The Salvation Army teams were quick to respond to the needs of those impacted by devastating floods in Romania. The teams are helping clear mud and debris from damaged houses and farms. The Salvation Army in Romania is currently helping many of those impacted from the devastating floods that have inundated the nation following the recent torrential rainfall from Storm Boris. Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have been affected by these catastrophic floods, with rising casualties and widespread destruction. In Romania, hundreds of people from 22 cities have been evacuated, 5000 homes have been impacted, and many have lost everything. Salvation Army teams served water and sandwiches to impacted locals. The Salvation Army teams, led by Divisional Commander Major Ionuts Sandu and made up of officers and volunteers, have been distributing water, sandwiches and hot drinks to emergency teams and impacted community members in Slobozia Conachi, Galați County. They have also begun to help with cleaning houses and farms that have been destroyed. For more information, updates, or to donate, go to The Salvation Army Romania’s Facebook page . Click below for additional images.

Josh Gani, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor for The Salvation Army, and the submission. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Salvation Army has provided a submission to an inquiry into food security in Victoria held by the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee.   The cost-of-living crisis means that many on low incomes can no longer afford essential items, with food often being a necessity foregone. The Salvation Army is a national provider of emergency relief and support for those in need and highlighted the drivers, impacts, and responses regarding food security.   “We put in a submission based on our exposure to the situation on the ground and the services The Salvation Army provides,” explains Josh Gani, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor. “We’re able to talk about the issue because the data from Doorways and Moneycare, and the majority of our food relief that is coordinated through corps.”   The Salvation Army’s Doorways program provides case management, emergency relief and immediate support for 128,000 Australians annually. The Salvos provide food relief through pantries, hampers, vouchers, and community meals. The submission focused on those things foregone by those in need, including the physical and mental health implications of food insecurity.   “There are health implications and social implications of food insecurity,” says Josh. “The fact is that if you can’t afford enough food, you will cut down on other necessities. There are negative health outcomes if you don’t get enough nutrients or have to make choices about heating or accommodation. The mental health implications were something we really wanted to highlight too; the emotional burden that goes into these budgeting decisions can be associated with personal failure.”   Food insecurity affects more than one million Australians every month. Last year, more than 3.7 million households ran out of food. Many households are resorting to skipping meals, eating expired or spoiled food, or sleeping through mealtimes. This crisis affects those in need the most.   “The current rate of Jobseeker is insufficient to allow people to live with dignity,” Josh says. “We must continue to advocate for increases to Jobseeker and Youth Allowance. People have different opinions about social security and support payments, but the fundamental role of those is that people are able to live with dignity. The current system does not afford that. If people can’t eat, it shows the whole system isn’t working.” “People often skip paying bills to have enough to feed their kids that week.” – A Salvos Doorways caseworker   The Salvation Army’s 2024 Red Shield Report found that in the past 12 months, 91 per cent of respondents experienced a level of food insecurity. Forty-five per cent reported having to choose between paying the rent or mortgage or buying the food they need.   “The largest piece of the mosaic is housing affordability,” says Josh. “People find themselves having to prioritise their housing situation before all other expenses. Housing affordability is such a pressure on people’s budgets that they make those hard decisions about what they forego.”   The Red Shield research report also illustrated that many accessing The Salvation Army’s emergency relief services are struggling to afford utility bills, groceries and their rent. As many skip meals because they can’t afford enough food to eat, the impact extends to families and children.   “We touched on the notion that the long-term social implications can be significant for children,” Josh says. “Children who go to school hungry will struggle at school and find themselves being titled as disruptive. They can’t learn in the same way as other kids.”   “Kids who go to school without breakfast don’t want to be there. They struggle to pay attention and get labelled as ‘disruptive kids’.” – A Salvos Doorways caseworker The complex factors that leave families, children and young people hungry require responses from all governments. While there may be no single solution that the Victorian Government can implement to address food insecurity, The Salvation Army's submission includes a number of responses and recommendations.   “There are limited fresh food retailers in the outer, developing suburbs and more fast food restaurants,” says Josh. “We also pushed for investment in social and affordable housing, some discussions of price competition and affordable food courses. There are also many people using debt instruments to buy groceries, taking out Buy Now Pay Later loans to cover food when the late repayment fees can be hard.”   Food insecurity affects more than one million Australians every month. With the pressure on the cost of living showing little sign of letting up, many more may go hungry for the foreseeable future.   “The worst-case scenario is people starving,” Josh says. “There are obvious health implications, but the social implications are a concerning development. We have found ourselves a wealthy society where people can’t afford food. How wealthy are we if everyone can’t eat?”

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (left) and Colonel Winsome Merrett have set up their own RSA fundraising page with a $2500 goal and have committed to being slimed if, or when, they reach their target! Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Colonel Winsome Merrett are doing their part for the Red Shield Appeal by setting up a TSA Leaders’ fundraising page with a $2500 goal. When reached, they will get slimed, following in the General's fundraising footsteps in 2021. General Brian Peddle gets ‘slimed’ in 2021 as part of a Red Shield Appeal fundraiser. Miriam and Winsome invite, or dare we say, challenge you to help them reach their target, or you could create your own fundraising ‘fun’ to raise vital funds here >> . Your support in helping Miriam and Winsome reach their fundraising target will not only help ensure nobody struggles alone, but it will also (we hope) bring a smile to your day as their slime experience will be filmed and published on Salvos Online for all to enjoy. “Our vision to ‘live, love and fight, alongside others, to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus’ inspires us each and every day, and we are grateful as a movement that we are able to help thousands of lives,” Winsome said. “We can do this amazing work, in part, due to the generosity of the Australian public during our Red Shield Appeal.” Visit the Salvos Leaders’ fundraising page here >>

(From left) Major Jennifer Cloke, Major Bram Cassidy, Major Karen Elkington, Captain Phuong Reynolds, Captain Helen Zhou and Captain Paul Chen at the multicultural launch in Melbourne. By BARRY GITTINS They came from all around the world – Africa, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Mongolia, South Korea, Vietnam, and more. The venue was Box Hill Town Hall on Saturday 6 May, and the occasion was The Salvation Army Multicultural Red Shield Appeal launch in Melbourne. There were hundreds of singers, dancers, entertainers and storytellers. There were musicians and percussionists, sellers of goods, conveyors of good tidings, and goodness knows how many national dishes. And there were priests, politicians, and people of all cultures, beliefs and hopes. And front and centre were the Salvos, with the Box Hill Corps band playing ‘God’s Children’, ‘Amazing Grace’, and other joyful music, adding to the rich cacophony of tunes emanating from voices and cultures of other heritages. The surreal, sweet celebration of life was summed up by a concert band of Asian Australians sporting bow ties and straw hats, wistfully playing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. If the aural soundscape was ‘colourful’, with laughter joining the many languages into one tongue, so, too, were the brilliant fashion statements. There was a rainbow of colours, bearing witness to Indigenous Australia, amidst a panoply of hats, scarves, headgears, sarees, flags, fans and parasols aplenty. ‘Shieldy’, the anthropomorphised icon, was on hand to pose for selfies, and the ever-present AFL was helping kids handpass their way to inclusion, with encouragement, smiles and mini-Sherrins. The Salvation Army called out for help, and ‘they’ – ‘we’ – came. “It is absolutely critical that The Salvation Army cannot think of itself as monocultural,” Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett said. “We have to embrace, support and pursue this; it is fantastic to see so many nationalities and ethnicities coming together to support us. It is humbling.” It is also who we are, explained Lieut-Colonel Xuyen ‘Samuel’ Pho, the Army’s multicultural community officer for Victoria. “Australia has changed,” he said, “and 51 per cent of the population has at least one parent who was born overseas. “The Salvation Army has witnessed the increased contribution of multicultural communities, and our mission to reach people and help them without discrimination is the basis for people to come and work with us and alongside us.” Both men agree; this Red Shield-waving celebration of life has to become the Army’s ‘new norm’. “This is who we are,” said Kelvin. “And who we must become,” added Xuyen. Amidst the food, the fun and frenzied entertainment – hat-tip to the lion dancers and their entourage – there were acknowledgments of country, welcomes and expressions of sincere gratitude from MC Major Warren Elliott, and some short and sweet ‘speechifying’ from dignitaries keen to stand alongside the Red Shield. “The Salvation Army can’t do what it does without the support of the public,” said Warren. “Every day, 37,000 Australians are asking The Salvation Army for support.” The Hon. Paul Hamer, State MP for Box Hill, noted, “We see the impact that the rising cost of living is having on families”. Acknowledging the role of government to address that, he also valued the work of groups such as the Salvos and wished them “the best for a really successful appeal”. Whitehorse Mayor, Councillor Mark Lane, spoke fondly of first “rattling the tins for the Salvos” nearly 40 years ago. “The Salvos’ Red Shield theme this year is to ensure that ‘no one goes alone’ – many people are seeking help when they may not have needed to do so previously. Please donate and help the Salvos help our community.” Dr Carina Garland, Federal Member for Chisholm, also ’fessed up to collecting for the Salvos, who she described as a “great encapsulation of diversity, generosity and compassion for others”. “It’s distressing to see so many people struggling,” she added. “Organisations such as The Salvation Army play such an important role in helping people who need help receive that help.” The deputy chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Bwe Thay, said that as a “local resident of Whitehorse, it makes me proud to see all of us coming together for a common cause. “Having the three levels of government represented here is an acknowledgement of the important work the Salvos do. I thank them for creating opportunities to give back meaningfully to this wonderful society – Australia is our home.” Australia is our home: it was a popular and heartfelt sentiment that the hundreds of men, women and children gathered could all attest to from their own markedly different experiences. As the speeches vied with music, food, entertainment and conversation, the words of an elderly, passionate lady rang out across the cavernous venue: “Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others … service to others is the price we pay for our time here on earth.”

The decision by the Federal Government to leave JobSeeker and Youth Allowance at inadequate levels means hundreds of thousands of Australians will continue to seek support from The Salvation Army. The 2023-24 Federal Budget was handed down last night (Tuesday 9 May). It was the second Budget of the Albanese Labor Government. There was a slight increase in JobSeeker payments, but not enough to address the disadvantage in our community, according to The Salvation Army. To read The Salvation Army’s response to the Federal Budget, click here

Ukrainian officers, cadets, corps leaders and others, with their families, enjoy a retreat in Latvia to recharge, refresh and connect after more than two years of living and serving in a warzone. BY SIMONE WORTHING “I have a dream, that children in Ukraine and my city of Kharkiv and around the whole world would not startle and fear when they hear a loud noise and think it’s a projectile or bomb,” said Tamara, from Kharkiv Corps, Ukraine, at the recent retreat for Ukrainian officers, cadets and corps leaders and others at The Salvation Army’s campsite in Bernāti, Latvia. “I dream that children could look into the sky and see animal shapes from the formation of the clouds, and not think about what objects might be flying up there – helicopters or planes or projectiles. I dream that people in my country, my city and around the whole world could live in a peaceful world. There is much more I could say, but this is the most important.” Tamara shared her dream recently at a retreat for Ukrainian officers, cadets, corps leaders and others at The Salvation Army’s campsite in idyllic Bernāti, Latvia. The weary but faith-filled officers and teams, with their families, enjoyed almost two weeks at the camp, which was hosted by the Latvia Region of Sweden and Latvia Territory. The Australian SAID department (Salvation Army International Development) funded the retreat. “The retreat idea was brilliant, and we just had to find somewhere where they would be safe and could recharge in a beautiful environment.” Major Judith Soeters, who was head of SAID when Russia invaded Ukraine (24 February 2022), had previously served in the Eastern Europe Territory (EET) and knew many of the Ukrainian officers, immediately wanted to assist in whatever way possible. “We went through official channels, and I was in touch with some of the officers in Ukraine – some of whom I had trained when I was Training Principal for the EET and had spent time with in Ukraine,” she said. “The retreat idea was brilliant, and we just had to find somewhere where they would be safe and could recharge in a beautiful environment. “We could assist the leaders and fund a time of rest for them and their families.” Time together in safety “The retreat was designed for the families to have time together in a safe environment,” explained Major Elizabeth Garland, an Australian officer serving as Development Officer for the Eastern Europe Territory (of which Ukraine is a division). “The camp is close to the sea so they could go to the beach, there were activities they could all do together, and the setting gave them plenty of time in nature. It was a time for healing and restoration. For more than two and a half years now, they have been living in extremely difficult circumstances, and it’s not getting any better. It’s actually getting worse.” Eastern Europe Territory leaders, Colonels Ann and Richard Borrett, and Majors Mel and Steve Smith, regional leaders of the Latvia Region of the Sweden and Latvia Territory, also spent time in fellowship and worship with the Ukrainian group. "We know what we are going back to, and we go with God." Joy and camaraderie Another Australian officer (now part of the Sweden and Latvia Territory), Captain Kathleen Johansson, who currently serves in Riga, Latvia’s capital, managed the Latvian administration of the camp and booked some excursions and entertainment for the Ukrainian families. These included visits to a museum and high-ropes park and a visiting children’s entertainer and musician.   Kathleen also welcomed the Ukrainians when they arrived and spent almost two days with them in the second week. “A group of us from Latvia Regional Headquarters visited, including the newly arrived regional leaders and the manager and volunteer – both Ukrainian – from our Centre for Refugees in Riga,” she said.   “Our visit was very special. It was a pleasure to spend time with the officers, cadets and leaders with their families and witness how much they had been able to make the campsite a second home for those 12 days, and how relaxed they had been able to be.   “Joy and camaraderie seem to break language barriers!” “The adults and children both seemed to appreciate the peace and quiet and the very close proximity to the sea. I understood that the fact that they didn't have to hear any air raid sirens or be ready to run for cover at any moment must have been an immense blessing. I also understood that the trip to get here and back – 32 hours each way – was long and arduous in a bus, but that it was ‘worth it’ for the peace and quiet.   “A highlight for me personally was being invited in the late evening during our visit to play a board game with some of the families. We sat up late and had a great time, despite me not knowing more than a few words in Ukrainian. Joy and camaraderie seem to break language barriers!   “A highlight more professionally was getting to see our Ukrainian manager and volunteer from the Riga Refugee Centre interact with their fellow countrymen and women and talk about which cities they were from and to get to know each other. Anzhelika, our centre manager, was also able to share a bit about our work in Riga and what we're trying to do for the Ukrainian refugees in Latvia.”   Just prior to the group’s return to Ukraine, Major Irina Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Leader, was asked whether she found it difficult to imagine that she was returning home the following day – to a warzone. “Of course,” she said. “But we know what we are going back to, and we go with God.”

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas encourages Salvationists to get involved in this year's Red Shield Appeal, to engage well, to encourage well, and to be 'hope givers and hope bringers' to the people of our community.

Contributors give their perspectives on the successes and failures of race relations and address contemporary challenges and their hopes for the future. REVIEWED BY LIEUT-COLONEL JONATHAN ROBERTS The contributors to this important book address issues of racial injustice within the British and Irish churches they represent, including The Salvation Army. They reflect on successes and failures since the launch of Racial Justice Sunday in 1995 and outline their hopes for the future. The bishop of Croydon, the Right Rev Rosemarie Mallett, takes a long, hard look at her denomination. Despite the persistent ‘un/conscious bias in church institutions’, she is hopeful that the steps being taken will help create an inclusive Church where diversity is recognised as a strength. Writers from other denominations, parachurch groups, ecumenical bodies and minority ethnic congregations also reflect on responses to racism within the Church and wider society. In his chapter, Major Jonny Smith (UKI) celebrates the growth in racial diversity in the Army over the past 25 years. He also points to ‘far too many incidents of racism and institutional racism’ and gives disturbing examples. Jonny mentions the work of Salvationist Linbert Spencer, who was a member of the Churches Commission for Racial Justice, which established Racial Justice Sunday, and who has been an important advocate of racial inclusion within the Army and the wider Church. Jonny also quotes the territorial leaders’ 2020 statement on racism, which was followed by a major report that led to the setting up of the Racial Inclusion Working Group. Jonny acknowledges the need for repentance and forgiveness and concludes that ‘real racial justice can start to become a tangible reality within this Movement’. Race for Justice is timely, with 22 April marking the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence in south London – a tragic event that formed the backdrop for the establishment of Racial Justice Sunday. Although parts of the book are disturbing, there are notes of hope, encouraging and calling us all to make equality and inclusion a reality. The book is available from Koorong. Click here This review first appeared in The Officer magazine (April-June 2023 edition)

To read Ian and Nancy Cutmore’s promoted to glory notice (which includes a link to a livestream of their memorial service), click here . Commissioner Miriam Gluyas honouring retired Commissioners Ian and Nancy Cutmore with the Pioneering Award only last month.

Geelong Doorways case worker Olivia Costa with period and continence products for distribution to the community. By KIRRALEE NICOLLE A recent interim report on poverty in Australia highlighted the impact on those left facing their menstrual periods without access to sanitary items. Menstrual products are a commonly needed item for those experiencing disadvantage, Salvation Army Doorways staff say. The Senate report released on 4 May was the result of an inquiry referred to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee in September 2022. Rita, a witness who spoke to a public hearing for the inquiry, said there was a myth that poverty just caused hunger. “Poverty is being a woman and having to wear bits of rag when you have your period because you can’t afford pads or tampons,” Rita said. Geelong Doorways team leader Narelle Fromholtz said her team provided period products in toiletry bags for many families they assisted, accounting for each member of the family who needed them. She said these included pads, tampons and sometimes longer-term solutions such as menstrual cups and period undies where conditions allowed for them to be properly sanitised. Narelle said without access to period products, many school students choose not to attend school during their periods, which negatively impacts their education. “If you can’t afford period products, where else are you struggling?” – Narelle Fromholtz. A submission to the interim report from the South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly told how lacking access to sanitary items affected the education and social lives of young people experiencing poverty. “Not having clothes, toys, digital devices or access to the internet or period products sets them apart from their peers and are significant barriers to their participation at school, in social outings and extracurricular activities,” the Commissioner said. Narelle said not only did those in the Geelong area who accessed Doorways services often experience a lack of access to menstrual products, but also continence products as well. She said offering such products opened a conversation that could lead to more assistance. Narelle said her team had been able to provide bedding solutions for adults and children experiencing incontinence and had been able to direct adults experiencing incontinence to medical services and access to free products under the Continence Aids Payment Scheme. She said these products were otherwise expensive. Most disadvantaged suburb The suburb of Norlane in northern Geelong, where the Doorways service operates, topped recent Census data compiled in the Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) to be listed as the most disadvantaged suburb in Victoria. Lieutenant Alison Templar from Brunswick Doorways said she had seen women who were very desperate for sanitary items, and no one had yet declined when they were offered. She said it was powerful for those who were sleeping rough or had teenage daughters to be able to access pads or tampons without drama. Alison said when recipients were offered the products, there was often a palpable look of relief on their faces. Brunswick Asylum Seeker and Refugee Service centre manager Major Karen Elkington said providing the right kind of sanitary items was important when dealing with those from diverse backgrounds. “It’s mostly young Western women who use tampons,” she said. “It’s not actually something that all women from culturally diverse backgrounds [use].” ‘Barbaric’ situation Not-for-profit organisation Share the Dignity collects donated sanitary and period products to distribute to those experiencing disadvantage across Australia, including through Salvation Army centres. Founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said having access to sanitary items was just as important as having access to toilet paper. She said she was shocked when she first heard in 2015 how those experiencing homelessness often could not access sanitary items. “I never thought of that,” she said. “I just find that barbaric that that would happen anywhere in the world, let alone here in Australia, the lucky country.” Rochelle said she had heard of women who had stolen socks from laundromats to handle their periods and had been forced to steal maternity pads after giving birth. “There’s so much shame in menstruation,” she said. “That’s one of the really big things that we’ve been really working hard to change the narrative around.”

A free formal wear rental scheme run at Colac Salvos Community Centre is transforming how young people experience their special occasions ensuring every student can look their best without the cost. Stock photo. Take a peek inside Colac Salvos Community Centre, and you will find a room transformed into a dazzling array of shimmering fabrics, sparkly dresses, and stylish suits. The vibrant space buzzes with excitement as young people browse the racks, eager to shine at their next formal event. Their enthusiasm, as Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH discovered, forms part of a free new innovative wardrobe project. Looking sharp and stylish is crucial for any young person heading out to a formal do. But often, they face the frustrating dilemma of whether they can afford to buy or rent a great outfit for their special occasion. However, an exciting new wardrobe project is taking away all the anxieties. The free formal wear rental scheme ‘Otway Wardrobe’, run at Colac Salvos Community Centre, is transforming how young people aged 12 to 18 experience special events. “It has been a phenomenal success,” said Josiah Van Niekerk, Community Engagement Coordinator, and head of Business Development of the Corps. “It has turned into a monster of a program, which is great. We are excited to ensure every student can look their best without the cost! Josiah Van Niekerk, Community Engagement Coordinator, and head of Business Development at Colac Corps. “The cost of formal wear can be a barrier to opportunity, especially for young people from underprivileged backgrounds. So, Otway Wardrobe has ensured special moments for young people such as formals, interviews nand special events, shouldn’t be overshadowed by the financial strain of finding the perfect outfit.” Since it began a few months ago, the wardrobe rental program has grown significantly. The community initiative was the brainchild of Dayna Watt, Year 12 Co-ordinator at Colac Secondary College. The young teacher, known for being passionate about worthwhile causes and having a big heart for the community, Dayna and her students brainstormed ideas on how to recycle while supporting the local community. They came up with this idea, and community work features significantly in Colac Secondary College’s curriculum.  “It’s amazing for the local community,” Josiah said. “And it’s amazing for community groups like us.” Hairdressers and beauticians have helped young people prepare for their special events by adding a touch of glamour and finesse. Colac Salvos and the students spoke with people who had ties to hairdressers, beauticians, and retailers to help get the project established. Colac Salvos then offered the space to house the initiative. “The Year 12 students from Colac Secondary College and their wonderful teachers have helped to set the space up,” Josiah said. “Not only that, but they had the original idea to create this initiative, which just shows the power of community helping community.” The Colac college students have been actively involved during the past few months, attending the centre at least once a week to go through the racks, collect clothes from the Salvos and Vinnies thrift shops and bring them down to the space, hang clothes on racks, and organise trolleys. Scan your eyes across the wardrobe room, and you will find formal dresses, suits, ties, shoes, and accessories among the many items to appease even the fussiest of tastes. Students from Colac Secondary College recently held a formal event, for which Otway Wardrobe played a major role in hiring their special outfits. Local Colac students have fun picking out some smart suits for their next formal do. Donations, both material and financial, have come from many sectors of the local community, including schools and families. The Salvos currently cover dry cleaning costs but hope to find a business partner in the future who can donate their services. The local Salvos thrift shop has greatly contributed to the project, as has Vinnies, located just three doors down from the centre. “They have been phenomenal,” Josiah said. “Their support has helped unify the community to be even more open to embrace this initiative.” Also supporting the initiative has been local media who approached Josiah for interviews, including ABC Ballarat live. His team have engaged with local business partners, too, including a local franchised accounting firm, Findex, who have asked how they can support the project. “It has been one of those great things that it’s just really picked up its own local media coverage and picked up its own community engagement,” Josiah explained. “It has been the biggest thing of our program because our heart in wanting to approach working with our communities has been to stimulate the community to create programs to then serve the community that they are a part of, and then to be a part of maintaining them and innovating them to best fit their community's needs. “It should not be The Salvation Army or the Australian Government or council that should be doing it. It should be us who are the ones that are in the community. So, the Otway Wardrobe has been a really cool testimonial of that kind of initiative.” Looking to the future, the Salvos team will be working on creating an inventory with the Colac Secondary School students, including how to manage the ins and outs of the wardrobe rental items and dry-cleaning. Their aim is for students to be able grasp aspects involved with running a business. A Colac student with some of the many donations given to Colac Salvos’ free formal wear rental scheme. “Coming down to a community centre might be glamorous because you’re helping the poor and the needy,” Josiah remarked. “But there’s this vast beast of organisational structure that’s behind the scenes you can't see. So, it's great for them to be able to see the guts of all that.” The Salvos also have another six organisations, including some employment agencies and a disability provider, that are eager to use Otway Wardrobe for job interviews and meetings. Even more businesses have expressed a keen interest in joining the project. Additionally, local organisations are looking at helping to create a wardrobe for people who do not wear items all the time, such as maternal and ski wear, which people may only wear for a few months or a week. It would be integrated with Otway Wardrobe. With the project’s success continuing at a rapid rate, the next step for the Salvos team is to stimulate the community to potentially donate space for Otway Wardrobe, as they are quickly running out of space. If their local thrift store that they own became available for some reason, they would move into that space, too. “Our future ahead is exciting,” Josiah remarked. “We are entering graduation season, and we will be putting all our hairdressers, beauticians, stylists and students to the test to see what this initiative is capable of, and where we will be growing it next year, working together for a more dignified future for all peoples throughout the Colac Region.”

A High Council is convened and begins with prayer and worship. A president, vice-president and chaplain are elected. The High Council agrees orders of procedures. The president, with assistance from the vice-president, takes over leadership of the High Council from the Army’s Chief of the Staff. The chaplain’s role is to arrange worship meetings and times of prayer. After agreeing Orders of Procedure and completing any Committee of the Whole discussions, the High Council moves on to nominations. Every member of the High Council can nominate someone as a candidate for General, and any active Salvation Army officer can be nominated. Any officer who receives three or more nominations can choose to become a candidate. Candidates then have time to respond to the questions from the High Council and to prepare their speeches. Questions usually cover a candidate’s vision for The Salvation Army, their approach to leadership and their thinking on belief and practice. When the time comes to vote, each council member votes in turn, going to one of the private voting rooms to mark their ballot paper. Members vote for a single candidate. Find out more in A Guide to a High Council . When a new General has been elected, the doors of Sunbury Court are opened and the President announces the new General-elect. The news is live-streamed around the world. Watch live at sar.my/highcouncil .