Bankstown salvos is a ‘one-stop’ service hub providing community, affordable meals and social services to all who have a need. It is our goal, says corps officer captain frank wang, “to love [other people] with the love of jesus christ and ... Not be judgemental.” It is our hope “to get more and more opportunities to serve, journey with ... Connect and love people” in the hope that others will “come to know god and feel the love of christ that we experience so profoundly” in our own lives.

More than 60 Salvationists across Australia have already been trained in Faith-Based Facilitation as the Australia Territory roles out the new iteration of FBF Conversations. BY JESSICA MORRIS The Salvation Army is full of passionate people with diverse life experiences, which sometimes means navigating differences of opinion. So, where do we go with our disagreements? A new iteration of Faith-Based Facilitation (FBF) is providing Salvos across the country with tools to tackle complex moral and social issues head-on – seasoned with truth and grace. Two cohorts of Salvationists have participated in ‘FBF Fundamentals Facilitator Training’ in the past two weeks, and more cohorts will be trained in the coming weeks. They join a pool of Salvationists who have already been trained as Faith-Based Facilitators. “FBF can be used to discuss any issue – from day-to-day issues to more complex moral and social issues. It is particularly helpful when discussing topics that can be divisive, or on which there are multiple points of view,” shares Casey O’Brien Machado, Territorial Faith-Based Facilitation Coordinator and Trainer, and Alternate Chair of the Moral and Social Issues Council (MASIC) Australia. “Going through the FBF process with others causes us to slow down and be deliberate in our thinking, rather than rushing to conclusions or judgements. It takes us through a process of identifying the issue, describing and analysing it, reflecting on it and evaluating our thoughts, and then deciding how our exploration will impact the way we live.” If the term Faith-Based Facilitation sounds familiar, it is with good reason. The model has been in use in The Salvation Army internationally since 2009, primarily in a community development context. As a result, the model – based on the Pastoral Cycle – is well-known throughout The Salvation Army world, more recently concerning conversations surrounding human sexuality. Promoting conversations In a post-COVID-19 world, The Salvation Army in Australia is re-establishing ‘FBF for Conversations’ as a conversational framework across the territory. In the past month, more than 60 Salvationists have been trained as FBF Fundamentals Facilitators, equipping them to use FBF to facilitate conversations on topics that can be divisive or hard to discuss. This adds to the already-existing pool of trained Facilitators in Australia. Trainees have been nominated by their Divisional Commanders or Heads of Department, and some Facilitators will later be invited to undertake further training to facilitate conversations specifically around human sexuality. These newly-trained Facilitators are a resource in their own spaces, able to assist those involved in Salvation Army life to grapple with complex issues. FBF Conversations typically take the form of a facilitated discussion between 8-10 people, lasting 90-120 minutes. During the conversation, there is room for sharing viewpoints and ideas, reflection and the reading of Scripture, and prayer. “The purpose of FBF Conversations is not to make everyone taking part agree or to make them all think the same way. Each person may come out of the conversation drawing different conclusions and deciding different things for their own lives, and that is OK,” Casey says. “There is room for difference within the people of God and within The Salvation Army. The important thing is that those viewpoints and beliefs are formed in a theologically-informed, well-founded way and that we as The Salvation Army learn to live with that difference faithfully.” Salvos travelled to Sydney Congress Hall last week for training as FBF facilitators, proving it’s not all serious conversation – there is laughter too! A new tool in our belt In the fast-paced, missional and often crisis-oriented work of Salvationists, the idea of a new framework can be off-putting. The beauty of FBF is that it isn’t new – it has been practised across the world for more than a decade with results. Now shaped to the conversations and needs of the Australia Territory, it is a tool that Salvos can use as they have difficult discussions in the pews, at Corps Council meetings, or over a cuppa with a community member. “FBF is not supposed to add to people’s workloads; on the contrary, it’s intended to make ministry easier,” shares Casey. “This is not about changing anything. The only agenda is that we learn to understand God and each other better. As a result, we learn more about the world in which we live and minister. I’ve seen God move through the FBF process. The process has a remarkable way of opening people up to hearing from the Holy Spirit, and in doing so, we become more faithful followers of Christ.” “As Salvationists, we believe that God wants to be present and active in every part of our lives, including in and through our ability to think, reason and form viewpoints and opinions. FBF helps us to do this in a way that is God-honouring and faithful, particularly in relation to complex issues. It is vital that we as The Salvation Army work through these issues together, rather than apart, and as a result continue to grow more into the Army that God wants us to be”. If you are interested in participating in an FBF conversation or can see an area in which it would be helpful to hold one in your context, contact your corps officer or mission leader, who will contact Casey O’Brien Machado.

Owen Middleton is a senior soldier at Waverley Temple Corps in Melbourne. Celebrated annually on 3 December, International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) serves to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability around the globe. For Salvos, this day offers a unique opportunity to actively live out the message of the Gospel: that all are welcome, all are loved, and all have a place in the body of Christ. A substantial Christian calling that lends itself to a vision where earth better reflects God’s kingdom as it is in heaven. BY HANNAH NAIM* In sharing his lived experience of disability, Waverley Temple Salvationist Owen Middleton hopes that Salvos across the nation will approach IDPwD this year, and in years to come, with deeper intention, prayer and celebration. An accident at a fun fair at nine years of age left Owen with an acquired brain injury, which rendered him blind. He also suffers from partial deafness. When asked about the importance of disability inclusion, Owen replied, “In John 9, Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. Go, he told him, wash in the pool of Siloam, so the man went and washed and came home seeing.   “This is just one example of Jesus looking out for people with disabilities. He showed us through his actions that this is important to him, so it needs to be important to us as his followers,” said Owen.   Just like everyone else, people with disabilities have a lot to offer. Their individual gifts, talents and strengths are integral to The Salvation Army’s mission and applicable to ministry development.   “Because of my disability (vision impairment), I have been able to help people. I’ve had opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have to minister and bring the word to people through my story,” said Owen.   One in every five Australians has a disability – a significant number that should be reflected across mission engagement and leadership opportunities.   “We could be seen by more people on the outside as a beacon to the community,” said Owen. “A light on the hill that will give everyone a chance. No matter who you are, you have a place within The Salvation Army.”   The question is, how should raising awareness, understanding and acceptance be approached so that genuine disability inclusion becomes embedded into the culture of The Salvation Army?   “Inclusion is not created overnight; however, the more disabled people there are within our corps or communities, the easier it gets.”   “Nine times out of 10, the best way to identify a person’s needs when it comes to inclusion is to speak to them. Listen to them and be guided by them.”   By joining forces with Owen and the Mission Resources team, the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team has developed a resource for those keen to explore ways to celebrate IDPwD within their local context.   The resource, which contains practical tips, biblical reflections, intergenerational content and more, has something for everyone. It equips teams across The Salvation Army with the tools to fruitfully celebrate IDPwD, embrace people with disabilities as Jesus intended and discern pathways for greater inclusion in the future. *Hannah Naim is the Disability Inclusion Coordinator for the Mission Support Department Resources • The IDPwD resource is available now on MySalvos. Click here • Watch a video of Owen’s story, click here

Some of the young campers enjoying the camp at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort. More than 240 excited children and young people recently converged on Victoria’s Phillip Island for a thrilling adventure at The Salvation Army’s first-ever combined camp event. The historic occasion marked a significant milestone as it was the first time such a camp had been organised. It brought together 118 children, 126 young people, and 68 dedicated leaders for an enriching four-day experience at the Phillip Island Adventure Resort. “It was a resounding success,” said Naty Keung, Victorian Children’s Secretary. “Thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of our exceptional leaders, who went above and beyond to support the campers, the event ran smoothly and effectively. A highlight of the camp was the inclusion of Grade 6 campers, who were invited to join the youth side, allowing them to experience a broader range of activities and interactions.” The camp was a collaboration between The Salvation Army Youth and Young Adult Department and Children’s Department in Victoria. Scott Keane, Youth and Young Adult Secretary, and Naty oversee Salvation Army camps across Victoria and led the inaugural gathering at Phillip Island with support from Camille Kajda and Sarah Manase, who joined forces to serve as the event team. Children, youth and camp leaders came from all different corps across Victoria to take part in the occasion, including some from the Doorways programs, with the campers participating in a range of stream activities from drama, dance, sports, fitness, photography and film to robotics, hospitality and the visual arts. The children and young people then united for a powerful worship experience in the final session, fostering a sense of community and shared faith. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our divisional and department leaders for their trust and support in pioneering this innovative initiative,” Naty remarked. “This camp not only created lasting memories but also laid the foundation for future combined events.” – Lerisse Smith There were plenty of activities on offer for the young people at the camp.

Christmas isn’t just about presents, lights and food. It’s about Jesus! Join Cousin Koala as he reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas in this wonderful animation for kids and adults alike.

Maria with her husband Paul at Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory. BY NAOMI SINGLEHURST In the months leading up to NAIDOC Week 2022, Maria – The Salvation Army’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator for South Australia and the Northern Territory – participated in a 13-day ‘cultural mission immersion experience’. It was designed to help emerging Salvos leaders gain deeper insight into, and understanding of, Australia’s First Nations people. The tour visited Salvos churches, programs and services in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs. It also included connection with local Elders, visits to culturally significant sites, prayer walks, cultural training and more. “It was an eye-opener for me,” Maria says. “It gave me a better idea of the amazing programs The Salvation Army runs in the Northern Territory. Now it is a matter of connecting back with key managers and leaders ... looking at how we, as The Salvation Army, acknowledge, understand, honour, respect and create a culturally safe and welcoming space. The cultural immersion group at Standley Chasm, Northern Territory. “We have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living the effects of terrible experiences, and we must have understanding. It means looking at how we engage in truth-telling around injustices to Aboriginal peoples, [asking] what does reconciliation look like for us and ensuring our spaces are welcoming and safe – spiritually, culturally and physically.” The cultural immersion group at Standley Chasm, Northern Territory. Background in care Maria grew up around the eastern Goldfields of Western Australia, including the Mount Margaret Mission. School gave me the English and maths,” she says. “But I also had the Aboriginal teaching of culture, kinship systems and language, and the importance of maintaining our own stories because I had grandfathers and grandmothers who were able to teach us.” For most of her adult life, Maria was based at Port Augusta on Barngarla land, working in Aboriginal health in the field of drugs and alcohol, dental care and women’s mental health. She then worked on the remote Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands in lateral violence education and running breakfast programs. Maria also worked in creative arts therapy and spent two years working with her first husband with the Church of Christ in Mooroopna, Victoria, and surrounding areas offering support, prayer and pastoral care. Faith and reconciliation Passionate about reconciliation and faith, Maria and her family took on the funding and running of an existing program and continue to run ‘Dusty Feet Mob’, a dance and performance group that performs at festivals, schools, churches and more. This was seven years ago. “We go to schools and talk about the reconciliation journey, cultural awareness around the Stolen Generation, and also talk about our Christian faith and where God has led us,” she shares. “In all this, Jesus is central to my life. I committed my life to God when I was about seven or eight. My whole journey has been sharing the love of God to people, and I pray that God continues to guide me.” Indigenous showcase During NAIDOC Week 2022, Maria supported Salvation Army churches, programs and services as they engage with and more deeply understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture. She says: “For me, the 2022 NAIDOC theme – ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ – means getting up there and continuing to be a strong advocate for our people. ‘Stand Up’ means I stand as a strong Aboriginal person, empowered to make a difference. “NAIDOC is always a great time because it is a chance to showcase who we are as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It offers a focus and space to showcase our history, languages, songs, our dance, our art, whether it’s through education, storytelling, poems, singing or dancing. It is also a chance to show that in 2022, we are still standing strong and proud. “I think we really are all in this together, and my hope is that, as one, we can move forward in this space and embrace all the beauty that Australia has for us all. I would encourage everyone from all different backgrounds and nationalities to join with us and embrace the NAIDOC celebrations we bring to the community. There is great strength in standing up and standing strong together!”

Between them, Annie and Chris are working with a caseload of about 250 clients per year. Image: Supplied by Homes Tasmania The Salvation Army’s Street to Home (S2H) program is a vital connection point for those experiencing primary homelessness. Connecting with a case worker at S2H could mean the difference between sleeping on the street or in a car and finding a place to call home. In Hobart, Tasmania, Annie and Chris are S2H facilitators. Their caseload includes about 250 clients each year, who they link with services, drive to appointments and provide with bedding and clothing. “We work with a lot of complex people,” Annie said. “There are challenges and different dynamics such as substance abuse, mental health and people being released from prison.” Annie said she and Chris worked well together, yet the role could still be very confronting. She said it was important to know when to hit pause. “Chris and I have set boundaries, and we debrief a lot on situations,” Annie said. “We don’t promise anything or give anyone false hope. We don’t set anyone up to fail. If someone isn’t engaging appropriately or respectfully, we will step back and disengage until they are ready to appropriately engage. “People aren’t frustrated with us, they are frustrated with their circumstances. We get that, but we have boundaries in place so both parties are treated with respect and can move forward together.” Alongside their caseload, Annie and Chris also offer basic assistance to those needing quick help. The S2H program aims to link clients with essential services, with the goal of achieving housing stability. In some cases, Annie and Chris are the primary contacts for services, as clients may not have phones. “Essentially, we are the middleman in helping people connect to services,” Chris said. “We are out on the street all the time; our office is our car.” Once clients access housing, Annie and Chris stay in touch. They might even drop in to say hi. “It’s hard when you have been homeless and you are then given a house,” Annie said. “You can’t always just give someone a set of keys and leave them to it; they need life skills.” Chris said they even assist clients with the basics of setting up a home. “Things like sorting rent, working with services, organising furniture, and swapping power over can be a lot for someone to take in,” he said. Annie said the pair meet some amazing people with whom they get to journey alongside. Both of them said the job is unpredictable, and they love that about it. “We never know what is going to happen,” Chris said. “You never know who you are going to meet or what kind of situation you are going to come across.” S2H is operated by the Salvation Army and funded by Homes Tasmania. To find out more about the program see here . All information and quotes in this story used with permission from Homes Tasmania. The original story can be seen here .

The Victorian SAES team serve the local Auburn South Primary School community after a tragic incident. BY LERISSE SMITH   The Salvation Army’s Victorian Emergency Services team united with several other agencies and Boroondara Council to support a grieving community after the sudden and tragic death of a young Melbourne school student. Due to an existing relationship of trust with the local council, the Victorian SAES team was requested to provide a catering truck as a focal point of support for three days at a park near Auburn South Primary School after an incident at the school claimed the life of 11-year-old Jack Davey on Tuesday 29 October. Four other children were seriously injured. Carolyn Spratling, Victorian SAES Response Coordinator, said the “ministry of presence” was the foundation of its model of care. “It’s the power of the [Red] Shield,” she said. “While Erin Mains (SAES Specialist) was serving coffee, a community member asked why we were here. Erin explained, and as the lady looked at her SAES-branded shirt, she said, ‘Oh, you are The Salvation Army.’ The lady then asked Erin to pray with her right there in the park. It was a beautiful moment.” Jack’s death greatly impacted the local community. Carolyn said the team was blessed to be able to step into the space to support the local community when they needed it. The team’s role included serving tea, coffee, snacks and a sausage sizzle, together with the Victorian Council of Churches, Red Cross and SES. Carolyn said over a cuppa and snack, local community members could talk about how they felt. They came from either the school community or lived nearby, with the community supporting one another. She said people were still in shock that something like that had happened in the community and wanted to talk about how it happened, as well as being in disbelief regarding Jack’s tragic death. The Victorian SAES team set-up. Inset: Jack Davey (Photo courtesy of Channel 9).

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash BY MAJOR ANITA CALDWELL* Growing up on a farm taught me so many lessons for life. Every day was filled with wonder and surprises. We enjoyed farm life with horses, ponies, chickens, milk cows and ducks. Fishing was a fun pastime, along with frog catching. Four of my favourite farm animals were Smokey, Ginger, Jack and Gypsy. Smokey Smokey had the best grain, fresh water, fresh hay and green pastures. He greeted us with a quiet low neigh of happiness. He was never left in the sun for long and was always sprayed carefully so the big flies would not bite him. From every outward sign, he loved us as much as we loved him. He had no problem being saddled or bridled for a ride and enjoyed taking you for a gallop in our wide-open pasture. However, he had one flaw. While it appeared he was submissive, he would suddenly drop and roll with you and the saddle to get you off his back. Smokey only appeared submissive. Photo by Patti Black on Unsplash How often do we appear to submit to God when, in our hearts, we secretly refuse submission? We want our way, our thoughts, our desires.  We tell God that we are willing to do whatever he wants, except this one thing. The Holy Spirit calls us to submit where he sees it is needed and if we do, we will find peace for the journey of life. However, we seem to think our way is the best way and so we argue and disagree with his call to us. If we would just submit immediately, our peace would keep us strong. When we don’t submit, like Smokey who thought he would be free, in reality, we lose a lesson he has called us to learn. Ginger planned her freedom carefully. Photo by Lisa Lyne Blevins on Unsplash Ginger Ginger, our pinto pony, also received the best of care and love. She appeared to yield to the saddle and bridle without hesitation. Off we would go like the wind, enjoying the beauty of the day. Ginger also had a special flaw – she would often stop on a dime at a full gallop with every hope that you would slide over her head, and she would be free of you. While she seemed submissive, in truth she wanted freedom from the rider and planned carefully for just the right moment to be free. How often is this the picture of us in a situation we don’t like? Let one person correct us and we get angry and push back. We demand a safe place; we refuse open hearts.  We want nothing more than to get that person ‘off our back’, much like Ginger.  “God calls us to submit. The sooner we realise that God allows people, transitions, and disagreements in our lives for a purpose, the sooner we will submit to his purpose.”   One crucial aspect of holiness and holy living is holy submission.  Ephesians 5:21 says, “ Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” As Christians, we refuse to submit to each other. We demand our way; we demand that we be heard. Where is God’s voice? Will we tighten our fist and refuse to submit to what he wants to teach us? Or will we accept the fact that people are placed in our lives to help us become more like Christ? Jack And then there was Jack. He was our donkey with black markings on his back.  Tradition says that these donkeys with a cross are of the line of donkeys that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. Jack made no pretence of submitting. We all knew that when he decided to stop walking, it was over. You might as well wait for him to take the next step, which could take a long time. Jack made no pretence of submitting. Photo by Daniel Fazio on Unsplash How many of us adopt the same stance? “Take me or leave me, I have our rights, This is just who I am”. We expect people to understand that we don’t simply submit with ease. We dig in our heels and refuse to surrender. Coupled with our refusal to submit, we refuse kind encouragement to surrender and dig our heels in even more. If we would just learn to lay down our personal preferences and quickly submit to the voice of God in our lives, we would save our hearts from so much hurt and anger.  The Holy Spirit is always seeking ways to bring us closer to himself. He will not force himself into our lives, but he will offer us many opportunities if we stretch our ears to hear his voice. God calls us to submit. The sooner we realise that God allows people, transitions, and disagreements in our lives for a purpose, the sooner we will submit to his purpose. We have an opportunity to trust and obey the Holy Spirit when he encourages us to submit to what God has asked us to do.  How can we learn to submit? First, if we know God has asked us to submit, we should seek this gift. If it is challenging to submit, we may seek the Holy Spirit for his help to submit. There may be one thing that we consider as our right to keep but he will convict. He will likely zero in on that one thing and ask us to yield to him. We yield and discover the enjoyment of submission more than our right. Once we give him our all, we learn to submit, moment by moment and day by day.  Submitting to God is not a one-time event but a daily choice. The Holy Spirit will kindly remind us if we begin to clench our fists and hold on to something we refuse to yield.  Once we let go, we will find the joy of submission to our Saviour.      Gypsy never had a backup plan. Photo by Heyzeus Escribo on Unsplash Gypsy Let me introduce you to Gypsy. She was a chestnut mare and loved to take me up into the mountains. She was always patient and always kind. She never had a backup plan to knock me off, dig her heels into the dirt, refusing to move or stop on a dime, hoping I would slip over her head. She enjoyed the journey, and I felt her determination to be happy. James 4:7 says, “ Submit yourselves therefore to God.”  Will you also choose submission? Will you choose it quickly?  If you listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, he will guide you. If you will submit and be determined to be happy in Christ, nothing will destroy that peace. May it be so!   *Major Anita Caldwell is a retired Salvation Army officer in the United States.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE   The Melbourne Staff Band will honour Bandmaster Ken Waterworth with a celebration concert this weekend as he concludes three decades in the role.   The concert will be held on Saturday afternoon at the Yarra Valley Grammar School in Melbourne, featuring band performances, reflections and special guest Silvie Paladino.   Tickets are $25/$20 and are available online .   Bandmaster Ken Waterworth (centre, right) with his Melbourne Staff Band. Ken was appointed Bandmaster in 1994, having joined the euphonium section of the Melbourne Staff Band in 1979. With brass music a family affair, Ken followed in the footsteps of his father, who had joined the band in 1963. In his time as principal euphonium player, Ken featured in concerts, tours and recordings. FEATURE: From the top – Ken Waterworth’s 30 years as Staff Bandmaster His 30 years as Bandmaster have been marked by a passion for music and innovation in the band’s service, connecting with Canadian recording engineer Ted Marshall for the band’s recording projects, overseeing collaborations with international composers and commissioning new music. Ken’s tenure also oversaw the appointment of a band vocalist and the introduction of multimedia to their performances.  Ken’s 30 years as Bandmaster has been marked by a passion for music and innovation. Ken took the Melbourne Staff Band to every state and territory of Australia to participate in brass music festivals. On two occasions, the band performed at gala concerts at the Australian National Band Championships.   The Melbourne Staff Band has toured New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom in Ken’s time, as well as Switzerland, South Korea, Zambia and South Africa. His busy time as Bandmaster has been supported by his wife Lynne and their children – Ashlea, Kara, Chevaune and Brandon.   New leader Mark Hamilton has been appointed as the incoming Bandmaster, effective from 1 January 2025. Mark has played in the Melbourne Staff Band for 24 years and is the current Deputy Bandmaster. Incoming MSB Bandmaster, Mark Hamilton. He has led the Ringwood Citadel Band as Bandmaster for 13 years and brings with him a wealth of musical talent, leadership experience and a deep passion for the ministry of The Salvation Army.   As Bandmaster, Ken’s service has been committed to remaining relevant in a rapidly changing culture within The Salvation Army and society in general. Ken gave many opportunities to younger musicians, ensuring the band’s youth programs, Future Brass/Impact Plus, were supported.   His important decades of leadership have overseen the development of countless musicians through training, rehearsals, workshops or band clinics.  The Celebration 30! event will be held at George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar School, Saturday 16 November, with tickets $25/$20 available online .

Dr Dean Membrey and Dr Paul MacCartney at The Salvation Army Project 614 Corps in Melbourne. BY LAUREN MARTIN   A five-day-a-week health clinic specialising in mental health and addiction issues is about to begin operation from within The Salvation Army’s Project 614 mission in inner-city Melbourne.   The Salvation Army Project 614 Corps has partnered with cohealth and the state government to develop the service, allowing community members who access Project 614 assistance and services to see a doctor. They will also be able to access mental health services.   Cohealth is a not-for-profit community health organisation that already provides essential health services in Melbourne and the east coast of Tasmania.   “It goes to the heart of us being a Salvation Army because [having] those services [here] is literally going to help save lives.” Cohealth doctor Paul MacCartney said he and fellow doctor Dean Membrey met Salvation Army Project 614 Corps Officer Major Brendan Nottle a while back and discussed the benefits of working together.   “We do have a number of clients in common, so Brendan invited us down. We checked out the café, and as Dean and I were walking out, we thought, ‘This is a place where we ought to come and set up a medical clinic.’ We could see that there was a need, and we felt like we could do some good work there.   “We mentioned that to Brendan, and once you mention something to Brendan, things start to happen!”   Fast forward a few months, and the clinic is about to become a reality. The project has been funded through the Victorian government’s Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harm.   “We are pleased that the government has recognised the need to provide this type of health service at a location like Project 614, and we are very grateful that their support has helped our vision come to life,” said Dr Dean Membrey.   The Victorian Government has recently appointed Dr Paul MacCartney as the state’s first Chief Addiction Medicine Adviser. This role will lead work within the health system to ensure more people get the necessary care. Despite the role, which will see him guide the development of Victoria’s first-ever Alcohol and Other Drugs strategy to address drug harm over the long term, he will continue to practise on the frontline, including working at the new clinic at The Salvation Army Project 614.  Project 614 Corps Officer Major Brendan Nottle. “It’s amazing,” said Brendan. “Health, mental health and addiction are really significant issues that we see every day. It goes to the heart of us being a Salvation Army because [having] those services [here] is literally going to help save lives.”   Dr Paul said the clinic will be Medicare-based, allowing people who experience financial stress to access essential healthcare for free.   “Our speciality is in doing addiction work, and we know that for a number of people who come here [to Project 614], that is an issue for them, but also being able to link people up to the other services that are attached to this site already. We are excited that there are Centrelink workers here and NDIS are here as well.   “And we know that for people to access those services, people need a doctor’s signature, so if we can help to be part of that team that’s looking after people, that’s what we’re really looking forward to.”

The Salvation Army is known for its acronyms. For the uninitiated, it’s almost another language.   Do you know what SAWSO stands for, what it is and what it does?   It’s the Salvation Army World Service Office , and it represents the interests of the four Salvation Army USA territories that work together with communities to improve the health, economic and spiritual conditions of the vulnerable throughout the world.   “Whether it’s providing clean water, safe educational spaces for children or essential training in financial literacy, our goal remains the same: to serve all people with the same love and compassion that God shows to each of us,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army in the United States.   “William Booth, The Salvation Army’s founder, anticipated this mission from the beginning: ‘Faith and works should travel side by side, step answering to step, like the legs of men walking.’”   Since 1977, SAWSO has helped people help themselves through sustainable programs that improve living conditions, combat the spread of disease, raise skill levels, increase productivity, and instil self-confidence.  Through funds entrusted to SAWSO, the organisation is presently engaged in more than 200 active projects throughout the world. Programs, projects and activities provide tools and structure, but the real investment is in people. The projects emphasise local ownership and community involvement as keys for lasting success.   In all of SAWSO’s work, the teams employ a holistic approach to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of those served.    For more information on current projects and areas of focus, click here . To download the 2024 annual report, click here .