’t just a van. It’s hope on wheels,” said Ukraine divisional leaders Majors Irina and Konstantyn Shvab. “With this vehicle, our teams can now reach people in crisis faster than ever – cooking hot meals and serving hot drinks right on the spot, wherever they are needed most. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting displaced families, or reaching communities affected by the war, this van means comfort and nourishment can arrive exactly when and where it’s needed. “We’ve dreamed of this for so long. Today, that dream is real. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible – your support, prayers, and generosity are the reason we can keep serving with love in action – ‘Heart to God, Hand to Man’.” The long-awaited emergency response vehicle has arrived in Ukraine. Driving development for children in Kenya When the WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene): Food Security and Resilience Program began in Kenya – funded by The Salvation Army Australia and implemented though our partner The Salvation Army Kenya East Territory, the local school children lacked access to clean drinking water, and the learning environment was poor. Through the program, the community learned that improving water access required structural upgrades. Empowered with new advocacy skills introduced by the program, the community organised themselves and approached their Member of Parliament to request support. Their collective voice and efforts succeeded: five classrooms were renovated with new roofs and iron sheets, walls were painted and floors tiled, creating a safe and functional environment for the students. These upgrades unlocked the full potential of the WASH program. Rainwater harvesting systems were installed, giving students access to clean drinking water for the first time. The impact has been transformative: improved health, reduced absenteeism and renewed confidence in local leadership. Parents and teachers report a stronger sense of ownership and pride, and the community now sees advocacy as a powerful tool for driving development. For more information on The Salvation Army International Development Australia, check out their Facebook page here. The WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) program in Kenya is funded by The Salvation Army Australia.