To read John’s tribute, click here

BY MAJOR BRENDAN NOTTLE As another Australia Day approaches, various voices are encouraging us to reflect on what sort of nation we want to be, and 2024 is already becoming a history-shaping moment. Will this be the year when certain decisions will impact us as a city, state, nation and even as a global community for time immemorial? My growing concern is that it is now too late for yet more chin-rubbing, musing and reflection over another Australia Day snag about who and what we want to be as a nation. My fear is the dice has already been rolled. It is now time to act. This year’s Australia Day Lambassador TV ad is fun, quirky and very clever. But it has more than a kernel of truth at its heart. The ad focuses on our nation’s growing divide between the generations. A comment by one of the Baby Boomers in the ad sums up the matter succinctly. “I don’t care what they do, just not in my backyard,” he bellows. I’ll never forget a trip I made to Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the end of 2019. One Sunday, I went for a walk around the city. I stumbled upon a massive wall, one of 40 that runs through the city, standing up to 8m high and as long as 30km. Sadly, they are called ‘Peace Walls’, designed to keep the peace between Catholics and Protestants. I remember feeling physically sick when I realised the only way a fragile form of peace could be maintained was by building giant, ugly walls. Although we are not at risk of having the City of Melbourne build a physical wall down the middle of Bourke St, there is a clear sense that invisible walls have already been erected throughout the city and across the state. As The Salvation Army maintains its care for some of the city’s most vulnerable, calls continue for the Salvos to relocate. The words of the Baby Boomer in the Lambassador ad, “anywhere but not in my backyard”, continue to ring out. A city-based property manager’s comment to me in recent times still echoes: “This riff-raff should all be gathered up and thrown in jail.” He was referring to the hundreds of people who gather at The Salvation Army for support. I attempted to help the property manager understand some of the individuals’ circumstances, but his repeated response was, “Who cares?” Names behind the faces There is a woman in her mid-30s. She is well known to anyone who regularly frequents the city. Kerry* yells loudly at anyone who is visibly and, if truth be known, invisibly near her. Her mental health is extremely poor. The systemic response to Kerry is to simply move her on. Last week, Kerry gave us another colourful outburst outside our building. My wife, Sandra, took the time to sit with Kerry and listen. Kerry shared that she was angry and frustrated because she had money in her bank account but could not access it as she was banned from banks and Centrelink offices. Who cares? Simon*, in his early 40s, is in a similar position to Kerry. He has complex mental health issues, is loud, angry and very well-known around the city. He has a significant sum of money in his bank account but, like Kerry, has been banned from attending banks and Centrelink offices. Simon was recently charged with shop theft. He was simply trying to survive without money. His problems continue to escalate. But who cares? Geoffrey* was in the Salvos cafe last week. Paramedics told him he urgently needed to get his left leg treated. If he didn’t, it would need to be amputated. The infection was horrendous, and the smell of rotting flesh was putrid. Unfortunately, we have no form of healthcare on-site at The Salvation Army at 69 Bourke St. It’s a massive gap in our service delivery. Meanwhile, we keep receiving complaints about Frank*, an elderly man sleeping rough in a park in East Melbourne, doing nothing wrong other than being ‘unsightly’. Frank lost his wallet, which contained all of his identification, and not knowing what to do, he just gave up. Our team got him into a house provided by Collingwood Football Club, and Centrelink staff helped him access some identification. All these people are receiving ongoing care from the Salvos, but so much more needs to be done. I remain extremely frustrated that highly vulnerable people still cannot access basic and essential health and mental health support in situ – on location – where they gather. I see them suffer and, in many cases, die. But there is hope. Last Saturday night, I received a phone call from a prominent member of our city. She stumbled upon a distressed 20-year-old woman. Rather than ignore the problem, she spent most of Saturday night ensuring this woman received the support she desperately needed. She didn’t have to – she wanted to. It is up to us to ensure the mantra of this city is not, “Who cares?” but “We care”. May that be the case this year for our city, state and nation as together we build bridges, not walls, in the great backyard we share. * Not their real names. This article first appeared in the Herald Sun newspaper. Major Brendan Nottle runs The Salvation Army Project 614 in Melbourne

Australian officers Commissioners Wayne and Robyn Maxwell, leaders of the South Pacific and East Asia Zone, spent time this week in the Philippines to conduct a territorial review. Wayne is the International Secretary and Robyn is the Secretary for Women’s Ministries for the zone. “These last few days have been so rich as we have shared in Officers’ Councils, Spiritual Day at the Officer Training College, time with the precious children at Joyville Children’s Home and a memorable visit with Tanay Corps – each place blessing us with a special cultural welcome, dancing and singing,” shared Robyn. “We are especially grateful to Territorial Leaders and their amazing team for every courtesy shown to us. "May the Lord continue to bless the Philippines Territory!” Warzone ministry in Ukraine The Salvation Army in Ukraine continues to reach out to those who are suffering, despite the heavy shelling that happens daily across the country. Recently, a small team of officers and volunteers visited an area near the border with Belarus to provide supplies and a Christmas celebration for the children. The people in these villages are still recovering from the Russian occupation they endured before Ukrainian troops liberated the remote area. Many homes have been destroyed, and there is no gas or electricity. There is only one employer remaining in the area, and many people have left. “It is important that The Salvation Army in Ukraine comes to the villages like these on a regular basis to support people in need with the resources available through our supporters and donors,” says Major Konstantin Shvab, Ukraine Divisional Commander. “It was great to see children and teenagers participating with great passion and enthusiasm in our events. It was also a great opportunity to express our love, tell them about the Good News and help the attendees to gain confidence that Jesus created the world for good. “It was great to see lots of happy faces during our visits. The Salvation Army in Ukraine expresses its gratitude to all the supporters, friends, volunteers, donors and others who make visits like these possible.” Learn for Work project In the Rwanda and Burundi Territory, Territorial Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Laurore Clenat officially opened and dedicated to God, new buildings for the Kayenzi  Rukeri TVET ‘Learn for Work’ project. Lieut-Colonel Clenant reminded those gathered that education is a significant and key tool for sustainable development. Among its community development strategies, the territory aims to empower young women and men with vocational skills for employment opportunities. Young people are currently being trained in advanced tailoring, advanced motor vehicle mechanics, and driving (theory and practical). Cholera outbreak Following one of the worst outbreaks of cholera in eastern and southern Africa for many years – currently impacting 13 countries within the region – The Salvation Army is responding to the situation in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The two Salvation Army hospitals in Zimbabwe – Howard Hospital in Mashonaland Central and Tshelanyemba Hospital in Matabeleland South – are setting up cholera treatment centres on The Salvation Army compounds, which are separated from normal hospital activities by a fence to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. The centres can treat up to 20 cholera patients each at any given time. If treatment is provided quickly after catching the disease, most patients can be discharged from healthcare facilities within three days. In Zambia, The Salvation Army is also responding to the situation and currently planning a program that will include the provision of soap, chlorine and other supplies to at-risk communities, in combination with hygiene promotion and health-awareness measures. The intention is to provide 575 at-risk households with essential hygiene, cleaning and water disinfection items, and to set up 10 communal handwashing facilities in four communities and cholera centres, targeting a total of 3450 people. Positive pets Participants in four programs from The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Edmonton, Canada, now share their living space with some friendly four-legged friends. Dr. Bob, Wilson, Freddie and Leroy are the names of the four cats who were brought into the centre’s facilities to accompany the residents and bring them some joy. The new pet therapists have been assigned to different programs. Dr. Bob and Wilson live at Keystone and Cornerstone sober housing facilities respectively. Freddie frequents the Grace Village Supportive Housing building, while Leroy spends time with seniors at Grace Manor. Vanessa Sim, assistant executive director at the Centre of Hope, says bringing the cats is already showing positive signs when it comes to improving the residents’ mood. “We’ve seen some significant changes in some of the behaviours of our participants. It has been an amazing experience to see people come out of their norm. “We know statistically and research-wise, that animals are excellent therapy. The interactions are wonderful. We’ve seen some significant changes in some of the behaviours of our participants. It has been an amazing experience to see people come out of their norm.” Thanks to the arrival of the furry friends, residents are seen frequenting general areas of their facilities more often. The personality of the cats also blends in with the atmosphere of each facility, which helps with the transition for both the pet and for the residents. All four cats hang around the building and like to be present during activities at each of the programs they are part of. “It is a companion, it helps you through troubled times,” said David, a resident of Grace Village, referring to Freddie. Vanessa has witnessed the positive impact of this initiative. She recalls seeing a resident make significant progress thanks to the cats’ presence. “One of our participants, who is nonverbal and quite antisocial, was holding the cat and posing for pictures the other day. It was a bit miraculous, honestly. We had never seen such engagement from her in all the years that she has been there,” she shared. “One of our participants, who is nonverbal and quite antisocial, was holding the cat and posing for pictures the other day.” The new feline occupants have had a positive impact on the atmosphere at the Centre of Hope’s facilities. Staff members have noticed residents discussing the cats with one another as they walk by. The initiative’s success has participants of other programs asking if they can get a cat as well. Vanessa says they are open to adding more furry companions in the future. “We would certainly be open to each of the programs having a centre cat for sure. It’s been a positive experience.”

BY LAUREN MARTIN The Tamworth Country Music Festival has attracted hundreds of people to Tamworth Corps in western NSW for camping, concerts and a gospel Sunday. Corps Officers Majors Tony and Yan de Tommaso and their faithful congregation hardly stopped to catch their breath after Christmas, before the festival, which runs from 19-28 January, was upon them. For 15 years, The Salvation Army has opened its grounds to campers, run a ‘Country Kitchen’ café, and hosted performances by the Australian Bush Balladeers Association. With two shows per day, it’s one of the busiest times of the year for the small country corps, but one that raises much-needed funds and allows the congregation to have meaningful conversations with visitors to the site. “During the week, I did get to have a lot of good conversations with people, and our volunteers do as well,” said Tony. “They get to interact with the folk that are sitting and eating or having a cuppa between shows.” He said many people were interested in the history of the Salvos in the local area (did you know William Booth visited Tamworth in the late 1880s?) and engaged in conversation about the Salvos’ mission. The Salvation Army is known in Tamworth as a friendly, safe space that people can come to and one of the few venues that doesn’t serve alcohol. During the week, it was featured on a Channel 7 news report and ABC radio. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of the community of Tamworth,” said Tony. On the Sunday, at the close of the festival, Tamworth Corps hosted Gavin Chatelier, who presented a gospel music show for the corps and visitors. “It’s so special that we can meet in fellowship in this place of peace,” Tony said to those gathered. “We give thanks for music ... just allow God’s music to fill you today.”

BY LERISSE SMITH Embarking on a new and exciting transformational life journey serving God and others are the Australia Territory’s cadets of 2024. The Officer Formation team have announced the acceptances for training in 2024 – Jonathan Abdulai, Colette Albino, Benn Nicholson and Jose Porcia. Jonathan, Jose and Benn have been accepted as cadets to be part of the Keepers of the Covenant session commencing this month. Colette has joined the existing Champions of the Mission session. Jonathan, from Auburn Corps in Sydney, said what excited him the most about heading into this year was “having the opportunity of getting to meet new people and learn new things to empower my ministry.” Jose Porcia, from Coffs Harbour Corps, spoke of the Bible verse that defined his life in the light of the gospel: “This is eternal life, to know the one true God and his son Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3). Jose said his personal mission was the John 17 message. “I carry this message so that the love that is in me today may also be in others (John 17:23). This message has a profound meaning in my life because, at one point, I was dead. But because of the love in me, I am alive and a new creation in Christ.” Benn, also from Coffs Harbour Corps, said he was excited to continue his journey with God and partake in the wonderful blessings God has in store. He said he was looking forward to meeting good people in a new setting who share the same love that he also has in Christ. Benn is optimistic about relocating for his period of training. “A new corps will give me the opportunity to share my testimony of how God has transformed me into a new creation, with the hope that others can draw from my experience and encourage them to pursue and strengthen their relationship with God,” he said. Most of all, Benn is excited to continue growing in his salvation and demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ by engaging and supporting the people from the community. “I’m a blessed man, and I am excited to continue into 2024 where 2023 left off, walking in the full blessing and salvation only a life in Christ can provide,” he said. Colette, an auxiliary-lieutenant serving in ministry alongside her husband Captain Duane Albino, has joined the existing Champions of the Mission session, signalling a pathway towards commissioned officership. Colette is excited about a more dedicated pursuit of growth and development during cadetship. “I am excited and so humbled to be accepted for formation towards commissioned officership,” she said. “I am prepared to commit to lifelong service for the Lord. My current favourite scripture comes to mind, ‘Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.’ Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB)”. Colette and Duane Albino will continue to serve at Albany Corps in WA.

SAGALA started in 2010 as a mentoring group for young people facing hardship. “We are a place that puts young people who find themselves on the margins into the centre. And we treat them like they’re our own family,” says Major Cate Shanks (Community Outreach Officer – Frankston North). The team of leaders and mentors work with young people and families to build community, acceptance and trust. Providing a support network that is fun, social and a safe haven when life is tough.

Friends, How are you? I have a great feeling about this year. I really sense that it is a new day, and that we will now walk in that. It’s time. I know this. The Kingdom of God is advancing, and my/our God is good! I love the Word of God. So much gold ... “I recall all you have done, O Lord. I remember your wonderful deeds … They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy.‌” (Psalm 77:11-13a NLT) “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name!” (Psalm 103:1) This is what God says, ‌“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see if? There it is. I’m making a way through the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18) I love the idea of looking back over the year/years and using ‘Examen’: Remember, rejoice, repent ... and now, at the beginning of 2024, I believe that God is asking us to be ready! William Bridges, who has written an excellent book, Transitions, has done some great work on this subject. You might like to look up his work or read his book. William talks about three stages: Endings ‌Neutral zone ‌New beginnings You experience a lot of different feelings in each: Endings ... shock, anger, denial, fear, sadness Neutral zone ... confusion, disorientation, frustration, scepticism, apathy New beginnings ... excitement, energy, commitment Check out the story of the Israelites in Joshua 3. It’s time to cross the Jordan. Their journey from Egypt into the wilderness and across that river was enormous, and I reckon they experienced all of those feelings. And now, in Joshua 3:5: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you”. Well, I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for the ‘new beginnings’, and I am going there. I am ready to ‘step into the Jordan’ (even though it is in flood!). I am ready to leave Egypt behind (no going back), and I am so ready to be part of the amazing things that God will do among us, as we write the new story. Are you coming? I hope so. So, this is what will be key over the next few years ... and we all need to be singing from the same song sheet: Our rallying cry becoming a strong reality, ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and hope revealed’. The way we do things around here. ‌Advancing and not retreating. Areas formed, all throughout Australia, with ‘Gathered Worship Communities’, ‘Communities of Hope’, and ‘Community Tables’, the priority on prayer, discipleship, great culture, spirituality and raising leaders. Every expression working collaboratively. ‌Different ways of leading in the Army. Officers, auxiliary-lieutenants, ministry leaders and more. People ‘tapped on the shoulder’. ‌Blue-sky thinking, for provision and dependence on God. ‌Focusing on the primary issues, and not being distracted by other issues. ‌The Salvation Army being what God called it to be in both belief and practice. ‌Passion ignited and systems simplified. ‌Writing a new, good, faith-filled, hope-filled story. Loving who God has called us to be and living it out beautifully. Calling out the gold in one another. Come on friends. It’s time. ‌ Bless you. Grateful to you and for you. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Territorial Commander ‌The Salvation Army Australia Territory

To read Stanley’s tribute, click here

Salvation Army volunteers and personnel in the NSW Hunter region were honoured with a ‘Significant Contribution’ award for their service to the community during the Hunter Valley bus tragedy in June 2023. Ten people were killed and 25 taken to hospital from the crash. The Salvation Army’s SAES Hunter and Central Coast regional coordinator, Hans Schryver, said volunteers gave their time to assist with catering and a listening ear at the site for 10 days following the tragedy. The award was presented to the SAES at a Cessnock City Council Australia Day Celebrations and Awards ceremony.

The role of the Divisional Commander (DC) is to support programs and services mainly offered in corps and faith communities within a geographical area and ensure all parts of The Salvation Army are working together to achieve our vision and mission. We caught up with our DCs to see what they are looking forward to in 2024. Our Divisional Commanders: Queensland: Major Mark Everitt NSW/ACT: Major Kim Haworth South Australia/Northern Territory: Major Paul Hateley Tasmania: Major Tracy Briggs Victoria: Colonel Kelvin Merrett Western Australia: Major Brad Potter What are you looking forward to the most in 2024? Major Mark Everitt (Qld) says, “Returning to what is my home state of Queensland (after 23 years of serving in NSW/ACT Division) is a great thrill and sort of like a bookend to my life. I’m looking forward to catching up with lifelong friends and meeting new ones. And I’m looking forward to seeing what God has been up to in those 23 years of being away.” Major Kim Haworth (NSW/ACT) is looking forward to continuing the journey of serving God through The Salvation Army and partnering with him in mission throughout the NSW/ACT Division. She said, “I’m encouraged and truly blessed to work alongside some amazing people in this division and the broader movement. My passion is for the frontline, so anything I can do to empower and support our frontline in their work of seeing people’s lives transformed by the love of Jesus is my aim. We have a miracle-working God and a wonderful story to tell. These are challenging and exciting days of opportunity for us as the people of God.” Major Paul Hateley (SA/NT) says he is observing the green shoots of growth that are appearing throughout the South Australia/Northern Territory Division after the dormancy that COVID brought. “I see people coming along to corps who have first connected with a social program. I see people coming to faith through the ministry of our corps, our chaplains and our social program staff. I see various Salvation Army corps, centres, stores and programs, which are placed together in a geographical area, hold hands in mission and work together for the greater good.” Major Tracy Briggs (Tas) began her role as Tasmania Divisional Commander in March 2023 and says it was a steep learning curve. “There is an amazing team here in Tasmania throughout all Salvation Army expressions, and I am really excited to be working with them in 2024. I’m incredibly grateful to God for each of them and continue to pray for them as we build an even stronger connection as we seek God’s guidance and serve together to see lives transformed with the love of Jesus through being Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and seeing hope revealed across Tasmania in 2024. On a personal note, our second grandbaby is due in March, and I cannot wait!” Colonel Kelvin Merrett (Vic) is looking forward to continuing the momentum of ‘Recasting The Net’ in the Victoria Division. “This is a journey that is now 18 months old, and it’s great to see the traction taking place as our local corps reimagine the vision of what it looks like to be The Salvation Army in 2024 and beyond. Some exciting things are being planned, and we have a great opportunity to refocus The Salvation Army.” Major Brad Potter (WA) says the Western Australia Division reflects The Salvation Army’s belief in the intrinsic value of every person as it serves the community with the love of Jesus. He is proud of the Army’s relationship with the community and is looking forward to continuing this partnership.  He says, “I am aware of the overwhelming generosity of the WA community who underpin and build our capacity to provide hope to those in greatest need. We (as a division) remain as committed as ever together with our friends and partners to work with great speed and determination in delivering hope, dignity, justice, compassion and a sense of community.” What is your focus in 2024? Mark (Qld) says his focus for this first year will be observing, listening and understanding. “Our creator God has been present and active in this state, and I would thank Majors Gavin and Wendy for all they have done. It’s that learning curve for me in 2024.” Kim (NSW/ACT) says it is to listen to the Spirit of God and do what he says. As a member of the National Leadership, her focus is on leading the NSW/ACT Divisional Team and continuing to work on implementing the National Strategy through Local Mission Delivery and our Divisional Plan. “This includes supporting our frontline, especially corps and faith mission expressions, as well as progressing exciting projects that position us to best serve our communities and those in need across NSW/ACT. My focus is on the spiritual leadership of this division, plus collaborative oversight across all aspects of our mission delivery.” Paul (SA/NT) says his focus this year will be twofold. “Continue to strengthen the understanding of what being Jesus-centred, Spirit-led and revealers of hope looks like in Salvos as individuals and as a collective of God’s people. And to encourage sustainable models of ministry that will bring about growth for God’s Kingdom.” Tracy (Tas) has three focus points for 2024: 1.     Personal prayer, Scripture, Sabbaths and Retreat days 2.     Raising the Spiritual temperature in Tasmania through prayers, training, conversations and relationships 3.     Intentional Discipleship Kelvin (Vic) says his focus this year is a continued emphasis on ‘Recasting the Net’. “This is vital to the future of The Salvation Army in Victoria. It has been so encouraging as I have shared this ‘picture’ in 30 different engagements in Victoria over the past 18 months, and to see the enthusiasm of officers and corps personnel as they engage in the opportunity of recasting what the future for The Salvation Army will be in their local area.  My focus is to keep that momentum going.” What is your inspiration for the new year? Mark (Qld): The whole reason the DC’s role exists – at least in my present understanding – is to ensure The Salvation Army’s frontline is understanding and fulfilling God’s calling for our movement. To spiritually, strategically and practically support the frontline is central to any form of headquarters in this Army. My inspiration is my Saviour’s example:“Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phillippians 2) Kim (NSW/ACT): Over Christmas, I was inspired and blown away by reading about the life of Rees Howells*.  Rees was an incredible intercessor for the Lord, who accomplished a great deal in his earthly life.  He was part of the Welsh Revival of the early 1900s. His obedience and Holy Spirit-filled commitment to the Lord was breathtaking.  The dedication of his life to the mission of God meant that he was used mightily by the Lord for his purposes. My desire is that the Lord would find in me, and in our people, the same heart, willingness and dedication. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to do incredible things through us to change lives, communities and our country! Paul (SA/NT): God created us for community; therefore, we lead out of relationship, not out of a command and control transaction. Tracy (Tas): To live in the moment and encounter the present. Not to look back to the past or to the future with such a deep longing that I miss what God is saying and doing right now today! A favourite Scripture verse of mine is found in Revelation chapter 7, I love the whole chapter, but the last verse never fails to stir my heart when I picture it: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” I find these words a powerful imagery of our Heavenly Father coming with compassion and love, gently wiping away my tears and those of countless others. If you can, for a moment, just imagine all the tears you have shed for many different reasons over the years and then think of all those who are crying today and picture the most gentle kind hand wiping them away until every face is shining with the most brilliant smile, oh wow that precious image spurs me on and encourages me to be His hands and feet today! Kelvin (Vic): My catch verse has always been Philippians 4-13: “I can do all of this through him who gives me strength”. This is a consistent reminder that everything we do needs to be in the strength of our Lord. How important it is that we bring him along the journey – or more importantly, it is his journey that we are on!

BY LERISSE SMITH It all began under a humble gum tree in Adelaide’s Botanic Park on 5 September 1880. Two converts of William Booth’s new ‘Salvation Army’ – Edward Saunders and John Gore – staged the first unofficial Army meeting in Australia from the back of a greengrocer’s cart. The following year, the first officers arrived from London – Captain and Mrs Thomas Sutherland – and The Salvation Army made an official start, spreading like wildfire. One of the towns that ‘caught the fire’ was Kaniva, a rural community 300km south-east of Adelaide, just across the border in Victoria. Two Salvation Army soldiers, affectionately known as ‘Satchel and Cook’, had moved into the Kaniva farming district and set about making converts and establishing a corps. Little did they know that their initiative would result in The Salvation Army serving the vibrant community for the next 140 years. In a bittersweet moment, Kaniva Corps recently celebrated its 140th anniversary at the same time as closing its doors. The COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in church membership were the catalyst for Kaniva closing. The corps was also no longer financially viable. The celebratory service on 31 December 2023 at its church building in Progress St featured the Horsham Corps band and a worship group from a Samoan fellowship that will now use the Army hall. A community Christmas carols by candlelight event also formed part of the celebration. “I wanted to finish very well,” said Major Karen Armstrong, who was Corps Officer at Kaniva. “I kept saying to the people of Kaniva, it might be The Salvation Army shutting their doors, but it’s not God. God is just going to take you on a different journey. He is saying, from Isaiah 42, ‘I can still do something new’, and that’s what my message was based on at the last service – that God was going to do something new.” The Army comes to town After ‘Satchel and Cook’ established The Salvation Army’s footing in Kaniva in 1883, they were soon followed by Envoy Samuel Dalling, who arrived as a fresh convert from Mount Gambier. By profession a vet, Samuel moved around the district giving the gospel message wherever he went and commenced cottage meetings at Lawloit, Lillimur, Yearinga, Yanac South and Kaniva. Many converts were made, including the well-respected Envoy J.L. Judd of South Yanac. A call went out for an officer, and a corps commenced at South Yanac with 60 soldiers being placed on the roll. It was decided to move The Salvation Army from Yanac South to Kaniva where the first citadel was erected on June 12, 1889, under the command of Captain James Duncan. During the next 16 years, there were no less than 30 officers that moved rapidly throughout that period. The daughter of Envoy Dalling, Mrs FJ Vivian, known as ‘Eva’, became an officer and for four years served in Western Australia before having to return for home duty as her mother was ill. She settled in Kaniva and served the community for 42 years before retirement. Historical records further document that the ‘Three Envoys’ – Dallings, Envoy Judd and Mrs FJ Vivian – became eminent names in The Salvation Army in Victoria. Apparently, they didn’t take too well to wearing The Salvation Army cap, so wore black felt trilby hats – and hence were known as ‘The Three Bishops!’  Many of their descendants became Army officers and served for many years to come at Kaniva. A beautiful appointment During Kaniva’s entire history, more than 40 corps officers have served the community, including current Victorian Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett and Captains Chris and Tracey Sutton, Corps Officers at nearby Horsham. Its building on Progress Street was built in the 1950s, with renovations taking place in the proceeding years. It was the legacy of all those involved in the rich history of Kaniva that Major Karen Armstrong embraced when she arrived at Kaniva in November 2022 to serve as corps officer to both Kaniva and the neighbouring Broughton Corps (which remains open) and as rural chaplain for the West Wimmera area. “It was a beautiful, beautiful appointment,” Karen said. “I found there was a richness in their faith which I thoroughly enjoyed. People cared for each other. They understand the land. When you look at the Bible, you see the stories that Jesus taught; you would be right in amongst it when Jesus is talking about the wheat fields because that's what they’re in. When you hear that Jesus is the Lamb of God, well, they’ve got sheep and they know what that shepherd mentality is – that humbleness, and they are humble people. “You are just accepted,” she said. “You are not a local and never will be – but you’re accepted. They accept The Salvation Army and who we are and what we stand for. And they have always done that.” Deep faith and resilience The farmers’ resilience was also on full display when Karen served the people of Kaniva. She said they had it in “bucketfuls”. “Tough times have birthed a deep faith in farmers,” she said. “Right on Christmas time, there was one farmer household, and for 48 hours, they were virtually going non-stop, knowing that if they didn’t do that, they wouldn’t be able to get the harvest and the wheat cut.” When it came to the sad realisation Kaniva Corps would be closing, Karen had one clear focus – to ensure the closing went well and The Salvation Army would come out with a good name and not a negative name. “For me, it had to be a time of glorifying God,” she said. “Not only for those years of faithfulness and God being faithful to the people in the area, but the people who served God so humbly, and the number of people over those years that have been pray-ers. When I have spoken with past corps officers who had served at Kaniva, they told me it was their best appointment.” While Kaniva Corps has officially closed, for the month of January 2024, The Salvation Army has leased out its building to the local Samoan group – something that excites Karen. “There’s a whole Samoan community that will move in,” she said. “And I am glad it will keep the building alive.”

BY LAUREN MARTIN An influx of Pacific Islander workers into south-west NSW rural townships has led to an inter-denominational partnership between The Salvation Army and the Wagga Fellowship. The Federal Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste when not enough local workers are available. This has led to an increase in Pacific Islanders living and working in rural and regional Australia. In Wagga Wagga, south-west NSW, The Salvation Army was approached by the Wagga Fellowship (a church made up of many Pacific Islanders) about three years ago, requesting to use the Army hall for a Wagga Fellowship event. This led to a partnership between the two churches, with regular combined services and missional events. “We could not have come this far if it hadn’t been for The Salvation Army,” said Wagga Fellowship Pastor Tom Rokoqica. “We believe we all come under the same banner and serve the same purpose to save the lost.” Pastor Tom, who has been in Australia for the past four years from Fiji, said the Wagga Fellowship started due to the Australian Government’s PALM scheme enticing more islanders to work in Australia. “A lot of us are coming from the islands, and when they are here, they are idle,” he said. “We started this fellowship to keep the fire for Christ burning. And it has grown now.” The Wagga Fellowship often uses The Salvation Army’s building for meetings, as well as other halls in the rural city. Pastor Tom said the connection with The Salvation Army also provides valuable support for new Pacific Islander families moving to the area. “Most of them when it comes to the first time coming into Australia, they have their lodging, but the house stuff, The Salvation Army has helped a lot with them. Blankets and things like that.” Wagga Wagga Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Val Hopewell said partnering with the Wagga Fellowship has been enriching for parishioners of both churches. “It’s been a great opportunity for our corps to see how people worship differently, but we all have the same common love of God,” she said. “One of the services we did with them last year, we welcomed them, and they had a ‘lovo’ (a traditional islander barbeque) onsite to bless us, and they led us in our Mother’s Day service.” Cultural exchange As relationships strengthened between the churches, an idea was born to develop a cultural exchange for young Fijians. Pastor Tom said The Salvation Army’s support helped to enable the Nausori Interdenominational Youth Group to travel to Australia and perform a cultural youth tour throughout the Riverina. The group used The Salvation Army Leeton Corps bus to travel to different schools and locations to perform, including at The Salvation Army Wagga, The Salvation Army Leeton and Salvos Store in Wagga. “There was singing, dancing and outreach,” said Pastor Tom. “With testimonies in between featuring real experiences from the young kids.” One of the highlights was performing at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre, where Pastor Tom said the response from the young people was very enthusiastic. “They would like us to come back next year,” he said. “We are so grateful for The Salvation Army’s support in helping us to create this youth cultural exchange.” The Wagga Fellowship is now looking to partner with The Salvation Army in Albury (90 minutes south), hoping its church will expand as more Pacific Islander workers move to the city. “We have done five Sundays already going to them and having fellowship with them, and we are trying to locate a hall in the area, and it might be a possibility to come and use The Salvation Army in Albury to have church there.”