In Episode 2 of Conversations with the General, Commissioner Patti Niemand, World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, sits down for coffee with General Lyndon Buckingham at Sunbury Court. They discuss the importance of pursuing spiritual life, building flourishing corps ministries, and keeping Christ central to the mission of The Salvation Army. Information on the General’s visit to Australia can be found here

To read Lynnette’s promoted to glory notice, click here

Before moving to the training college to commence my officership journey, I spent four years with Employment Plus as a senior consultant. While challenging, it was work I enjoyed, and I especially appreciated that The Salvation Army had chosen to work with those who were unemployed longest.   Some clients were a pleasure to work with, while others were more challenging. The trickiest ones were those who didn’t really understand why they had been sent to us and what our professional relationship with them should be. One such chap was ... we’ll call him Sammy.   Sammy was a gentleman in his late 40s of Middle Eastern appearance. He had a big smile and a warm handshake, and he entered my office for his first appointment with the appearance of a favourite uncle just dropping by for a chat. The next few minutes, however, proved chaotic.   S: Hello, my name is Sammy, it is a pleasure to be meeting with you today.   M: Hello, Sammy. My name is Mal. Lovely to meet you. Please take a seat and we’ll have a chat about how we can help you.   S: Oh, this is good. I am so glad.   M: Before I forget, here’s my business card. If you need to contact me, just call or email, especially if you need to change an appointment or want to let me know about a job you need help applying for.   S: Thank you so much. And here is my business card. If you need any work done on your car, just call me. My phone number is right there below where it says Sammy’s Motors. That is me; I am Sammy.   M: [Silent. Stunned.]   S: Any time of day or night, even if you break down, I can come and get your car back to my garage, and I will fix it for you for cheap.   M: Sammy, you’re not supposed to be working while you’re claiming unemployment allowance. You can’t be telling me this.   S: Oh, but I have not told Centrelink this, so it is okay. I have only told you about the repair service I run from my garage.   M: Sammy, you need to stop telling me this or I’ll have to report it to Centrelink.   S: But I need the garage. I have six children at home and the garage adds around $1000 a week to my income!   M: Sammy, no more, please.   S: It’s a good business. I only have one person working for me for cash.   M: I can’t be hearing this, Sammy.   S: You can help me get a part-time job ... as long as it doesn’t interfere with my working hours.   M: Stop talking!   S: [Pause] But I fix your car cheap.   M: Please. Stop. Talking.   S: [Pause] Okay. Don’t tell anyone else, but I fix your car for free. Are we good?   Sammy and I chatted for some length about his ‘predicament’ and what we could do to resolve it, and we came up with a solution that worked for both of us and would work for Centrelink.   Sammy was a lovely guy. If you need work done on your car, let me know, I’ll give you his number. He’ll fix it cheap.   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division.

One of the many goals of The Salvation Army Youth Services Upton Road program (Vic.) is to provide a beautiful space and low-pressure environment for young people to thrive. The refuge offers gardening activities that allow participants who have experienced homelessness to learn new skills, build confidence and connect with the community. The program not only enhances their wellbeing but also supports them in achieving sustainable housing and a brighter future.

Background image: Paul Zoetemeijer Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH shares a personal reflection on immersing herself in a celebration of inclusivity at Mornington Salvos – VAMP Music Disco day.  I must admit I am a self-confessed disco aficionado.   Cast your eyes upon my playlists or often-viewed YouTube music clips, and you’ll find Patrick Hernandez’s Born to Be Alive , Pseudo Echo’s Funky Town and Chic’s Le Freak among my much-loved boppy dance songs from the 1970s and 80s.    My love for all things ‘discoey’ began young and has never faded. From my memorable 21st birthday masquerade ball that featured very, very loud disco music accompanied by a very, very big fog machine that literally smoked everyone out, to more recent times of uniting people from all nations to groove and move to Born to Be Alive on an Egyptian Nile cruise (much to the shock and amazement of onlooking staff), my boogie-woogie adventures have been fun and fabulous. Crazy too? Most definitely.   So, with great excitement and anticipation, I headed down to the VAMP Music Disco at Mornington Salvos for a great day out. It didn’t disappoint. It was one of the best Tuesdays I’ve had in a long time, coupled with a pinch-me moment that, in my role as a journalist with the Salvos, I was able to bust some moves with a group of wonderful people who equally loved to move, groove, sing and play instruments in their own special way.   Whether people were in wheelchairs or able-bodied, it was evident this special space was for everyone to have a memorable time – and they certainly did. With Lady Gaga’s  Bad Romance  rah, rah-ah-ah-ah pulsating beat helping to welcome all who walked through the doors at Mornington Corps in Mt Martha, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer delight of all attendees as they readied themselves for yet another fun day out thanks to the VAMP team – Community Music Activities Coordinator Dave Parker, DJ David and local corps officer Major Debbie Taylor, who transform the church’s auditorium into a dance floor.   Whether people were in wheelchairs or able-bodied, it was evident this special space was for everyone to have a memorable time – and they certainly did.   Immediately apparent was the infectious energy of both the participants and the disco team.   Adding to the vibrancy of the event was a kaleidoscope of flashing lights that danced in time with the pulsating beats, plus an array of microphones, guitars, tambourines, maracas, djembe West African drums and other instruments that offered a tactile experience to excite the senses and elevate the soul.   DJ David ensured there was an incredible diversity of the music, and with constant requests from the participants streaming in, the energy in the room shifted to a new level of excitement as everyone responded to their much-awaited song.   As the participatory disco progressed throughout the morning, the dance floor became a mosaic of movement and joy. People individually and collectively immersed themselves in the world of dance and music with a great sense of abandonment and a true feeling of being uninhibited to express themselves freely in a welcoming, non-judgemental and inclusive place.   I met many amazing people as I immersed myself in the energetic atmosphere. One gentleman who caught my eye spent the entire time affixed to his beloved microphone, beaming with pure joy. It was a sight to treasure.   Another lady couldn’t stop smiling as she danced and shook the maracas to Abba’s Dancing Queen while her cute pink sunglasses bopped around at the top of her head. It made for a great pic.   Attending VAMP was a celebration of inclusivity and the joy found in the transformative power of music and dance. Their absolute delight and presence in the moment to celebrate fun, friendship, and fellowship epitomised how VAMP provided the ideal space for all attendees to truly shine. It was a great testament to Dave Parker’s pioneering vision and passion for creating a community where everyone was accepted and encouraged to participate however they wanted.   Furthermore, it was a shining example to all that a fusion of lights, music, and a venue could combine to greatly benefit people on the NDIS. I can only hope many more are initiated in the future.   As the event drew to a close for yet another Tuesday, a palpable sense of camaraderie and accomplishment was in the air. It had been more than just a fun day out; it was a powerful reminder of what it means to create spaces where everyone can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.   And as I walked out, still moovin’ and groovin’, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Attending VAMP was a celebration of inclusivity and the joy found in the transformative power of music and dance.

(Middle photo) The VAMP team – Mornington Corps Officer Major Debbie Taylor, DJ David Williamson and Dave Parker, Community Music Activities Coordinator. It’s an exciting Tuesday morning as a group of spritely locals from Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula eagerly prepare for an unmissable day of dazzling bright lights, pulsating beats from Lady Gaga, and the chance to beat a drum. The VAMP Music Disco at Mornington Salvos is not only paving the way to greater accessibility for people with disabilities; it also stands as a vibrant symbol of inclusivity and festivity, encouraging everyone to dance and play music with joy as Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH discovered. Enjoying moovin’ and a groovin’ to the disco beat are these wonderful disco participants who love coming to VAMP each week.  There’s nothing quite as thrilling as experiencing a one-of-a-kind disco with a uniquely uplifting twist. Bringing a lively and creative approach to the classic dance party, a visit to the VAMP (Varied Abilities Music Program) Music Disco to move, groove and bop about uncovers a vibrant scene where the infectious energy of funky tunes thrills everyone who steps through the doors. But it’s not just another dance party. It’s a unique participatory disco with interactive percussion, dancing and singing provided for NDIS participants so they can truly shine – and they love it. “It’s kicking on really well at the moment,” said Dave Parker, Community Music Activities Coordinator at Mornington Salvos. “Everything that happens on the day is about trying to create a sense of belonging, a sense of fun, a sense of community. For me, it’s community engagement. It’s providing a venue as part of the mission of the Mornington Salvation Army for people who are on the fringe, people who are normally excluded, or they’re clustered together in their own activities.” With a dynamic fusion of dance and music, VAMP is more than just a weekly event for spritely and daylight groovers; it’s a lively oasis where everyone can feel the rhythm in their own way, a special kind of disco dedicated to creating an inclusive dance and music experience for all. It also stands as a testament to the belief that everybody can dance and play music to their own beat. Regardless of ability, the participants can find their own rhythm and shine. Meet Dave in person, and you immediately feel at ease and accepted. He’s a great guy with a big smile who seamlessly integrates with everyone he meets and serves. His passion for enhancing the lives of others, especially those on the NDIS, is clearly evident. As a talented and experienced musician, singer and teacher, he knows firsthand the power of dance and music to unite people from all walks of life and transcend cultural and language barriers. His mission is simple: For everybody to feel free and uninhibited to truly enjoy and express themselves in a safe, inclusive and caring environment, where interactive percussion, dancing and singing are the order for the day enhanced by the disc jockey (DJ), David Williamson, who is equally passionate about everyone having a great time and exudes a friendly persona. At 65, this is one role the DJ loves in life. DJ David gets ready for another exciting day at VAMP. A visit in person to the disco not only reveals the participants’ love of singing into microphones, playing the guitar, shaking a tambourine or beating a Djembe West African drum but also dancing and grooving to much-loved songs, with Bad Romance, Ghostbusters, YMCA and Dancing Queen among the most requested songs. In fact, song requests are all-important and a priority when the participants walk through the doors ready for another fabulous Tuesday. “They love it,” David said. “They will bring their requests on their phones and show them to me.” Evolution of VAMP The story of how VAMP began started several years ago, with Dave behind its inception. Reflecting on how it evolved, he recalled how it was probably tied in with his own vocational journey. He was employed with the education department for most of his professional life, first as a music teacher, before working in the student wellbeing and support program for 29 years. “I had the best of both worlds really,” he said. “It was sort of a good marriage. Music was my therapy at school. So, even when I was doing the wellbeing job, I ran a lunchtime ensemble and that was my escape from the difficulties working with kids and families who had challenges.” Dave facilitated the Student Representative Council on the peninsula in Rosebud and became involved in a disco known back then as the ‘Blue Light Disco.’  The police ran the disco in the area, plus a ‘disability disco’ once a year. He fully supported the initiative and encouraged children to join the fun. It also gave him “a bit of a taste” of how a disco ran for people with disabilities. When he retired, Dave was approached to take over a community music access program at Hastings Salvation Army, originally started by a Salvos employee, Stuart Lees. The program ran for four years, one day a week, before ceasing due to COVID-19. It was then that Dave initiated VAMP Music Disco. “I changed it quite a bit, renamed it and rebadged it,” he said. “I wanted to make it more engaging with percussion instruments. If you take a look at the disco advertising pamphlet, you will find there’s a photo of a lot of handheld percussion, drums, tambourines or timbrels. “I have a lot of percussion instruments placed around the room with about four to five guitars with straps so participants can walk around and strum. It doesn’t matter if they know how to play the instruments; they are just having fun. It’s all about the tactile experience.” (Left) This lovely VAMP participant couldn’t stop smiling as she danced and shook the maracas to Abba’s Dancing Queen. (Right) Dave Parker and a disco participant have lots of fun banging on the Djembe West African drums. About 20 to 30 people on the NDIS attend each week. Most of them are regulars. About half of them come from one NDIS provider, Focus Life, plus several others. The attendees will come with an agency worker who accompanies them for the day. Dave said it was kicking on really well, especially with the group of NDIS workers accompanying their clients, who were in the younger age group and engaged in the disco.   “I used to look around the room and four or five years ago, about a third of the workers would be up dancing and interacting and encouraging their clients,” he said. “The other third would be enjoying what was going on, but that would be on the sides, looking at their phones, whatever, and just enjoying the fact that they didn’t have to look after their client. And I’m not criticising that, but it’s much more interactive and inclusive now. Whereas before, I would say probably years ago, I would see seven or eight workers just sitting in a chair on the side the whole time. “Now, it’s only one or two. I’ve had the workers when they’re coming in, they’ll say, Dave, this is far better than anything else our clients go to.” “Because it’s a community where they’re accepted and there’s no exclusion. People are encouraged to participate in whatever way they want. And that’s my theology behind the disco.” In the early days of VAMP, Dave was a one-man band running the DJ desk, setting the room up, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. But then he handed the DJ role to David to run the music desk. Thanks to Spotify, various song requests are accommodated, from Elvis Presley and Elton John’s Crocodile Rock to the Village People’s YMCA. All are popular amongst the crowd, and it is important for the participants to feel ownership of song requests. “They have got ownership in that they look forward to hearing their song coming up,” Dave commented. “I’ve got to say I have a real connection with most of them because they’re pretty regular. And it’s smiles all around when we arrive in the room. With David on the desk, it gives me an opportunity that once I’ve welcomed them at the front desk, near the front door, I can then go down and join the group and be much more interactive, and just walk around the room … on any given day, some will be in wheelchairs.” Also joining in on the fun is Mornington Corps Officer Major Debbie Taylor. She said VAMP was bringing the joy of Jesus to the beautiful people who took part through music and dance in a way they may understand. And seeing the participants enjoy themselves was also a beautiful thing for Dave. Additionally, the big smiles on their faces and observing the workers help attendees in wheelchairs to their feet to sway backwards and forwards for one song. Usually, they know the person will just love getting out of the chair and moving a bit. When reflecting on his many interactions with those who participated in VAMP, Dave highlighted a visually impaired lady who had become a favourite. She sits at the front desk near him or near the DJ. He bought her a little ukulele a while back, which she brings along faithfully every week. She doesn’t strum it for long but loves having it with her. “And that’s her experience,” Dave said. “You know that’s just how she enjoys the thing.” With the disco entry costing $7 to cover running costs, most support workers encourage their clients to have cash in their wallets, transact that payment and receive a receipt to help build their life skills and efficacy in society. Also, of key importance for Dave is continuing to provide a fun event where everyone feels accepted, valued, included and respected. “As a person of faith, I try to create some experience for people who are normally excluded that resembles or could simulate what it might be like to be in the presence of the kingdom of God,” Dave said. “Because it’s a community where they’re accepted and there’s no exclusion. People are encouraged to participate in whatever way they want. And that’s my theology behind the disco.”   To read Lerisse Smith’s personal reflection on attending the disco day, click here

God: So, Adam, Eve, welcome to Eden. I hope you like it. To me it’s paradise but you might want to have a look around and get to know the area before deciding if you like it.   Adam: Thanks, God. It looks nice and roomy. Is there a spa?   God: Indeed. A hot one! Over to your left, past the waterfall.   Eve: Nice. And do we eat out or is in-garden dining available?   God: No need to step out of Eden, everything you need is right here. I especially recommend the pineapples – slightly ugly to look at and awkward to handle but juicy on the inside and delicious to eat.   Adam: And when you say ‘eat’ …   God: The big hole at the bottom of your face, Adam. Food goes in there. In fact, that’s the only hole you put pineapples in. Glad you checked.   Eve: Is it safe here at night?   God: Oh, yes. The animals are all perfectly safe. Just don’t step on the hedgehogs, and don’t listen to the snakes – they tend to walk around like they own the place. I’m starting to regret them already.   Adam: So, what do we do all day, apart from eat pineapples and jump in the spa?   God: Well, I’ll tell you what, I’ve been busy creating, so I’m going to go for a wander in the garden, why don’t you name some animals?   Eve: We can do that. In fact, I’m already thinking of calling that one over there an anteater because I just saw him eat some ants.   Adam: Ooh, I see how it works. I’m going to call that snake with the rattle for a tail a rattlesnake!   Eve: This morning, I was patting that one over there with the tail and all the hair and I began to get a sore throat. I might be allergic to it. I think I’ll call it a hoarse.   Adam: Nice idea. I think I’ll name that lazy one a sloth and that one with the unusual, single spike on its head a unique-horn.   God: That’s the spirit. Right. I’m heading off. Well, sort of, it’s hard to go away when you’re omnipresent.   Adam: No problem, God, leave it with us. We’ll get to work naming animals as soon as I’ve had something to eat. Heaps of fruit here. I might ask the snake for what he recommends.   Eve: No, leave it to me; you’re too easily talked into any old thing. He won’t trick me that easily.   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division.

To read Pamela’s promoted to glory notice, click here

Tammy and her three-year-old son became homeless after a domestic disturbance. They lost everything and went “from a normal happy life to nothing”, says Tammy. A call from Renae Hemley (Homelessness Case Manager) at Horsham Salvos (Vic.) changed everything. Tammy was offered a unit with access to social and corps programs and fully embraced the support. Renae says that Tammy “has a lot to be proud of and loves that she has come so far”.

Kerry shares her story of the challenges of being a single mum and trying to secure permanent housing. The Salvation Army’s emergency and transitional housing service, Oakleigh House (Tas.) helped Kerry with accommodation, school enrolments and general links to community support. Every client has a case worker so they are supported along the way and never feel alone. Kerry says she is happy and relieved to know her children now have a place to call home again.

For many years, I played in a corps brass band where we were organised in a horseshoe shape and in two rows. There were risers or small platforms used to elevate those sitting in the back row so that they could see and be seen above those sitting in the front row. These carpeted risers sat about 30cm tall.   If you were sitting in the back row, there was always the risk that if you pushed your chair too far back, the rear legs of the chair would slip off the edge of the riser and you would fall backwards. And that’s what happened to Arthur.   Arthur was a lovely elder gentleman in the band; one of those who said he would play until he was ‘promoted to glory’. So, even in his 70s, he worked his trombone slide hard. I suspect some of the band arrangements we played were beyond his playing capability and he just made up his own part – this became especially obvious when he kept playing when the band had finished the piece! – but you had to admire his dedication.   One Wednesday night, we were rehearsing and, as I did in those days, I was tootling away on cornet and sitting opposite the trombone section with the bandmaster furiously waving his arms right between us. Then I noticed some movement.   As the band played, I saw Arthur start to fall backwards and then two legs came up in the air with the trombone still in the playing position. The band immediately stopped at the commotion and the players closest to Arthur quickly turned to see if he was okay.   His chair had fallen straight back, leaving him still ‘seated’ but on his back on the floor. He was still holding his trombone in the playing position (i.e. now pointing straight up at the roof), and when he was asked if he was okay he said, “I’m fine, thank you”, and he started playing his trombone!   Well, we laughed. The bandmaster struggled to get us back on track after that. Arthur was returned to his usual seating position and assured us he was feeling fine, and rehearsal eventually resumed. While the fall straight back, off a low platform, might have harmed a younger person, clearly Arthur was made of sterner stuff.   It was nice to see some of the younger players in the band express amazement that he was not harmed and laugh at his ‘laid back’ approach to trombone playing. Arthur won some new friends and some new-found respect that day as he entered legendary status.   This was further cemented the day we participated in an Anzac Day march and Arthur insisted he was still fit enough to march. Well, I’m glad to say, he did march and marched well, all the way to the end.   The only moment he gave us some cause for concern was when he slid the trombone slide right off the trombone and it fell on the street, causing him to go back and pick it up and then chase the band as we continued to march, trying to play and not laugh.   Every band has an ‘Arthur’. We loved ours dearly.   –      Major Mal Davies is Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division.

The Salvation Army’s 24/7 crisis and emergency accommodation service in Burnie, Tasmania, is an inclusive, diverse and non-judgmental place for anybody experiencing homelessness. “ Some people can have misconceptions about those who are homeless because of a lack of knowledge. But once you start to have a look a bit deeper, it becomes quite clear that many of us are a couple of pay packets away from becoming homeless,” says Kent (Assertive Outreach Worker, Safe Space).