Commissioner Janine Donaldson, assisted by Commissioner Robert Donaldson, instals Commissioner Miriam Gluyas as the new Australia Territory leader during the service at 614 Corps in Melbourne on Sunday 12 February. Photos: Ben Whimpey – Indimax Productions BY MAJOR PETER MCGUIGAN Commissioner Miriam Gluyas was welcomed as Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Australia in a vibrant meeting held at the Army’s Melbourne 614 Corps on Sunday 12 February. Hundreds of welcomers attended in person, and well over 1000 joined online. But it wasn’t only people who ‘filled the temple’. Before a word was spoken, worship to God resounded through a praise prelude from the Melbourne Staff Band and Melbourne Staff Songsters that set the scene for what would be a God-honouring, inspiring start to the new commissioner’s leadership. In her introduction, Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett acknowledged the presence of family members of Commissioner Gluyas; members of the Australia Territory Board; the Rev. John Gilmore, President of the National Council of Churches in Australia; and Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson, who would conduct the Installation Ceremony later in the meeting. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas brings an inspired message to the congregation at Melbourne’s 614 Corps.  Colonel Merrett also gave some insight into what Salvos might expect from their new leader. “Commissioner Miriam Gluyas is a strategist, she’s a visionary, she’s a leader who seeks after God’s own heart. She’s mission-focused and comes to this appointment with significant leadership experience, having served in significant corps, divisional and territorial roles. “She served in Papua New Guinea for a term, and I think all that did was grow her heart for the international Army. She was Divisional Commander in the NSW/ACT Division for seven years before taking up this appointment. “We look forward to Miriam’s leadership and to seeing where God prompts her and where that takes us ... Miriam will bring her whole self to the spiritual leadership of this territory. We can expect her to be led by the Spirit and to consistently point us and others to Jesus. It is already a mark of her leadership, and we will expect no less.” Energetic leadership Colonel Merrett also acknowledged the commissioner’s boundless energy, adding that “it’s our job to keep up with her” and, in his Welcome to Country, Uncle Vince Ross noted that to Indigenous Australians, Commissioner Gluyas would be ‘Aunty Miriam’. Brimbank Worship Group led the powerful praise songs ‘Our Redeemer’, ‘Goodness of God’ and ‘I Speak Jesus’ before Captain Elizabeth Kang prayed, praising God for his faithfulness, love and power, thanking God for blessing the mission of The Salvation Army; and seeking the power and presence of God’s Spirit. Representative speakers then brought their own welcome on behalf of Salvationists across Australia. Major Linda Miller, representing officers, said she had been inspired by a pastoral letter and a video released by Commissioner Gluyas on her first day in office. “Our paths haven’t crossed as yet,” said Major Miller, “... but on Wednesday 1 February, you wrote a pastoral letter to all who call The Salvation Army their spiritual home. You wrote with great hope, stating, ‘we have a big gospel; we have a big God’. As I stand here today representing spiritual leaders both past and present, from various appointments across this vast territory, I too stand with great hope, believing that you have been anointed and appointed for such a time as this. “For if ever Australia needed our big gospel and even bigger God, it’s now. If ever The Salvation Army in Australia and indeed the world needed Holy Spirit-inspired and reliant leadership, it’s now. I believe that God is up to something good in appointing you, Commissioner, as our spiritual leader. “There may be some who tend to believe that the best days of The Salvation Army in Australia are behind us. But I dare to dream, I dare to believe, I dare to have faith, I dare to hope, and I dare to trust God that under your leadership Commissioner (no pressure), the best days of The Salvation Army are ahead of us.” Matt Reeve interviews Hannah Balan (left) and Rosita Faatau on what it means to be a member of The Salvation Army and follow Jesus. Representing junior soldiers and young adults/senior soldiers, respectively, Hannah Balan (Whittlesea Corps) and Rosita Faatau (Wyndham City Corps) answered questions put to them by Major Matt Reeve about what it meant to them to be in The Salvation Army and following Jesus. “I’m a junior soldier because I want to follow Jesus,” said Hannah, “and when I’m older to still follow Jesus ... Following Jesus means that I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” “That’s a good list!” Major Reeve responded. Hannah also thanked members of her corps who were helping her to grow as a follower of Jesus. Responding to the question, “What would you like to say to Commissioner Miriam on behalf of young adults across Australia?”, Rosita thanked her for her obedience and faithfulness and for answering God’s call upon her life. “The video you sent out radiated the Holy Spirit,” said Rosita. “It radiated your godliness, your Jesus-life ... We are here for you; we’re backing you all the way.” Major Gregory Morgan introduced an offering supporting the work of The Salvation Army in Indonesia to create pathways for young people out of institutional care and into safe homes. While the offering was received, the Melbourne Staff Band and Brimbank Worship Group led a rousing rendition of the song ‘I’ll Fight’, based on the well-known William Booth oration. Installation and response Melbourne Staff Songsters in full voice at the installation ceremony. After a Scripture reading from Luke 4:16-21, read by Aux-Lieutenant Rosy Keane, Commissioner Gluyas was installed as Territorial Commander by the Donaldsons. Commissioner Janine Donaldson commended the Australia Territory to Commissioner Gluyas and Commissioner Gluyas to the Australia Territory. She reminded her of the faithfulness of God through difficult times and of the promises she had made in the Junior Soldier’s Covenant, the Soldier’s Covenant and her Officer’s Covenant. “Miriam, you understand this journey, you’re one of the key influencers, you love God, inspire others with energy and joy.” Commissioner Robert Donaldson shared a letter from General Brian Peddle, world leader of The Salvation Army. “It is with joy and confidence that I commend to you your new territorial leader Commissioner Miriam Gluyas,” the General had written. “She is wholly dedicated to God and to the great purpose for which he raised up The Salvation Army. “Throughout her years of service as a Salvation Army officer, she has demonstrated steadfast loyalty to Christ and distinctive gifts of spiritual leadership. May God grant her strength, wisdom and every needed grace for her task. I urge her to be a person of prayer, filled with the Holy Spirit, moved with the compassion of Christ and faithful in her teaching of the Word of God. “I charge her to be an example of holy living, a trustworthy shepherd of the Church of God, and a fervent evangelist with a vision for the salvation of the people, the growth of the Army, and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. “I call upon all Salvationists in the Australia Territory to receive your new leader with joy, supporting her in prayer and responding to her leadership with bold faith and unwavering devotion to Christ so that the name of Jesus may be glorified among you and his Kingdom extended. May God bless Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, may God bless The Salvation Army in Australia and may God bless The Salvation Army around the world.” In sacred moments, the congregation stood as Commissioner Robert Donaldson officially installed Commissioner Gluyas as Territorial Commander of the Australia Territory. The Melbourne Staff Songsters presented the song of dedication, ‘Never Once’ (have we walked alone), and Commissioner James Condon prayed a dedicatory prayer, claiming the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon her leadership to “serve the present age”. Responding, Commissioner Gluyas demonstrated that “a culture of honour” would mark her term as leader. “I just sense that God is going to do something new ... I really believe in a culture of honour. Salvation Army, we need to tell a new story in these days. People outside love us! Do we love ourselves? Do we believe in The Salvation Army that God raised up? Do we believe the best days are still ahead?” She then personally honoured Commissioners Brian and Carolyn Morgan and Commissioners James and Jan Condon, who had supported her from the early days of her officer journey. Colonel Winsome Merrett and immediate-past Territorial Leaders Commissioners Donaldson were also honoured by Lieut-Colonel Winsome Mason and Major Beth Twivey, respectively. “This is going to be our culture,” said Commissioner Gluyas. “We build people up; we don’t tear down.” Inspired message Outgoing Territorial Leaders Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson were presented with flowers during the service. Following a video upholding a vision of a healthy Salvation Army that “makes disciples and sees people transformed constantly” and is “led by the Spirit”, the new Territorial Commander brought an inspired message. “I see it, I believe it, and there’s lots of green shoots out there,” she encouraged. “God is doing a good work, and we get to be part of it. “Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed! Are you ready for that Salvation Army? We want to be led by the Spirit of God. We want to bring hope to this world. We are the people of hope. I hope you have not lost hope … [We transform Australia] one life at a time ‘with the love of Jesus’. Never leave that off. She went on to highlight the calling of Jesus from Luke 4:16-21 and Isaiah 61:1-3 as being the Salvos’ calling. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on you, is on me,” she paraphrased, “that we might bring this good news to the poor” – beauty for ashes, oaks of righteousness.” “When the Kingdom comes, God transforms everything – ‘your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). We live in this now and not yet. We get to bring a part of heaven to earth right now to the people we come in contact with. “Our gospel seems to have gotten very small. Have you noticed that? Why won’t people respond? It’s too small. We’re not a club. We’re a mission movement. I signed up because I believed that the world would be transformed by Jesus. I hope you’ve signed up for that purpose too. People want to sign up to something big. What do we say? Big Gospel, Big God! Where are the dreamers? Where are the creatives? Where are the songwriters? Where are those who will walk beside others? We are about ministry in the marketplace. It doesn’t matter if you have these on your shoulders or not (pointing to her officer epaulettes). It is the mission of all believers! “We need to go,” she stressed. “We carry the gospel. We are not here to get people into church. We are here to get the church out to people ... We are to bring hope to our communities. We were created for community ... We are called to bring heaven now ... We need the fire of the Holy Spirit ... Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed. Are you ready to bring ‘beauty instead of ashes’? Are you ready to stand firm as ‘oaks of righteousness’? “I’m ready, and I believe it is line-in-the-sand time when we will say, ‘Yes, that’s who we are’. Let’s limit those distractions, limit that negativity. God called The Salvation Army into being for a purpose, and it’s a brilliant one.” The meeting reached a stellar finale as the congregation sang again ‘I Speak Jesus’ and then, in full voice, ‘Send the Fire’ with all musicians supporting and Divisional Commander for Victoria Colonel Kelvin Merrett leading. Major Peter McGuigan is a Salvation Army officer serving in Sydney. From 1 March 2023, he will be The Salvation Army’s Head of Government Relations for Australia. To view the live stream of the Installation go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFQ9HeKJLK8&t=10s

Captain Darrell Wilson speaking at the Rev Shed at the ‘key handover’ of a repaired vehicle that was donated to a community member. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Salvos at Rockingham Corps in Western Australia are getting lives ‘back on the road’ by partnering with the local Rev Shed program.   The Rev Shed program is operated by South Coast Baptist College, just down the road from Rockingham. After college hours, volunteers repair and service second-hand cars that have been sourced and donated by Rockingham Salvos.   “The Baptists have a mentoring program called Rev Shed,” says Captain Darrell Wilson, Rockingham Corps Officer. “The program is for those students that benefit from extra engagement. They work together on a second-hand car, repairs and some restoration. We source the car for them to work on, then we gift it to someone in the community.”  Captain Darrell Wilson and Dawn Clements, Principal of South Coast Baptist College, at the key handover at the Rev Shed. The collaboration provides a meaningful experience for the students who are mentored through the program and goes on to empower those in the community with transport needs.   The car donation initiative began prior to the COVID pandemic, with four cars handed on to the mentoring program. However, relaunching the car donations following COVID restrictions proved difficult, with greater demands on second-hand cars.   “COVID impacted everything,” Darrell says. “The housing market and the car market are both in demand. People can’t get affordable houses, and they can’t get affordable cars, too. Cars you once got for $500 before COVID can now be thousands. The partnership is a bigger investment, but it has more impact.”   Offering services of hope The Centre of Hope is The Salvation Army’s drop-in-centre in Rockingham, offering   a wide range of support services, including internal Salvation Army streams and collaboration with external agencies who come on-site.   The Rockingham area can host many struggling with housing, employment, and financial difficulty. “We have a lot of people come into the Centre of Hope here in Rockingham,” Darrell says. “As we get to know people, we can often pick up areas of support that might be needed, and where there’s a need for transport, we are able to offer a car through this program. “We gave a restored car to one client, a single mum with children. We heard through case managers that her car had broken down. Her children needed to get to appointments and school. We were able to supply her with a car. She was really grateful.” The Rev Shed program is set to continue into 2025, with public requests for support and donations. At a time when housing and transport are harder to afford, the need for second-hand cars has never been greater.   “A car isn’t a house, but it can be somewhere safe, a way to get around, a way to get back into work,” Darrell says. “A car is important. It can be the start of something.”   If anyone has a car that they would like to donate to this project, please email rockingham@salvationarmy.org.au   Captains Chelsea and Darrell Wilson with South Coast Baptist College students and staff at the Rev Shed.

The new cadets forming the Champions of the Mission session are (from left) Sameeha Paramaraj, Michellie Higginbottom and Sam Higginbottom. The three sessions of cadets and Eva Burrows College staff relax on a social outing in Melbourne during Orientation Week. Eva Burrows College has officially welcomed the Champions of the Mission session of cadets, who have joined with the Defenders of Justice and Reflectors of Holiness in training to become Salvation Army officers. Orientation Week earlier this month saw the cadets engage in various learning and development experiences. The new cadets are Sameeha Paramaraj (placement at Camberwell Corps, Vic.), Michellie Higginbottom (placement at Brisbane City Temple, Qld) and Sam Higginbottom (placement at Brisbane City Temple, Qld). This year’s ongoing cadets will be expanding their learning through various placements in a social or corps placements in locations other than their primary appointment. Across Orientation Week (30 January-5 February), the cadets engaged in various learning and development experiences. The Champions of the Mission cadets were briefed on what their individualised training programs will look like this year, and the ongoing cadets set learning goals for the year and were briefed on arrangements for their social/community and short-term corps placements for the year. At the end of the week, the cadets and Officer Formation Stream staff participated in a spiritual retreat in the city, spending time in reflection at the National Art Gallery, the botanic gardens and amid Melbourne’s cityscapes. CARINDALE KIDS HIT THE DANCEFLOOR The dance lessons in full swing at Carindale Corps. Dance lessons can be quite expensive, so Carindale Corps decided to offer free classes to local children. “Parents and children place a high value on the lessons because of the quality of the teaching by Tegan, and the affordability factor,” said Luke Terracini, Next Gen Coordinator, at Carindale, in Brisbane. Each semester Tegan teaches two groups weekly, one for primary-age and one for secondary-age students. As well as learning dance routines, they get to perform in a concert at the end of the semester. Now, some of the older students have enough experience to help Tegan instruct the younger group. As well as dance instruction, the primary-age children participate in a devotional time focused on a Bible story or life lesson, such as kindness or friendship. “We often have community members connect through Doorways or Kids in the Kitchen program who learn about the free lessons,” Luke said. “Now some of those from the class have joined our youth group, or other children, or youth programs.” TAMWORTH CELEBRATES 20-YEAR MILESTONE The Salvation Army Tamworth celebrated 20 years in its current building towards the end of last year. The Army commenced in East Tamworth and moved to its existing home in South Tamworth in 2002. “This is a spiritual home, a place where there is love and care evident because of God’s amazing grace,” said Corps Officer Major Yan DeTommaso. Following the celebration service, the congregation shared a delicious barbeque lunch and anniversary cake. “It was a great day for the Tamworth community!” said the Major. In the photo, Major Yan DeTommaso cuts the celebration cake for Tamworth’s celebration of 20 years in its current building. SURPRISE MUSEUM VISIT AFTER 27 YEARS Dr Michael Kheirallah on his visit to The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne. In 1995, Dr Michael Kheirallah made an important contribution to The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne. Twenty-seven years later, he returned, walking through the doors of 69 Bourke St to begin a new role on the third floor as manager of the AOD Victorian Gamblers Help Foundation Services. During his lunch break, he made his way up to the museum to surprise manager Lindsay Cox. “Michael was last in this building in 1995 as a participant in the Red Shield History Project researching The Salvation Army’s involvement in World War Two,” Lindsay said. “The project was created by Major David Eldridge, funded by the Department of Employment, Education and Training, with long-term unemployed Tertiary-qualified participants, and supervised by myself. “Two groups of 12 participants amassed valuable research, which is now housed in our archives. This included 184 oral history interviews with World War Two Red Shield Representatives and soldiers and civilians who came in contact with the Salvos at that time.” This research resulted in Lindsay’s book Cup of tea, Digger? , published 25 years later in November 2021. Michael came to Australia from Lebanon, armed with a doctorate from the University of Moscow, to start a new life. “It’s been quite a journey for Michael,” Lindsay said. “From a participant in that employment project, through to obtaining a second doctorate and working in some interesting and demanding employment situations, to working for The Salvation Army on the very floor from where he started all those years ago.” CLUB DONATES PLAYGROUND TO SHOALHAVEN CENTRE Shoalhaven Corps Officer Captain Matthew Sutcliffe (centre) with Steelers Club General Manager Sharon Arrow (right) at the playground with some enthusiastic youngsters. The Steelers rugby league club in Wollongong (NSW) has donated its indoor playground to the Shoalhaven Salvation Army Centre in Nowra. Shoalhaven Corps Officer Captain Matthew Sutcliffe, the Shoalhaven Centre manager, said he was thrilled about the donation and appreciated the generosity of the Steelers Club, which included reconstructing the playground onsite. “One of the bonuses of the playground is that it creates a safe space for kids to play allowing parents/caregivers space to sit and talk and receive support,” he said. The Shoalhaven Centre aims to build a strong and healthy community by developing and providing programs, activities and services that respond to the needs of the most disadvantaged and isolated people within the local community. These programs include Pathways Alcohol and Other Drugs services, Doorways (welfare assistance), First Floor Program, a workshop/veggie garden for youth, the playgroup and church. Sharon Arrow, Steelers Club General Manager, said it was an easy decision to donate the playground when the club decided to undergo renovations, which included removing the playground. “The Salvation Army do incredible work within the region, and I know how much the organisation appreciates the playground and the benefits to the community, such as having a safe space for families to meet up and connect,” Sharon said. “It’s great to know that it is a useful asset to the Shoalhaven Salvation Army Centre.” ‘START A YARN’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES The architects of the Uluru Statement and First Nations leaders yesterday launched ‘Start a Yarn’, a national program that invites the Australian public to participate in online Yarning Circles to increase awareness and understanding of the First Nations Voice ahead of the referendum. ‘Start a Yarn’ sessions will commence from tomorrow (Saturday 18 February) and run intensively during the Voice Week of Action, then on demand until the referendum. Each session will run for around 70 minutes and are suitable for individuals, workplaces and community groups. Professor Megan Davis, Balnaves Chair in Constitutional Law at UNSW and Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair, said the yarning circles would provide the Australian public with the information they need to ‘start a yarn’ with their families, friends and workmates. “Many Australians have heard the Voice being discussed in the national conversation but don’t know much about the Dialogue process or the 12-year journey to a referendum,” Professor Davis said. “‘ Start a Yarn’ provides an opportunity for Australians to hear directly from the architects of the Uluru Dialogues about the process that led to a grassroots consensus from First Nations people on the need for an enshrined Voice.” “This is a really exciting time for both First Nations Peoples and the wider Australian public. It’s a real opportunity for us to come together and take a step toward a brighter future for the whole country.” Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair Pat Anderson AO said ‘Start a Yarn’ offers Australians the chance to hear how the proposal for the Voice came about through the Uluru Statement and how it will help unite the nation. “Through Start a Yarn , we hope to be able to give people a better understanding of what the Voice is all about while also providing a genuine cultural experience.” Anyone interested in taking part can register at https://ulurustatement.org/education/start-a-yarn/ . For more information on the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart, visit https://ulurustatement.org/

Colonel Winsome Merrett opens the corps building with Captain Fleur Hodge. Photo: Major Graham Maxfield BY CLIFF WORTHING It was fitting that Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett performed the official opening and dedication of the new Dandenong Corps building in Victoria on 11 January. Not only are she and her husband, Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett, members of the corps, but Winsome has had multiple connections with the project over the years. The Merretts were divisional leaders 12 years ago when rebuilding plans were first proposed, and Winsome was then involved in the sod-turning ceremony in July 2021 to herald the start of construction. “It is my hope that many lives will be transformed as a result of the practical expressions of the love of Jesus that are demonstrated by our committed staff and officers at the Dandenong hub on a daily basis,” Winsome said. The new building received Victorian State Government support through Development Victoria, the delivery agency for the Revitalising Central Dandenong Project, which aims to transform Central Dandenong into a vibrant economic and service hub. One of the requirements for government support was for the Salvos to build a facility with architectural merit. The front entrance of the new Dandenong Corps complex “It certainly looks impressive, inside and out,” said Captain Fleur Hodge, Dandenong Corps Officer. “The opening generated a lot of interest from locals who have watched it being built, and many dropped by to check it out during, and after, the ceremony.” The Salvation Army has been active in the Dandenong community for 138 years. The new building has brought the corps programs, community support services and thrift shop under one roof rather than being spread across three separate sites in Dandenong. The consolidation of Salvo services under one roof began in December 2022. “Having everyone together is amazing, and we have already seen some of the benefits since we moved in,” Fleur said. “Collaboration between our different services is easier, and people coming to us find it easier to connect in a more holistic way with all the available Salvo expressions.” The foyer area of the new building at Dandenong Corps. Fleur explained that community members could connect with corps programs more easily because people are readily available on-site. For example, someone may come through Doorways, or attend the playgroup, and then connect with the youth group, mentoring program, or financial counselling. She mentioned they had noticed an increase in participation in corps programs already. Later this year, all Salvo services using the building will develop a joint local mission plan to maximise the benefits of working within the same space. “We believe it is a great space for the community to connect, feel comfortable and safe, and receive the full-service Salvo experience,” Fleur said. Cr Eden Foster (City of Greater Dandenong Mayor), Cr Angela Long, Gabrielle Williams (State Member for Dandenong), Colonel Winsome Merrett, Cr Rhonda Garad, Cr Sophie Tan, Colonel Kelvin Merrett, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Julian Hill (Federal Member for Bruce). For more information go to: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/dandenong/

Members of The Salvation Army Policy, Research and Social Justice team in Darwin with Northern Territory Doorways teams and Studio Off the Streets participants. The Salvation Army Doorways service provides emergency relief and holistic case management for people who come to the Salvos in need. A national model was implemented in 2022 to better offer those services and supports across the country, but the way it’s delivered in the Northern Territory is a work in progress.  BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Doorways program has been reaching out in a different way to meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.   “A team of us went to the Northern Territory to speak with the Doorways workers and corps to get an idea of the context for service delivery,” says Belinda Hendrickson, Research Analyst.   “Doorways is delivered differently in the Northern Territory in terms of providing a service that is culturally sensitive for Indigenous community members.”   Belinda is with The Salvation Army’s Policy, Research and Social Justice team and has been involved in evaluating the implementation of the national Doorways model since 2023.   She and members of the research team visited 21 sites across the country to understand how the national model is working in different contexts, with recent visits to Darwin and Alice Springs.   “In the Northern Territory, many casework sessions are delivered through outreach,” says Belinda. “What we have come to understand is that buildings can be a trigger for some of the Indigenous community members, and so providing an option to meet with people outside seems to help their engagement with Doorways. We observed how the Doorways workers establish relationships with Indigenous community members through outreach, and the mutual trust is very apparent.” Jamie-Leigh Barnard (Doorways Regional Manager - NT), Belinda Hendrickson (Research Analyst) and Major Kim Hawke (Darwin Corps Officer). Engagement program The Doorways Team in Darwin meet with rough sleepers every Tuesday, offering tea and coffee and establishing trust within the local community to gauge their needs. Outreach is also offered in the Northern Territory through the Studio Off the Streets program. Studio Off the Streets is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement program using art to build relationships with the local community. “We had an elderly community member who attended our program each week,” explains Jamie-Leigh Barnard, Doorways Regional Manager in the Northern Territory. “One week, she looked extremely unwell. She began to open up after the caseworker expressed concern. The caseworker quickly arranged for her to visit the hospital, where it was discovered that she had kidney failure and urgently needed dialysis.”   The community member revealed a significant fear of hospitals, which had been a barrier to accessing medical treatment. The caseworkers collaborated with an Aboriginal health worker to gradually introduce her to the hospital environment, healthcare staff, the dialysis procedure, and the machines involved. After several weeks of support, she finally agreed to start dialysis.   “She had a heart attack as well and needed open-heart surgery in Adelaide,” Jamie-Leigh shares. “We reached out to the Salvos in Adelaide, who visited her in hospital, offering personal hygiene items, clothing and support. This journey ultimately helped her secure the disability support pension. She came to us in poor health, and through our combined efforts, she received the necessary treatment, surgery, accommodation and ongoing support. It truly built her capacity to thrive.”   “What I’m learning is it’s about establishing trust, actively listening, and collaboratively delivering a service to meet the unique needs of each community.” There are hundreds of Doorways sites across Australia, many running in partnership with local corps and ministries. The evaluation of the national Doorways model will continue to investigate how it supports communities in different contexts across the country.   “In the Northern Territory, there do appear to be benefits for engagement through outreach programs such as Studio Off the Streets,” Belinda says. “ Whilst we’re still analysing the data from these sites, perhaps the outreach program, combined with Doorways, could enhance the service offered in other locations across the country with a high Indigenous population.   “As an outsider, I see how Jamie and her team prioritise relationship-building with Indigenous community members in the Northern Territory. I also get a sense that caseworkers across the country will always bring innovation to case management. What I’m learning is it’s about establishing trust, actively listening, and collaboratively delivering a service to meet the unique needs of each community.”

The Salvation Army has committed to providing ongoing high-quality services in its Aged Care sector. By COLONEL WINSOME MERRETT Dear friends, I am writing to you to share some exciting news about the future of our Salvation Army Aged Care services. As you know, The Salvation Army has been providing Aged Care services to older Australians for over 140 years. In alignment with our mission, this service promotes a unique experience of choice, lifestyle and belonging for all people as they age. In 2022, The Salvation Army conducted a comprehensive review of our Aged Care services and its future direction to ensure we continue to support those most vulnerable in our communities as they age, including people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. With great excitement, I can announce that The Salvation Army Board has approved a new 10-year Strategic Plan for The Salvation Army Aged Care. This new direction will further our mission and enhance our impact by significantly growing our socially focused Aged Care services. The focus in the coming decade will be on supporting older persons who are homeless, living in poverty or seeking support to age with dignity by providing high-quality, compassionate and holistic care in communities across our nation. Over the next 12 months, we will continue to explore what the implementation of this Strategic Plan will look like and will keep you informed of appropriate developments. Aged Care personnel, residents and their families, and key stakeholders received communications about the future ahead for The Salvation Army Aged Care earlier today. However, if you have any questions, please email agedcarecommunications@salvationarmy.org.au As we embark on this journey, our vision, mission and values remain the same as we continue to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus. God bless you each, Colonel Winsome Merrett Chief Secretary

In early 2023 Cadets from the Champions of the Mission session will take up the following Corps placements: Cadets Michellie and Samuel Higginbottom: Brisbane City Temple, Queensland Division. Cadet Sameeha Paramaraj: Camberwell Corps, Victoria Division.

Stephen Strickland is currently working in Haiti for the US Government, protecting US citizens in a country reeling from gangland turmoil. This week, Global Focus shares the faith story of Stephen Strickland, the son of US Salvation Army officers, whose job is to ensure the safety of US citizens living in some of the most dangerous areas of the world, including the volatile country of Haiti, where he is currently based. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE While some children of Salvation Army officers, mission workers or expats – those constantly on the move or with an altered sense of home – might find the lifestyle destabilising, others, like Stephen Strickland, thrive. A child of Salvation Army officers from the Western Territory of the United States (retired Lieut-Colonels Ron and Pam Strickland), Stephen has made travelling and constant change a core part of his career path. “There are people who could be seriously traumatised by having to pick up and move every couple of years,” he says. “I’m just lucky that wasn’t the case for me. It became something quite normal, and it certainly lends itself very well to what I do right now.” Stephen is the brother-in-law of The Salvation Army Australia’s General Manager for Community Fundraising, Andrew Hill. Andrew says Stephen has a job that keeps him far from his home in the United States and, at times, has separated him from his family for months. Australia Territory Community Fundraising manager Andrew Hill says he admires his brother-in-law for his Christian stance and the sacrifices he makes to ensure the safety of others. Growing up, Stephen’s family took on Salvation Army appointments across the United States and the world. They moved to new places every couple of years, and Stephen loved the constant change. While at university, toying with the idea of staying in one place longer, Stephen realised travel was in his blood. “I got that bug pretty early on,” he says. “I really enjoyed being overseas – new cultures, new experiences, languages, all these sorts of things. “The idea of being in one place for a tremendous amount of time just felt very uncomfortable.” Young Stephen also dreamed of working as a police officer. “There was a unique way to sort of combine those two things – the ability to live and to work overseas, but also to do law enforcement on behalf of the US government,” Stephen says. That unique opportunity was as Regional Security Officer for the US Department of State. “The first prayer I have is ‘Lord, just use me’.” – Stephen Strickland In this role, Stephen works to protect the interests of the United States government offshore, including protecting the safety of US citizens living overseas. As part of the role, Stephen has worked in Pakistan, Iraq, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, Slovenia, and most recently, Haiti. With recent civil unrest in Haiti turning disastrous, including the devastating gang attack on Pont-Sondé on 3 October, Stephen’s job has become more vital than ever in ensuring that security protocols are followed and US citizens remain safe. Stephen, who has been in the role for 20 years, says he has had two consistent prayers throughout his career. “The first prayer I have is ‘Lord, just use me’,” he says. “I don’t have a preconceived notion of what that looks like, and the truth is, it looks very different in every place I’ve been.” One of Stephen’s main roles in Haiti is the security of the US embassy and the surrounding area. Stephen says at times, people he has worked with have noticed the difference in him and have asked him questions about his faith. He says he feels God is using him in Haiti in a very unique way. “The second prayer is ‘Lord, please keep far from me any position, any power, any influence that my character isn’t strong enough to manage according to your will’,” Stephen says. “I’m not interested in that because I don’t ever want to undermine and live outside the Kingdom [of God] in a way that reflects poorly on him. “He’s answered those prayers very consistently throughout these last 20 years.” Dark nights of the soul But Stephen doesn’t claim that all parts of his life and work have been rosy. He says while he has gotten to do some crazy things that he could never have fathomed, there have been really challenging times, too. Even in those times, his faith has been a constant companion. “There’s been some what they call dark nights of the soul, particularly when I’ve been in assignments by myself,” Stephen says. “There’s been loneliness. There’s been a sense of lostness at times, and my faith is what keeps me moving in a positive direction.” He says he wants to encourage Salvationists to keep a broader view of the Kingdom of God when living out their faith. He says the Great Commission in Matthew 28 speaks of all authority on heaven and earth being given to God, and God’s presence being with his followers always. Stephen says many Salvationists make the mistake of trying to represent The Salvation Army rather than representing Jesus. He said instead that Salvationists were uniquely positioned through their training and focus to go out into the whole world – not just The Salvation Army world. “There’s been loneliness. There’s been a sense of lostness at times, and my faith is what keeps me moving in a positive direction.” “When we tie our lot with him, when we invite his Kingdom to permeate our kingdom, we don’t have to worry about failure,” he says. “Sometimes, Salvation Army folks like ourselves just love the little bubble because it’s really comfortable. “There’s an exciting world out there, and don’t be afraid to ask the Lord what [he] might be using The Salvation Army to prepare me for outside of the Army.” Stephen’s uncle and aunt, retired Colonels Charles and April Strickland, served in the Australia Eastern Territory in the early 1990s. Charles was integral in the operations of family stores across the territory during that time. Stephen Strickland (back row centre) with members of his family during a recent visit back to the US, including (far left) his parents Pam and Ron, and (to his left) aunt and uncle April and Charles.

William Booth House Manager Claire Clifton, Sydney City Salvos Mission Team Leader Mitchell Evans, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and retired officer Major David Twivey at the Celebration of Transformation event in Sydney. By LAUREN MARTIN Powerful stories of personal transformation from people who have had contact with The Salvation Army’s work in inner Sydney were shared at a special celebration event at William Booth House recently. The opening of the now William Booth House building in Sydney, 100 years ago. The building started out as a working men’s hostel and has housed a number of different Salvation Army services, including many years of recovery services. The Albion Street building in Sydney’s Surrey Hills has been in Salvation Army hands for the past 100 years, originally opening as a hostel for working men. The majority of its use over the years has been to come alongside people experiencing addiction to alcohol or other drugs. At a special celebration event on Saturday 18 February, past and present recovery participants gathered with guests and former and present staff members to share stories of transformation. Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas spoke about transformation being a whole-of-being experience: “Wholesomeness is about body mind and soul, and it’s an ongoing journey ... [There’s a] God who is with us and for us, no matter what we go through. People who stand with you and for you, no matter what your story is. “And may we celebrate for hundreds of years to come the day that lives were changed.” Amazing gift Guest speaker Dianne Todaro-Wells shared her journey of transformation, saying that her dad drove her to the then-named William Booth Institute when she was in her early 20s, telling her that she was “just going to the doctor’s”. Dianne Todaro-Wells was the guest speaker at the Celebration of Transformation event to mark 100 years of the Army’s work on the site of William Booth House in Sydney. “I can remember very clearly the memory of looking at myself in the mirror and saying, ‘just stay here. No matter what, just stay’.” She did stay and has gone on to become a successful international author, speaker and educator. She says recovery “is the most amazing gift you can ever be given. “There is nothing like it. No drink, no drug can ever equate. When you’re on purpose with your life. When doors close you have the skills to open them up and find another avenue.” She encouraged those present who are still on their recovery journey to “just stay, and do the next right thing. That’s my life motto.” In an open-mic session, many people stood up and shared their own experiences of life transformation as a result of coming into contact with The Salvation Army through the building now known as William Booth House. One man went through the then ‘Bridge Program’ in the 1960s. Another shared his experiences of going through the program in the 1980s. Throughout the decades, the building has served as a place of refuge, healing and unconditional love. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas presents William Booth House Team Leader Traci Wilkins with a certificate marking 20 years of service to The Salvation Army. “I had the kids and the mortgage and all that, but I turned to ice and lost it all and became homeless on the streets of Sydney. I had enough and in December 2016 I came here and it was the first place that I actually felt loved,” a man called Rod shared. “I tried and tried and tried and tried and I kept leaving, but I kept coming back, and they just treated me the same ... Father’s Day 2020 is my sobriety date. I do [the recovery work] five days a week, I pray in the morning, and I pray at night, and I go to church on Sundays,” he said, sitting down as the room erupted in applause. As part of the celebration, Commissioner Miriam presented William Booth House Team Leader Traci Wilkins with a certificate of appreciation for 20 years of employment with The Salvation Army, saying that after that long, she surely qualified for a set of major’s epaulettes! The celebration lasted well into the afternoon with people continuing to share stories of transformation together over afternoon tea.

The Brisbane Streetlevel Salvos Striders are combining prayer, exercise, friendship and strong mental health. By CLIFF WORTHING Research shows that combining exercise with a supportive accountability group helps those recovering from addiction to stay sober and helps maintain stronger mental health. Brisbane Streetlevel started a Salvo Striders running group last October. As well as training twice a week, they participate in the weekly park run in New Farm, on the banks of the Brisbane River. “We know the science and add God into the equation,” said Lisa Kroon, Streetlevel Community Engagement Worker. “At Streetlevel Striders, we pray into our group, create a safe space and build friendships while exercising.” Group numbers have been steadily growing since last year. They now have branded shirts and some Fitbits to improve performance, while a former rugby player, Michael, helps with training routines. They agreed to enter the Bridge to Brisbane fun run in August this year as a motivational goal and a fundraising opportunity for Streetlevel programs. “It’s been life-changing because it gives me purpose, builds hope, and I eat better as I get fitter,” said Sean, one of the founding members of Streetlevel Striders. A consistent theme among the runners is the encouragement and support they provide each other. They also talk about a new sense of purpose and taking the focus off themselves. “This group inspires and motivates me to keep going,” said Hans, another driving force in the group. “I deal with life’s challenges a different way. We do things together and take time out to hear each other.” Time and boredom are factors that make recovery more difficult, especially for those without work. Having to get up early for training and the park run gets their day off to a positive start. Experience has shown that doing exercise is an ideal replacement for addictive habits. “The more I do it, the better I feel,” said Anthony. “It clears my head and stops me procrastinating because I can’t let the team down.”

Monica Lazzari (left) with her painting of a butterfly and Nadia Lazzari with her giraffe artwork. Lisa Lawlor is holding the oil painting she did of the Cross, which was one of the options for the women to paint with oils. BY LERISSE SMITH   A dynamic fusion of vibrant art and joyful spirits was on full display at Ringwood Corps’ recent Women’s Connect event as local community members unveiled hidden artistic talents. Christian artist Lisa Lawlor was the invited guest at the special Melbourne evening, where local women gathered to enjoy a night of fun, fellowship and friendship. It was also a night of exciting surprises as participants unearthed hidden artistic abilities. “It was truly an evening of exciting discoveries,” Lisa remarked. “It was so inspirational to see local women paint original artworks that they didn’t think they could create. I was impressed by the unique beauty of each artwork created.” Women’s Connect events are held every few months at Ringwood Corps to connect women to each other and the church community and, through that, to God. This year’s theme has been ‘Flourish’   to help women understand the different ways they can become all that God created them to be. The focus of the event on 12 October was centred around relaxing with art and supper, with A3 size canvases provided to the participants who were instructed on how to transfer an outline from a reference sheet using charcoal and pencils. The mediums available for painting were acrylic and oil paints, with several reference pictures incorporating images to represent the ‘Flourish’ theme: an owl, giraffe, cat, butterfly and flowers, an umbrella scene with gumboots, and a crucifixion cross.   “It is a beautiful work of the Holy Spirit that moves and speaks through creativity.” The giraffe and butterfly paintings were particularly popular, with each artwork created by the women having its own unique and beautiful look. The participants had a great time, and some stayed after 10.30pm to finish their masterpieces. Lisa said the aim of her painting session was to encourage the women to explore and discover their creativity and to feel inspiration and joy when they uncovered their ability to create a unique artwork. It was also about the connection achieved through being creative together as a group.   “There is a happy energy among the group when everyone becomes focused on their creation,” Lisa said. “There is such a joy when each one discovers they have created something unique and beautiful. It truly brings a joy to achieve an interconnectedness through the non-verbal language of art expression that captures beauty and helps us to discover the creative life that is within each of us, lifting our spirits together while achieving a sense of belonging and community.” The painting session started with the participants being asked who believed they lacked the skills to draw or felt untalented in artistic and painting ability. Lisa then encouraged everyone that   they all possessed creative expression within that was waiting to be discovered; it just required the right materials and knowing where to begin so they could say, “I didn’t know I could do that!” The participants were also asked how to describe something beautiful and how something like a scene in nature often defied words and had to be experienced to know its true beauty. Art, poetry, music and creativity of all sorts also convey emotions, love and beauty in a way that words cannot, revealing a divine language and leaving people awe-inspired. “It is a beautiful work of the Holy Spirit that moves and speaks through creativity,” Lisa reflected. “It’s a joyous expression of life and love in a higher language that breaks through barriers. Art can capture the beauty of this flourishing life, expressed in a non-verbal form that speaks loudly. Everyone can express their beautiful life within through art … I gave the metaphor that our lives are like God’s masterpiece. God is the painter of our lives, and our lives can be like the art journey. “It can start out with a simple brush stroke, unimpressive looking at first. You can become discouraged along the way. Sometimes, it turns dark. Then, light and colour come back to life again. You can reach a point where you think it is ruined, but you persevere, and then it starts to take shape and becomes most beautiful.”  Christian artist Lisa Lawlor with her acrylic abstract colour artwork titled ‘Heaven’s Footstool’. Lisa recently relocated from North Queensland to Melbourne to work as a ministry assistant at Ringwood Corps. She loves to paint with oil and acrylic paints and enjoys drawing portraits, too. She has worked in community art programs at youth camps and on the street in social programs. As a talented and gifted artist, her own journey to discovering the artist within began three years ago, and she believes God led her to discover her artistic abilities. It began when she successfully created a pencil portrait of her dog, which then encouraged her to draw a human portrait of a retired Salvation Army officer named Clarrie, using a vintage photo and bringing it to life with colour. The artistic artwork was submitted to The Salvation Army’s online art exhibition. Further inspiration came from studying the Passion of Christ, where she discovered her ability for oil painting, creating the Alabaster Jar painting of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet for burial, titled  The Best of Me for the Least of Him . Surprised by her artistic ability and that she had never received formal art training, Lisa followed this with a large canvas painting of the Cross and Resurrection titled Sunday . Both paintings were displayed at the Townsville Faithworks Corps Hall during worship for a year. After Captain Bron Lithgow passed away in 2023 following a courageous battle with cancer, Lisa gifted the Sunday painting to Bron’s family and particularly her daughter Becka, in special memory of Bron, who greatly inspired Lisa in her spiritual journey. Since then, Lisa has created various oil paintings and portraits and feels called to continue sharing her artistic gifts as she  pursue s  her candidate application to become a Salvation Army cadet next year. “I believe God has led me to discover my talents, and they are for me to pass on as a blessing to others,” she remarked. “I also want to inspire others to discover their creativity as well and to love them with the gift of art.”   Lisa’s oil painting on a large canvas titled ‘Sunday’. It depicts the cross, resurrection and ascension (it could also be viewed as the transfiguration).

Choosing specific foods that can be included in hampers for people of different cultural backgrounds reflects the Salvos’ commitment to inclusion. BY LAUREN MARTIN   With The Salvation Army’s ‘Christmas Cheer’ drawing closer, corps around the Australia Territory are gearing up to distribute thousands of toy and food hampers to families in need across the country.   This year, the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team is encouraging organisers to consider offering culturally inclusive food hampers.   Nuria Gonsalves, CALD Community Engagement National Lead, says tailoring the contents of Christmas food hampers to reflect the cultural and festive preferences of the communities the Salvos serve sends a powerful message of understanding and respect.   “Imagine receiving a Christmas hamper that contains items you cannot use or do not recognise. Such a gift, while given with good intentions, can inadvertently communicate a lack of understanding or connection with the recipient’s cultural background,” Nuria said.   “On the other hand, a grocery bag filled with items that are familiar, culturally significant or celebratory in nature can evoke a sense of belonging, care and appreciation. It shows that the giver has taken the time to truly understand the cultural fabric of the community.”   Other churches are already taking this approach. Springfield Community Church in Brisbane introduced culturally relevant grocery bags last year.   “When we included traditional items like basmati rice and spices for our South Asian neighbours, the gratitude and joy were overwhelming,” Pastor Rachel Smith said.    “It made us realise that our act of giving was not just about food but about affirming their place in our community and respecting their traditions.”   Nuria has developed a list of suggestions for specific foods that can be included in bags for people of different cultural backgrounds.   She says that by being more intentional about what is included in a corps’ Christmas hampers, we move from simply giving to truly connecting.   “It’s a gesture that says, ‘We see you. We value your culture and traditions. We want you to feel welcomed and included.’” Nuria’s Thoughtful Selection - Celebrating Diversity Through Food Suggestions for including culturally relevant items in their grocery bags: Middle Eastern Communities (Lebanese, Iraqi, Syrian) : Consider including couscous, lentils, tahini, baklava, or ma’amoul. These staples and sweets resonate with festive occasions like Eid and Christmas in many Middle Eastern households. South Asian Communities (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan) : Include basmati rice, lentils, spices like garam masala, and sweets like gulab jamun and barfi, which hold a special place in celebrations like Diwali and Eid. East Asian Communities (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean) : Opt for jasmine rice, rice noodles, tofu, mooncakes, or tangyuan – items enjoyed during festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Lantern Festival. African Communities (Ethiopian, Sudanese, Somali) : Consider teff flour, chickpeas, berbere spice, basbousa (a semolina cake), or sweetened sambusa, which are often enjoyed during Eid celebrations. Latin American Communities (Mexican, Salvadoran, Colombian) : Corn flour (masa), black beans, and dulce de leche are staples that bring joy and familiarity during Christmas and other festive gatherings. Pacific Islander Communities (Fijian, Samoan, Tongan) : Taro, cassava, coconut cream, and pineapple pie are essentials for festive feasts and family gatherings. European Communities (Italian, Greek, Eastern European) : Include Italian panettone, Greek kourabiedes, or Polish paczki – these sweets are cherished during Orthodox Christmas and festive family meals.