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Commissioner Miriam Gluyas says a heartfelt thank-you to all Salvos for your hard work, your contribution and for keeping the main thing the ‘main thing’. She encourages us all to continue on our journey to becoming a Jesus-centred, Spirit-led movement where hope will be revealed.

By KIRRALEE NICOLLE Women in the Glenorchy region of Tasmania over the age of 55 who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness have a new chance at finding housing, thanks to The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Tasmania officially opened 21 new community housing units on the former Moonah Corps site on 30 June. Tasmanian Divisional Commander Major Tracy Briggs attended the opening and said the experience of homelessness was becoming increasingly widespread among older women. “Australia's homeless population has aged rapidly, and it is no different in Tasmania,” she said. Women over 55 are identified as a cohort increasingly at risk of homelessness. Older single women are particularly vulnerable due to having lower levels of income and assets among other variables. COTA [Council on the Ageing] and Shelter Tas recognise that many older Tasmanians are experiencing housing insecurity and hardship.” Tracy said she had been blessed to come in on the project close to its completion and meet some of the new tenants. Tenants Sara and Josephine were also at the opening. Tracy quoted former divisional commander Captain Kim Haworth who stated that “this initiative will transform the lives of 21 women in Tasmania. I pray that what we have built here will provide not only lovely and safe homes for 21 people and their families but also create a beautiful community where people can lie their best lives and flourish”. Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett officially opened the building, and the event was also attended by The Select Foundation chairman Bruce Neill, Minister for Housing Guy Barnett, Glenorchy mayor Bec Thomas, federal members of Parliament and Salvation Army staff, members and supporters. The project was made possible with support from both The Select Foundation and the Tasmanian State Government, as well as the work of Vos Construction and Joinery, Matrix Management Group, architects from X-Squared and JMG Engineers.

By ANTHONY CASTLE Revolution Worship has released a new single titled ‘We Walk With Hope’. The track reflects the spiritual framework for the National Youth & Young Adults team and debuted at Equip Sunshine Coast (Queensland) youth camp earlier this month. “We wrote the song out of a discussion with Adam Purcell (Youth and Young Adults Secretary), capturing the message of the youth framework for the year,” explains Dan Casey, Worship Arts Coordinator. “It’s more a pop/dance song for youth audiences, more a song for Friday nights than Sunday mornings. The purpose of the song is to have fun and declare the Good News.” ‘We Walk With Hope’ was written by Dan Casey and Luke O’Dea in Revolution Worship, and is designed as a resource for youth events and programs. Revolution Worship is a platform for new music within The Salvation Army, overseen by the Worship Arts Team. “Having Jesus in our lives means we have something bigger than whatever we face in the world,” Dan explains.“There can be mental health challenges, whatever young people are facing, and this song declares that there is hope in our lives when we walk with Jesus.” The track was received well by campers at Equip Queensland, and an acoustic arrangement is currently set for release. “We have an acoustic video coming out to show people how it can work with a simple band,” Dan explains. “It’s the same track, same words, but can be used with just one or two musicians as a more reflective song for different environments.” More on Revolution Worship and ‘We Walk With Hope’ can be found at the website, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

By KIRRALEE NICOLLE When Keira McDougall first encountered a ConnectiviTEA group during her husband’s posting to Edinburgh Army Base in South Australia, she was in a season of change and loss of connection. She had just ended her role in the Australian Army. She no longer had all her close Army colleagues or family nearby. She says once she had a child and her spouse needed to relocate to Simpson Barracks in Victoria, her needs changed again. “Being a defence spouse can be isolating, and not having the usual support networks such as long-time friends and family around means you don’t often have the support you require, especially at short notice,” Keira said. “[I was] looking for another support network for those last-minute babysitting needs or if you need someone to feed your pet so you can go away for the weekend. We don't have those luxuries without our family [around].” This experience, as well as her friendship with Major Gai Cathcart from Red Shield Defence Services in South Australia who runs the ConnectiviTEA program at RAAF Base Edinburgh, prompted her to begin a similar group at Greensborough Corps near Simpson Barracks. The group now meets fortnightly, with the support Captains Alison and Gareth MacDonald, Greensborough Corps Officers. Keira said the involvement of The Salvation Army was valuable as it offered a broader sense of community outside the defence force. She also said Salvation Army officers faced similar struggles to defence personnel with regular moves and distance from family. Keira said that, while the military offered its own community centre programs, it was nice to be provided with an alternative away from base where the attendees had no responsibilities and could simply show up and have a cuppa and chat while playing a game or doing some craft. She said the saying ‘one size fits all’ did not apply when talking about people’s needs, and if someone feels they are not having their needs met in one environment they shouldn’t feel they have nowhere to go. Many military spouses at the Greensborough ConnectiviTEA group had been part of the groups on base and found the chance to build community connections away from base refreshing, Keira shared. She added that ConnectiviTEA felt very relaxed and like a place where people could feel safe. The group alternated between games nights and craft, and there were no expectations that attendees would join a committee or need to fulfil obligations. Keira also shared that she and some recent members had alternated having dinner at each other’s houses to lessen the work of cooking meals every night while their spouse was away. “For me, being able to provide this opportunity here in Melbourne with the support of Greensborough Salvation Army and Major Gai is a privilege, and I hope the spirit of ConnectiviTEA can continue here and we can be that second family for defence families.”

To read the tribute, click here

By KIRRALEE NICOLLE Sixty-five children from Grade 3 to Year 8 and 20 leaders and junior leaders gathered from 3-6 July in Blampied, Victoria’s Central Highlands, to develop creative skills and social connections at the Junior Creative Arts Camp. What leaders didn’t expect was that so many would also experience the wonder of Jesus. The yearly camp, held over mid-year school holidays, offers a chance to develop skills in brass and other musical instruments such as ukulele, dance, drama and visual arts. This year, students also had the opportunity to learn audio-visual and media skills. Victorian worship arts coordinator Julia Roper said the camp focused on beginner-level training so that children could develop an interest without pressure. “It’s just giving the kids a chance to try something,” she said. “To see what they like, what they can do. This is something where I think they come out feeling like they’ve achieved something [because] they can see the fruits of their week.” Another new feature of this year’s camp was a Jesus Theatre project performed by leaders. Julia said some children at the camp hadn’t heard the Gospel message before the production, and one child told leaders they were no longer an atheist. “It was really quite powerful,” she said. “The kids really responded well to it, to the point where we had children coming together with leaders wanting to pray to [accept] Jesus as their Lord and Saviour for the first time. “We were really thankful for that experience and hope that will have a long-lasting impact on those kids and that they'll have gone home thinking a little bit more about who Jesus is and what that means for them.” To find out more about the camp or other worship arts programs, click here.

Three Melbourne Salvation Army corps are coming together at the Brunswick Corps for an evening of worship and prayer ahead of the inaugural National Creative Arts Conference. The event is an all-ages initiative organised by members of the Box Hill, Merri-Bek and Brunswick corps, and event directors say it comes as a response to a growing need for new directions. Worship arts coordinator for community engagement Jason Simmonds said the organisers believed God was opening their eyes to new possibilities and that collaboration and unity were key to that space. “We’ve been through a season of liminality where we’re in this post-COVID, post-church, postmodern era, and God is doing a new thing,” he said. “We can’t go back to church the way it was. “If we don’t adjust our approach, we could miss what God is trying to do in this.” Jason and the administration assistant from Box Hill Corps, Emma George, said the night would feature cutting-edge new songs from Revolution Worship, as well as quiet prayer spaces. They said the event’s timing was critical for focusing on Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit, as it is set to occur the day before the first National Creative Arts Conference. “We’re unapologetically going to be using current music that will appeal to hopefully a broad audience,” Jason said. “We just really want to create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move.We really want to come to God in total adoration of who he is.” The event is open to all and will also feature an age-appropriate worship program for children. “We gotta get them worshipping early,” Emma said. “But certainly anybody, any age, we’d love to have. The more the merrier!” – Kirralee Nicolle

The Salvation Army in Kropvinitsky, Ukraine, is working hard to give children in the area a (northern) summer of fun and relaxation – some time out from the trauma of the war they live with every day. Officers, staff and volunteers led day camps where the children played games, worked on crafts and all things outer space, learned about the Bible and the love of Jesus, practised the tambourine and enjoyed time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. One of the officers commented that it was lovely to see the children having fun, laughing, and not having time to be fearful or sad. Other corps throughout Ukraine are running similar activities to give local and displaced children as many opportunities as possible for fun, friendship and as ‘normal’ a summer break as possible.

“Serving Jesus in community, watching people grow, participating in God’s work and seeing transformation is like a glimpse of heaven.” These are just some of the thoughts from Territorial Leader Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett as they reflect on the most exciting times they’ve both witnessed whilst serving the Lord in officership.

By CLIFF WORTHING Coats and conversations are warming hearts of Gold Coast residents doing it tough. Coats, jackets and shoes donated by Salvos stores and local workers are hung on a tree near the Southport Courthouse for those feeling the cold to access for free. This is the fourth Gold Coast winter that the Coat Tree has operated. Salvationist Kevin Lawler from the Gold Coast Temple Corps, began the Coat Tree as a volunteer. He is now employed as a community engagement worker and is supported by a few volunteers. “We are having really cool conversations,” Kevin said. “People are hurting. They want to be heard and they feel safe sharing with the Salvos.” Just this week, a person struck up a conversation with Kevin about his situation. Kevin supported him through his court appearance, referred him to Fairhaven (Gold Coast Recovery Services) and will keep the relationship going through the corps’ Positive Lifestyle Program. “We are now receiving lots of quality donations of coats and jackets from workers in the courthouse precinct,” Kevin said. “This week a person donated one hundred pairs of thongs because often people experiencing homelessness don’t have shoes. “We are meeting a need and having everyday conversations, including faith conversations,” Kevin said.

By GARTH R. HENTZSCHEL The Salvation Army has links to a number of geographical locations in Australia – various parks, streets, hills and suburbs, for example. There is, however, one that few Australians will ever get to see. These are the Gowlett Peaks in Antarctica, named after a Salvationist diesel engineer who later became a Salvation Army officer. Major Alan Gowlett was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, to a well-known family in the local corps. When World War Two broke out, he tried to enlist; however, being too young, Alan moved south to work at Newport Railway Workshop in Victoria, which had been converted into an aircraft factory. In April 1943, he joined the Australia Imperial Forces. Two years later, he saw his first action in the last major battles of the war, during the invasion of Borneo. After the war, Alan became engaged to Elizabeth (Beth) Winifred Steinberg, whose mother was at one stage editor of the Melbourne edition of The Salvation Army children’s publication The Young Soldier. Their marriage took place on 11 February 1950 at Hawthorn Corps in Melbourne. In 1951, Alan joined the Government Scientific Observation Party, which was part of the new Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) that had been formed in August 1947. These were the formative years of Antarctic scientific research. Alan was appointed to Macquarie Island (in the south-west Pacific Ocean below New Zealand) as the diesel and electrical engineer, and campfire officer. Alan returned home from Macquarie Island on the Antarctic ship Tatton. In 1954, Alan was again chosen to join another expedition with ANARE, this time to Mawson Base on the mainland of Antarctica. He would arrive just one year after the foundation of the base. The voyage to Heard Island (in the southern Indian Ocean) took 16 days, and the ship experienced heavy seas that caused some damage. Upon the ship’s arrival in Antarctica, Alan’s first job was to erect an additional 10 huts, which went up in the first three weeks. Throughout the remainder of the year, more buildings were constructed until there were 19 separate buildings including scientific huts, storage huts, sleeping huts and a new surgery. In addition to the scientific work on the base, field journeys for scientific experimentation and exploration were conducted. In December 1955, news reached Australia of a mountain range that had been discovered. Some of these mountain peaks were named the Gowlett Peaks, in honour of Alan. The Gowlett Peaks are described as a small group of isolated peaks, consisting of tall, sharp twin peaks and two close outliers, in MacRobertson Land, Antarctica. Alan assisted with the exploration parties, often leaving the base in dangerous polar conditions to maintain the equipment. For his work in Antarctica, Alan received the Polar Medal. It was while he was in Antarctica that Alan experienced his call to Salvation Army officership. On his return to Australia, he learned that Beth had also received the call to full-time service as an officer. The Gowletts entered The Salvation Army Officer Training College from Hawthorn Corps on 13 March 1958, in the Courageous session. After their commissioning, they served as officers in South Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia, in both corps and social work. The Gowletts also served in the Caribbean Central America Territory as managers of the Blind Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Alan and Beth entered retirement in 1987 and remained active in The Salvation Army. At Alan’s thanksgiving service upon his promotion to glory in 1998, a tribute was given by Fred Elliot representing the Antarctic expeditions. In the remotest places on earth, there are marks of Salvationists’ service in varying ways. For Alan Gowlett’s service to the exploration of Antarctica, there are peaks named in his honour, pointing heavenwards to his God. *This is an edited version of Garth R. Hentzschel’s article “Salvation on ice: An Antarctic landmark linked to an Australian Salvationist”, The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History, Vol 4, Issue 1, 2019, 40-58.

Christmas in July is often thought of as an opportunity to enjoy a traditional British hot roast dinner and fun celebration in the middle of an Australian winter. It’s also an excuse to get together with friends and family and dust off the Christmas tree and decorations for a mid-year airing. Salvos in different parts of the country are celebrating Christmas in July for all kinds of reasons. Check out last weekend’s event at Riverland Salvos (SA) below. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS A Christmas in July quiz night, complete with a silent auction, trading table and Father Christmas giving out fun gifts, was one of the many fundraisers the Riverland (SA) Salvos are hosting this year to ensure continued operation of their community outreach programs. “Funds raised include assisting seasonal workers with food and other necessities when they are between jobs, community meals, Christmas toys and hampers for around 400 families, back-to-school programs, and a ready supply of food on hand in case of emergencies,” said Helen Adamczyk, community engagement worker who also (voluntarily) leads Riverland Corps. The Christmas in July quiz night raised $2500 for the Red Shield Appeal, and an additional $815.00 for the Riverland Christmas Appeal. “Riverland Salvos also looks after five surrounding towns and works with other local agencies, such as mental health services provider Mind Australia, that may not have the funding available to help that we do,” she added. “The corps has also kicked off a ‘toastie and cuppa’ event in the middle of town each Wednesday to build relationships in the community and promote Salvation Army services and create faith pathways. “There are always projects coming our way, such as toiletry packs for the local Cadell Prison that came through our chaplain. We work in with anyone who passes our door who has a genuine need." Increased need In response to the rising cost of living and the impact of recent floods, Riverland Salvos are seeing an increase in the number of people coming through their doors. Helen said that her team is looking to open the corps building in the evenings to provide toasties and hot drinks, as well as fruit, bread and other essentials, for those who can’t make it during the day. The church’s strong partnership with Foodbank and contract with Second Bite (free bread and produce), as well as community donations and dedicated volunteers, help make these programs possible as well. “Our main driver is to connect with the community, see what needs are out there and build relationships,” she said. “Faith is an amazing thing. Something always turns up,” she said.