A Salvation Army group marched behind the Army’s official banner displaying the Red Shield and five inclusion icons at the WorldPride March in Sydney earlier this year. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE For the past several years, The Salvation Army has been on a journey of inclusion. This has included the launch of the Reconciliation Action Plan in December 2020 and the release of the Inclusion Statement in July 2021. When Salvation Army mission delivery centres in Victoria recently received Rainbow Tick accreditation, it demonstrated a commitment to fostering a welcoming and safe environment for the LGBTIQ community. The Rainbow Tick is a form of accreditation that serves as a framework for organisations to demonstrate that they are safe and inclusive for the LGBTIQ community, according to Rainbow Health Victoria. A total of 35 Salvation Army centres across Victoria received the three-year accreditation on 12 May, including Territorial Headquarters in Blackburn. This accomplishment was largely due to the work of the Head of Social Mission, Major Jenny Begent, and her team. Jenny said this was vital as many Salvation Army staff and clients identified as LGBTIQ. “We wanted the Rainbow Tick because we want to be inclusive,” she said. “We want to provide safe spaces,” she said. Jenny said the team was very grateful for the assistance of chief secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett, who had assisted in the discussion process with Rainbow Health Victoria. “The Salvation Army has always been about the marginalised,” Jenny said. “This is a group of people who are marginalised, and so we want to be able to provide the best possible service to those people, and not just a service, but a place to belong.” The Salvation Army’s Upton Road Youth Service was Australia’s first faith-based charitable service delivery centre to receive Rainbow Tick Accreditation in 2019. Upton Road client services coordinator Brittany Williams said the team saw it as vital to be an inclusive space, especially due to the demographic of clients they regularly encountered. The Rainbow Tick accreditation is just one demonstration of The Salvation Army’s efforts towards greater safety for all. The Salvation Army’s other recent move towards inclusion for all was to announce public support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament as a social justice response.

The Salvation Army’s refugee storytelling workshops will offer a safe space to explore life experiences and learn how to share them with others. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE With Refugee Week placing a spotlight on those living as refugees and asylum seekers in Australia, The Salvation Army is offering training for those from refugee backgrounds to share their experiences. The Tell Your Story Training program will be held from 18 July until 17 September over Tuesday night Zoom sessions and a weekend in-person workshop at the Stanmore House facility in Stanmore, Sydney. The program is the brainchild of The Salvation Army Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team. The training is set to be trauma-informed and culturally safe, with counsellors with lived experience in attendance. Cynthia Gunawan, Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Lead, said the training sought to empower Salvos from refugee backgrounds to use their voice to encourage others who were still on the journey of trying to gain permanency in Australia. “Telling a story is not easy, and refugee [stories are] very complex,” she said. “This training will really help people to tell their stories well. They can use their story as a personal testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in their life.” Cynthia said that many still held an unconscious bias or negative perception towards those living as refugees or seeking asylum in some parts of the wider community. She said there were brothers and sisters within The Salvation Army who, with the right training, could draw on personal experience to educate and inform the Church. “Even within the Church, there’s still [an] incorrect understanding of who a refugee is, and so these ambassadors can help rectify that in a real way,” she said. Additional to the storytelling workshops, the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team is also running a Refugee Week Webinar tonight (Tuesday 20 June) to which all are invited. The event is set to offer information and updates on the current refugee situation in Australia, personal stories and an opportunity to pray for those living as refugees and/or seeking asylum. To find out more, visit https://salvationarmy.typeform.com/to/EIqhiHfw . There will also be an in-person ecumenical gathering to pray during Refugee Week tomorrow (Wednesday 21 June) at 7pm at the Fairfield Salvation Army in Sydney. See the flyer for details.

Mt Gambier Thrift Shop manager Shauna Wood (right) with one of her valuable volunteers. Salvo volunteers in Mt Gambier, South Australia, are uplifting the spirits of those in need through a chat, a warm meal and ongoing care, with an increase in the number of people of all ages coming to The Salvation Army for support. Salvos Thrift Shop manager Shauna Wood says she has seen a stark increase in people reaching out to the Salvos for assistance this year, sometimes up to 45 people a week, especially for food relief. Shauna says she relies heavily on her volunteers, who have banded together to cook a sausage sizzle for the community every Friday at the Thrift Shop in town, with food bags also given out. “Our volunteers are enjoying helping people because they love to give back to the community,” she says. “But we are starting to get a lot of people coming to us for help. There are people from all different ages, and we are seeing families, single people, couples and just people who are passing through Mount Gambier looking for a place to stay. “There are also lots of people with school-age children just trying to make ends meet. People who come along are grateful for the food, and they do stay and have a chat.” Sunset Community Kitchen Another food relief service in town is the Sunset Community Kitchen, where several Salvo volunteers also assist each Monday and Wednesday night at the Frew Park facility in town. Sunset Kitchen president Maree Thompson said the team recently served 65 meals on a Monday night. “We are getting a lot more young people who seem to be passing through and obviously are being sent by support agencies to us,” Maree said. “This means they are taking their meal and sitting outside at the tables because they obviously don’t have accommodation. It is also concerning for anyone who is in any sort of a position like this because it isn’t a good situation.” President Maree Thompson (centre) and her Wednesday night crew at the Sunset Community Kitchen in Mt Gambier. Maree said the reasoning behind the increase includes the current cost of living and more people on the streets. “We are now trying to get our teams to make a minimum of 70 meals at a time, so we are prepared, but that also travels down the line because we get donations and food from FoodBank as well who are also struggling,” she said. Mount Gambier’s Sunset Kitchen is open Monday and Wednesday from 6pm until 6.30pm at its Frew Park facility. Salvation Army Thrift Shop hosts its sausage sizzle on a Friday between 5.30pm and 6.15pm at its Gray Street store. This is an edited version of a story that appeared in The Border Watch (Author: Charlotte Varcoe)

A mobile clinic from The Salvation Army’s Harry Williams Hospital, which caters for communities in rural areas of Cochabamba, Bolivia. For almost as long as The Salvation Army has existed, it has operated health services. One of the first institutional health programs is recorded as being in Nagercoil, India, where the first ‘missionary doctor’ and Salvation Army officer, Harry Andrews, established a small dispensary in his house in 1893. To hear from some of the team at The Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital in Nagercoil, India, click here . The general hospital can cater for 115 inpatients and has a very busy outpatients department which sees on average around 140 patients daily. Across the world, The Salvation Army operates 26 hospitals and 132 clinics, from the Toronto Grace Health Centre in Canada to Howard Hospital in rural Zimbabwe. Each health institution focuses on areas related to the local needs, offering a wide range of services. Find out more about the history of Salvation Army healthcare and current health programs around the world, click here .

World leaders of The Salvation Army, General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, recently visited the Korea Territory and the nation of Cambodia. “We finally realised a visit to the Korea Territory!” shared General Brian Peddle. “Though COVID delayed plans, the blessings were fresh, and God blessed the celebration of 115 years of ministry in Korea.” The theme for the gatherings was taken from John 4:29, where it says, “Come and see …” “We were happy to engage this theme and ask the Salvationists of Korea to also, ‘go and tell’,” the General said. The gatherings included officers, cadets, young people and congregations in Daejeon and Seoul. The Peddles led several meetings in the Korea Territory, and Cambodia, during their visit. “Worship always had a clear focus on passionate prayer, and the preaching of the Word, which brought seekers to the front created an even deeper passion for the mission of God in the world,” wrote General Peddle on his Facebook page. “Attendances exceeded expectations and that gave us an opportunity to meet our people, interact with our youth and be encouraged by the people of this territory. We were so blessed by the music sections, our children’s choir, choral scripture readings, testimonies, youth leadership of worship and faithful local leaders, as they all brought honour and glory to God.” As part of the visit, General Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, spent two days in Cambodia where the Korea Territory is “nurturing” a growing expression of The Salvation Army. Nearly 500 people gathered for the leaders’ visit. They enrolled 122 soldiers and commissioned eight new lieutenants. “We thank God for leaders and for our people and pray for continued accomplishments for God’s Kingdom,” General Peddle shared. “God bless Korea, and God bless the Salvation Army and its ministry across this nation.”

If you’re looking for Desiree Jones, she can usually be seen in the kitchen of Brisbane City Temple volunteering. The Salvation Army relies on thousands of volunteers to keep the wheels turning on God’s mission to support everyday Australians around the country. One of these vital cogs in the wheel is Desiree Jones, who shares a little about her heart for volunteering. My name is Desiree, and I am a soldier at Brisbane City Temple. Love and care are always on the menu during the community lunches, says Desiree. For nearly six years I have been a volunteer at the corps. I help with serving the food for the community lunch. I try to help the officers who are also doing this – I don’t think they should be in the kitchen. I also make coffee and tea for those waiting for Doorways [emergency relief and financial counselling service], especially when they are short-staffed. It’s always on my heart to help the people who have less than I have, it’s like a must. I am blessed to have the time. I am retired, why not invest this time that God has given me to something so important as service? Looking after vulnerable people has always been something I love to do. For more information on volunteering, click here

Jane Doyle, television presenter and MC for the Red Shield Appeal launch in Adelaide, interviews testimonial speaker Allen Edwards during the event. BY ANTHONY CASTLE The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal launched in South Australia over breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday 10 May. Allen Edwards, a local Kaurna man, gave a Welcome to Country. “As a Christian movement we have been blessed to be part of the fabric of South Australia for more than 140 years,” shared Paul Hateley, Divisional Commander South Australia/Northern Territory. “Working on the frontline we see complex issues like homelessness, family domestic violence, financial stress and addiction. It is a tragic thought that someone might struggle alone. We cannot do all of this without you.” Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia, spoke of the respect The Salvation Army’s work has earned. Sascha Detmold Cox, Director of The Detmold Group, shared her thoughts about the significant cost of living challenges that South Australians face. Salvation Army senior leadership and special guests at the Red Shield Appeal launch at Adelaide's Convention Centre. Nat Cook, Minister for Social Services, highlighted the importance of providing shelter and support for vulnerable South Australians, presenting a donation of $25,000 from the State Government. Terry Jackson, representing sponsor Electel Resources, presented a donation of $30,000 to the appeal. As guests enjoyed breakfast, Pulteney Grammar School student Oscar Bridges gave a vocal performance. The school has a long-standing relationship with The Salvation Army in Adelaide. In his capacity as testimonial speaker, Allen Edwards, whose mother was a part of the Stolen Generation, shared about his life and the hardships they had faced. The harm and violence experienced in his childhood led to addiction, but after connecting with Salvation Army’s services, he was able to regain his health and reunite with his family. “We had the privilege of being welcomed into Allen’s story,” shared Lieutenant Keryn Coombes. “Officers, staff and volunteers of The Salvation Army hear heartbreaking stories like this in the day-to-day. This can and does happen to children in our own neighbourhoods. Family domestic violence has been called the shadow pandemic, destroying lives, and is the largest cause of homelessness.” Colonel Rodney Walters, Secretary for Communications thanked guests and supporters present, before closing in prayer. “Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight, alongside others, to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus,” Rodney shared. “As Salvos, we walk with all people experiencing crisis and through your support, you walk alongside us.” The Red Shield Appeal runs through the months of April, May and June.

Volunteer Salvation Army women in the main hall of the Melbourne City Temple on 25 November 1944, packing goods to send to the troops overseas. By LAUREN MARTIN Barely a few days had passed after the declaration of World War Two on Sunday 3 September 1939 before The Salvation Army opened its first Red Shield marquee. Within weeks, dozens more had been erected across Australia, with the Salvos and their army of volunteers soon present at nearly every location where troops could be found. Even when troops were on the move, the Salvos would be in place to greet them. In Cowra, south-west NSW, where a prisoner of war camp was established, Salvation Army volunteers met each trainload of Defence Force personnel at the station, offering hot coffee and rolls. A total of 3100 men were served. At midnight every night, particularly during winter, Cowra Salvationists supplied hot soup to men on guard. Service like this was replicated in cities and towns across the nation. The war years brought extra responsibilities to everyone, not least Salvation Army corps officers, who were often given the additional role of supporting troops at the nearest Defence Force base or training camp, as well as ministering to their local corps. In Cairns, despite the threat of imminent attack in 1943, the local corps officers stayed put, continuing to serve the community by conducting spiritual meetings in the Cairns Salvation Army hall and at the aerodrome with the men at the garrison. Local corps officers relied on the tireless support of their congregation to attend to the needs and comforts of the troops on home soil. The Salvation Army’s Australian editor-in-chief recorded that, “When his excellency, the Governor-General, Lord Cowrie, VC, inspected the Bathurst military camp, he visited the Red Shield tent: ... Requests were numerous and varied. One man desired his boots to be half-soled and heeled. Would the Army arrange? They were sent to town and returned the next day. Another soldier heard that his brother was reported to have been drowned off the Spanish coast. Would the Army help to verify? Yes! He was told the Army traces thousands of such cases in all parts of the world.” A Salvation Army worker with her Red Shield Mobile Unit Van in Northern Australia during World War Two. Each of these requests, although taken by the officer heading up the Red Shield tent or marquee, was usually actioned by his loyal congregation, who went above and beyond in volunteering their time to assist with the war effort. Another example was the 30 Home League members from Wollongong Corps (NSW), who regularly travelled over an hour to the Ingleburn military camp, south-west of Sydney, to mend clothes. And not only were Salvationists supporting the troops at home who were either in training, on furlough or about to depart, but many corps members across the country were also busy making and compiling comfort packs for troops overseas and collecting supplies to distribute to allied civilians in war-torn locations. It was recorded that “Within one month, midway through 1940, 6000 garments were sent from Sydney to London for distribution among refugees and air-raid victims”. The establishment of the Red Shield huts in military bases on the home front in World War Two paved the way for the ongoing work of The Salvation Army within the Australian Defence Force that continues today. And while the names of famous Salvation Army padres such as William ‘Fighting Mac’ McKenzie and Arthur McIlveen are well known, the thousands of volunteer Salvationists and their officers who toiled at the front line of support on the home front are largely unknown, yet no less valuable.

Nicholas Lim volunteers for The Salvation Army without leaving his home. By LAUREN MARTIN When Nicholas Lim volunteers for The Salvation Army, the 34-year-old lawyer doesn’t even leave his own home. He’s part of a growing group of Australians donating their time online. “I started this in 2020 in the middle of COVID,” says Nick. “I had extra time, so I was looking for some volunteer work to do, and then saw an advert on volunteer.com.au and applied, and have been doing it ever since.” The volunteer advertisement that Nick applied for was for someone to assist The Salvation Army in updating its operational manuals within the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services. Working as a Senior Manager in Policy and Compliance at a major bank, Nick’s skills were a huge blessing. He said he knew of the good work of The Salvation Army but had no personal connection with the organisation and wasn’t even aware that they worked to support people struggling with the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs. “I understand how to develop and implement policies, but I had no background knowledge of AOD services such as intoxication withdrawal treatment or providing a safe space for individuals with excessive alcohol consumption. “I feel like my role is trying to capture all the experiences and expertise of the nurses, counsellors and staff in The Salvation Army’s AOD services and express it as simply as possible. And hopefully, people can use it to help with the care they provide to those going through the treatment programs.” The operating manuals Nick helped develop cover all the duties people can expect as an AOD worker. Supported by the team’s Queensland state manager, Nick assisted in developing a nationwide manual on alcohol withdrawal (during which Nick never left his Sydney home). Next, the team approached him and asked if he wanted to assist with another operational manual, ‘Sobering Up’. He immediately said ‘yes’ and is now onto his third project with the team. “Harriet and Kathryn [from The Salvation Army Alcohol and Other Drugs stream] are always taken aback when I agree to do another round of writing, and that’s part of the charm of the experience for me – the team has an unassuming nature,” he said, adding that he has also been blown away by the level of care offered by The Salvation Army workers in the Alcohol and Other Drugs space. “One of the reasons I decided to do this is that I grew up in New Zealand but have Cambodian background,” he said. “When I see a charity like The Salvation Army doing really good work in Cambodia, then ask for volunteers, I find it very easy within me to do that.” Flexible option Virtual volunteering allows professionals like Nick, who work Monday to Friday, to support The Salvation Army in more rewarding ways. According to the Acting General Manager of The Salvation Army’s Volunteer Resources, Vincent Ciardulli, it’s becoming increasingly popular: “It enables people to volunteer in a flexible way, around their other commitments and discretionary time,” Vincent said. Vincent Ciardulli – Acting General Manager of The Salvation Army’s Volunteer Resources. “Digital natives, students and younger professionals are attracted to online volunteering, especially where it aligns with their personal and professional objectives because it supports their objectives in expanding their skillsets, building their experience and exploring their interests in a flexible way.” The types of roles available within The Salvation Army for online volunteering are varied and involve things like graphic design, online sales and marketing for The Salvation Army’s retail business, IT helpdesk support roles and HR administration. Like all volunteering, the benefits flow both ways. The Salvation Army gains the assistance of passionate, skilled volunteers, and volunteers gain new skills and experiences that can then be added to their resumes. “We have seen a number of parents re-enter the workforce via online volunteering after a number of years caring for children,” said Vincent. “It allows them to find a balance between ongoing childcare needs like school drop-off and pick-up and connecting with the workforce and re-engage or learn new skills, as well as build confidence to start the process of looking for paid work.” For Nick, volunteering outside his work hours and utilising his legal skills to help others really appealed to him. He encourages people to give online volunteering a go: “I still haven’t gotten around to meeting The Salvation Army team that I work with face-face, but I feel like I’m intrinsically involved in the mission,” he said. If you’re interested in online volunteering with The Salvation Army, you can check out what opportunities are available on our Salvation Army Career Portal: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/ or look up SEEK Volunteer.

The Prime Minister has thrown his support behind this year's Red Shield Appeal, generously giving his time to support The Salvation Army’s annual, major fundraiser. Colonel Winsome Merrett, members of the Salvos media team and celebrity champions of the Salvos – Joe Hildebrand, Jessica Rowe and Natalie Barr – met with the Prime Minister where he shared his affection for the Salvos, gave the first donation ahead of Red Shield Appeal weekend and endorsed the significant work of The Salvation Army around the country. Please watch the Prime Minister's video below.

The Salvation Army is a visible presence on the streets of cities and towns throughout Australia. By MAJOR PHIL INGLIS What does it mean to be a volunteer in The Salvation Army? Historically, we know there has always been a certain resistance within The Salvation Army for its members to be known as volunteers. Perhaps this has its roots in the story of how The Christian Mission changed its name to The Salvation Army. There are several stories of how this took place, but the essential elements are the same. In May of 1878, William Booth and his mission secretary George Scott Railton were working on promotional material, either a letter or a report. As they worked, they described The Christian Mission as a ‘volunteer army’. Bramwell, William’s son, heard these words and objected. One version of the story says that he blurted out, “Volunteer! I’m no volunteer. I’m a regular!” As a result, William struck out the word ‘volunteer’ and, in a moment of inspiration, wrote ‘salvation’. From that headline on a letter or report, a growing enthusiasm for the idea swept through the movement until later that year, the name of the organisation itself was changed, and The Christian Mission became The Salvation Army. In Bramwell’s day, a volunteer was the equivalent of a member of the Army Reserve. A volunteer spent time training and going to parades and so on but only fought when war was declared, and they were called up. In contrast, a ‘regular’ in Bramwell’s day was a full-time member of the Armed Forces – always ready, always training and always fit. It is no wonder that Bramwell didn’t like the word ‘volunteer’; he was not temporary or transient, he was not part-time in this fight for God’s Kingdom. However, the meaning of a word can change. When the architect’s drawings for the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666 were submitted, Sir Christopher Wren was told that his design had been chosen because it was “at the same time the most awful and the most artificial”. These words no longer mean ‘awe-inspiring’ and ‘artfully created’ as they once did. So, we would never use these words in this way today, but the truths behind those words are still true ... it is a magnificent cathedral. Today, the word ‘volunteer’ has changed. When my father joined the military during the Vietnam War, he did not do so as a volunteer. His birthdate was drawn in a lottery, and he had to sign up. He was conscripted. In contrast, a volunteer or regular soldier was someone who willingly put their hand up to fight. Over the past decade or so in Australia, the mission and ministry context for all churches and other community organisations in Australia has changed significantly. Across The Salvation Army, thousands of people who have served faithfully in their corps as everything from timbrellists to treasurers are being asked to fill out forms, get a Working with Children Check (WWCC – in NSW), do training and get registered in The Salvation Army volunteer database system. For some, it can feel like there’s an implication that they need to justify their roles, a sense that perhaps they are being asked to take a back seat, or that their work is a part-time interest when this could not be further from the truth. As an Army, we have come to a battlefield where the terrain has changed. If we are to continue our fight, if we are to live and love in the name of Jesus in Australia, in these times, the landscape now requires us to do some hard work. Perhaps it can be likened to digging trenches – it’s hard work, it slows things down a bit, but in the end, it will mean that we can fight longer, harder and with greater success. As Salvationists, we stand in a tradition that is willing to fight. Nothing will hinder our sharing the love of Jesus in practical and real ways to communities around Australia. If we must adopt the legal definition of ‘volunteer’ and jump through a bunch of hoops to make sure we can do that in the most efficient, powerful way, I say let’s do it. Like Bramwell, I don’t see myself as a half-hearted, part-time participant, but it doesn’t matter how someone else registers me in a database. I know I am called by God, conscripted by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. I’ll fight. Major Phil Inglis is The Salvation Army’s General Manager of Faith Communities Development and Enterprise Change Advisor

Members of the High Council have arrived at Sunbury Court near London in preparation for the convening of the High Council on Monday 22 May 2023, when the sacred task of electing the 22nd General of The Salvation Army will commence. There was a buzz of conversation and an air of anticipation as High Council members gathered in the reception area of Sunbury Court on Thursday 18 May before sharing in their welcome meal. General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries travelled to Sunbury Court to join with their colleagues in this time of fellowship. Following the meal, the members met in the conference centre to hear the keynote address from the General. Reflecting on his life and ministry, which brought him to his election as General in 2018, he said that: “We are here by the grace of God.” Known as ‘the digital General’, he reflected on the many ways in which God has blessed the Army through the innovations that have taken place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “By God’s grace and strength we are rising,” he said. Isaiah 41:10 has been a significant Bible verse for the General and he encouraged those gathered to have faith, focused forward. In response, the High Council members stood in acknowledgement of their thanks and appreciation to General Brian Peddle. Today (Friday 19 May, UK time), the members gathered for a time of prayer and fellowship to prepare in heart, mind and spirit for the sacred task which is theirs in the days ahead. “As an international Salvation Army, it is our responsibility and privilege to cover the 2023 High Council in prayer during these sacred days,” said Lieut-Colonel Jennifer Groves, Private Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lydon Buckingham. “So let us all continue to pray knowing that our faithful, all-knowing God hears the prayers of his people when we pray full of faith together.” Find resources and a prayer guide for personal, small group or corps prayer at: sar.my/prayforhighcouncil The international Salvation Army invites Salvationists and friends around the world to join in welcoming the 2023 High Council to London on Saturday, 20 May. It will be held at Central Hall Westminster and streamed live online .