To read tribute report click here .

Lauren Martin (right of Shieldy) with Salvation Army supporters at the Shire Salvos Red Shield Appeal launch in southern Sydney. By LAUREN MARTIN When I mentioned to a bunch of Salvo officers, workers and volunteers a few weeks ago that Red Shield Appeal was my favourite time of the year, I received a variety of responses. Most people laughed, assuming I was being sarcastic. Some looked at me wide-eyed, and some groaned. Sure, The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal adds to the workload of a group of people who are already stretched by the nature of our call to serve others. It’s a time of late nights and early mornings; of prayer and petition; of getting out of our comfort zone and asking others to help us when we are so used to helping others. But I stand by my statement that Red Shield Appeal time is, as the Christmas song goes, ‘the most ... wonderful time ... of the year’. Why? Because we are human beings created in God’s image. Our all-loving God hard-wired us to feel good when we do good! (Theologian John Piper calls this ‘Christian Hedonism’). But not everyone in our communities gets the opportunity to serve on the frontline, to journey with people through hardship. So, bringing others on the journey with us at Red Shield Appeal time is a blessing! When we gather donors, fundraisers, and supporters together and share stories of lives transformed, it allows them to be just as part of the mission as we are. Red Shield Appeal time also allows us to form connections in our communities that we would never form otherwise. And those connections can be powerful. I think of a partnership I once made with a local businesswoman who wanted to give back to our community in her own way. That connection and friendship led to a deeper journeying, and over the years, when hardship arose in her own life, The Salvation Army was able to assist her and her family as she continued to assist us. Connections and relationships formed during Red Shield Appeal are often lasting and powerful. Salvo Narelle Gurney runs a Red Shield Appeal bake sale at the Salvos Store in Helensburgh (NSW) The month of May also allows the people we support to be able to give back if they want to. By collecting for us and helping out at our cake stalls or sausage sizzles, these experiences instil belonging and significance in members of the public that we are journeying with. It gives them extra opportunities to be around Salvos, who are safe, healthy and functioning. And we know that the more touchpoints people have with others who are flourishing, the more likely it will be that their own lives are transformed for the better. This year, a woman whom I have been journeying with for about two years is even more excited than me about the Red Shield Appeal! She is an awesome gardener and has been potting plants for me in the lead-up to our cake and plant stalls so they can be sold to raise money for our mission. What a joy and blessing she is to me in this way! And what a joy it is for her to know that she is giving back in such a valuable way. For Salvation Army corps that engage in local mission delivery, like 2508 Salvos in Helensburgh (NSW), where I serve, the Red Shield Appeal is the biggest source of income that keeps the mission operational. In my space, where we are creating a model of being church that doesn’t happen on a Sunday, the concept of ‘tithing’ is foreign to our new and emerging followers of Jesus. So, the Red Shield Appeal and our ability to invest the money raised locally is crucial to keeping our ‘doors open’, so to speak. Appeal time weighs heavily as both a burden of responsibility and an opportunity for increasing missional connections. The paradox of faith, of course, is to hold the tension between the trust that God will provide for all of our mission and ministry needs; and the practicalities of getting the job done. As a wise colleague shared with me recently – God gave the Israelites the promised land for free, but they still had to cross the river to get there! So, let’s put our shoulder to the wheel, trusting in God for his provision and opening our eyes and hearts to the opportunities that every Red Shield Appeal offers us. Because “It’s the most ... wonderful time ... of the year!”

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following officers who will reach the retirement milestone: Effective 31 December 2023: Auxiliary-Lieutenant Sonia Edwards Major John Jackson Major Karen Jackson Major Leanne Lock Effective 31 October 2023: Major Drew Ruthven ‌Major Gaylene Walker Effective 30 September 2023: Major Charlie Walmsley Major Andrew Schofield Effective 31 August 2023: Major San Holland Major Topher Holland Major Peter Wood Effective 30 June 2023: Lieut.-Colonel Laurie Robertson Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson Major Dawn Smith Major Lyndsay Smith

Major Tim Watson, Josiah Watson and Major Claire Watson at the Easter community event on 2 April. Port Adelaide Semaphore Corps has been actively reaching out to its community while raising awareness and much-needed funds for those experiencing homelessness in the area. A successful community event was held over the Easter period at the Birkenhead Naval Reserve. “God sent perfect weather for the Easter Sunday Funday,” said Major Tim Watson. “Around 60 people enjoyed games like egg-and-spoon race, sack race and tug-of-war. After a treasure hunt, the Easter story was shared with the children, and each child received a show bag containing a book and Easter eggs.” The Port Adelaide/Semaphore area can be host to many who find themselves struggling and needing somewhere safe to go. The corps has been raising funds to provide vouchers so that those struggling with homelessness can access nearby cafes and hairdressers. Major Claire Watson shares about Port Adelaide Semaphore’s ministry in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wus8w6LBI2s – Anthony Castle

Captain Kylie Hodges (centre) with volunteers Barbara (left) and Karen. By ANTHONY CASTLE The Victor Harbor Red Shield Appeal launch opened with an Acknowledgement of Country and a moment of prayer, before a video on the Salvos’ work in the community was shared. Victor Harbor Corps Officers Captains Nathan and Kylie Hodges have been based in South Australian town for two years. “When Kylie and I arrived here,” Nathan says, “we very quickly realised that we had an amazing opportunity for the church to bless the community and to provide for the needs of the vulnerable. Right from the start when we first heard about coming to Victor Harbor, there was an excitement for us.” Nathan introduced the new Business Advisory Group during the launch – an exciting initiative that will see a much greater connection between the area and the business community. Nathan introduced its members and outlined the goals the group has for the future. Salvation Army supporters and friends gathered for the Red Shield Appeal launch in Victor Harbor, south of Adelaide. “The advisory group is designed to help provide expert advice and local knowledge,” Nathan says. “It will raise our profile and help with fundraising efforts, as ambassadors for The Salvation Army. We’re aiming to add to the group and to create gender balance with people from different sectors of the community.” The Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake reveals Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula communities are most concerned about mental health, housing affordability, family violence, alcohol and drug misuse, poverty and financial hardship. “We see people lonely and isolated, struggling with mental health, family domestic violence and the cost of living,” Nathan explains. “We’re seeing an increase in middle-class people seeking help, and a rise in homelessness.” Victor Harbor Salvos provides vital support to those struggling with these issues, all of which contribute to the complexities of homelessness. “Imagine you are standing on the edge of a cliff, and all of this pressure is mounting up on you,” Nathan says. “Rent. Electricity. Gas. Food. Car payments. Medical. Kids. Before you fall and require an ambulance at the bottom, we are there as a fence at the top of the cliff to prevent people from falling into crisis.” Victor Harbor Salvos offer safe and inclusive support to the community through a free brunch, an emergency assistance phone line, and donations from local supermarkets and bakeries. Captain Nathan Hodges with Moira Jenkins, Victor Harbor Mayor. The site hosts Hope Garden, a volunteer community garden where all produce goes to those who need it. There is a free laundry room, and a community chicken coop, Hens of Hope, is currently under construction. Renovations are also taking place that will establish an affordable food market, so those in need can shop within their means. “The food will be accessed from different sources,” Nathan says. “We will then sell it at a cheaper rate than in the local shops. It’s not to make a profit but to cover costs and provide affordable food so people can reallocate the funds they have to pay bills.” Funds raised from Red Shield Appeal provide opportunities to support Victor Harbor Salvos’ work, particularly its community brunch and emergency support not covered by government funding. “Red Shield funding helps us set people up with emergency relief that’s outside the box,” Nathan adds. “If someone comes in and says they have a job interview but need a haircut, we can cover that. If someone lives in their car and is really struggling with a car payment – if it’s their source of accommodation and transport – we could pay part of that bill. Red Shield makes it possible.”

Corps Officer Aux-Lieut Roderick Brown and Corps Ministry Assistant Kelly Brown with pizzas for a community lunch. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE A Tasmanian city corps has provided around 9700 free meals to the community over the past year. The Launceston Corps began offering free hot breakfasts at the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020, and now offer breakfast six days a week. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Launceston locals can find fresh bacon and egg muffins and barista-style coffee at the corps, and all other days except Saturdays, staff and volunteers provide a continental breakfast. Launceston Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Roderick Brown said the meals were not just about filling stomachs but also about building connections with those doing it tough. He said when lockdowns began in 2020, many existing community services in the city were forced to pause. For the Launceston Salvos and local Christian radio station Way-FM who partnered with them to offer the meals, this was the perfect opportunity to step in and assist. Roderick said there was often a volunteer or staff member available to chat with those who came. “One of the people that comes in always gives us a Christmas card at Christmas time,” he said. “It’s replaced a family and belonging. People have found a safe place to come into.” Nigel Chong, Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management Coordinator for Tasmania, making breakfast muffins with volunteers from the Launceston City Council. Additional to the breakfasts, the Launceston Corps also partners with a local school and Domino’s Pizza to provide several monthly lunches. Recently released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicated that over 2000 people declared themselves as experiencing homelessness on the 2021 census night in Tasmania. Roderick estimated at least 250 people were experiencing homelessness in Launceston, but said this number was likely much higher. He said up to about 40 people came to a breakfast, and about half were experiencing homelessness. “In the winter we tend to see more people in that situation unfortunately,” Roderick said. He estimated the service would provide another 9000 meals this coming financial year.

Eva Wu, Norm Archer, Len Cross, Hans Schryver, Feargus O’Conner (Exec Director Disaster Welfare Services DCJ), The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Di Pacey, Wendy Star, Bob O’Reilly, Sandra Smith and Leo Wong. The NSW Government has formally thanked Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) volunteers in NSW at a special volunteer week morning tea at Parliament House in Sydney. The Minister for Water, Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, told those gathered from The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Anglicare and the Disaster Chaplains Network that “the system would fail without you”. “It has been a really tough time ... we’ve had fires and floods and more floods and pandemics,” she said. To be someone who steps up that says, ‘I’m here to help you’, and having to do that again and again ... I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say you’ve saved lives.” Salvation Army Emergency Services Director Norm Archer said being at the recognition event was an honour. “The small group of SAES volunteers who attended this event represented the 700-plus volunteers we have across NSW and ACT. This event confirms that our efforts are acknowledged and welcomed by the government and the community.”

High Council officers have been elected. From left, Commissioner Eva Kleman who will serve as vice-president, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder as president, and Commissioner Yusak Tampai as chaplain. The Salvation Army’s 20th High Council meeting at Sunbury Court near London commenced on Monday 22 May 2023. The sole purpose of the High Council is to elect the successor to General Brian Peddle, who retires at midnight on 2 August 2023. After the service to welcome the High Council and officially farewell General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, called the High Council to order and moved to the required legal preliminaries. These included confirming that the High Council was convened in accordance with the 1980 Salvation Army Act, and taking a roll call to ensure that only those who were summoned were in the chamber. The opening procedures were followed, leading to the election of three High Council officers who will serve for the duration of the council. Commissioner Kenneth Hodder (National Commander, United States of America) was elected as President and Commissioner Eva Kleman (Zonal Leader/Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Europe – International Headquarters) was elected as Vice-President. Commissioner Yusak Tampai (Territorial Commander, Indonesia Territory) was elected as Chaplain. The remainder of the day was given to reviewing the Orders of Procedure, which will guide the conducting of High Council business throughout its duration. To watch a video of the day’s proceedings, click here . Follow updates from the High Council here .

Brunswick Stories contributors John and Elizabeth. Photos: Mark Phillips from the Brunswick Voice. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE An inner-city Melbourne Corps recently celebrated the diversity of the Brunswick area with a book of personal stories and poetry. Publishing Brunswick Stories was part of the fulfilment of a goal of Corps Officer Lieutenant Alison Templar to capture the resilience, strength and creativity of the Brunswick Salvation Army community. The book, launched on 8 May, was the brainchild of Eva Milman – corps volunteer and Diploma of Community Services student placement worker – who saw the potential for recording stories after meeting participants in Sunday services and weekly programs. Programs at the corps include free breakfasts three times a week and a regular women’s group. Alison said most of the pieces were collected orally to account for those who did not speak English as a first language or had low levels of literacy. “It was mainly just sitting, listening and letting people share their stories and holding them and crafting them until they were happy with them [being] included in the book,” she said. The book also features original poems by members of the Brunswick Corps. “We have a couple of really gifted poets in our community,” Alison said. Captain Kris Halliday, who leads the Brunswick Corps, said the book also demonstrated the safe, inclusive space that had been built at the centre. “Something we've gone to great efforts to do is to really let people know from the very outset that we are a safe community,” he said. “We’re really changing perceptions around what it means to be The Salvation Army in a place like Brunswick and are finding the place is really acting its role as a place of safety and belonging for everybody.” Kris said the initiative had given members of the community who contributed to the book a deeper sense of belonging and ownership. Project coordinator Eva Milman (left) with Brunswick Stories contributors Elizabeth Calder and John. “It’s giving them an opportunity to open up more and look for other ways to participate at the Brunswick Salvos,” he said. “They see now on paper that they’re more than just someone who comes and participates in what we do, but they are custodians, they are partners [and] they belong at the Brunswick Salvos.” Alison said while the corps had a small number of soldiers, participants in the programs and services were ethnically and culturally diverse, with some also belonging to the Muslim and Jewish communities. “You don’t have to put on a uniform or be fully signed up to be part of our community,” she said. “We are diverse and rich and whosoever is welcome.” The launch was attended by Merri-Bek City Council staff, local police, Rotary members and members of a neighbouring school. Kris and Alison hope copies of the book will soon be available at the Brunswick Library, neighbouring cafes, neighbourhood houses and council chambers. To download a copy of the book, click here . Book inspires moving donation Brunswick Corps Officer Lieutenant Alison Templar was collecting for the Red Shield Appeal at her local shopping centre, Barkly Square, when she was approached by a woman who said she had read a story from the book. “The local newspaper had posted a story about the book on Facebook, and included an interview with Elizabeth, a beautiful soul who has become part of the Brunswick Salvos family since seeking help and support following the death of her son,” Alison said. “A woman came up to the table at Barkly Square and donated $100. She said that she had read the story about Elizabeth on Facebook and was so moved that she wanted to support the Salvos so that we could continue to help people like Elizabeth. This was a great example of the power of our stories and how we can connect through sharing them.” Elizabeth’s story, and many others, can be downloaded here .

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle reflect on their early years of officership and God’s words of reassurance as they recall their first international appointment. The video has been produced in collaboration with Salvation Army International Headquarters for the farewell of General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle at the High Council in London. Watch the full event here: https://vimeo.com/825423551

Shire Salvos employee Liz Atlee with the local impact report she designed, standing with Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper. An Impact Report document, designed by the Shire Salvos Area Leadership Team (ALT) in southern Sydney, has been a positive tool for fundraising during this year’s Red Shield Appeal. Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper said every year, The Salvation Army’s national communications team releases an impressive impact report for donors, and his local team wanted to replicate that on a smaller scale to engage with local business leaders. “We were having a Red Shield Appeal launch breakfast this year, our first one since the COVID lockdowns, and a lot had changed within our missional space,” he said. “So, we wanted to produce a document that was able to relaunch who we are, what we do and how people can partner with us.” The report was written and designed by members of the ALT and contains stories of transformation, lists of services available at each ALT location, and QR codes that direct readers to the Shire Salvos Red Shield Appeal digital doorknock page. “We’re lucky to have an amazingly creative woman working with us part-time who designs stuff for us on Canva,” said Mark. “The report is something we can take with us to stakeholder meetings when we approach business people for support or give to local media.” 2508 Salvos, a missional outpost connected to Shire Salvos, even created a more local Impact Report for its unique missional area. 2508 Salvos Mission Leader Lauren Martin said Helensburgh and the surrounding 2508 suburbs are a very distinct local community, separate from both Sydney (to the north) and Wollongong (to the south). “So, I created a 2508 Salvos Impact Report because our people just want to know about what’s happening here,” Lauren said. “With the Red Shield Appeal initiative that allows local Salvation Army corps and centres to spend money raised locally, I think it’s really important to be able to document and educate our donors on where their money is being spent. “I believe it will lead to deeper and more lasting partnerships.”

Australian officers are delegates at the 2023 High Council. (From left) Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge, Colonel Cheralynne Pethybridge, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Commissioner Robyn Maxwell, Commissioner Wayne Maxwell, Colonel Philip Maxwell, Colonel Deslea Maxwell, Commissioner Julie Campbell and Commissioner Mark Campbell. Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas is one of nine Australian Salvation Army officers who are delegates at the High Council in London this week to elect a new General. The nine gathered with high-ranking officers from around the world at the Welcome to the High Council and Farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle at Central Hall Westminster on Saturday 20 May. The other Aussie officers at the High Council are Colonels Kelvin and Cheralynne Pethybridge (Eastern Europe Territorial Leaders), Commissioners Robyn and Wayne Maxwell (South Pacific and East Asia Zonal Leaders), Colonels Deslea and Philip Maxwell (Hong Kong and Macau Command Leaders), and Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell (New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territorial Leaders). The event combined prayer and music with dance, filmed tributes and other acts of worship. Welcomed to warm applause, the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle gave the traditional Salvation Army salute as the audience cheered. High Council members entered the hall in order of seniority to greet their international leaders. In a touching moment, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle saluted the General before they left the stage. The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham welcomed the guests and international leaders. General Brian Peddle addresses the 2023 High Council Welcome and Farewell. The General then charged the High Council members with their significant responsibility. He said, “It is my privilege to welcome the High Council delegates. You have led The Salvation Army at a time that has been challenging for the world. We face significant unrest, natural disasters and tragedy. You have led courageously.’ He continued, “I address you on behalf of a prayerful and expectant global Army. Your challenge is to discharge your duty and to abandon all personal preferences and to surrender to the will of God … the sacred engagement given to you today is to reveal the chosen one that God has already ordained. Trust in the Holy Spirit. Today, we say together, “May God bless the 2023 High Council of The Salvation Army.” The stage filled with diverse uniforms and cultural dress as prayers and music were shared before the film Called to Mission recalled highlights of General Peddle’s leadership. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle addressed the meeting saying, “I stand here today as a testimony to what is possible when God has it all in his hands. I say farewell to this unforgettable experience of being one of the international leaders of The Salvation Army.” Thanking her family and the global Salvation Army for their support, she said, “We will be forever interested and will pray for you continually. Thank you, General Brian. I am grateful for your constant support and inspiration. We look forward to retirement and what God has for us next. God bless you all.” Konverse Dance Crews performed an energetic hip-hop-style dance during the meeting. A short, animated film, Memories of Service: Such Exciting Adventures recognised the global service of the international leaders before tributes from the High Council. General Peddle addressed the meeting, saying, ‘Thank you to members of the High Council and for the grace of God that has come to us through you. Thank you to Commissioners Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham. I acknowledge you both today. I honour Commissioner Rosalie today. I love this woman very much and she has been my partner in ministry. I stand before you confident that God continues to work out his will in my life. It has been a privilege to lead the international Salvation Army – glory to God!’ Sharing his confidence in the future, the General said, ‘This is not the end of the story. The Salvation Army has a place in the world to give salt and light, because God still welcomes prodigals home. He will come again! Walk in obedience and love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul. Stand with me under the banner of the immeasurably more God. By his grace he will provide, and with his strength we can walk in this world as children of the Almighty.’ The meeting was accompanied by sign language throughout, with more than 1200 individual viewers joining online, with 30 different countries represented. The event may still be watched here, sar.my/welcome . For the full version of this story, click here