Majors Johnmark and Nicole Snead, Corps Officer in Hobart, face a difficult task with empathy and joy. Image: Supplied The Hobart Citadel Corps assists more than 250 people experiencing homelessness every year. For Majors Johnmark and Nicole Snead, their job is to go home at the end of each day without guilt. Salvos Online journalist KIRRALEE NICOLLE reports As a Salvation Army corps officer in Hobart, Tasmania, who regularly met with those experiencing homelessness, Major Nicole Snead noticed something odd. As she spoke to people she met who were sleeping rough, she learned many of them weren’t originally from Tasmania. Instead, they came from other parts of the country. She couldn’t figure out why some would make the descent from a warmer climate, such as that of Queensland, to the streets of Hobart in winter. “We see a lot of people who are sleeping rough, who don’t have a place to go, who randomly just arrive in Hobart with nothing,” she said. “Honestly, it is weird.” When I ask Nicole why this is, she has few answers except that for those already in Tasmania, Hobart offers more services and options than anywhere else. And while it’s an interesting phenomenon, she clearly has more pressing concerns than figuring out exactly why people seem to migrate south to Hobart Salvos with nowhere to go. Her concern is who they each are and what they need. “There is no child in kindergarten or early primary school who says, ‘I want to be homeless when I grow up’. Like, no one ever says that,” she says. “I think for me, probably the biggest learning curve or the biggest understanding is that everybody has a story. And when you get to hear that story, it’s a privilege, and it’s actually a really special, sacred moment when there is safety and trust for them to open up.” “We are very much about good news here, and we love to share good news because the world is not necessarily a good place for lots of different people, for lots of different reasons.” She says some have faced relationship breakdowns or some other catastrophe that has led to losing their accommodation. She says with few personal supports and a cost-of-living and housing crisis, options for many were few. “It is just a tragic byproduct of [all] that [which] affects so many different people,” she says. But it isn’t all about doom and gloom for Nicole and Major Johnmark Snead, her husband and fellow Hobart Citadel Corps Officer. “We are very much about good news here, and we love to share good news because the world is not necessarily a good place for lots of different people, for lots of different reasons,” she says. “As [leaders] in a faith community, we want to be countercultural to the world, and so we try to get people to look at the good that is happening in their life, whether that is that somebody’s smiled at them this morning, made eye contact with them, bought them a coffee. They’re coming to our site, and they’ve got shelter. They’ve got a place of peace to belong to.” Nicole says that their practice of finding glimmers of joy amid pain has also made them a safe place to go when good things happen. When their clients receive accommodation or some other success, they come to The Salvation Army to share the wins with Nicole and Johnmark. “We’re showing them that we’re not like secular places,” she says. “We are different. We [share] the love of Jesus.” “It doesn’t diminish or dismiss the really hard stuff that they’re going through. If we can be just their little beacon of light – if we can be that tiny little bit of hope – then we’ve done our job.” The hope Hobart Salvos offers is not only emotional but also very tangible, and the broader community is noticing. Backpacks and bags of hope Major Nicole Snead (left) and Renee Anderson from TasNetworks with the backpack beds. Recently, Tasmanian power company TasNetworks donated $10,000 to Backpack Bed for Homeless, an organisation that provides an ergonomic backpack that contains an all-weather shelter, mattress, emergency blanket and mosquito mesh cover. The backpack also has lockable pockets for protecting valuables. The Hobart Salvation Army received 20 of these, which it has been giving to those in need. Additionally, in 2023, TasNetworks gave Nicole and Johnmark’s team a $8000 community grant to fund ongoing Sunday night dinners for anyone needing a meal. Last Christmas, Hobart Salvation Army also delivered 65 Bags of Hope containing Christmas food to community members facing a difficult festive season. On Census night in 2021, Tasmania was second only to Western Australia, with 10 per cent of those experiencing homelessness sleeping in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out. In winter, strong Antarctic winds whip through Hobart, bringing temperatures down to just a few degrees above freezing. For Nicole, the best and hardest parts of her job are both found in her work with those experiencing homelessness. “Quite often, when we have [school] classes in [to learn about The Salvation Army’s work], sometimes they ask, ‘What’s the best bit about your job?’” she says. “I say ‘When people share good news with you’ because it is. But they also ask, ‘What’s the hardest bit about your job?’ I say when I know that there are people sleeping underneath my building every night, and yet I get to go home. That’s really hard to witness time and time again.” Nicole says that when she feels overwhelmed, she reminds herself that she has done all she can and that her home is now where she needs to be. “I can’t fix some of that systemic stuff. I can’t fix some of the macro government stuff, but I can give people a place of belonging. I can give them something to wear. I can provide a shower and a laundry, you know, so that they can actually feel like they are a person of worth and dignity. “And [I can] give them choice. We’re really strong on that.”

Sneha Sapkota (left) is the International Student Coordinator who runs ‘The Couch’ program at Glenorchy City Corps in Tasmania. She is pictured with Sudina Ghimire, who migrated from Nepal to Australia. Sudina is the Speak My Language Officer with the Multicultural Council of Tasmania. BY LERISSE SMITH When a group of kids threw a banana peel at Sneha Sapkota while she sat at a local bus stop, the Nepalese immigrant initially laughed it off. “I just thought it was kids being kids,” recalled the International Student Coordinator who runs ‘The Couch’ program at Glenorchy City Corps in Tasmania. “But then my aunt, who was visiting from Brisbane, remarked it was not funny, that is racism.” Her experience at the bus stop while waiting to go home from university was not isolated. Refugees, migrants and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination in smaller townships of Tasmania. Recognising the critical need to prevent discriminatory behaviour, Sneha plans to publish a book, once funding is secured, to educate schoolchildren about racism. She believes primary prevention is key in combating the issue and educating younger people open to learning about other cultures. “The government also needs to be putting more funding into primary prevention.” “As much as I would love there to be things for adults, it can only happen when they are already wanting to change something. It is not something I can force-feed them,” she reflected. “But with kids, it is so much easier and there is more space for us to explore different cultures, different types of people. It’s primary prevention. The government also needs to be putting more funding into primary prevention.” Read about The Salvation Army’s commitment to inclusion here Sneha said a lot of her clientele and community members she worked with experienced racism “quite full on.” A Nepali store just near her office was recently trashed by teenagers. “They broke the windows, and they yell mean things all the time, which is crazy,” she said. “There are so many people around here who only speak their first language and don’t speak English, so they wouldn’t be able to stand up for themselves. I think racist people know who the vulnerable community really is and usually target them, which is very sad … I believe racism exists because there is a lack of awareness, education and exposure to culture.” An event last year based on fashion called ‘Couture with CALD’, organised by Sneha and her team, showcased people’s life experiences of moving to Australia, both good and bad. One of the young community members involved with the show had faced racism at school every day with comments such as ‘Go back to your country’ and ‘You don’t belong here’. “It really stuck with me that young people aged 9 and 10 who don’t even understand what they are saying, what they are meaning, and saying comments such as ‘go back to your country’,” Sneha commented. Sneha with (from left) Ezra Davidson, Street Teams Support Worker with Doorways and Toby Strochnetter, volunteer community meals member. “These young people don’t know what they are saying, and if we can really provide good sources or resources, there may be some space for us to bring some change. I spoke to the young person whose story this is, and she was very keen to do the book as well. So, we were going to collaborate on her story, with myself writing it, and then work together to figure out how we want it to look like. We have an illustrator who is a refugee from Ukraine who also wanted to be involved. “My hope is that once the book is published, we can get it converted into coursework and get it into schools through Salvos schools.” Sneha has worked with the local migrant community for more than two years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, international students in Tasmania faced a loss of jobs and received limited support from their home countries to manage their living expenses. To meet this need in the migrant community, The Couch program started in 2020. Since then, it has expanded to support refugees, migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse people. Sneha is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges faced by the CALD community and has taken active steps to educate people about this issue through events, notably Art for Iran in May 2023 and Couture with CALD in April last year. Sneha chats with one of her clients. The Couch program started in 2020, and since then, it has expanded to support refugees, migrants and anyone who is culturally and linguistically diverse. A local community member, Asha, and her family are among the many local residents The Couch team has helped since moving to Tasmania in search of better opportunities for their family. “I was so panicked about how I will make a life here,” she said. “The bills were piling up, and I had no one to turn to. The encouragement, advice, and information I was able to receive from the program kept me going. I am so very thankful.” Asha and her family had struggled to find stable housing and employment prior to discovering The Couch. Asha became increasingly anxious about how they would manage their future in Tasmania. However, after she contacted The Salvation Army for support and was connected to the program, Sneha advocated for Asha, helping her secure a job and, more importantly, regain her confidence and inner strength through ongoing support. “I like that our door is open to everybody. I will speak to anyone that I can and have the capacity to.” Empowering people with inner strength, encouragement, and support is paramount for Sneha, who knows firsthand what it is like to immigrate from another country. She recalls leaving her homeland of Nepal for Australia. The big change made the first few months very difficult. Sneha recalled that while she was ready for a change in life, she was naïve about how big the change would be and struggled with the English language for the first few months. “I was so afraid that nobody was going to understand my accent that I just wouldn’t speak at all in class,” she recalls. “If I went to McDonald’s restaurant, I would order at the kiosk, and even if I got the wrong order, I’d just take it because I could only say please and thank you.” It took her a while to feel more comfortable speaking English and even speaking up in her university class. She remembers being unable to make any friends for the first six months because of her fear of speaking. However, as time passed, Sneha realised she had to speak and learn the language, and her role as a community engagement leader at university was a major turning point in her life. “The interview went really badly – but I got the job,” she recalled. “I think that prompted me to be like, okay, I can do this, and I have to do something. And so that’s why I got involved with international students.” When Sneha was appointed to her current role with The Salvation Army, funded by a generous donation from Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd, it aligned perfectly for her to go from a community-based role into another community-based role with similar work. Without Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd, The Couch program for international students and the local CALD community would not be possible.   And she loves her job. “It is meeting a critical need in the community. I don’t have to say no to anybody,” she said. “The Couch sees anyone that is culturally and linguistically diverse. I think the greatest benefit is that a lot of other different organisations that help migrants are very specific in who they are helping, so they will only take on refugees or they only take on humanitarian entrants. That is where migrants who have come here to work or students are getting lost; they have nowhere to go. “I like that our door is open to everybody. I will speak to anyone that I can and have the capacity to. Some feedback that I’ve heard from a lot of my clients is that it’s nice to have someone that can be like an emotional support person.” Sneha is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges the CALD community faces and has taken active steps to educate people about this issue through events such as ‘Art for Iran’ and ‘Couture with CALD.’

I’m a keen cricket fan and enjoy watching the different forms of the game. Summer is a great time to watch cricket on TV, and I enjoy nothing more than sitting back with a cold (non-alcoholic) drink and watching some good cricket.   I have, however, become increasingly peeved with the commercials shown during summer and the number of advertisers who work hard to get cricket terms and references into their ads. Often the ad will also include cheap cricket graphics or even a final line spoken by a smiling Aussie test cricketer resting a bat on his shoulder.   “Don’t let cheap fakes hit you for six. For Aussie-made tractors with genuine parts, come to Wilson’s – we’ll help you hit a winner.”   “Come and talk to us at Quality Insurance. We’ll bowl you over with our low fees and match-winning service.”   “Why fumble around looking for the right part when you can take a classic catch with Humpty Doo Spare Parts? Stumped for where to start looking? Speak to us ... we’ve been in the business for longer than a Bradman innings.”   I wonder what would happen if some of these advertisers decided to go with a Salvation Army theme, complete with a smiling, fake, model Salvo in uniform saying some of the lines.   “Time to buy some new runners? Head to Core Athletics for all your sports needs. Fire a volley as you try on the latest Dunlop Volleys.”   “The SES has served Australians for more than 50 years – if there’s blood and fire, call us.”   “William was good and Catherine was great, but wait until you try Radio Booth! This best-selling home karaoke machine can now be yours for just $99. No need for self-denial – you know you want it!”   “It’s summer; it’s hot – it’s Streets Cornetto time! An Aussie favourite for generations, the Cornetto’s wafer cone, creamy ice cream and flavoured sauce topping is just what you need. We love the sound of a cornet … and we love the taste of a Cornetto!”   “Legendary indie punk band Slave Nation will be appearing live at the Burvale Hotel this Saturday night. Whether you’re a new fan or a long-time soldier in the Slave Nation Army, come along and hear all their hits.”   “Aussies love a good General – Eva Burrows was our favourite – and the best general is General Motors. Whether it’s the new-model Chevy or a tough GMC truck, we’re the General for you.”   “If you’re into Ducati bikes, we’ve got all the latest models, all the best parts, loads of good advice and experienced riders who can tell you why Ducati is the bike for you. Here at Ducati headquarters, we’ve got all the answers. Come and see us at DHQ and we’ll tell you to get on your bike.”   Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the focus territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (27 January-2 February) we are praying for the USA Central Territory.   The territory is made up of 11,045 senior soldiers, 1675 adherents and 1639 junior soldiers. There are 242 corps, 1066 officers (550 active and 516 retired), 37 envoys, 25 cadets and 10,687 employees.   Thanksgiving and praise: ·       We are grateful to God for another Christmas fundraising campaign to sustain our ministries and programming into this new year. ·       Praising God for the inaugural  Ignite the Spirit of Leadership Weekend  last year, which included training for prospective officers and local leaders. Many attendees were challenged to consider officership or step into local leadership roles. ·       Thanking the Lord for an impactful territorial women’s conference with over 700 in attendance and many on a waiting list. God was very present, and the Holy Spirit did his work! ·       We thank God for the hope we can express and offer through our adult rehabilitation centres, Pathway of Hope programs and our youth character-building programs and activities. ·       We are grateful for our territorial motorcycle ministries team, which had the opportunity to pray for hundreds at the annual Sturgis Rally. ·       We are excited about a new avenue of ministry in SA Gaming. This video gaming ministry gives many a sense of belonging to a hard-to-reach population of young adults and teens. We are seeing new connections to the Army and the Lord. Prayer requests: ·       Pray for our territory’s new priorities. There will be an intentional focus on spiritual life, youth and leadership development. ·       Pray for the planning and commencement of Belonging 2025, which will be held on 3-8 June. Along with the commissioning of the Champions of the Mission session, there will be over 100 workshops, guest speakers and the American debut of the musical  Belongings . The General and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham will join us for a busy congress weekend. A territory-wide initiative was launched in January to unite in prayer for this event. ·       Pray for new and creative avenues of ministry. ·       Pray for continued integration of immigrants into our corps and opportunities to express the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. ·       Pray for the Lord to continue to call his followers to officership. To find out more about the USA Central Territory, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here . For photos from the USA Central Territory, click on the arrow below.

Cameron’s life has been a journey through pain, hardship, and transformation. From a challenging childhood and struggles with mental health to experiencing homelessness and financial crisis, she faced what seemed like insurmountable battles. But with the support of The Salvation Army’s Moneycare and caseworker Heather, Cameron found a path to healing, financial stability, and self-worth. Hear her inspiring story of resilience, faith, and love as she rebuilds her life step-by-step. This is a message of hope for anyone feeling trapped – there is always a way forward, and you don’t have to do it alone. For free, financial assistance contact Moneycare on 1800 722 363 or visit salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Throughout this Moneycare Week (19-25 January), we are sharing resources and information about the free and confidential support The Salvation Army provides to those experiencing financial challenges. The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service supports thousands of Australians each year who find the burden of increasing costs and financial strain too much to bear alone. “Moneycare Week is for everyone – whether someone’s living under the poverty line or feeling financial strain regardless of their income.” What is Moneycare Week? Moneycare Week is a time for The Salvation Army to encourage Australians to take a fresh look at their financial situation and identify areas where stress and strain could be alleviated, and to seek help where needed. Salvation Army research found that during the last Christmas period, more than 34 per cent of Australians used credit cards and 17 per cent used buy-now, pay-later schemes to cover the cost of Christmas. Sadly, more than six per cent of Australians borrowed money, and more than eight per cent sold personal belongings to try to afford Christmas expenses. Moneycare Financial Inclusion Project Officer Bee Orsini said money influences almost every aspect of our lives. When it brings peace, security, stress or fear, it impacts not just wallets but everything. She also said Moneycare Week isn’t just for one particular group of people who are struggling. “Moneycare Week is here to empower people to take small steps that can make a big difference in their financial confidence,” Bee said. “Moneycare Week is for everyone – whether someone’s living under the poverty line or feeling financial strain regardless of their income. It’s about discovering the support and possibilities that can help shape a confident and hopeful present and future.” More than just numbers and spreadsheets Additionally, Bee said Moneycare Week wasn’t just about budgets or bank accounts. It was also about stepping back and asking the bigger questions, such as, “Are my money goals bringing me joy and fulfilment, or is there a new way to approach my financial worries?” “Through Moneycare Week, we’re providing tools and events to build financial resilience – not just for the community, but for our own people too,” Bee said. “Normalising Money Conversations, our internally focused initiative, ensures that Salvos personnel have access to ongoing support. Upcoming projects like ‘Supercharge Your Future’ (focused on superannuation) are designed to empower our team to navigate their own financial journeys with confidence.” Moneycare provides free online tools and resources, as well as financial counsellors who are experts at getting finances back on track. If you would prefer to speak to someone anonymously, you can do so via live chat on the Moneycare website here or call 1800 722 363. Go to the Moneycare Toolkit on My Salvos here

The Salvation Army Moneycare team offer free and confidential assistance to those struggling through tough financial times. Lucy Jones is a financial counsellor at The Salvation Army’s free Moneycare service on the Sunshine Coast. Lucy spoke with Salvos Online journalist SIMONE WORTHING about the services she provides and the needless barrier of shame that people often feel when it comes to seeing a financial counsellor for help. Moneycare Financial Counsellor Lucy Jones. Shame is a big barrier for people coming to see a financial counsellor. If we can’t see properly, we go and get glasses. If we’re not feeling well, we go to a doctor. If we’ve got a bung foot, we go to a podiatrist. If we’ve got bung finances, we usually stay silent and feel shame and guilt that we aren’t managing. Most people weren’t taught financial literacy. We are just expected to manage our finances well. But where and when did we learn? It’s really tough out there for many people, and help is available.   Mortgage distress At the moment, we’re getting more and more people coming to us in mortgage distress. Whether that has been because of illness, domestic violence, job loss, mental health or an accident that’s meant someone can’t work for a period – the reasons are varied. It’s really tough out there for a lot of people, but help is available, and there is no shame in asking for it. Interest rates are based on the risk a person poses to the bank and the amount they have borrowed relative to the value of their property. Although property prices have increased significantly, some people are still paying an interest rate based on the 80 or 90 per cent ‘loan-to-value ratio’ when they bought the property years ago. What I’d really like to see people do every six to 12 months is ask their bank for an interest rate review. You can speak to the bank directly if you’re confi­dent or get your mortgage broker to do it for you, just to make sure that you are always on the best rate available. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our Financial Counselling Team, please call 1800 722 363 today.   Rates and fees Another part of home ownership that people often let fall behind when the pressure starts to build financially is their council rates and/or body corporate fees. Both those expenses, if they get too far behind, can put your property at risk and a lot of people don’t know that. So, if you run into any trouble with your mortgage, body corporate or council rates, it’s important to reach out to a financial counsellor because, left too long, you can get into some real trouble. Many people who leave their first Moneycare session say that they feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders because they shared their stories and felt less alone. I find that when our circumstances change, our habits don’t always change with them. I’ve had people who have had financial pressure building for a decade, and they’ve just tried to keep up by taking on a little bit more debt each year. We help you come up with options for managing your debts. It’s a reminder that our finances are never separate from the rest of our lives. Everything in life impacts our finances and our finances impact everything else that’s going on. For some people, there just isn’t enough coming in. And it’s really tough out there for a lot of people but help is available, and there is no shame in asking for it. Financial counsellors As financial counsellors, we never charge a fee or make referrals to any paid services. We are qualified professionals but, unlike a financial advisor or planner, we don’t have financial licences because we don’t advise you on how to invest your money. Instead, we help you understand your financial concerns, consider ways to improve your financial well-being and budgeting capacity, and develop options for managing your debts. The impact that resolving concerns and easing pressure can have on someone’s life and helping them realise they can be in control of these things, is wonderful. That’s why I do this kind of work. It brings me a lot of joy. For more information on Moneycare, including contact details, click here . Go to the Moneycare Toolkit on MySalvos here

The Salvation Army Moneycare team offer free, confidential and non-judgemental help to those facing financial stress. Kevin van Kuijk is a financial counsellor at Moneycare in Cairns. Kevin spoke with Salvos Online journalist SIMONE WORTHING about the services he provides, how easy it is to contact a financial counsellor and the importance of not leaving it too late. Moneycare Financial Counsellor Kevin van Kuijk. Simone: You’ve been working with Moneycare Cairns for more than two years now. Who are your clients?   Kevin:  It’s a mixed ensemble of people. Mainly those between their 30s and the elderly. Some are referred by local agencies, some just walk through the door of our local Salvos looking for help.   The housing crisis in Cairns is bad. We hardly have any [rentals] available unless you pay six or seven hundred a week. You need a very good income to afford that type of rent.   The cost of living is catching up with a lot of the people we see, and they’re starting to experience mortgage stress. Sometimes the bank is already taking legal action towards them. Some people are falling behind in rent, their car breaks down or the washing machine stops working, there are medical issues, or they have a reduced income from their casual employment. Some people can’t absorb the rent increase when their tenancy is up for renewal. Your options get limited when you leave it late. It’s never too early to come see us.   S: When do people contact you? K:  Often late, unfortunately. When some have been told they have to clear their arrears or sell their home after they missed the payments on their plans.   What we do see, though, is that most banks are lenient and they’re willing to think outside the box, so we can work with them and the community member to find a good solution.   The earlier people come to see us, the more options we have available to explore and proposals to put forward towards their creditors, and the more time the bank is willing to give us to work out how we can help the client move forward.   S: What holds people back from coming to see you earlier? K:  I’d say two reasons. Shame is one. I have clients who, a couple of years ago, wouldn’t have gotten into financial hardship, and now they feel shame that it’s got to this point when they believe they should be able to manage it themselves.   We all need support and guidance sometimes, but all too often, we try to do it on our own.   The other reason is that people don’t know where to go for help. They often confuse us with a financial advisor and think they have to pay. Moneycare financial counselling is free, and it’s about helping people who are in hardship or doing it tough to find out what options are available for their situation. We can then discuss the pros and the cons with them, and they can make informed decisions around the best direction to take. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our Financial Counselling Team, please call 1800 722 363 today.   S: What do you enjoy about your role? K:  When people come in, they usually are heavy laden, burdened with issues that are causing stress – the main ones being cost of living, personal finances and housing expenses.   To get them in and have a conversation, hear their stories and help them explore options – and then see the stress start dropping off when they begin making progress – that’s one of the most fulfilling things of being a financial counsellor.   S: Are there any particular social trends that are impacting people’s expenses? K:  Aside from the cost of living and housing crisis, my clients have often experienced domestic violence. The other trend I notice is that people are trying to make ends meet by taking up credit products. Often, it’s the buy now, pay later products because they look deceitfully good – just a few payments spread out over time. If you’re in a bit of financial stress, come and have a chat with a financial counsellor. Using credit, you often spend more than you normally would. If you miss a payment, it suddenly becomes very expensive, and you find yourself caught in this debt trap. All too often clients have six or seven of these smaller but very harmful debts. S: When is the best time to come and see a financial counsellor? K: If you wait until the bank takes legal action or your landlord is about to evict you, you’ve left it late. Your options get limited when you leave it late. It’s never too early to come see us. If you’re in a bit of financial stress, come and have a chat with a financial counsellor. Our service is free, confiden­tial and non-judgmental – we are here to help. Go to the Moneycare Toolkit on My Salvos here

The Bible teaches us that it is good to carry each other’s burdens. This week is Moneycare Week, a reminder to care about other people and the heavy load or burden they might be carrying. In this video,  Kristen Hartnett (National Moneycare Manager) shares practical ways to offer help and encouragement to those dealing with financial challenges, following the example of Christ’s teachings. Visit our Moneycare toolkit today on mySalvos.

Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black prays for Aux-Lieut Stephen Dunn during his installation ceremony as Mission Leader at The Foundery in Port Kembla. BY DEAN SIMPSON   The Salvation Army’s presence in the steelworks region of Port Kembla (NSW) has been boosted by the installation of Auxiliary-Lieutenant Stephen Dunn as Mission Leader.   NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black installed Stephen on 16 January to lead the newly established Port Kembla Community of Hope. Stephen’s installation was held at The Foundery, a complex at the top of Wentworth Street in the heart of Wollongong’s industrial suburb.   “I am praying it [Port Kembla Community of Hope] will be like a light on a hilltop, bringing light and hope to everyone in the community,” Robyn said.   The complex also houses The Salvation Army First Floor Program, a Jesus-centred holistic service supporting wellbeing and empowering individuals and families impacted by the challenging behaviours of a loved one.     “The Port Kembla Community of Hope and the First Floor Program are two separate entities, but there will obviously be collaboration between the two,” Stephen said.    The Salvation Army Foundery at the top of the hill in Wentworth Street, Port Kembla. (Top image courtesy of the Illawarra Mercury) Stephen’s appointment has been about 12 months in the making, and he is glad to again be working alongside his wife, Marilyn, who coordinates the First Floor Program. They met with divisional leaders several times in the past year to present their proposal for ministry at The Foundery.    “I led the Salvos’ mission at Ulladulla (two hours south of Wollongong) for six years, and the travel and being away from home was quite demanding at times. So, it will be good to see my wife more often now,” he quipped.    “We are grateful that the Salvos have backed our vision and will fund it for the next three years at this stage. So we’re getting the ball rolling,” Stephen said. “I’m genuinely looking forward to re-establishing a ministry base at Port Kembla.”   Stephen will oversee several ministries, including a Connect site (emergency financial assistance) that will run on Tuesdays and Fridays, pastoral care groups, an Art for Healing group and an op shop-style garage sale that will operate in conjunction with the Connect site.     “In the garages at the rear, that we call ‘The Makery’, we plan to run a ‘He Shed She Shed’ style program where we fix and make things,” Stephen said.    The Foundery was established in 2012 under the leadership of two young officers, Paul and Christy Kurth, who created a café-style ministry.     The café still exists, and while it is independently operated, it enhances the services on-site, providing a safe, hospitable environment. “James runs the café, and he’s fantastic,” Stephen said. “He not only makes a brilliant coffee, but he understands the ethos of The Salvation Army and what we’re all about. It’s not just a business for him.”   Co-located is The Fathering Project, a program that seeks to engage, inspire and support fathers and father figures in the Illawarra region by providing a safe space – ‘The Community Fathering Hub’ – for fathers to come and connect.    “They [The Fathering Project] also cross over with a lot of what we do,” Stephen said. “So, with them, the First Floor Program, the Foundery Café, a regular outreach gambling counselling service, and our Community of Hope, we aim to offer some great wraparound services for the community.”    Art exhibition  One of the first events of the year at The Foundery is underway – the Cross Connection Community Arts Exhibition.    The exhibition, with the theme of ‘Grow’, is being held from 17-28 January at the centre. The Cross Connection exhibition continues the creative arts influence of the First Floor Program’s Jayne Wilson Exhibition, which was named after the program’s founder and was held in Wollongong for 10 years before finishing up last year.    Awards are being presented during the exhibition – ‘People’s Choice’ and ‘Spirit’ – with Brittany Ruiz winning the ‘Spirit’ category for her entry, ‘Blue Birds’. Click through the slideshow below to view some images of the exhibition, including Brittany’s entry, ‘Blue Birds’ (last slide).

General Paul Rader in the mid-1990s when he led the worldwide Salvation Army. General Paul Rader (Rtd), The Salvation Army’s 15th beloved international leader, was promoted to glory on 18 January 2025, aged 90. General Rader was the international leader of The Salvation Army from 1994 to 1999. He also served as Chief Secretary in Korea Territory (1977–84) and USA Eastern Territory (1989), as Territorial Commander in USA Western Territory (1989–94) and as President of Asbury University in Kentucky, USA (2000–06). “On behalf of the Australia Territory, we express our deepest condolences to the Rader family during this time and offer our prayers,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. “General Paul Rader had a tremendous influence around the world through his dynamic ministry and visionary leadership. His preaching, his teaching and his dedication to outstanding Salvationism will be remembered.” General Paul Rader (Rtd) was an ‘outstanding’ example of Salvationism. General Lyndon Buckingham, the current international leader of The Salvation Army, also paid tribute. “General Paul Rader was a devoted servant and leader. I salute his unwavering commitment to his calling, his unrelenting vision for the growth of The Salvation Army and the sharing of the gospel to the furthest reaches of the globe.” The Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill added: “General Paul Rader was a dynamic and engaging leader who inspired me and countless other officers of my generation. I thank God for the power of his preaching and teaching.” More details will follow, but we ask the global Salvation Army family to hold Commissioner Kay Rader and the family in their prayers at this time. An educated leader The following bio on General Paul Rader appeared on the Asbury University website in 2012: Elected to the highest office of The Salvation Army as worldwide leader on 23 July 1994, General Paul A. Rader is the first American-born officer to have commanded the international movement. General Rader was born in New York in 1934 and spent his undergraduate years at Asbury College, then pursued studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating with BA, BD and M Th. degrees. Later he earned a Doctor of Missiology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Mission in Pasadena, California. At Asbury, he met and married his wife, Kay, a Georgian from a Methodist family. Upon graduating with a BA degree from Asbury College, she taught public school. Following training at The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in New York, the Raders were commissioned as officers and appointed to Korea, where they served as missionary officers for the next 22 years. Both became proficient in the Korean language, completing studies at Yonsei University Korean Language Institute. During their service in Korea, they were engaged in the training of Salvation Army officers, evangelism, education and administration. After a number of administrative appointments in the USA he and Commissioner Rader were appointed territorial leaders in the USA Western Territory where they mounted an aggressive MISSION 2000 growth initiative. From this command, Commissioner Rader was elected General in 1994, based at International Headquarters in London, England. As the international leaders of The Salvation Army, they travelled widely, inspiring commitment to the Army’s mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name. General Rader and Commissioner Rader retired as international leaders of The Salvation Army in July 1999 and made their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Soon after their return, Dr. Rader was elected to the presidency of Asbury College. Dr. Rader served as president of Asbury College from 2000 to 2006 when he again retired. The Raders have together received honorary doctorates from Asbury College (D.D.), Asbury Theological Seminary (D.D.), Greenville College (L.H.D.) and Roberts Wesleyan College (D.D.). President Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea awarded General Rader the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, Gwanghwa medal in 1998, ‘for distinguished service in the field of mission to the Republic of Korea and the world.’ Since retirement, the Raders maintained a keen interest in mission to North Korea (DPRK), Dr. Kay Rader serving on the board of Christian Friends of Korea (DPRK). The Raders have visited North Korea in this connection in 2005, 2007 and 2011. General Rader serves on the board of pure HOPE (formerly the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families} and Commissioner Rader, on the board of the Religious Alliance Against Pornography. The Raders have three married children: Edith Jeanne, James Paul and Jennifer Kay, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Their story is told in   If Two Shall Agree ,  authored by Carroll Hunt Rader, and published by Beacon Hill. In 2015, General Paul and Commissioner Kay Rader published a book entitled To Seize This Day of Salvation . The book’s bio on the International Headquarters website states: World leaders of The Salvation Army are accorded a wide variety of venues and circumstances within which to cast the vision God has given. As the Army's international leaders, General Paul Rader and Commissioner Kay Rader travelled widely, inspiring commitment to its mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name. Here are presentations prepared to inform and inspire to action. Their value lies in their diversity and consistency, for they explore vital themes that lie at the heart of The Salvation Army's vision and mission. The issues addressed are not only perennial. They are urgently relevant to ‘this Day of Salvation’. The book is available here General Paul Rader (Rtd) signs a copy of his book, ’To Seize This Day of Salvation’, in 2015.

Territorial Worship Arts Manager Ken Waterworth leads the brass band elective at the National Creative Arts Camp. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The 2025 National Creative Arts Camp (NCAC) is an opportunity for youth and young adults from around the country to learn, grow and share.   The annual event, which ran from 12-18 January, was hosted by the Worship Arts Team at Blampied, north of Ballarat (Victoria). NCAC is a camp specifically designed to encourage, train and develop young creatives within The Salvation Army.   NCAC brought together young creatives aged 15 to 30, with spiritual leadership throughout the week from Major Sandra McLean, Faith Communities Development Secretary, Victoria and SA/NT .   The camp offered creative streams like visual arts, music theatre, brass band, dance and worship.   The event provides unique and important opportunities for up-and-coming creatives, building faith, skills, and community for diverse young people within a national experience.  “I very much believe creative arts and music can play a really important part in worship and a really important part in bringing us all closer to God through the use of the arts and particularly music,” said Territorial Worship Arts Manager Ken Waterworth.   “In terms of the NCAC, I would hope that I would be able to inspire young people to better use their art and their art form to be able to worship and be able to connect with other people in making great music and sharing their own faith journey through the aspect of music in The Salvation Army.”   A fun game of ‘Jelly Bean Toss’ in full swing at the camp. The campers were celebrated at the National Creative Arts Camp Concert at Brimbank Corps on Friday 16 January.   Sandra shared a reading from Romans 12 with those at the camp concert, which gave a biblical backbone to the reason why the creative arts camp is vital for young people: “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”   The livestream of the camp concert can be viewed here . Major Sandra McLean leads a session at the camp.