Josiah Van Niekerk, Community Engagement Coordinator and head of Business Development at Colac Corps, in the corps’ pantry. BY LERISSE SMITH When The Salvation Army’s Colac Community Centre opened a year ago amidst widespread excitement and jubilation, few could have envisioned the extraordinary success it would achieve. It marked a new and transformative era for the local Salvation Army in the Western District of Victoria. “It has been great to see the explosive growth of how we can support the Colac Region with this space,” said Josiah Van Niekerk, Community Engagement Coordinator and head of Business Development at the corps. “We are distributing about 2.5 to 3 tonnes of material aid across our Material Aid programs. We are now at the forefront of social and business work in the Colac region. We really want to celebrate the team’s amazing efforts over this inaugural year of the new era of Colac Salvos, and to show the greater Salvos family how the Colac region is growing. We are bringing our vision and mission to the local community.” With the Victorian regional township rich in manufacturing, farming, and forestry, the centre on Dennis Street is busy. The Salvation Army runs church, Bible studies and prayer gatherings out of the facility, while daily and weekly material aid programs encompass a Market Day, Community Pantry, Community Breaky Bar, and shower/laundry facilities. Doorways Community Drop-in and Colac Salvos Kids Playgroup also form part of the Salvos service to the local community. The centre serves meals to about 100 individuals weekly through its Breaky Bar, Monday lunches and Friday nibbles programs, which form part of the community drop-in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-2pm. Alongside these programs, locals can access the centre’s free shower, laundry and free haircut services. Children are not forgotten with a Colac Salvos Kids Playgroup run for parents every Tuesday so parents can socialise while their children play in the community centre. Working actively With such a thriving service to the community on many fronts, Josiah believes the centre is providing a beacon of light in the heart of the city. “We are doing great in the triage space of being able to get people coming in here so we can feed them, get food in their pantry, and offer services like a free shower too,” Josiah said. “But we’re also trying to equally grow into a space of prevention, of working actively in community development to give people the tools they need to keep their marriage together and to keep on top of their finances. The community centre is a central part of what makes our community, and the last five programs started from community, such as school students and churches, who initiated ideas that came to fruition. It has been a blessing to be able to be a vessel for social justice and a vessel for God’s kingdom.” The Colac region has many physical and emotional needs, especially when it comes to its local community members. Josiah said that during his work with the local community over the past few years, he and Colac Corps Officer Lieutenant Paul Trotter realised that residents needed to trust others and have meaningful relationships. Colac Corps Officer Lieutenant Paul Trotter. He said it was critical for the local Salvation Army to provide spaces where people could build trust and relationships with each other before having the right to help and walk alongside them in their lives. “It’s very rare in Melbourne, let alone in a place like Colac or Hamilton, where someone is just going to walk in and say, ‘Crap, my life is falling apart, I need your help’,” Josiah commented. “You’re only going to really get to that point when you’ve caught up with them and had a coffee for the last six months. You need to run programs and have spaces where you can create relationships so you can create trust. Once that is done, you can then have the ability to walk in life with people. Life isn’t on an Excel spreadsheet – it’s in the nitty-gritty of it all.” And even the centre’s humble kitchen provides a focal point for the community. “It’s not a fridge builder, it’s a relationship builder,” Josiah reflected. “We really try to push that. We’re not here to fill fridges, we’re here to fill stomachs and fill hearts and to be able to create those spaces for relationships and conversations to start. It’s this beautiful, messy, crazy space where you’ve got two and a half tonnes of material getting distributed. People getting triaged with Doorways vouchers, haircuts getting done, sandwiches, soup and food being doled out everywhere, all in the same space. And it’s just this chaotic, amazing thing that the community loves. “I see food and coming around a table as a great community leveller. Being able to get around and share a meal levels the playing fields, and that has been a big thing for us. We see it as a tool for relationship because the real problem isn’t feeding their belly; it’s speaking into their identity, their purpose, their loneliness towards holistic health. So, for us, it’s the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional health of our community.” Focal point A look back at the centre’s inception revealed it nearly did not come to fruition. The Salvation Army had planned to close in the area five years ago. However, newly commissioned corps officers Keryn and Aaron Coombes were able to gain momentum for the local area before Josiah and Paul arrived three years ago and grew the programs to what they are today, with The Salvation Army spending more than $3 million to build the centre. “Colac had often been viewed by many people as an in-between city where people would stop for a coffee while travelling to other neighbouring townships, resulting in a mentality among locals that it felt like the city had been missed,” Josiah said. “But now the centre is a focal point for the township.” Meetings with peak representatives from Foodbank, Second Bite and Food Share led to the Salvos putting up their hand to coordinate the material aid. Geelong Food Relief provides the Salvos with produce sourced from Foodbank. Many local businesses also assist, including Woolworths and Coles supermarkets, which donate about 300kg of produce.   Volunteer cook Joy Crabbe prepares a healthy, delicious culinary meal for local community members.  The centre’s Market Day provides the largest space for those needing material aid, followed by its Community Pantry. Families can access a wide array of material aid, from baby formula, children’s clothing and shoes, breast pumps, beauty and sanitary items, baby bottles and food of all sorts. “These are the first things that parents stop being able to buy when life hits the fan,” Josiah said. “The main gist of our material aid is to ensure dignity to families and parents. We might have a lady come in and needing material aid because she needs her legs waxed, and that’s fine. It’s fine to be dignified even when life is hard. There are ways that we can feel dignified and encouraged and empowered, even in hard times.” Local partnerships The centre has established a good rapport with the local Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) and an independent organisation, Colac Kindness Network, that create meals for locals and has a pantry accessible to the community 9am-5pm, seven days a week. The Salvos also help supply those two agencies with material aid, which they then distribute to various local organisations and essential services, including hospitals and welfare agencies. “It has been a big thing for us,” Josiah said. “We have realised not everyone feels comfortable coming to us. Not everyone knows what we have. But they know about Vinnies, they know about the local hospital, they know about different agencies. So, we want to be able to empower those agencies to be able to best support their cohort. We still have the means to get another 800kg of produce distributed through the Food Bank if we have the demand. Meat is always the highest in demand and also the hardest to get.” “We are so excited about our future, of being an integral part of developing a kingdom-based holistic community across the Colac Region.” Using mainstream media to promote the services of the centre is an important tool for the Salvos to ensure the message gets out in the community. Staff will take part in local radio interviews and use advertisements to ensure people know help is available. And while Colac is known as a wealthy manufacturing township with huge companies such as Bulla Family Dairy and Australia’s largest sawmill company, AKD Softwoods, being based in the city, many people were struggling behind the scenes with high rates of alcoholism and substance use such as hard drugs including ‘ice’. “There’s wealthy people working in a factory town. But us, being people, we’re greedy. We want the new LandCruiser, the $1.2 million house, and loans that are too big ... and then life hits the fan, and then everything falls apart, marriages fall apart, and then it all goes belly up,” Josiah said. “So, it has been a big thing of just trying to get into community and say, ‘Hey, if you can’t pay your rego, why don’t you just come in’, and you can get items out of our Community Pantry or Market Day, and then that will save you $150 on your grocery bill so you can pay your rego. We would prefer not to be picking up the pieces six months from now when they lose their house, they become homeless or may suffer domestic violence. It is so preventable.” Barbara Maloney, volunteer hairdresser, pictured with Josiah, provides free haircuts to local Colac community members. It is one of many services provided to the region to help out local residents. One of the major issues for the centre staff is ensuring people experiencing issues such as domestic and homelessness are able to access food. Often, they are unable to eat frozen meals because they don’t have access to a microwave oven. The Salvos are currently trying to get a fridge or freezer locker system outside the facility, including a microwave oven, so that homeless people can access food outside operating hours. Exciting future With many projects going on, the Colac team is looking to more great times ahead, including two new exciting programs. One is called the ‘Otway Wardrobe’ and will allow any young person to borrow some great formal attire for free to wear at their next formal or social event. The other initiative is a Social Youth Drop-in space where the Salvos have fostered a collaboration with local police, employment agencies, disability support agencies, schools and organisations to support young people. “We are so excited about our future, of being an integral part of developing a kingdom-based holistic community across the Colac region, as Colac is just our foundation to reach to all the satellite towns across the region we support,” Josiah said. “The centre continues to go from strength to strength in meeting the many needs of our great community, through encouraging community to create community and through being a vessel for that work, we are enabling a more long-term approach to meeting needs across the Colac region.”

Workers from many trades and businesses donated their time and materials to renovate the Oasis Youth Services complex in Sydney.   BY DEAN SIMPSON   The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Services complex in inner-city Sydney has received a makeover during a Community Give Back Day organised by ADCO Constructions.   More than 35 people, including 13 companies contracted by ADCO, volunteered their time, materials and labour on Monday 24 June to spruce up the Surry Hills complex.   Every area of the centre was tended to, including the foyer, rooms, balconies, gardens, barbeque areas and the driveway.   Elaine Yallop, The Salvation Army’s Regional Manager for Youth Services, said Oasis was overwhelmed by the generosity and tenacity of ADCO and its “incredible team of volunteers” who gave new life to a centre that had started looking run-down “after years of supporting thousands of young people”.   “They [ADCO] have given us an amazing space in which we will continue to support the young people who live and visit here,” Elaine said.   “When we initially started to work with their team on the ‘vision’, we never imagined they would say yes to everything on our ‘wish list’. The Community Day was unbelievable, the site was buzzing from top to bottom with work! We are extremely grateful.”    One of the outdoor areas that was ‘spruced up’ with new paving, painted walls, lighting, new furniture and a barbeque. Some of the work done included renovating an outdoor garden area, which included painting and repaving, constructing an outdoor kitchen area, installing a new barbeque and hanging festoon lighting.   The entire Oasis building was painted in a palette of three different colours, and the balcony was waterproofed. Electrical work was carried out to meet requirements, and air conditioners were serviced.   Mulch and new plants gave garden beds a new look, and other outdoor areas were pressure-washed and decorated.   Two skips were filled on the day with old furniture and rubbish, and a host of new flat-pack furniture was constructed for the offices.   Contractors who volunteered their time and materials (and the areas they renovated) included Deluxe Cleaning (cleaning), Metropolitan Demolitions (removal of the pavers),  Sam the Paving Man (laying and supply of new pavers), Bunnings (material supplies),  Precision Painting (paint, materials and workers), Pro Electrical (lights and festoon lights installation), Maxton Fox (kitchenette area), Timberfix (fridge notice board), WRC (Waterproofing joints), Urban Ground (plants and landscaping and workers), Bingo (waste disposal – 2 x 6 cube bins), Allcott Hire ( hire tools), Fredon (air conditioning). Oasis Youth Services is an expression of The Salvation Army, supporting young people in the Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions on their journey to independence. They do this by delivering a range of programs and services, including vocational training, drug and alcohol support and driver training. Amanda Travers, the Army’s Relationship Manager for Corporate Partnerships, expressed her gratitude to ADCO for its contribution and support of The Salvation Army’s mission.   “I felt privileged to spend the day with the amazing teams at ADCO Constructions and all the other companies that generously gave their time and expertise,” she said. “Thank you to everyone involved for bringing love and hope to our Oasis program.”

The newly commissioned officers from the Defenders of Justice session of the Caribbean Territory. Each week throughout this year, 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 (1-7 July) we are praying for the Caribbean Territory. Countries included in this territory include Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, French Guiana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands. ·       We thank God for his protection and provision during the unrest in Haiti. Despite the violent uprising, many people accepted Christ, and the gospel continued to spread. Please pray for: ·       The ongoing development of men's ministries throughout the territory. ·       That young people in the Caribbean, especially in English and Dutch-speaking areas, respond positively to God's call to be officers. ·       Divine guidance as the territory develops its 2025-2030 strategic plan. ·       A powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the Suriname District Centennial Celebration scheduled for 5-13 October 2024. ·       Divine wisdom, knowledge, understanding, insight and foresight for the new leadership team as they embark on their tenure. To find out more about the Caribbean Territory, click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here .

Salvation Army General Manager for Policy and Advocacy Jennifer Kirkaldy says there needs to be a whole range of housing supports to handle the ongoing crisis. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE As temperatures dropped below -6°C in parts of New South Wales and below -4°C in parts of Victoria and Tasmania last week, housing reform advocates gathered for a press conference in Canberra.  At the event, ACT Independent Senator David Pocock and Member for North Sydney Kylea Tink announced the introduction of a bill to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, calling for legislation to ensure a longer-term approach to housing and homelessness.   The press conference on 24 June drew representatives from organisations including The Salvation Army, Anglicare Australia, Everybody’s Home and Mission Australia.  The announcement came a month after a letter signed by representatives of organisations across the housing, homelessness and human rights sectors was sent to the Federal Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Small Business, the Honourable Julie Collins MP.  The letter acknowledged and welcomed the expenditure announcements and reform initiatives pledged by the Albanese Government but called moves towards addressing the issues of housing and homelessness “modest in scale and disparate in nature”. The letter called for “firmer foundations” to be put in place for the Government’s National Housing and Homelessness Plan, which is currently still in development.  The National Housing and Homelessness Bill 2024  would require current and future governments to develop, implement and maintain a 10-year National Housing and Homelessness Plan Act , according to a press release from the offices of the Senator and MP.   Independent Senator David Pocock is pushing the Albanese Government to implement a long-term approach to housing. Senator David Pocock described Australia’s housing crisis as a crippling one which required big ambition and bold action to solve.  “The complexity of this crisis requires a long-term strategy and commitment that endures beyond short-term political cycles,” he said. “Legislating the ongoing requirement for a National Housing and Homelessness Plan can help deliver that.”  The bill’s introduction was motivated by the desire to treat housing as a universal human right according to international human rights laws. Australia does not currently have a Bill of Rights and relies on individual protections within the Constitution, as well as legislation from Commonwealth, State and Territory Parliaments.  Member for North Sydney Kylea Tink said that for too long, the approach to housing policy had been piecemeal, short-term or simply put in the too-hard basket, with “disastrous” results.  “We urgently need to come together to deliver a meaningful, legislated, national approach to ensure all Australians have adequate housing,” she said. “One that recognises housing as a fundamental human right, not a commodity, and ensures bad politics cannot override what should be smart, essential policy ever again.”  The bill proposes the establishment of a National Housing Consumer Council to represent both tenants and homebuyers and an Office of the National Housing and Homelessness Advocate to independently monitor the Plan’s progress, assess outcomes and investigate systemic issues.  The Salvation Army’s General Manager for Policy and Advocacy, Jennifer Kirkaldy, said that were the bill to pass, it would enshrine a more long-term approach to accountability for housing and homelessness, which The Salvation Army supported.   “What we need is actually a whole range of solutions,” she said. “We need to make sure there’s sufficient housing supply [and] we need to make sure that the housing market is geared towards keeping people housed.  “Then there also needs to be wraparound supports for people for whom there are additional barriers to maintaining their housing situation. That's what The Salvation Army does so well.”  Jennifer said increasing Jobseeker and Youth Allowance payments would be an immediate solution to the issue of those who were most vulnerable to homelessness staying housed. She said it was less expensive for the government to support those who already had housing to be able to meet their financial obligations than to treat homelessness, but she said homelessness was also a very real, pressing issue, particularly given recent freezing temperatures across parts of the country.  Jennifer said any interventions along the spectrum of housing, including introducing tax reforms or increasing social housing stock, reduced pressure on those competing for housing compared to others who were earning far higher salaries and wages.  “Anything you can do to alleviate pressure anywhere along this continuum makes things easier for the people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness,” she said. “The situation we've got right now, as cost of living goes up, as rents go up and as general cost of housing goes up, is all of these different people [are] competing for the same housing solutions.”  The Salvation Army has recently opened housing complexes in Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, and it has active projects in Queensland and New South Wales.

Ken Waterworth today marks 30 years as bandmaster of Melbourne Staff Band. Ken Waterworth has been part of the Melbourne Staff Band since 1979, first playing euphonium and then taking over the baton as Staff Bandmaster in 1994. For almost three-quarters of his life, Ken has been a part of The Salvation Army’s premier brass band in Australia. He’s actually been hanging around the band since he was a boy in short pants, as his dad, Robin, was a long-term member. Today (2 July) marks 30 years since Ken took up the MSB baton, passed on by Colin Woods, who led the MSB for 25 years from 1969. As the band’s leader, trainer and conductor, it is fair to say that Ken has taken the group and shaped it in an image of his choosing. Ken recently announced his retirement from the MSB role, which will take effect later this year. Salvos Online took the opportunity to speak to many of Ken’s peers about his significant contribution. BY BARRY GITTINS Ken Waterworth is respected by his international peers. Andrew Blyth rates the Australian Salvationist’s vision and commitment. He thinks Ken is “a man who understands the Holy Spirit in his life. As The Salvation Army has changed, Ken has adapted the band’s mission and continued to seek what God wants”. Ken has been described as a ‘solid man of God’. Ken’s musicianship, innovation, use of multimedia and ability as a trainer are also mentioned by Bandmaster Stephen Cobb from the International Staff Band, who says, “Ken seems authentic, committed and determined.” “Ken brought personality and significant musical ability to his role,” he adds. “He’s passionate about the Army and its mission, evidenced by how he lives, relates to others, how he makes decisions.”   For Commissioner Jim Knaggs, former Australian Southern Territorial Commander, Ken “ is a solid man of God, honest in his approach and follow-through [who] uses music to communicate God’s unconditional love”. “Sophisticated music is facing global disinterest,” Jim says, and Ken’s work “counters that issue, successfully and unapologetically”. Respected Canadian Salvation Army composer Len Ballantine believes Ken “seeks conciliation and agreement in his dealings with people. He loves innovation, is self-disciplined, and he expects the same from others under his leadership. Ken is focused on his work, his family, and his faith [and] enjoys people”.   Monica Sakha, who saw Ken at work in the Kenya East Territory, believes his training and teaching to be unique. “All musicians desire that we could have him again for a music school/music camp,” she says, as his “passion and love for the young people and his session with bandmasters was of great value”. She added, “Ken is strict. He works hard. He is committed and enthusiastic. He expresses his faith by dedicating his time to music ministry.” For Australian composer and arranger Roger Trigg, lately of Ireland, Ken’s constant encouragement and patronage have been a blessing. “Ken is determined and ambitious [with] an entrepreneurial spirit and an eye for detail,” Roger says. “He tries new things, and his teaching background perhaps gives him the tools to break down issues into smaller parts to effectively correct and improve the final result. He’s enabled the MSB to remain relevant and flexible.” Ken himself acknowledges that his reputation as a band trainer of the highest calibre comes “from my teaching background in music education”, which, along with solid technique, has always “been a passion of mine; you teach from the podium”. Ken performing a euphonium solo during his time as a player under the baton of Colin Woods. Ken in his own words Asked if you must be a masochist to be a good bandmaster, Ken laughs, saying, “I’m very driven.” “Brian Hogg made a comment in his notes for a piece he wrote, for myself and the band this year, suggesting I was someone who expected the very best of myself, and from those I work with … that echoes well with me. “I want to use the gifts I have as well as I can. We’re all wired differently, but hopefully, the people I work and minister with can appreciate that.” Leading the MSB is not an easy gig. Ken says he tries to maintain performance standards and keep the band relevant “by connecting with diverse people, professionals, performers and composers”. “People management can be a challenge,” Ken says, adding he aspires to be “someone who people can share things with” and to “experience God, and share that experience”. “I am not a shy person … I am comfortable being with people,” he says, adding, “I’m certainly not an extrovert. I am comfortable in my own skin. That is important in leadership; people have to see that you are confident. People will follow someone who is certain.” Ken’s announcement as Staff Bandmaster in ‘The Musician’ publication on 2 July 1994. Asked if he holds any regrets over how he has led the band for 30 years, Ken says, “With so much on my plate, I have wondered, ‘Could I have done better if I wasn’t juggling so many things?’ “Family, work, ministry; these have all been compromised a little to allow me to do the whole package. I look back and I believe I could have done things and handled things better if I’d had more time. But I did the best I could. “The world has changed. Family and work commitments have had to be considered more. How many times have we sacrificed things for ministry?” Ken muses. “Over the years, it’s our families that have been the ones who sacrificed for us so that we could enjoy the ministry that we do.” Ken reflects on that sea change and thanks his wife, Lynne, and his family, as “it is a family commitment, not just my commitment”. “When I became bandmaster, I had three young children, and another came along later. Lynne is the reason I’ve been able to do what I do. She didn’t grow up in The Salvation Army, so the ‘duty’ we undertake was not part of her experience or understanding of family life.” The MSB is a sort of family or brotherhood in and of itself, with all the complications that families entail. Tales of band trips past are evergreen yarns: stories of errant gigs, jet lag, inspiring moments, memorable vocalists (for varying reasons), in-house gags and shared experiences that help groups bond. Ken the leader Several Melbourne peers helped Salvos Online understand Ken the leader. Craig Downes admires Ken’s “sustained desire to keep going and maintain levels. There used to be brilliant players all over the band; Ken has a knack for getting players to play better. He is confident, determined, and positive.” Mark Hamilton notes that “Ken is a good, acclaimed band trainer; hard-working, private, committed”, while Colonel Ian Hamilton states Ken “has immaculate deportment” and “is loyal and passionate”. Ken (right) with his brother Darren and their father Robin in the 1990s. Brian Hogg recently wrote the piece ‘Nothing Less’ for Ken and the MSB, based on the hymn message, ‘My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness’. “Ken gives nothing less than his best and expects nothing but the best from other people,” Brian says. “He is a networker; dignified, self-confident and structured.” Garry Todd praises Ken’s “consistency in preparation ... there’s never a time when Ken hasn’t been prepared; either that or he hides it well. He is focused and diligent”. They say Ken tried to respond to the MSB’s challenges: rosters, relevance, repertoire and role. “Maintaining personnel and standards of the MSB is hard, in terms of musical ability,” Craig says. “Ken being Ken, that would have been a big adjustment.” Ian says Ken introduced the role of a female vocalist to the MSB as a musical innovation and a response to social change; Mark says the MSB’s adapting of multimedia was a crucial game-changer. Conducting the Melbourne Staff Band in the sunshine on a visit to Orange, NSW. Ken and his audience Noting that brass bands don’t have the same cultural connection enjoyed 50 years ago, Brian says Ken’s “always been prepared to try anything to help the band communicate with the audience”, including comic male voice numbers and ‘swing’ workshops. Garry recognises early innovations, such as deploying a big band format and adding bass guitar and synthesiser to recording sessions. It’s difficult to maintain a band’s enthusiasm. It’s hard to manage and lead people. It’s problematic striking a balance between preserving ‘old music’ and pushing the boundaries with new music. Having the ‘cattle’ to achieve what you want is not a position that Ken has always been in, and life in 2024 – or our understanding of life – is radically different than in 1994. “It must be tremendously frustrating for Ken now,” Garry says, “as the psyche of a bandsman has changed now, as have social and Salvation Army expectations. Families have been prioritised over the band; things are different now.” Ken and his brother Darren, long-time Band Secretary for the MSB. Perhaps the MSB member closest to knowing and understanding their energetic, task-oriented bandmaster is his brother, Darren, who has been the Band Secretary throughout Ken’s tenure. Ken is an encourager of youth, a protector of the MSB’s ‘brand’, a rejector of mediocrity, an innovator, and a student of other conductors, Darren says. Ken is a man who knows the “need to maintain quality in all aspects of the band’s ministry”. Darren says then-Commissioner Eva Burrows once introduced the MSB and described the band’s mission as “the pursuit of excellence”. “I think that could well sum up Ken’s approach,” Darren says, “and his commitment as bandmaster of the MSB.” To view more photos of Ken Waterworth's tenure as MSB Bandmaster, click through the slideshow below:

Today is Founders’ Day, a time to celebrate the lives of Catherine and William Booth, who founded the evangelical movement known today as The Salvation Army.   On 2 July 1865, the Rev. William Booth and his wife Catherine began a ministry in poverty-stricken East London that would become today’s Salvation Army.   Salvos Online , with some help from The United Kingdom and Ireland Territory website, has come up with a 10-question quiz to test your Salvation Army knowledge. See if you can get 10 out of 10:   Questions (answers are at the end):  1. In what year did William and Catherine Booth found The Salvation Army? 2. What was William Booth’s first job? 3. Find the missing word from this Catherine Booth quote: “If we are to better the future, we must disturb the ......’   4. Which two of William and Catherine’s eight children became Generals of The Salvation Army? 5. In what year was William Booth promoted to glory? 6. Before it was changed to The Salvation Army in 1878, what was the movement originally called? 7. In 1891, William Booth opened a Salvation Army-run matchbox factory, which paid higher wages and allowed employees to work in much better conditions than other factories. What was the slogan printed on the matchbox lid? 8. What was the name of the book that William Booth published in 1890? 9. To this date, how many Generals have there been? 10. When the name was changed in 1878 to The Salvation Army, William became known as General. What title was given to Catherine? Answers: 1.     1865 After his marriage to Catherine Mumford in 1855, William Booth spent several years as a Methodist minister, travelling all around the country, preaching and sharing God’s word to all who would listen. Yet he felt that God wanted more from him, that he should be doing more to reach ordinary people. He moved to London with his family, having resigned his position as a Methodist minister. On 2 July 1865, William commenced his first open-air evangelistic campaign at the old Quaker burial ground on Mile End waste in Whitechapel, preaching in a tent. It was noted that “the breath of any reeked with the fumes of gin or beer which drove from the already heavy air within those canvas walls the last vestige of wholesomeness”. 2.     Pawnbroker’s apprentice In 1842, aged 13, his father sent him to work as an apprentice to Francis Eames in a pawnbroker’s shop situated in the poorest part of Nottingham. This stirred his social conscience as, through it, he became aware of the plight of the poor. It was at this time that William started attending Broad Street Wesley Chapel (Methodist), and in 1844, he had a conversion experience, noting that: “It was in the open street [of Nottingham] that this great change passed over me.” 3.     Present For more on the life of Catherine Booth, click here . 4.      Bramwell and Evangeline William and Catherine Booth had eight children: Bramwell, Ballington, Catherine, Emma, Herbert, Marian, Evangeline and Lucy. Each became involved in Army work. Like all families, there was conflict as well as harmony. Two of the children were to become General, yet three were to leave the movement. Bramwell Booth was born in 1856. By his teens, he was his father’s right-hand man, a loyal adviser and administrator, and was to become the Army’s Chief of the Staff. In 1912, he was appointed General. His autocratic leadership style, based on his father’s, was not always popular. In later years and declining health, his leadership was questioned, resulting in a bitter struggle for power. He died in 1929. Evangeline Booth was born in 1865. At age 20, she became an officer in charge of Marylebone Corps. She went on to lead the Army in Canada before becoming US Commander in 1904. Evangeline spent 30 years in America before serving as General from 1934-1939. The Army prospered under her leadership, and Evangeline travelled extensively around the world. She died in 1950. 5.     1912 William Booth died at age 83 on 20 August 1912 at his home in Hadley Wood, London. His body lay in state for three days at Clapton Congress Hall, where 150,000 people filed past his casket. On 27 August 1912, Booth’s funeral service was held at Olympia London, where 40,000 people attended, including Queen Mary, who sat almost unrecognised far to the rear of the great hall. Booth’s funeral procession began at The Salvation Army International Headquarters as 10,000 uniformed Salvationists fell in behind. Forty Salvation Army brass bands played the ‘Dead March’ from Handel’s Saul as the vast procession set off. He was buried with his wife Catherine (died 1890) in Abney Park Cemetery. Upon Booth's death, his son, Bramwell Booth, became the second General of The Salvation Army. 6.     The Christian Mission In 1865, the Booths named their campaign The Christian Mission; however, by 1878, it was renamed The Salvation Army. As military terminology became more commonplace, Booth became known as the ‘General’, a suitable shortening of the title of ‘General Superintendent’ that he held as the head of The Christian Mission.A ‘Deed of Constitution’ outlining his duties and responsibilities, which included the power to appoint a successor, was drawn up. Mission station preachers were given the rank of captain, and uniforms suitable to the ranks followed. A military discipline governed the lives of the officers. Writing in The Salvationist in 1879, Booth summed up the purpose of the Army in the following simple but striking way: “We are a salvation people – this is our speciality – getting saved and keeping saved, and then getting somebody else saved and then getting saved ourselves more and more until full salvation on earth makes the heaven within, which is finally perfected by the full salvation without, on the other side of the river.” However, getting people saved was not always an easy task, as Booth found out. There was opposition from organised groups such as the so-called Skeleton Army. And early Salvationists were often pelted with stones or even imprisoned for marching down the street. 7.     Lights in Darkest England This initiative led to the raising of standards in all British match factories. 8.     In Darkest England and the Way Out William Booth’s social manifesto, In Darkest England and the Way Out , explored various ideas such as providing food and shelter for the poor, helping the disadvantaged learn agricultural trades, and assisting people in search of a better life to emigrate. From this point on, the Army’s mission became two-pronged: to provide social salvation as well as proclaiming personal salvation. 9.     22 The first being William Booth 1865-1912 and the current, Lyndon Buckingham, who was elected in 2023. 10.  ‘Mother of The Salvation Army’. Catherine was behind many of the changes in the new organisation, designing the flag and bonnets for the ladies, and contributed to the Army’s ideas on many important issues and matters of belief. At that time, it was unheard of for women to speak in adult meetings. She was convinced that women had an equal right to speak. At first, Catherine and William had shared a ministry as travelling evangelists, but then she came into great demand as a preacher in her own right, especially among the well-to-do. A woman preacher was a rare phenomenon in a world where women had few civil rights and no place in the professions. Catherine Booth was both a woman and a fine preacher, a magnetic combination that attracted large numbers to hear her and made its own statement about the validity of women’s ministry. Among her other notable accomplishments, Catherine founded ‘Food for the Million’ shops where the poor could buy a cheap meal and, at Christmas, hundreds of meals were distributed to the needy . She also lobbied Queen Victoria to seek legislation for safeguarding females in the form of the ‘Parliamentary Bill for the Protection of Girls’.

Megan Maxfield says Salvos Funerals offer a different level of care than commercial services. BY ANTHONY CASTLE A new Salvos Funerals service has opened in Western Australia. Megan Maxfield has been with Salvos Funerals since 2021 and is now the Operations Manager for the service. Salvos Funerals offers distinct care for those grieving through its unique partnerships.   “We don’t have funeral homes as such; we partner with certain facilities and support our families through the process,” explains Megan. “We have different partners in different states, but this is our first location where we are working with a funeral home. No matter the partnership, our focus is on serving the families intentionally.”   Formerly a Salvation Army chaplain in the court system, Megan oversees Salvos Funerals in the Greater Sydney and Central Coast areas of New South Wales,  and Canberra and Queanbeyan, along with Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.   The new Perth partnership is with Greenfields Funerals in Port Kennedy, which serves families through ‘no service, no attendance’ direct cremations. Salvos Funerals is a compassionate and experienced team that can guide people through the funeral process with an affordable funeral that is a thoughtful blend of remembrance, celebration, and mourning.   “We work with the families differently,” Megan says. “The natural assumption is that because we’re The Salvation Army, we only serve the disadvantaged, but we serve families right across the board. There’s no one cohort of family we serve. It’s whoever finds us.”   Planning a loved one’s funeral includes everything from deciding on a burial or cremation to what to serve at a wake. Salvos Funerals helps families through these choices with special experience in repatriation and sending a loved one from the place where they have passed away to the country or state of birth.   “What we offer is a different level of care than commercial services,” Megan says. “We can go beyond what other services might be able to do, refer people to different supports and services, link them to pastoral care. Our care goes above and beyond.   Salvos Funerals are there for families dealing with grief and loss, knowing that the practical concerns don’t stop when the funeral is over. From legal advice to aged care services, Salvos Funerals can help in many practical ways and arrange for a death certificate to be sent promptly.   “It’s genuine compassion and not about the bottom dollar,” says Megan. “For us, it’s about mission. It’s mission that motivates us, connecting people with community and serving them in their darkest moments. That’s the real focus. What you’ll get from us is a quality service. It’s important that our families are served well. Our theme is on our business cards, it’s genuine compassion.   For more information, visit the Salvos Funerals website.

Rough sleepers are being hit hardest by the latest cold snap across the nation. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With a ‘blocking high’ bringing unusually low temperatures across much of south-eastern Australia, the stakes are even higher for those living outdoors or unable to afford heating. Frigid weather systems are breaking records and causing frost throughout Victoria, the ACT, parts of New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. In South Australia, the state government has announced a Code Blue extreme winter weather response effective from 1 July to prompt homelessness and social services to intensify their efforts to care for at-risk populations. The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Project 614 Team Leader, Major Brendan Nottle, said the current weather conditions combined with the cost-of-living crisis were potentially causing a life-and-death situation for those sleeping rough or lacking the funds to pay heating bills. He said the situation was leading many to a breaking point, meaning services like the Magpie Nest Café at Project 614 were vitally important for not only providing food but also the opportunity to engage with others and be reminded that they were human beings who deserved dignity. Major Brendan Nottle says it is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable feel seen as temperatures and costs skyrocket. “It’s not just impacting them physically [in that] they can’t heat their homes, or they find it difficult to stay warm outside, but it’s also impacting them mentally and emotionally too,” he said. “And there are people that are becoming very distressed because they basically feel like no one cares.” Brendan said the government was responsible for reducing costs for Australians, including relieving energy and rental costs and investigating grocery price increases. He also said mental health services should be a priority as declining mental health was both a serious factor leading to the problem and an effect of homelessness. But Brendan said that rather than simply blaming the government for the crisis, everyday Australians could work to improve the country by looking out for those around them. “If you’ve got somebody that’s vulnerable, so they’re elderly, or they’re unwell, check in, invite them over [or] take them a meal,” he said. “We can help people physically, but we can help them mentally and emotionally as well. “It’s not a certain group of people that are homeless. Homelessness can impact any human being if they don’t have everything lining up around being able to make ends meet.” Brendan said if people saw someone sleeping rough in their local area and weren’t sure how to help, they could simply approach them and have a conversation to find out what they needed. “The first thing is to ask yourself the question, ‘Do I feel safe engaging this person on my own?’ he said. “If you don’t, then maybe take someone else. If you still don’t feel safe, then it’s good to be resourced with phone numbers that you can call about the person that you’ve seen sleeping rough, so could be the local Salvos, could be the local council [or] the local police if you’re genuinely concerned about that person sleeping out in the freezing cold.” “If we’re going to be a healthy nation and a healthy society, we need to move from locking individuals out to actually locking them in.” Brendan said the most important thing was ensuring people in vulnerable settings knew they belonged and explained that, as a society, we tended to lock out those who were different or who we disagreed with rather than include them. He added that once people felt locked out, it was often a short path to being locked up. Practical support, including meals, vouchers, assistance with utility payments, opportunities for training, volunteering and employment, and safe and secure housing, all helped vulnerable people get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. “If we’re going to be a healthy nation and a healthy society, we need to move from locking individuals out to actually locking them in,” Brendan said. “Because the reality is if we lock people out, they often become very angry. History is littered with examples that indicate that people [who] are locked up often become hardened, not healed. “And when people feel locked in, then they tend to go down that path of helping others.”

Captain Philip Sutcliffe and Woolworths’ David Brown (centre) cut the ribbon at last week’s launch, watched by other dignitaries and Salvos staff and volunteers. BY SIMONE WORTHING* Captain Philip Sutcliffe, Northern Rivers Corps Team Leader, said he was “super excited” to launch a new fleet of Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) vehicles, which will be based in Lismore, Northern NSW. The new fleet will increase the response time and capacity of the SAES in the Northern Rivers region. “This fleet of vehicles was made possible through  our partnership with and funding from Woolworths – our national partner for disaster catering since November 2016, and with the support of our NSW/ACT SAES Coordinator Norm Archer and his team,” Philip said. “These vehicles will increase our capacity and response in times of emergency or disaster. It will also enable us to serve at community events and functions, and opportunities to train and equip our volunteers so we are always ready when needed.”   Philip spoke at the launch of the new vehicles at Goonellabah, near Lismore, on 27 June. He shared that this year, the Salvos are celebrating 133 years of assistance to the Lismore and Northern Rivers communities   The truck, with its commercial kitchen, was built locally for the SAES. “Since the 2022 floods, we’ve worked tirelessly to get our community equipped with the resources it needs to respond to future disasters and emergencies,” Phillip continued. “We live in a world where we know that we will have another flood, we will have more bushfires, we will have other events, and we wanted to make sure we had the best equipment available.”   The new equipment includes a full walk-in cool room, a small catering trailer and a completely self-sufficient truck. “This is a full commercial kitchen on wheels built locally at Food Trailer Kings in South Murwillumbah,” said Philip. “It was great that the money from Woolworths was able to be invested back here in the Northern Rivers. “This set-up allows us to be completely self-sufficient and roll up to any disaster and be ready to go in minutes. It has generation water storage, wastewater storage, fridges, freezers, gas ovens and the works.   “We are so excited to be able to establish a comprehensive emergency services fleet here in the Northern Rivers, and we will be here to serve the community in many ways in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.” Captains Donna (centre) and Philip Sutcliffe with Ray Lotty, North NSW-ACT SAES Regional Coordinator. Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said that Captains Philip and Donna Sutcliffe “… say they are blessed to be in this community; I say we are blessed to have them here. Thank you for everything that you have done and that we know you will continue to do.   “Having this equipment will really make a big difference because I saw what you did with nothing, and I know what you’ll be able to do with all of this.” Daryl Crowden, SAES National General Manager, said that he is “excited to have passionate leaders, team members and new equipment prepositioned in The Salvation Army Northern Rivers and part of The Salvation Army Emergency Services - SAES NSW/ACT team. We know it’s important that we do all we can to be to make sure we are as well positioned as we can be to support one of Australia’s most hazard prone regions, but we couldn’t do it without Woolworths, team volunteers and members of the public that support us.”   The Salvation Army has been assisting in the Northern Rivers community since 1891. *Some quotes courtesy LismoreApp. To read the full story, click here .

Through a Salvation Army project, Joseph has been successful as a farmer, a profession he only recently took on. Hope for improved food security in Kenya A Salvation Army community development project in Kenya East Territory is equipping farmers like Joseph (above) to improve their livelihoods and feed their families. The Salvation Army in the East of Kenya implements a number of community development projects on resilience, The Mseto Resilience WASH and Food Security Project supports communities in Kenya in improving access to food and water, financial literacy, public health and child rights. It is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Previously, Joseph had worked in different kinds of jobs but had struggled to find a life path. Through the project, Joseph undertook training in sustainable agriculture and decided to farm the land he already had. Over the last two seasons, he has grown maize, beans and sweet potatoes, feeding his family and selling the surplus to neighbours. He has also assisted the project in digging holes for latrines in a local primary school and providing materials. He says he is now able to make better health decisions since receiving training. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s work in Africa, see here . The Kropivnitsky Corps rejoiced in the recent enrolment of two new senior soldiers. Joys and challenges in Ukraine The Kropivnitsky Corps enrolled two senior soldiers recently.   “Glory be to our Father in heaven,” said Divisional Commander Major Konstantin Shvab. “Two soldiers joined God’s family today – Vladimir and David. We bless you in the name of Jesus Christ to the path of serving God. God bless and protect our brothers. God haste all their good works. Holy Spirit instruct, teach and lead them in the path of truth.” Young people and their leaders from corps across Ukraine have just returned from their first national Scouts Summer Camp. Despite the ever-present dangers of living in a country at war, the camp was a time of friendship, worship, new friends made, new skills learned and fun times enjoying God’s creation. The national Scouts camp was a time of physical, spiritual and emotional refreshment for the young people. The corps leaders in Dnipro had planned an outdoor ‘after party’ for the scouts, but the city is being bombed. One of the rockets exploded just one kilometre from the corps. Please continue to pray for the safety of these precious children and their leaders. The Keighley Corps is taking advantage of the (northern) summer of sport to connect with the community. Connecting through sport As Euro 2024, Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics take place over the next few weeks,   the Keighley Corps, UK, has kicked off its ‘Summer of Sport’ program with opportunities for locals to watch matches and participate in activities at the church and community centre. “There will be plenty of events for people looking to score some fun with sporting quizzes, a sports-themed Sunday service and film night,” Corps Leader Major Imogen Stewart said. “Part of our mission at Keighley Salvation Army is to enjoy community life with each other, so we are really excited about this program of events which will bring us all together to enjoy a brilliant summer of sports.   A range of community members loved playing games and indoor sporting activities. “We kickstarted it earlier this month with a treasure hunt, barbecue and indoor Olympic- themed activities for kids. It was a blessing to see so many people there with us enjoying themselves.   “As well as bringing people together, these events will be a chance to show what Keighley Salvation Army has on offer for the community – including cookery classes, after-school clubs, toddler groups, food support, meals for the homeless and vulnerable, refugee support and Sunday worship.” The Euro quiz was challenging with many questions like this one. Imogen explained that The Salvation Army is passionate about sports and its benefits for physical and mental health. “As well as enjoying the outdoors, it can also be an opening for spiritual conversation and new relationships within our communities,” she said.  This year The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland has launched a  Goals for Good campaign  encouraging people to help end homelessness through football.  Strawberry Field's Major Kathy Versfeld with participants from the Steps to Work program at the record's unveiling. Rare piece of music history unveiled Also in the UK, the Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field in Liverpool has unveiled a rare, limited edition 12” vinyl acetate of John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band’s seminal hit record, ‘Give Peace a Chance’ and ‘Remember Love’, with the record’s 55th anniversary on the 4 July. Originally released in 1969, the double-sided 12” acetates were hand-cut on the lathe at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, synonymous with the legendary work of The Beatles. Produced and executive produced by Sean Ono Lennon and Yoko Ono, each rare record is stickered, uniquely numbered, and features a machine-printed signature from Yoko herself, making them highly collectable.  The limited-edition record now on display at Strawberry Field in Liverpool. The record, one of only 50 in the world, joins many other symbols of peace at the centre, including the Strawberry Field Bandstand with its ‘Imagine’ mosaic floor, a Ukrainian Peace Monument and the piano on which John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’. Yoko Ono and Sean gifted the vinyl acetates to 50 charities across the world, including The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Each organisation was given the record to use to raise funds ‘for peace and love’. Proceeds from ticket sales to the visitor exhibition will help support Steps at Strawberry Field , a series of individually tailored programs aimed at helping people with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment. Providing employment skills, work experience and volunteer placements, the scheme has helped hundreds of young people find fulfilling employment opportunities thanks to the personalised support provided. The limited-edition acetate will then be sold at a future date to raise further funds to support The Salvation Army’s work at Strawberry Field. Major Kathy Versfeld with the record, gifted by Yoko Ono and Sean Ono Lennon. Mission Director at Strawberry Field, Major Kathy Versfeld, said it was an honour to receive and display the gift from Yoko and Sean. “This recognition of The Salvation Army’s transformative work in communities across the country is truly humbling,” she said. “Given Strawberry Field’s symbolic and historical connection with John Lennon and its ongoing significance as an international landmark of peace and love, it seems the perfect place for this unique piece of history to be - a place which meant so much to John Lennon.”

Salvationist Kevin Lawler says record numbers of people experiencing homelessness are accessing the Coat Tree this winter. BY SIMONE WORTHING The reputation of the Salvos coat tree on the Gold Coast, now in its fourth winter, precedes it. Weeks ago, people experiencing long-term homelessness in the Southport area began asking when the coats would be appearing. Kevin gives a community member a warm sleeping bag, essential for the chilly winter nights. Warm coats, jackets and shoes donated by Salvos Stores and local workers are now being hung on trees near a couple of park benches opposite the Southport Courthouse for those sleeping rough or couch surfing, to access for free.   Salvationist Kevin Lawler, a senior soldier at Gold Coast Temple Corps, began the Coat Tree project as a volunteer. He is now employed as a community engagement worker at the Southport Courthouse, opposite the trees where the coats are hung.   “I now have volunteers from the corps coming down to sit by the trees to connect with people who come by,” he said. “Our volunteers might share some of their issues or concerns, the volunteers refer them to me, with their consent, and I can then support them in court or refer them to other Salvos services.   “This is a really good expression of our desire to connect to our local community and establish referral pathways.”   The coats will stay on the trees until the nights start warming up, which is still a few months away. Around 300 coats are usually taken each winter. “In the last five days, we’ve given away 60 coats, so it looks like we’ll smash our record this year,” he said. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate (left) is an enthusiastic supporter of the Coat Tree project. Kevin shared that some of the Southport Courthouse precinct lawyers, other personnel and security staff have also donated some good quality warm coats. The bulk of the winter clothing comes from the highly supportive local Salvos Stores.   “It’s good to give away quality items, brand names, that people couldn’t afford,” said Kevin. “Just recently I spoke with a lady I’ve been supporting for over 12 months. She has been in and out of homelessness, couch surfing and prostitution. She has also lost three of her closest friends from overdose in the last six months. She only had a summer top on, so I gave her three jumpers and a coat, all really good quality, and she felt much better about herself.”   Warm sleeping bags, provided by Hannay Lawyers, as well as thongs and shoes, are also given out at the coat trees.   Kevin takes the coats down at night but sets them up early each morning across four trees. “A lot of community members are around then, waiting for court or just sitting, so it’s a great opportunity for me to engage with them at that time,” he explained.   Donations of warm, good-quality coats are welcome – through Salvos Stores on the Gold Coast or security staff at the Southport Courthouse.

The Australian Salvation Army video team filmed in Nuuk, Greenland, as part of the Self-Denial Appeal 2020. Each week throughout this year, 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 we are praying for the Denmark and Greenland Territory: ·  We thank God that The Salvation Army meets people with God’s love and transformational power daily, and we pray that even more doors and opportunities will open. The ‘Vintage and Redesign’ shop in Helsingør, Denmark, where craftspeople reinvent items of clothing and accessories to resell. Please pray: ·  that we will have our focus on Jesus and be faithful to our first doctrine: “We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the divine rule of Christian faith and practice.” ·   for ‘labourers for the harvest’ ( Matthew 9:37-38 ) - that is, people who will serve in The Salvation Army and help us to lead people to (grow in) faith in Jesus. ·   for faithfulness in relationships and continuity in orders, so that all corps are built up in love for Jesus and for our neighbour. ·   that many more people will be discipled and choose to serve Jesus and their neighbour as soldiers and adherents in The Salvation Army, to the increase and strengthening of the Army. ·   for increase and faithfulness in the ministry of giving. ·   for the Greenlandic people and society, that God will raise them anew to be in his original plan and purpose for them. ·   for this summer's national camp for corps and families, that it will be a huge blessing for both ‘old’ and new people in the corps. Pray that all of the camps will be of tremendous blessing. ·   for the implementation of the territory’s strategy, based on our values and characteristics, that it will benefit our mission in all parts of The Salvation Army. ·   that we will succeed in the ongoing process of ensuring long-term financial sustainability that makes room for innovation and new initiatives. To find out more about the Denmark and Greenland Territory, click here . For more information on the International Prayer Focus 2024, and to download the calendar, click here .