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Throughout the Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW, Majors Fran and Mark Everitt provide a range of support to a wide and interconnected network of Salvos churches, teams and services. These, in turn, come alongside local community members in need. Fran explains why The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service is an essential part of this life-changing network. Major Fran Everitt remembers feeling uncharacteristically angry several years ago upon learning of a recently widowed pensioner struggling financially due to debt on multiple credit cards. His wife had managed all the family budgets, and he hadn’t understood the extent of their debt. The cards had each been taken out, despite a very limited income from the pension, in an attempt to cover the interest payments on the previous card. “My first emotion, when I found out, was anger – particularly at the card providers for allowing this to happen to vulnerable older people,” Fran shares. “There can be such a sense of shame around debt, but it can happen so easily. Credit can be an awful trap.” Easing financial stress Fran was able to organise for the pensioner, who was clearly not coping with both financial and emotional stress, to speak with a Salvos Moneycare counsellor. The counsellor helped him through financial counselling, developed a money plan (budget), and negotiated with the card providers. Eventually, the debt was fully cleared. “This elderly gentleman, who was grieving the loss of his wife, felt overwhelmed because he also felt trapped in debt. After his first appointment with the wonderful financial counsellor, he felt so relieved,” Fran says. “In many ways, it changed his life. “He became an enthusiastic saver in the years that followed and told me he only wished his wife could have been spared the burden of worry about debt in her final years. He wished they had known about Moneycare earlier.” One-stop services According to the 2021-22 Moneycare Outcome Measurement Annual Report, Moneycare supported more than 12,000 people Australia-wide. Of those asked about the impact, 93 per cent reported that Moneycare had an overall positive effect on their circumstances. Sixty-one per cent had their financial difficulties resolved through the support. Fran explains that many Salvation Army services, including Moneycare and Doorways (which offers urgent financial relief and holistic case management with referrals) are increasingly located together on shared sites. This allows community members with a range of needs to seek support at a single site, reducing stress and travel. Fran says this ease of assistance is more important than ever given the current cost-of-living crisis. “What we’re hearing and seeing are people who have full-time jobs but aren’t able to meet mortgage and rental payments because costs are rising in every area,” Fran shares. “We’re seeing so many more people from various walks of life in need. While our services can’t meet every need, we continually hear stories of people who have been assisted by our network of services – including Moneycare and Doorways – who return when their lives are more stable to say thank you, or volunteer, or donate to help others.” For Fran, hearing of lives transformed and hope restored is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her role. She says, “It’s quite beautiful and encouraging to see the light of hope come on in people’s eyes and hearts when they had previously felt hopeless and overwhelmed. “I feel very privileged and blessed to support the teams in any way I can, and they are in turn supporting people in the greatest need. That support really does change lives. I’m sure it saves lives too!” For more information on Anti-Poverty Week and resources, go to MySalvos here

BY MAJOR PETER McGUIGAN This month, Australia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its most lauded and recognised icon on the world stage, the Sydney Opera House. On 20 October 1973, people packed Bennelong Point and the greater harbour foreshores as Queen Elizabeth II declared the magnificent edifice open. Construction had taken more than 14 years, such was the architectural brilliance and complexity of the project and the demand it placed upon the engineering capabilities of the time. The Opera House began as the vision of Eugene Goossens, “my dreamchild” he once called it, who came to Australia in 1946 as guest conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Goossens was surprised that the SSO’s main performance venue was the Sydney Town Hall – that Australia’s largest city was bereft of a specially appointed concert hall. He also found no theatres big enough to stage large or even medium-sized operas. Goossens became Resident Conductor of the SSO in July 1947 and championed the idea of an opera house built on Bennelong Point – both in the press and among senior government, council and music industry officials. Nothing much seemed to happen until 1954. Concerned that Goossens’ continuing campaigning in the press could embarrass the state government, ABC head Charles Moses suggested a meeting with then-Premier John Joseph Cahill. The meeting convinced Premier Cahill of the need for an opera house and its high priority. Late in 1954, preliminary planning began with the appointment of a committee to advise the government on building an opera house. Thirty-one sites were examined, and Bennelong Point was chosen. In January 1956, an international design competition was announced for the opera house. On 29 January 1957, Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, was declared the competition winner. The judges stated: “We have returned again and again to the study of these drawings [and] are convinced that they present a concept of an opera house which is capable of being one of the great buildings of the world.” Premier Cahill ensured the project remained on track and in March 1959 construction began. It was a massive undertaking and one that was dotted with controversy. The venture experienced cost blow-outs, and there were occasions when the NSW Government was tempted to call a halt. In 1966, the situation reached a crisis point due to arguments about cost and interior design and the government withholding progress payments. Jørn Utzon resigned from the project, and the building took a further seven years to complete. Salvation Army links Despite all this, today Australia has an opera house regarded worldwide as the finest performing arts venue anywhere. It welcomes more than 10.9 million visitors annually, and more than 1.4 million people attend its 1800 performances. Among these have been many church occasions, including Salvation Army concerts, Christmas extravaganzas, congress gatherings and commissioning events. The very first Salvation Army event held at the Opera House was the culmination of the commissioning of the Blood and Fire session of Salvation Army officers - the celebration and appointments meeting held on Monday 14 January 1974. Salvationist and former Petersham and Sydney Congress Hall Corps Bandmaster Ron Prussing played in the SSO’s trombone section in the very first concert at the Sydney Opera House and has been its Principal Trombone for many years. “I was so privileged to be part of that night,” Ron told SSO supporters earlier this year through its View from the Stagenewsletter. “I was so young and naïve; I was just revelling in the music. I remember enjoying the spectacular nature of that incredible music. And it was music that I ultimately fell in love with.” The advent of the Sydney Opera House has influenced the development and maturing of the performing arts in Australia far more than any other event in its history. Why do so many people come to this venue and other performance venues around the country? They come for the same reason Goossens had his vision – to be taken by the excellence of the gifts God has given some of us to another level of human experience. Whether it be the beauty of a voice soaring, the intricacy of a symphony, the drama or humour of actors in the theatre round or even a powerful performance on the silver screen, these gifts express the deep longings of the human heart for meaning, understanding, justice and love. Many of us can’t put that longing into words or translate it into powerful drama, music or song. But we are certainly able to respond to a portrayal of love, grief, humour or tension that defines the state of the human heart. We are certainly able to say, “Yes, that’s what life should be (or should not be)”; “Yes, that’s how I feel”; “Yes, that’s what I need in my life”; “Yes, that’s what I want to aim for”; “Yes, I want to be a better person”. Perhaps you could take this writer’s advice and down tools, get yourself a ticket to the next SSO concert, go down to the Sydney Opera House and allow yourself to be thoroughly blessed! Our lives and attitudes have the capacity to be challenged, even changed forever, by the power of a single performance. Thank God for these gifts. Thank God for Goossens’ vision. Thank God we can be so powerfully enlivened in both mind and heart.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the rising cost of living? Or simply want to learn some new money skills? If so, you are not alone. Financial stress can have a huge impact on our mental health, overall wellbeing and relationships. Here are just a few tips from Salvos Moneycare to start you on your path to financial wellbeing.

BY NAOMI SINGLEHURST Amid the laughter of people playing board games and sharing in craft activities, the rustling of newspapers and the aroma of freshly cooked snacks, community connections and friendships are growing at the drop-in centre at Preston Corps in Melbourne. Serving a culturally and linguistically diverse community in this north-east suburb, the service’s drop-in space welcomes all, including those who access The Salvation Army Doorways, which offers emergency relief and care. “This is a safe place to relax and meet other people,” says Rose, a volunteer at the drop-in space. Preston Salvos also runs church services and small groups providing spiritual care, a music program for people with disabilities, Doorways and a community pantry. The drop-in space is open to all in the community, including those who access the Doorways service, with the understanding that economic and social isolation can be interconnected. Giving back Rose, who bakes snacks, serves in the community pantry and helps in various other ways at the drop-in centre, understands the importance of connection, especially for people who are struggling financially, physically and/or emotionally. She faced many struggles in her younger years and is now thrilled to help others in the community. As a single mother of five adult children and a part-time worker in disability care, Rose is overjoyed to “give back” to her community through the Salvos after receiving some support for herself and her family over the years. Rose explains that when she was ready to return to study and the workforce, she had no computer skills. Through The Salvation Army Employment Plus, she was able to access training and then find work. But Rose's connection to the Salvos goes much deeper. Many years ago, when her children were younger, The Salvation Army helped Rose and her kids with Christmas food, gifts and some unpaid bills. “I remember one winter I couldn't afford shoes for the five children, so The Salvation Army officers took us out to the shop and got them all shoes,” Rose smiles. “It really did help so much, and it also gave me hope that there were still good people out there. “That care gave me a reason to keep going and keep moving forward. I hope I can now do that for other people in the community.” Doorways to hope Neda Shavandi, regional Doorways manager for Victoria-West, says, “The Preston drop-in centre is beautifully aligned with The Salvation Army’s Doorways model, inviting isolated community members to feel comfortable and connected. Support is about much more than a voucher or food parcel – it’s also about creating a sense of belonging. “Preston is one of many examples of successful collaboration between the church, Doorways, other Salvation Army services, volunteers and community members,” she adds. “We are just working alongside each other to try to empower and lift each other up.” Under the Doorways model, in most states and territories in Australia, community members needing emergency relief first call the Salvos phone assistance line for assessment. They then visit their local Salvos centre to pick up emergency relief vouchers. Some centres, often located on an existing Salvos corps site, also have dedicated Doorways case workers and offer additional support, like the Preston community pantry. Neda says, “I tell our team, “I’m not here to teach you, and you’re not here to teach the community members; we are just working alongside each other to try to empower and lift each other up. With collaborations like the one at Preston Salvos, we are collectively getting better at doing just that.” Rose says she “absolutely loves” the drop-in space and her community and that “giving back” as a volunteer has given her much in return. “I’m also making lovely friends,” Rose adds. “I see myself in this role for the rest of my life. I love it. Everyone who comes in here is totally accepted. There is no judgement. Everyone is made to feel welcome. It is just lovely.” To call Doorways, phone: 1800 007 007 To make an appointment with a Salvos Moneycare financial counsellor, call 1800 722 363. For more information on Anti-Poverty Week and resources, go to MySalvos here

For 41 years, The Salvation Army has been the proud charity partner of Sydney’s Carol in the Domain event, raising millions to support Aussies experiencing homelessness. This year’s event is being held on Saturday 16 December and we need extra hands to help sell candle bags, scan tickets, welcome guests, and more. If you would like to join us in helping make this special Christmas celebration possible, please let us know. Apply here >>

NAOMI SINGLEHURST reflects on the new Salvos brand creative expression, ‘Believe in good’, using an example of a moment in history when a young Salvation Army ‘lass’ stood up for her good God Recently, while pondering the word ‘good’ in light of the refreshing new Salvation Army brand creative expression ‘Believe in good’, a book came to mind. The book, Angels on My Wings, written by the late flying padre Esrom Morse, details a simple good work by a young female Salvationist in the late 1800s that produced immeasurably good fruit throughout generations of Esrom’s family. This young Salvationist woman – maybe full of faith and fortitude, or possibly terrified and timid – started preaching on the street in the small Tasmanian town of Deloraine. Punters returning to town from the local races that day may have ignored her or mocked her as a ‘do-gooder’, or maybe much worse. Whatever the reality – and we will never know this side of heaven – she most certainly had a divine appointment on that particular day. Her good work in preaching the gospel would reap immeasurable fruit. Esrom writes that his grandfather, George – a tough man and a successful racehorse breeder and trainer – was one who was intrigued by what the young girl in a Salvation Army bonnet was saying. He writes: “A big change came to the Morse family when George Morse (dad’s father) stopped on a street corner after the Deloraine race meeting one day and listened to a little Salvation Army girl preach. “George had always known he was a sinner but had never heard that Jesus Christ had died to save him from his sin. But there on the road in Deloraine, he asked Jesus Christ to forgive him, and he knew he was forgiven.” George’s transformation was apparently profound and had a deep and lasting effect on his very large family and his community. Esrom writes: “Every one of [George’s large family of] boys became committed Christians and became actively involved in Christian activities. All the girls married preachers … To the best of my knowledge, every one of his grandchildren have become Christians, as have his great-grandchildren. “I have often wondered if that little Salvation Army lass actually ever knew of the change that Christ brought to the life of my grandfather that day, and I am certain she could never have dreamed of the [ripple] effect it would have down through the years on others.” God’s multiplier effect While there are many examples of good works that produce good fruit every day in the work of The Salvation Army, the Deloraine story gives just a glimpse of how wide-ranging the ripple effect through many generations can be when we do good and obey God. The rationale for the new ‘Believe in good’ brand creative expression is as follows (in part): “As Christians and Salvationists, we ‘believe in good’ because we believe in the love and goodness of God. While the Bible does say that no one is good, only God, Christians, often teased as ‘do-gooders’, are still biblically called to do good. Hospitals, laws, schools, charities, slavery abolition – so many things that our society calls ‘good’ were built on the belief in doing good that followers of Jesus hold. The culmination of God’s goodness is the timeless gift of Jesus who transforms the lives of those who believe in him and who then carry the goodness of God to others … [Remembering] we are not good in ourselves, but only made good – right – through the sacrifice of our good God in Jesus Christ.” God’s goodness and life transformation The story of the young Salvation Army ‘lass’ preaching on that street corner in Deloraine resonates with me when I think ‘Believe in good’ because her faithful and obedient good work resulted in so much that was, and is, well … good. And while we are not redeemed by our good works, we are most certainly redeemed for good work. We are redeemed by our good God, who works all things together for good in all things for those who love him. Ephesians tells us we are saved by grace, but also tells us: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (2:10 NIV). I like to imagine our young preacher in Deloraine – especially if she was mocked, jeered at, jostled, or even shunned by her family – eventually coming face-to-face with her Lord. I smile as I imagine her surprise at the flow-on effect in so many lives – including Esrom, who had an amazing ministry of care to remote communities around Australia – and so many more ripples through multiple generations and multiple ministries – from her one good work on that one day in Deloraine. Hopefully, she – and we – will one day hear the most beautiful words of all from Jesus, our Good Shepherd – “Well done, good and faithful servant …”. *Naomi Singlehurst is a Content Specialist for The Salvation Army Brand/Mission department New Salvos message like a ’breath of fresh air’ – to read Major Peter McGuigan’s Viewpoint on ‘Believe in good’, click here

By ANTHONY CASTLE Thirty brave souls roughed it for the inaugural Salvos Sleepout SA at Parafield Gardens Salvos in Adelaide on Saturday 16 September. The sleepout was preceded by a community event including a barbeque served by Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers and a range of community organisations providing information and activities for locals in northern Adelaide. About 100 people attended the community event. Sleepout participants raised close to $25,000 to go towards Salvation Army homelessness services. Both events were coordinated by a group of Salvos Mission Expressions including Parafield Gardens and Playford Corps, Doorways, Salvos Housing, Salvos Stores, Emergency Services, Chaplaincy and PR. Over more than six months of working together, everyone increased their understanding of The Salvation Army’s work in the community and developed a strong sense of team. Two sleepout participants shared why they got involved: One said, “I decided to sleep out because there is a homeless lady near my work who I walk past every day and, like everyone else, I think, ‘What can I do to help?’. So, when I heard about this on the radio, I thought, well, that is something small I can do.” Another said, “I know first-hand the effect of homelessness. I work with people in custody, and we don’t want our prison system to be a public health system. We need to do better. That’s why I am doing this sleepout – to raise money for people who are sleeping rough. We all have a role to play in ending this homelessness crisis in Australia.” Organisers said they were very grateful to Harcourts SA, Conveyancing SA, John Fulbrook MP and Fresh FM for funding and promotional support.

Nathan, a Salvation Army Moneycare financial counsellor with a decade of experience, says one of the most important messages this Anti-Poverty Week (15-21 October) is that there is no shame in asking for help, and that seeking support can lead to a path of financial freedom and stability. Based at the Morley Salvos in Western Australia, Nathan explains that embarrassment can stop some people who are struggling with financial stress from seeking support early from Salvation Army services such as Moneycare (free financial counselling) and Doorways (emergency support, case management and referrals). However, Nathan says, the earlier people find the courage to reach out for help, the more options and solutions are available. “It’s important to let creditors especially know what’s going on before the situation spirals, and they’re more likely to work with you and try to find a solution or a resolution. It can save a lot of heartache,” he says. Nathan says that financial difficulties and associated emotional struggles are a reality for many people. “I want people who may be struggling to know they are not alone and there is no shame in asking for help to get their life back on track. “It is so important to understand that anyone can struggle, no matter who they are, including many in the workforce.” Help under stress The Salvation Army’s Moneycare is a free financial service offering confidential and practical help and care to anyone struggling to cope with financial stress, or who needs support to sort their finances. Over the Financial Year 2021/2022 (FY21/22), Moneycare supported over 12,600 individuals Australia-wide. Of those individuals, 93 per cent reported Moneycare had an overall positive impact on their circumstances, and 88 per cent said they were able to manage their situation better after connecting with the service (2021/2022 Moneycare Outcome Measurement Annual Report). “The earlier you start to deal with financial stress, the better.” Additional Moneycare resources includeYou’re the Boss (an in-person financial skill building course) and Be the Boss (online course) as well as NILs (No Interest Loans). Nathan explains that one of the many benefits of financial counselling is that a financial counsellor can help “take the emotion out of a tough situation”, advocating with creditors on behalf of a community member. “When you’re stressed, you can’t always think straight and there is a lot of emotion. There can be a better outcome with someone advocating on behalf of a community member.” Life-changing support Nathan says financial counselling can be life-changing, not only in practical and financial terms, but also emotionally. “One of the great joys of my role is the changes that you see [financial counselling] makes to people’s lives,” Nathan says. “There are many people who have come through the doors with a sense of hopelessness, thinking they might have to go bankrupt or something similar. But as we walk and talk with them, they begin to see light at the end of the tunnel. “I worked with one community member who had severe depression, young children and debt on multiple credit cards,” Nathan says. “When I first saw the community member, they didn’t want to go on living. “They were sure they would lose their house. But the banks [in this case] waived the credit card debts and provided hardship support on their mortgage.” Nathan explains the community member was then able to manage the mortgage and the family got back on track emotionally as well as financially. “It doesn’t matter who you are, struggling financially takes a toll on your mental health, in some shape or form. [Positively and negatively] there’s a huge correlation with mental health and financial wellbeing.” The good news is there is support available along the path to financial, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. For an appointment with one of our Financial Counselling Team, call 1800 722 363. For emotional support and referrals, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information on Anti-Poverty Week and resources, go to MySalvos here

This week is Anti-Poverty Week and Gambling Harm Awareness Week. Lara*, who has experienced both financial stress and been the victim of gambling harm, shares her story to encourage others, talking about the support she received from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare (free financial counselling service). BY LARA I am about to start a university degree, I am in the process of clearing my debts, and I am planning for a positive future. Only a few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined ever feeling hope again. In early 2020, I finally managed to leave my nearly 25-year abusive marriage. Leaving opened up a new set of challenges that I never envisioned. My ex-husband is a gambler, and during my marriage there was significant financial abuse. I basically had no access to money, only what he gave me. Just after I left him, my ex-husband [told me of] four credit cards in my name and said, “Good luck paying them off – they are all maxed out.” All up there was just under $62,000 worth of credit card debt in my name. Plus, my ex had not been paying the school fees, so suddenly I had a debt of several thousand dollars as well as unpaid rates, all up totalling over $70,000. Finding help After a significant family violence incident, I left the marital home in a hurry with only my children, a few clothes (mainly for the kids) and the family cat. After couch surfing with my children, I was fortunate enough to gain a rental a month later but was very stressed as to whether I would be able to keep it. A family member’s work colleague mentioned that Moneycare had really helped her in a similar situation. So, I called Moneycare. It was one of the best things I [ever] did. Taking control The Moneycare counsellor Kerrie (not her real name) was really helpful in supporting me to budget as well as arrange payment plans for the debts – plans I have honoured. I have now cleared all the credit card debt. I’m still working on the others, but I have never missed a payment. But more so, Kerrie never judged me. She helped me with the guilt and shame that came from being a victim of financial abuse. I was treated with dignity and respect and never [made to feel] stupid. As well as the debts, I had to set up a new household with nothing. Kerrie helped me create a workable budget, negotiate hardship arrangements for my utilities and let me know what other financial assistance was available to me. Looking back on that horrible and stressful time (which also included COVID lockdown and remote learning), I often felt like I was still being controlled by my ex-husband. But something Kerrie said to me at the beginning was, “You are now in control. You are in the driver’s seat, and you are filling your car with experts who will help you navigate.” She was right. Making dreams possible Kerrie also encouraged me to look beyond the current situation and to think about my goals. Initially, it was to just pay my rent and bills. But she kept me focused that this time would pass. My dream is to buy a small house in the country. It’s still a few years away (about seven, I think), but I have a plan and a savings goal. My university degree will provide me with the necessary qualifications to obtain work easily in the regional area of my choice. Once I finish university, I envision in a few years I will be able to buy that little house I dream of. *Lara’s name and some details have been changed for privacy. For more information on Anti-Poverty Week and resources, go to MySalvos here

And that’s when I kicked her cat. Sorry, you just caught the end of that. Let me start again. I was collecting for the Red Shield Appeal many years ago and was nearing the end of a long day. My feet were aching, my back was aching, my shoulders were aching, my soul was aching. There are only so many times you can get rejected in one day before you start to take it personally and react emotionally (“I know you’re in there, I saw the curtains move! Open the door or I’ll be back with a brass band tomorrow morning!”). Approaching a house in my final street for the day, I saw a small wooden sign stuck in the garden on a spike. The sign said, ‘A cat lover lives here’. I immediately thought, “What, in the garden? Is she buried alive? Should I call the police? Should I start digging?” Then I realised it was probably a reference to the house near the sign. And, sure enough, when the door opened after I’d rung the bell, a lady appeared with about six cats! I gave her the usual spiel about why I was there, and she smiled and said, “Oh, wonderful, I have something for you. Do you mind just stepping in while I close the door? I don’t want to lose any of my precious darlings.” I assumed she was talking about the cats, not wandering children. As a rule, I don’t enter houses when collecting for the Red Shield Appeal because you never know what surprises await you inside (and by surprises, I mean axe murderers, rabid dogs, Satanic cults and the smell of sauerkraut cooking or, alternately, Satanic murderers, sauerkraut cults and the smell of dogs cooking). However, she seemed safe enough, and I’d only be there a moment, so in I went. Big mistake. Or, as Julia Roberts would say, “Big mistake. BIG mistake.” Within 30 seconds, I had two cats purring around my ankles, three more trotting towards me, and one was sitting atop a hallway dresser, staring at me in what I can only describe as an aggressive and demeaning manner that I found personally confronting. I tolerated it for a minute before the lady of the house returned, gave me an envelope and said that she always supported The Salvation Army and had placed a sizeable donation in the envelope. She moved towards the door, and I made the mistake of doing three things at once: I turned to walk towards the door, I put the envelope in my donations bag, and I started to ask her if she wanted a receipt. And that’s when I kicked her cat. I hadn’t even seen it creeping up behind me, and as I turned and began to walk, I kicked it right in the face. It meowed loudly and flew backwards half a metre, landing in a water dish next to the front door. The lady threw her arms up and cried, “Petal!” and bent over to pick up the soggy, groggy moggy. I began to apologise, but as she cuddled and kissed the cat, she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, pushing me out the door and then closed the door. I could hear her still talking to the cat, and I was standing all alone on her porch, so I just walked off. As I passed the sign that said, ‘A cat lover lives here’, I thought to myself, “Not what I’ve heard; I’ve heard the cats here get kicked in the head.” – Major Mal Davies and his wife Major Tracey are the Corps Officers at Adelaide City Salvos

BY ANTHONY CASTLE I see these little things in my neighbourhood and notice small signs of change. I watch the shoplifters glide through gaps in checkouts most Monday nights while I buy groceries. They walk quickly, with stoic looks on their faces, hands jammed into hooded tops, backpacks hugged tightly. They’re mostly teenagers, and the bored supermarket employees typically ignore them. The security guards pick their battles. When they do stop a shoplifter, the person in question offers a denial but typically dumps chocolate or gift cards onto the counter and storms off. More and more people are moving through the gaps of the checkouts differently these days. They aren’t teenagers taking knick-knacks or snacks as much. Nor are they as uncaring. They are older more often, with a different look on their faces, and I’ve realised something about what they are stealing. They are taking groceries. They need food. I live in a gentrifying area, and the signs of change are everywhere. Suburbs that have traditionally been social housing and working-class blocks are being bought up. Apartments are going up where asbestos-clad factories once stood. The old corner stores that smelled of linoleum and newspapers are becoming cafes and salons. “I see the signs of change, but increasingly, I see the signs of crisis as well.” It isn’t just the demographics that are changing. The number of rough sleepers who line the shore is growing, and the number of vans and cars parked by the beach is increasing. Curbs are cluttered with belongings as tenants clean out their houses, for-sale signs popping up in front yards. I see the implications of gentrification, but I see the impact of poverty also. I see the signs of change, but increasingly, I see the signs of crisis as well. Poverty is real We can sometimes forget about poverty in the national conversation. Poverty often isn’t a news story until it affects the middle class, and even then, it is spoken about in terms of economics and politics, subject to discussion and debate. The crisis in my neighbourhood is reflective of many of the issues across the nation right now. The Salvation Army’s social justice stocktake shows that people in my area are most concerned about mental health, housing affordability, homelessness, addiction and family violence – issues exacerbated by the factors the country currently faces. Inflation is at its peak. Wages and welfare have been stagnant for years. Interest rates have been climbing, and more than a million households are heading towards a mortgage cliff. These factors have converged to affect where people live and how they live at all, increasing the number of those in need. People are experiencing need who haven’t experienced it before. Remember the poor There is a Bible verse that has stuck in my mind for years, often when I think about poverty, from Galatians chapter 2, verse 10: “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.” The context of this passage is that early church leaders had been arguing about theology and what the church looked like. The Bible has thousands of references to the plight of the poor, its core narrative one of liberation and justice, and among all the discussions and debates among early church leaders there is this simple instruction from the heart of their faith – remember the poor. “... remember that poverty can affect anyone.” We can forget the poor in our country until we realise that need can affect everyone. My partner and I go over six years of budgets to discover that our costs have doubled in that time. We pay more for bread, electricity and a home than we ever have. I buy my groceries each Monday night, watching the small increases on the docket become larger increases, and I think about the little things around me. I look for the shoplifters now, sympathising with my neighbours, wondering if I should offer to buy them the food they need. Wondering if I can afford it. The big things matter. There are market forces and policies that create poverty and entrench it. Poverty isn’t necessary in a society as affluent as ours. As the Bible says, “However, ideally, there shouldn’t be any poor people among you”(Deuteronomy chapter 15, verse 4, The Voice Bible translation). We shouldn’t forget the larger factors that are creating crisis for so many right now, but we should also remember to look for the little things, for those neighbours around us more and more in need, and remember that poverty can affect anyone. To access the Anti-Poverty Week resources kits, go to mySalvos here

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? My current appointment is Area Officer, North Quensland. I can be fairly tenacious and what I find most satisfying is working alongside corps and centres to solve problems so mission can continue and expand. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? In January, we left our children in Brisbane as we took up this appointment. With fewer family responsibilities, I have more time to relax in the garden and have started going to the gym. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? It’s a classic: ‘And Can it Be’ by John Wesley. I love the story it tells of our wonderful Saviour, the work of salvation, the transformation of lives and eternal life. 4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be, and what would you talk about? I’d like to have a conversation with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and have her fill in all those ‘missing years’. What was Jesus like as a child and young adult? What things did she ‘store up and treasure in her heart’? How did she transition from seeing Jesus as her son to seeing him as God? 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I would say absolutely – but first, seek God and get a realistic sense of what is actually involved in officership. Interview by Major Mal Davies