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Artwork that appeared in Salvation Army publications showing its devotion to social work. BY BARRY GITTINS When you were a child, what was The Salvation Army known for, and what images were seared into the public eye? Would you say the brass band on the march? The open-air ring, with the corps’ bass drum booming its message of hope? The girls and women elegantly playing their timbrels? Comrades singing, testifying, giving ‘gospel shots’ (yelling out Scripture verses) to onlookers? A colourised image of early Salvationists helping someone in need of care. Those images are certainly true to the memories of many older Salvationists. However, they are often accompanied by other, equally true images of Salvationists dispensing food, a prayer, and a kind word. The provision of accommodation, counsel and care for vulnerable and homeless people. Bedding, clothing and furniture, donated by supporters, provided free or cheaply by Salvationists to people in need. Some people mistakenly think social work is a recent addition to the Army’s mission. But 130 years ago, in a War Cry artwork from 1895 (only 15 years after Salvationists commenced ministering in Australia), an artist portrayed the gifts ‘wanted by our social workers’ to give to those in need. The 1895 artwork depicting gifts that The Salvation Army required to help those in need. Those things required? “Work for the unemployed. Shelter for the Magdalene [sex workers]. Food for the hungry. Clothing for the destitute. Home for the waifs and strays. Friends for discharged prisoners.” Evangelical endeavours and social work – meeting people’s spiritual and practical needs – have always been inextricably linked in The Salvation Army’s holistic mission. That all-embracing view of life and love was a characteristic of The Salvation Army, and one emphasis without the other is an incomplete vision. The public eye sees ‘our’ good works these days. The motivation behind them may be lost in the busyness and business of life lived in a multicultural, multifaith society. How can we, individually and corporately, share our faith in a kind, invitational manner?

Kidzone's Cousin Koala with Jody Smith from Thanks a Latte. The Salvation Army’s Melbourne-based Asylum Seeker and Refugee Service recently held a Family Fun Day at their Brunswick centre. The event, held on Saturday 21 June, featured activities for children as well as time for sharing stories of hope from beneficiaries of the service. The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) team provided a van and catering services, utilising halal meat donated by Madina Halal Meats. Additionally, the local Persian community contributed a coffee van and barista services from Thanks a Latte Co. The guest speaker was Victorian Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett. Kidzone magazine’s Cousin Koala also attended the event. The Asylum Seeker and Refugee Service has been assisting people seeking asylum with emergency relief, material aid, casework, chaplaincy and employment support since July 2010. This specialised service of The Salvation Army is specially designed to deliver crucial support to people living in the community with a temporary or bridging visa status.

The Salvation Army is preparing to celebrate its 160th anniversary! In recognition of this upcoming significant anniversary on 2 July, The Salvation Army International Headquarters has created eight short videos chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years, with one video being released each week, beginning 5 June.   The fourth video, released this week, focuses on The Salvation Army’s response to social justice.   Social justice has been a key component of The Salvation Army’s mission since its inception in 1865.   The Salvation Army continues to fight for social justice and has worked with the United Nations since 1947, and in 2007 we established our International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) in New York City, USA. The ISJC is The Salvation Army’s strategic voice in advocating for human dignity and social justice among the world’s poor and oppressed.   READ MORE: The Salvation Army Australia's Social Justice Stocktake Report 2025   To watch this week's video, click on the arrow below. Previous anniversary videos  The first video looked at The Salvation Army as both a church and a charity.   The second video highlighted The Salvation Army’s emergency relief work. The third video explored the Army’s response to modern slavery and human trafficking.

It may seem an odd thing now, but smoking was an ongoing issue in The Salvation Army for the first 100 years of its existence. BY BARRY GITTINS   It’s nearly 50 years since The Salvation Army took a principled stance, making abstinence from smoking a condition of Salvation Army soldiership and membership.   In a 1976 (7 Feb.) issue of the Australian  War Cry , it was announced that General Clarence Wiseman had decreed a new requirement: non-smoking. As part of the General’s call for a general non-use of tobacco, abstinence from cigars, cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, (vapes), etc. would be required if someone wanted to become a Salvation Army soldier “from this time forward”. (The implementation for the new requirement, as set out, “will not affect soldiers enrolled before the date of issue”, so presumably no retrospective stand-downs were made.)   The two Australian territorial commanders at the time, Commissioners William Goodier and Leslie Pindred, thanked God for “the courage displayed by General Wiseman in taking such action at this time. We believe he has been led by the Holy Spirit to make this decision.” READ MORE: William Booth’s stance on smoking Two decades before, in the 1950s, the War Cry  was clearly describing tobacco as “a killer”, and The Salvation Army’s Junior Soldiers program even rolled out a ‘Certificate of Membership’ to ‘The Young Soldier Non-Smoking Club’ and invited the young people to sign it as a commitment. The Salvation Army had long railed against tobacco as a dangerous and unhealthy habit (the news release notes “the incidence of cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases”) and long resented the money spent on it (which could better have gone to TSA’s coffers).    The use of tobacco had, for many years, prohibited “a soldier from becoming a local officer or holding any office in the corps”, which had led to “a double standard, [which] has been the cause for concern and the subject of debate”.    To allow for those people who wouldn’t be allowed to be soldiers “because of their use of tobacco”, the Salvos offered the continuing option of adherent membership, with the hope that “they can in time be persuaded to give up the use of tobacco, in order that they may enjoy the privileges of soldiership ...”   The most intriguing aspect of this decision, I’d suggest, is that it may well be the last time an international leader of The Salvation Army showed the courage of their convictions to impose a decision on the whole of the organisation. (At least, that is to say, publicly and clearly; Salvationists and the broader community are not privy to the topics Salvation Army international leaders discuss, nor the forums in which they discuss and decide policy.)   Will we ever again see an executive decision made for and on behalf of the whole of The Salvation Army because of a principled stance? For example, regarding inclusion, membership of TSA and participation in TSA? And if such a decree were made, would an international decision move the entire Salvation Army?

Faith and values underpin everything Ian Shanks undertakes, with The Salvation Army at the heart of his life. Here he is pictured with his ‘children’ – the youth of Ethiopia. BY LERISSE SMITH In places as diverse as the blistering heat of Ethiopia’s Afar Region and the aisles of his Melbourne pharmacy, Ian Shanks is driven by one single mission: to enhance and save lives. And his selfless work and dedication to the women and children of Ethiopia have led to the Ringwood Corps soldier being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community through charitable organisations. But he never saw it coming. “It was just a shock,” Ian reflected. “It is not something I would have sought. But I am humbled and feel honoured to be given this.” Ian almost missed the big news. Months before the announcement, a nomination confirmation email hit his inbox – but he brushed it off quickly, thinking it was a scam. “I’m not falling for that,” he thought. “But Government House in Canberra contacted me the following week to see if I would accept the nomination! So, I did, and then just forgot about it. Then the week before the King’s Birthday, an email arrived saying I had been awarded the OAM medal. My family are all pretty excited.” The award reflected his heartfelt work and his role as the founding partner and key driver of the Fullife Foundation. And it is saving lives. “The Fullife Foundation is driven by a deep commitment to helping others,” he said. “Our focus is on improving the health of women and children in Ethiopia. We achieve meaningful impact through a small, dedicated volunteer team, supported by a wide network of partners, donors, and service providers. Our core role is to act as a conduit between donors and Ethiopian project partners – identifying and supporting initiatives that directly improve health outcomes. This approach defines our business model.” Model of Christianity Ringwood Corps Officer Major Bram Cassidy said he was thrilled Ian had received the distinguished award. “He is an amazing guy and very humble,” he commented. Major Bram Cassidy, Ringwood Corps Officer, who says Ian is the ‘best model of what a Christian should look like’. “What I love about Ian is that he is the very best model of what a Christian should look like. It is what you want as a leader of a corps. You want your people to be doing not necessarily all the same thing, but to have the spirit, the drive – that is what I would love to lead  my people to. Ian’s  parents were amazing people, and the whole family are all quality people.” Bram said Ian was not only passionate about his work with the Foundation but also had many other qualities, including being heavily involved with music for many years and being an amazing father and grandfather. He also helped corps members struggling with life difficulties, extending generosity and friendship. Pivotal moment Ian’s journey to establish the registered not-for-profit charity had an unlikely beginning. During a family holiday in Queensland after a five-year stint as Corps Sergeant Major at Ringwood Corps, he experienced a pivotal point he describes as a ‘God moment’. While reading a Bill Hybels book and listening to a Christian artist sing about making poverty history, he had a sudden epiphany. “I just got this flash,” he remarked. “A God moment – hard to explain, but just in that second, I saw a vision of me getting actively involved in tackling poverty in Africa – it felt like a call on my life, so I still get a bit emotional about thinking about it.” That moment led to months of approaching organisations and charities to gauge interest in his ideas, but nothing seemed to work. Ian had nearly given up the dream when one Sunday, a chance conversation with a friend outside his church reignited the spark and set things in motion. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and visiting Tanzania further opened his eyes to Africa and the harsh realities of poverty and health struggles, solidifying his passion to help the people there. “To personally see crushing poverty just broke my heart,” he recalled. After returning to Australia, the pharmacist decided to take action.  Along with a trusted friend who had been assisting his pharmacies for a couple of years as a consultant and who had visited Ethiopia a few times, the Fullife Foundation was established in 2013. Focus on Ethiopia Starting with World Vision as a partner through child sponsorship, Ian and his team eventually moved into a new chapter after realising they wanted to focus on one country with the greatest need: Ethiopia. In subsequent years, they expanded their work with charities including International Needs, APDA, and the Barefoot Initiative. Their projects are tightly managed with transparent governance, ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to their impactful work. They have a network of four trusted partners in Ethiopia and fund projects in the south as well as the Afar Region, the hottest inhabited place on earth. Over the years, Fullife has partnered to donate a staggering 50,000 birthing kits. The team funds infrastructure such as maternal health centres, health posts, maternal waiting rooms, and water projects, working where the need is greatest. About 10 years ago, Ethiopia had one of the highest rates of maternal death in the world. The Foundation partnered with an organisation that produced birthing kits, encouraging customers to buy and donate them. Over the years, they have donated a staggering 50,000 birthing kits, proven through the World Health Organisation studies to reduce maternal and infant deaths by up to 75 per cent. The Foundation supports the work in the Afar of Australian nurse Valerie Browning, a good friend and Companion of the Order of Australia. The average immunisation rate in the Afar region is 8 per cent, and sadly, preventable diseases such as measles, cholera and typhoid regularly sweep through the unimmunised, killing many. Australian nurse Valerie Browning, a good friend and Companion of the Order of Australia. “We fund Valerie’s immunisation programs of about 1000 people at a time in very remote areas in the Afar Region,” Ian explained. “Which involves sending a health team out for a couple of weeks at a time, four times over about a four-month period, to ensure all these people are fully immunised.” Ian said the Foundation had impacted health outcomes in the Afar by providing safe birthing kits and emergency relief to those affected by drought and starvation. A lack of water affects people and their animals, reducing a family’s ability to maintain adequate nutrition. Lasting impact Of key importance to the Foundation’s work is talking to the communities to determine their needs so they can be addressed. “There is an old saying that ‘Africa is littered with the rusting good intentions of Westerners’,” Ian remarked. “We only work where there is community ownership and something that can fit inside or be part of the Ethiopian health system, so there is ongoing support.” This approach has enabled the Foundation to grow while making a tangible, lasting impact. The Shurmo Maternal Health and Delivery Centre. For example, a private donor contributed $60,000 to build a four-room delivery centre in Shurmo. Not one mother has lost their life coming to that centre in six years – an extraordinary achievement compared to what was happening before, Ian remarked. The facilities also feature maternal waiting rooms and shower blocks, so the mums can receive ante and postnatal care. Pharmacy involvement In Australia, Ian integrates his Foundation’s mission with his pharmacy business. Under the Fullife Pharmacies brand of four pharmacies, a give-back program donates 10 cents from every customer transaction directly to the Foundation. Furthermore, every time someone gets immunised in the pharmacies, $1 is donated. Customers can also purchase Gift of Hope cards to support the distribution of birthing kits or remote immunisation. The Foundation’s work has touched countless lives since its inception, and this impact fuels Ian and his Foundation team every day, ensuring they meet the community's needs. So, what drives Ian each day? “We can honestly say that in a number of the areas in which we have worked with our local partners, life is better,” he said. Ian and his team have expanded their work with charities including International Needs, APDA and the Barefoot Initiative. They have a network of four trusted partners in Ethiopia and fund projects in the south as well as the Afar Region, the hottest inhabited place on earth. The team funds infrastructure such as maternal health centres, health posts, maternal waiting rooms, and water projects, working where there is the greatest need. “Fewer babies are dying, fewer mothers are dying in childbirth, they are healthier, they’re more educated, and they’re more self-sustaining than they would have been if we didn't exist … and what we’ve learned is this – if you stay focused, take one target within poverty, stick to that target, and be disciplined about how you meet that challenge, you can start dealing with it. Everyone can do something.” The pharmacist also highlighted the privilege of working with a brilliant, all-women board that has complementary skills, ensuring strong governance, targeted impact, and life-changing results. Additionally, as a volunteer board member, everyone pays their own way on the Foundation's regular trips to visit projects in Ethiopia. Christian upbringing Faith and values also underpin everything Ian undertakes, with The Salvation Army at the heart of his life. He reflected on the values he was taught as a child, which included respecting others and putting others before himself. “I am very thankful to Mum and Dad for the solid Christian upbringing that I was given,” he said. “While we struggled financially, my parents were generous, humble and hospitable people. I have tried to run my business life, my personal life, with a sense of gratitude to God for what he’s done for me, and certainly in Jesus and what he did for me on the cross and that has flowed over into the way that I think the Foundation has come about, the belief God loves everyone with the same infinite love. And I’m no more special than anyone else.” Back home in Australia, when he’s not working or undertaking Foundation work, Ian loves spending time with his wife, Cheryl, and his family, including his four sons and the soon-to-be 14th grandchild. Music is also a thread running through his life. From playing the cornet and piano in the army band as a youth to teaching himself the guitar and performing in Christian bands, music has been a constant companion. He still plays at the corps when needed and fondly recalls his 1980s Salvos rock band, Daniel, where the band, including Major Bram, wore full army uniforms! The Salvos have also impacted Ian’s life with their mission to serve the least and the lost. He highlighted its accepting, non-discriminatory and inclusive approach, supporting many marginalised people in the community with care and compassion. His belief that “God loves us all equally” also motivates his desire to give back generously to those less fortunate. When Ian and his team visit Ethiopia, their faith is strengthened by the love, kindness, and strong sense of community among the Ethiopian people who have so little. The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ really comes to life with the team seeing it in action every day.  So, too, the beautiful people of Ethiopia. “When we visit, our faith is strengthened by the love, kindness, and strong sense of community among the Ethiopian people who have so little,” he said. “The saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ really comes to life over there – we see it in action every day. Their deep sense of shared responsibility is inspiring. We come home not only wanting to live more simply but also feeling a renewed drive to give back and do more for the communities we support in Ethiopia.”

Andor  functions as a parable about what attracts people to power and why we strive for justice. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Andor Season 2 continues the thrilling Star Wars story of the first rebels who gather to fight against the fascist Galactic Empire.   Created by Tony Gilroy for the streaming service Disney+, Andor: A Star Wars Story is a prequel to the 2016 film Rogue One , which in turn is a prequel to the 1977 original Star Wars: A New Hope .   The eponymous lead, Cassian Andor, is played by Diego Luna, who also serves as executive producer, completing the character arc of the thief-turned-revolutionary.   Season 2 furthers the story’s timeline, set in the years leading up to the original Star Wars . Fans will recognise classic heroes like rebel leader Mon Mothma, a layered performance by Genevieve O’Reilly, and Princess Leia’s adoptive father Bail Organa, a role recast here with Benjamin Bratt. Diego Luna as Cassian Andor. Photo: Lucasfilm Ltd. Season 2 also continues the compelling exploration of its villains, detailing the naivety and ambition of imperial power couple Syril Karn and Dedra Meero, played by Kyle Soller and Denish Gough.   Andor’s premise dances between a number of genres: part science fiction, part spy thriller, and part dramatic tragedy.   People and politics Star Wars creator George Lucas has often described the franchise as a modern-day myth, offering guidance for younger viewers and those young at heart. Andor is no children’s show, however. The first season saw Cassian Andor undergo a moral transformation after being targeted by police, falsely imprisoned, used for slave labour, and recruited by spymaster Luthen Rael, Stellan Skarsgård, to undermine the injustices of the Galactic Empire. Denise Gough as Dedra Meero. Photo: Lucasfilm Ltd.  The series garnered praise and awards for its gritty depiction of people and politics. Those wanting the imaginative aliens, puppets, and youthful banter traditionally associated with the franchise might be surprised to find a nuanced exploration of the psychologies of fascism and resistance. Despite the more family-friendly tone, the original Star Wars was deeply political , with the subtext of those films evocative of the struggle against the Third Reich, as well as a critique of oppressive empires, extending even to America’s own involvement in Vietnam.   Gilroy and the writers are aware of the franchise’s political legacy and have invoked moments from Russian and Haitian revolutions and the Nazi occupation of France, creating scenes eerily reminiscent of Tiananmen Square and Bloody Sunday as well.   Such gritty politicalisation of family entertainment might seem tiresome for some audiences, particularly in a time of increasingly polarised perspectives and politicised media, but Andor’s deft use of such complex topics is a point of difference.   Andor as a parable Parables use simple stories to explore complex ideas. The parables of Scripture don’t state their meaning directly but use symbols to explore larger truths. The metaphor of parable disarms the audience, inviting them to process the difficult and abstract ideas. Andor functions in the same way, as a parable about what attracts people to power and why we strive for justice.   Almost 50 years after the first film, Star Wars continues to offer its audiences guidance. In a time of populism and polarisation, Andor offers more than just political noise.   While this series’ storytelling is never simplistic, the symbols of stormtroopers and spaceships invests its audience in experiences of incarceration, deportation, occupation, taxation, oppressive policing, and the limits of free speech.   While many audiences may watch, hoping to visit that familiar galaxy far, far away, many will be left wondering about the struggles of our own world, of our own time, and whether we play the role of hero or villain.

Having fun at the official cutting of the ribbon (from left), Josh Burns (Federal Member for Macnamara),  Joel Frederick (Regional Operations Manager, Mirvac), Commissioner Miriam Gluyas,  Stuart Penklis (Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use), Rachel Westaway (Member of Prahan, State Parliament of Victoria), Justin Halliday (Alma Ward, City of Port Phillip) and Major Narelle Jacobsen. BY LERISSE SMITH   A dynamic fusion of passion, vision and an unshakeable community spirit shone brightly at the official unveiling of the newly renovated facilities at The Well at St Kilda Chapel.   More than 70 guests, including Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Colonel Kelvin Merrett, Colonel Winsome Merrett, MP Josh Burns and Rachel Westaway MP, gathered to celebrate the opening of the stunning transformation at The Salvation Army’s well-known Community of Hope in Melbourne on 13 June.   Photo books chronicling The Well’s journey were gifted to Mirvac and The Salvation Army. But the special celebration went beyond just speeches and ribbon-cutting.   Claude, a beloved community member, shared her powerful testimony and gifted the gathering with her voice over lunch in the garden – a reminder of what The Well offers: hope, healing and connection.   Claude shares her story at The Well. Major Narelle Jacobsen, Community Development Officer for St Kilda Chapel, said the space now stood as a testament to faith, perseverance and the generosity of many hands.   “Commissioner Mirriam summed it up,” she said. “Be The Hope . Mirvac – you are the hope.”    The Mirvac team delivered a new fully equipped kitchen for weekly meals and future cooking classes; added storage solutions and a community pantry supporting Doorways; upgraded the chapel with elegant cupboards; refreshed the paint and carpet; and created an outdoor room in the garden – now a sacred space for healing, prayer, and case work.   Stuart Penklis, Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use, said the company was passionate about the project.   “It is with great pride that we supported the renovation of The Well at St Kilda Chapel – a project that truly reflects Mirvac’s commitment to community, compassion, and craftsmanship,” he said.   “The Well is more than just a building; it’s a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can find connection and a sense of belonging.”   The journey began in August 2024, with Mirvac collaborating closely with Narelle and The Salvation Army team to determine the best way Mirvac could contribute.   They listened, they dreamed – and then they built.   “From there, our teams rallied together, contributing over 500 worker hours to complete the renovation in just five weeks,” Stuart said.   “An incredible effort made possible by the dedication of our project teams, trades, and generous partners. This project was never just about construction – it was about enhancing a place that will continue to serve and uplift the St Kilda community for years to come. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our subcontractors, suppliers and, of course, our very talented and passionate Mirvac Construction team.”  Pictured in the garden of The Well to celebrate the official opening of the renovations (from left), Stuart Penklis, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Major Narelle Jacobsen, Colonel Kelvin Merrett, Josh Burns, Colonel Winsome Merrett, Rachel Westaway and Justin Halliday.  The roots of The Well run deep.   Seven years ago, Narelle was appointed Community Development Officer for St Kilda Chapel. The chapel doors closed to begin something new – a place called The Well.   “With a small team and a lot of prayer, a vision was born: to create a warm, welcoming space for the isolated and hurting – a home away from home,” she reflected.   “Out of this vision came Harvest of Love @ The Well, where people could connect over nourishing meals, learn to grow food, and find healing for body and soul. What began with a tiny, unequipped kitchen soon grew into a dream for something more. After COVID delayed building plans, hope remained. ‘God will provide,’ one team member said – and God did.”   Major Narelle Jacobsen addresses the guests at the official opening. In August 2023, during a visit from The Salvation Army national board, Miriam heard about the kitchen’s need and reached out to Stuart. He visited The Well in July 2024 and was deeply moved by the vision.   The wheels then started turning.   Soon after Stuart’s visit, Mirvac’s ‘A Team’, consisting of Joel Frederick, Leigh, Ben and Chris, brought the dream to life.   Narelle said the team had delivered a fully functional, beautiful kitchen where community meals were lovingly prepared each week, with cooking classes soon to begin.     “Joel and Leigh didn’t stop there,” she remarked. They asked, “What else can we do to help?” The inside of the newly renovated outdoor room. From much-needed storage solutions came new storage cupboards and a community pantry used by our Doorways (emergency relief) program. Then, with a fresh coat of paint and carpet, they helped bring our Community Hub back to life!”   In the chapel, elegant new cupboards were installed to store chairs, freeing up valuable space, and in the peaceful garden, a new outdoor room was created.   “This outdoor nook has become a sacred and intimate space where people can receive support, healing, and hope,” Narelle explained. “It will also accommodate our new case worker and continues to be a space where prayer requests are received and faithfully lifted up.”   As part of the official opening celebration, Narelle also said an extra special thank you to all their volunteers, whose heart and time continued to nourish their community of hope: “You are the heartbeat of The Well!” she told the attendees. Salvation Army staff and official guests gathered inside to admire the new renovations at The Well including (from left), Ben Field (Senior Site Manager, LIV Albert), Leigh Gianopoulos (Senior Project Manager, LIV Albert), Colonel Winsome Merrett, Major Narelle Jacobsen, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Colonel Kelvin Merrett (all Salvation Army), Jonathan Tuer (Regional Operations Manager, Mirvac), Chris Nixon, (Senior Project Engineer, LIV Albert), Joel Frederick (Regional Operations Manager, Mirvac) and Stuart Penklis (Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use).

New research from The Australia Institute revealed this year that 600,000 Australian children, some as young as 12, are gambling, spending more than $18 million a year – nearly one-third of all 12 to 17-year-olds across the country. It is taking hold across Australia – from bedrooms and bus stops to backyards and basketball courts. Gambling is invading young lives, luring hundreds of thousands of children with flashy games and the illusion of easy money. But the Salvos’ Gambling Support Service is sounding the alarm and cutting through the hype to reveal the true cost. In Part 2 of her series on gambling harms, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH spoke with the team to discover its mission to protect young lives – and the growing, silent epidemic. READ MORE: Part 1 – Gambling Support Service – new name, same committed service It was a shocking statistic that could not be ignored.  Hitting headlines for all the wrong reasons, new research from The Australia Institute revealed in April this year that 600,000 Australian children, some as young as 12, are gambling, spending more than $18 million a year – nearly one-third of all 12 to 17-year-olds across the country. And primary school-aged children are not immune, with increasing exposure via social media, video games, phone gambling apps and sometimes, their own families.    Still, there is reason to hope.  Leading the charge is the Salvos’ Gambling Support Service team, which works actively in Melbourne’s City and Inner North areas to tackle the issue with schools, families, and the wider community.  “Children are involved in gambling and are often starting at a young age,” said Kirrily Mitchell, Community Engagement Practitioner with the Salvos’ Gambling Support Service. “So much so that teens are now more likely to bet on sport, rather than play it, according to The Australia Institute study. There is a real linkage in people gambling at quite a young age, even though they are under 18, and having been exposed to gambling-like aspects in many online games … and that is always a real worry for people being able to access gambling, even when they are legally not meant to.” Kirrily Mitchell, Community Engagement Practitioner with the Salvos’ Gambling Support Service, says children who feel good about themselves are far less likely to turn to excessive gambling, drugs or alcohol for a boost.  Gambling influences are now common on YouTube and other social media platforms, with extensive exposure for kids and adolescents to the whole gambling world through many different avenues.  The introduction to it occurs very early on.  The whole gaming scene can really contribute to gambling harm later on, Kirrily commented, let alone the relentless gambling ads that are everywhere on socials, on free-to-air TV and around game stadiums.  The Community Engagement Practitioner spends part of her role visiting secondary schools, as well as community and industry groups, to raise awareness about gambling and its harms, with primary school-aged children in her sights too.  With gambling advertising saturated in Australia’s media landscape, Kirrily says talking with children about online games is also critical, especially because so many are laced with elements that mimic gambling.  ‘Loot boxes’ in many online games are a key example – deceptively innocent reward systems that are, in essence, gambling in disguise.  “They are a really stark example of what it is like,” she remarked. “This is early-onset, saturation in getting kids exposed to gambling through things like that.”  And it doesn’t stop at loot boxes. Some popular online games have let players walk into virtual casinos to play games such as blackjack – complete with the thrills and promise of winning money – but without any of the warnings.   It all adds up to children often making countless microtransactions, with the line between gaming and gambling never more dangerously blurred.  That is why the free, Department of Health-funded program titled ‘Be Ahead of the Game’, teaches children to think critically about the intertwined world of gaming and gambling – and how to recognise the traps, the relentless advertising impacts, and the subtle incentives pushing them to spend.   The mission is clear: to show students they don’t have to gamble if they don’t want to.  The main message is that if someone chooses to gamble when over 18, including adults, maybe buying a Tatts ticket for fun once or twice a year, that is fine. But it must be within their means, without chasing losses. Feeling in control is key, whether it’s gaming or gambling, and not to be controlled by addiction.  Children are involved in gambling and are often starting at a young age says the Salvos Gambling Support Service. The program also champions good mental health and normalises early help-seeking behaviours.  Kirrily noted that everyone has ups and downs, and while people seek to feel good in different ways, it is vital that they don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. Encouraging young people to reach out early to services such as Headspace or Beyond Blue can prevent greater struggles later on.  One key message is driven home to students, simple yet striking.  “Because we have so much unregulated gambling advertising and the fact that children have got a casino in their pocket now, with their mobile phone, they are encouraged to and have access to gambling content,” she emphasised.  “They can access sports betting anytime online. They can often get around the whole age thing. So, we tell them – look, there is this whole world of promotion, and of showing people winning, through gambling influencers online sites and the like ... It’s all highly glamorised and shown to be fun. We are just saying, hey, be aware that, in general, you will always lose more than you win.”  The program tackles myths head-on, highlighting the real financial, emotional and social costs of gambling.  Ultimately, the goal is not prohibition – it is awareness. Informed choices. And helping the students feel like they are in control.  Guest speakers with lived experience of gambling harm are also often part of these immersive school sessions. Students are encouraged to think about the ripple effects – relationship breakdowns, mental and physical health issues, falling behind at school, or losing sight of balance in their lives.  “We really try and help them be aware of the warning signs,” emphasised Kirrily. “Not only for themselves, but for others that they might know.” Parents and teachers also play a crucial role. Kirrily’s advice is to stay engaged, ask questions, and be curious, while remaining non-judgmental and supportive when kids share their feelings. She encourages parents to understand what’s going on and learn how they can help, including talking openly with their children and showing interest in what they’re doing or playing, making it easier for kids to open up. One confronting fact she shares with kids and adults is just how much Australians lose to gambling: a staggering $32 billion a year.  “People don’t realise it can be a very silent harm,” she explained. “Because people don’t say, ‘Oh, I just lost $100,000.’ They might tell you, ‘Oh, I’ve won $50,’ but they don’t usually tell you about their losses, generally. And so, it’s hidden. People don’t realise that we lose the most in the world to gambling, per capita.”  A core message also delivered is the protective power of self-esteem.  Gambling influences are now common on YouTube and other social media platforms, with extensive exposure for kids and adolescents to the whole gambling world through many different avenues. Children who feel good about themselves are far less likely to turn to excessive gambling, drugs or alcohol for a boost.  “We are really trying to instil grassroots good mental health habits around – let’s feel good about what we are doing,” Kirrily said. “Let’s feel in control. And if we are not, let’s talk about it, or let’s ask someone, or let’s figure out what we can do so that we don’t feel compelled to buy these loot boxes or make excessive micro transactions, or to go to overseas gambling sites.”  Safety is front and centre too.  Many parents don’t realise the average online gamer in Australia is a 34-year-old male. Children often believe they are playing with peers – but that’s not always the case. Salvos Gambler’s Help Therapeutic Counsellor, Andy Brydon, echoed Kirrily’s concerns, warning that children as young as 12 are being introduced to gambling at an alarming rate. He said it often begins in school WhatsApp groups, where sports betting is normalised, sometimes with access to parents’ credit cards or through bypassing age restrictions altogether.  Gambling ads are designed to appeal to young minds – fast-paced, colourful, gamified, and backed by celebrities. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch amplify the appeal, with influencers live-streaming gambling sessions, often sponsored by betting companies and curated to look like big wins are the norm.  Video games, especially those containing loot boxes, are a key part of the problem.   Link: New mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like games content | Australian Classification Andy also noted how vulnerable adolescent brains are: their reward systems develop before their ability to assess risk. That imbalance makes teens especially susceptible to addictions. And early exposure can lead to lifelong struggles – with substance use, anxiety, depression and poor concentration among the risks.   Yet, despite the dangers, both Andy and Kirrily see hope.  Just as society shifted attitudes toward tobacco and alcohol, gambling can be tackled, too. Reduced advertising, increased education, and breaking down stigma and help-seeking shame are all crucial steps. Parents have a vital role too: monitoring online influences, staying educated and having these conversations with their kids in a non-judgmental, encouraging way. Similarly, schools and governments promote awareness campaigns, regulation, and support services.   And there is a growing openness among younger generations, especially in the wake of COVID, to talk about mental health and seek help, Andy commented.  Kirrily agreed, adding that one of the most effective safeguards was to help kids find joy in their everyday lives – and feel comfortable in their own skin.  “I know it sounds really simple, but feeling happier in their day-to-day life, so they don’t need it (excessive gaming or gambling) so much,” she explained. “They do want to do more things with their friends and get out and about – they inherently want that balance in life – they don’t want to just sit in their room on their own all day and game excessively or gamble, to get that thrill they are not getting in other ways.”  Looking ahead, she hopes the primary school uptake of the Department of Health’s ‘Be Ahead of the Game’ program,  The Bridge,  designed for younger children, will bring these crucial conversations into primary schools.  “The earlier, the better, with anything to do with setting up good mental health habits,” Kirrily says. “It’s so much easier to get to kids when they are younger, and they haven’t formed all these strong views or habits … with the aim of helping them feel they are in control of what they are doing – so they can start and stop when they want and not feel at the mercy of excessive gaming, gambling or all the gambling ads.”  While gambling may be woven into the fabric of Australian life, momentum for change is building – from tighter restrictions on advertising and gaming classifications to public awareness.  “It is one step at a time,” she commented. “And little by little, more people will hopefully start to feel more in control of their gambling – doing it occasionally for a bit of fun if they wish to, but always feeling able to slow down, or stop, when it stops becoming fun and starts becoming a miserable obsession.”

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Tom, click here

Beyond the Wire is a holistic case management program that supports men and women in pre- and post-release incarceration. “The true underlying purpose of the program is to change lives. Helping people reconnect with society, acknowledging them as human beings with the right to walk the street and have a happy life, the same as everyone else” (John Stubley). In this short documentary, John Stubley (State Development Manager, Salvation Army Homelessness Tasmania), Ian Wilkinson (Case Manager for The Salvation Army) and Alesha share their unique perspectives on what the program looks like, how it is journeying with people in real and honest ways and how it is providing a safe and permanent address for people to call home.

Major Darren Kingston tries out his new Australia green and gold basketball singlets before heading off to the world championships.  BY LAUREN MARTIN   If you know Salvation Army officer Major Darren Kingston, you’ll know he loves basketball. And Jesus! And people!   So, he sees it as a huge blessing to have those three loves combined in an opportunity to represent Australia at the World Maxibasketball Championships this month in Switzerland.   Maxibasketball, also known as ‘Masters’ basketball, is  a competitive form of basketball specifically designed for older players, typically those aged 35 and over.   “Green and gold – it’s going to be so exciting!” says Darren, who is the Team Leader at the Salvos’ Macquarie Fields Mission in western Sydney. “There will be a village and an opening ceremony where you get to walk in with your Australian team, it will be so amazing to be part of that.”   Darren is flying out today to the Ticino region of Switzerland as part of the Australian team competing in the FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championship (over 50s category).   He has been playing basketball since childhood, and his passion for the game has never wavered, even passing it on to his two sons, Josh and Ben. Darren and his two sons (far right) and the Salvo Slammers basketball team in Sydney that played before a Sydney Kings NBL game last year. “I have two boys, and, not surprisingly, I’ve raised them to love basketball as well,” Darren says. “I’ve had the privilege of playing on the same team with them, and it was a fantastic moment when we won a championship together. “Also, while I was serving in an appointment in Newcastle (NSW), I got invited to be a chaplain for the Hunter Pirates team in the Australian National Basketball League. That was a great experience.”   Age hasn’t held Darren back from competing, and he now plays in Australian Masters tournaments. Last year, he heard that a national team was being assembled for the world championships, and he was invited to try out. “And I got in!” he laughs.    Wherever Darren goes, he asks Jesus to show him opportunities for ministry. Those in his basketball circles are aware that he is a chaplain and Salvation Army officer, and he has had unique opportunities to pray and come alongside people.  Darren says he will also be representing The Salvation Army and Jesus in Switzerland.  “We had a situation on the Gold Coast once where there was a player in his 80s who had a heart attack on court, and he was lying there for a long time. I went over and just started praying for him, and he ended up coming back to life.   “A lot of times people get hurt, they might hurt a particular muscle, and I will go over and say, ‘Can I pray for you about your injury?’”   Darren has bought a number of small Bibles and has had his testimony printed and placed inside. He looks forward to meeting new people from around the world in Switzerland and sharing God’s word with them.   And, of course, he’s looking forward to getting on court to represent his country in green and gold. Keep Darren in your prayers as he competes from 27 June to 6 July.   Darren departing Sydney today, bound for the World Maxibasketball Championships in Switzerland.

Rebecca Wilson (left) with colleagues Mitch and Neena. The Salvation Army Family Violence Team in Gippsland, Victoria, runs the Integrated Men’s Group, which focuses on supporting men who choose to engage in violence within intimate-partner relationships. Salvos Online journalist ANTHONY CASTLE spoke to Rebecca Wilson, the Integrated Men’s Services Team Leader, about the group’s vital work in helping men unpack shame while safeguarding victim-survivors.   The men’s group sounds like a unique program with a lot at stake. How does it operate?   The men’s group comprises 10 to 14 men, meeting face-to-face during the day or as an online group in the evening. Our group work is facilitated by a male and female to role model healthy, respectful relationships. Our focus is to keep victim-survivors safe and mitigate the use of violence, whilst providing support and family violence education to the men and Family Safety Contact (FSC) to the partner or ex-partner(s).   We have contact with victim-survivors and current partners through an FSC worker. This is mandatory and ensures family members and partners are aware of what is occurring in the group space in relation to content, and to offer support for them as family violence victim-survivors. Having FSC also ensures that we have a clear lens on the family and the experience of all victim-survivors. The men who are participating are often living with their families, including children or extended families.   The group is the only one of its kind delivered by the Salvos in Australia. What models and methods does it employ?   The group space encourages peer discussion and provides psychoeducation about family violence and the impacts of family violence on victim-survivors, both adults and children. We adapt the delivery of content to what the men’s life experiences have been with consideration of mental health, incarceration, AOD, education levels and cognitive ability. The content is reviewed before each group session to ensure that it is delivered in a way that addresses what the men are bringing into the space and their use of violence within their relationships, historic or current.   The Duluth model underpins our work, and we apply an intersectional lens to our modes of delivering content. We consider trauma history and life experiences. These experiences by no means excuse any use of violence in relationships. Many people have life experiences that have been traumatic and don’t use violence.    Men referred may have criminal histories coupled with family violence, unsupported mental health complexities, along with alcohol and other drug use. We are working with families that may have experienced intergenerational violence and unhealthy role modelling. Families are often intact and residing together, unlike other specialist family violence programs such as Family Violence Case Management. What’s at stake is the safety and lives of the victim-survivors.   What types of men do you see coming to the group?   The cohort is quite varied. They can be men who are interested in making a change and are motivated to make different decisions about their behaviour. We have men who are corrections clients, professionals, and men who have been incarcerated. Not all of the men are motivated. Even if they’re mandated to be in the group by an order from Corrections or Child Protection, there is often resistance. We discuss what’s happened within their families, the use of violence, and assess their capacity to take on the information and reflection in the group setting. It can be quite confronting for some of our men, as they have often never had these types of direct conversations.   Hearing how they have hurt those close to them must be confronting. How do they process that?   We often get a minimisation of the behaviour and the use of violence. We give them the opportunity to tell their story, we listen, and we ensure we’re not colluding with them. We will put a boundary in place around language or behaviour. We are very transparent about expectations. We will challenge a client and push back on victim blaming or a skewed version of events. We need to gauge how they respond and be able to manage this in a safe manner for all involved in the group space.   What’s the risk of delving into such hard conversations? What can it bring up for the men, for their families?   Our men can be very vulnerable, as the reflection and understanding of the violence used in their relationships develops. This can increase risk to themselves, including self-harm, and the risk to families. The men are having first-time conversations about the impact of their behaviour. We often hear the phrase “not wanting to be like my old man”. The realisation that the use of violent behaviours is like what they experienced as a child from their own “old man” has a huge impact, bringing shame and guilt.   We are very aware of the impacts this can bring to the men and ensure they are supported, with referrals to ongoing appropriate services if needed and safety planning is completed with clients. We are constantly assessing risk to the families whilst working with the men in group to ensure we are aware of and mitigating risk.   What’s the key to managing that shame and guilt? How do you bring someone who has been violent through that journey, safely to the other side?   Guilt is going to keep you repeating a behaviour. Shame can be paralysing and inhibit change. We have a safety plan about the men’s behaviour, the new emotions that group work may bring, and any thoughts or feelings that may come from these discussions. We discuss body signs, the impact of emotions on your body. What to do if things become overwhelming and having the ability to make a different decision about behaviour in the moment, such as removing yourself or having a plan in place and agreed to with a partner, before things blow up.   The men are offered a space in group to reflect on their violent behaviour used, and the tools to make change. This is done in a respectful, non-judgmental and supportive manner to strive for safe and positive outcomes for the families we work with.