With a spotlight on our wonderful volunteers this week, meet the dedicated team who come together to serve their community at the Parramatta Salvos Market Day. Whether it's providing essential groceries, thoughtfully preparing a cup of coffee just the way someone likes it, or engaging in heartfelt conversations, our volunteers' contributions are having a lasting impact in our communities.

Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (18-24 May) we pray for the Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar Territory. Commissioners Daniel and Tracey Kasuso lead the territory. The Territory has 696 officers (573 active, 123 retired); 48 cadets; 466 corps; 585 outposts; 142,834 senior soldiers; 5870 adherents; 18,996 junior soldiers; 1310 employees. The work of the region includes: Schools and education Hospitals and health centres Community development Modern slavery and human trafficking response Praise points: We thank God for the new territorial theme launched ‘Rooted in Prayer and Commitment’ We thank God for the success of all 2025 programmes. We give glory to God for the choral groups, ‘Brigades,’ who gathered from 6-8 March 2026 for the revival weekend, where everything went very well. We praise God for 19 pro-candidates who came for Territorial Assessments from 11-15 March 2026. Prayer Requests: Pray for the new cadets who entered Training College this year. We have 18 Cadets of the Proclaimers of Transformation session who need our prayers. Pray for the impact of the cadets’ ten-day campaign in three different divisions, which took place 27 March-4 April 2026. Pray for the impact of the Easter Congresses that were held in Divisions during the Easter holidays. Pray for the installation of Botswana District Leaders in Botswana which took place on 5 April 2026. Pray for Officers Brengle Seminar to be held 2-6 June 2026. Pray for the Territorial Leaders’ Conference to be held 15-19 June 2026. Pray for the Women Ministry Clusters in Madagascar from 20-27 July 2026 Pray for Officers who received Marching Orders. Pray for journey mercies, that they may adapt and adjust to new environments and those with children to accept the changes. To find out more about the Zimbabwe, Botswana and Madagascar Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus or to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

RSA Launch speaker Tahlia with Case Manager Rachel Rattus. Image: Simon Casson Photography BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Last week, a crowd of philanthropists, VIPs and supporters of The Salvation Army gathered alongside Salvation Army personnel to launch this year’s Red Shield Appeal in style. The breakfast event was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, and featured guest speaker David Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH), a Welcome to Country from Allen Edwards, an address from the Honourable Lawrence Ben, Assistant Minister for Copper, Steel, Critical Metals and Minerals, as well as a lived experience story from Tahlia, a client of The Salvation Army in Adelaide. Master of ceremonies was Mike Smithson, Seven News Adelaide. As the sun rose over the city, attendees enjoyed a locally-sourced breakfast, and heard the impact of The Salvation Army since the movement first began in Australia, in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Lawrence Ben spoke about the greengrocer’s cart meeting led by railway worker Edward Saunders and former bricklayer John Gore. Lawrence referenced Gore’s invitation to the crowd that if there was a man there who hadn’t had a decent meal today, “let him come home to tea with me”. “I think that quote summarises perfectly exactly what you do, right? And I'm so proud to be here to represent the South Australian Government,” Lawrence said. Lawrence spoke about how movements were not just about structures or buildings, but about people. “That's what everyone here is doing today,” he said. “You're a movement supporting this incredible organisation.” David Pearson spoke about growing up in Alice Springs, and being familiar with disadvantage and homelessness. He reflected that in his lifetime; things had gotten worse. “For those who are experiencing homelessness, it's even harder than it's ever been,” David said. He said door knocking for the Red Shield Appeal had been part of his formative years, and that the ongoing work of The Salvation Army had brought much-needed hope amid despair. “There is reason to be hopeful,” he said. “Even though it's worse now than it's ever been … we actually know now what it takes to solve this problem. We haven't always known that.” He said what was needed going forward was an “upstream” approach, where those at risk of homelessness were engaged with and supported before the crisis hit its worst point. He said the necessary data to try to map out an approach was being collected in conjunction with The Salvation Army and other service providers. “I couldn't speak more wholeheartedly … the support that you provide or will provide today to The Salvation Army through The Red Shield Appeal will save lives. It will help people who are in a dark place, and it will help us transform systems that will stop people from finding their way into that dark place in the first place,” he concluded. Lived experience speaker Tahlia told the crowd that, after a series of terrifying crisis moments and an abusive and neglectful relationship, she found herself Googling “I'm about to be homeless in 10 days with two kids, what do I do?” It was through this search that she managed to get connected to The Salvation Army and Case Manager Rachel Rattus. “From the beginning she made me feel like I mattered, like someone actually cared about me and wanted me to succeed,” Tahlia said. “It wasn't just about housing. She helped me set goals, navigate systems I didn't understand, and access things like childcare and basic essentials. And every time she showed up, it took a weight off my shoulders, and before that I felt like I had nothing left. She gave me hope. “Today things look very different. I still have challenges, but I have stability, I have support and I have direction and most importantly, I have my kids and everything I do is for them. All I've ever wanted is to give them a better life than I had, and for the first time, that actually feels possible. The Salvation Army came into my life at a time when I had nothing left, and they didn't just support me. They've stood by me while I've rebuilt everything from the ground up.” Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas closed out the event with a reminder that it takes a lot of people who are willing to bring hope where it is needed. “There are next-level needs right now, but I tell you in this room, there are next-level people, and thank you for who you are,” she said. “It takes every single one of us to play a part, and we can.” All images Simon Casson Photography.

Major Brett Allchin (Warrnambool Corps Officer), Cr Ben Blain (Warrnambool City Mayor), Ms Jacinta Ermacora (Member of the Legislative Council, Western Victoria) and Major Mal Davies (Victoria Divisional Commander) at the sod-turning ceremony. BY LERISSE SMITH A groundbreaking $18.9 million Salvation Army social housing project is set to transform the Warrnambool landscape, with construction now underway on the pioneering development in Victoria’s south-west, supporting families and people at risk of homelessness. After three years in the pipeline since council approval, the Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) project is finally forging ahead – delivering 21 new social housing homes in partnership with Homes Victoria. Tucked behind the rear of Warrnambool Corps and next to the community hub on Mortlake Road, the development will feature 14 two-bedroom townhouses and seven three-bedroom townhouses, forming a new pocket of long-term housing in regional Victoria. Major Mal Davies says the multi-million dollar social housing project isn’t just a bricks and mortar exercise ... it will 'transform lives’. “This isn’t just a bricks and mortar exercise, this is a lives-transformed exercise,” says Major Mal Davies, Victorian Divisional Commander. “So, what thrills us, what excites us, is the fact that we will have people that we can not only support and help in practical ways but perhaps also talk to about Jesus and about how life can be better.” And the project’s vision is sharply defined: to create a setting where housing, multiple supports, and connection intersect in one place. “Over the years, I’ve worked a lot with homeless people and spoken to groups about The Salvation Army’s work with homeless people,” reflects Mal. “And one of the first points you try and clarify or get across to them is that you don’t solve the problems of a homeless person simply by putting a roof over their head – that doesn’t do it. “There are almost always other issues, multiple issues that we need to address. So, where we get this sort of opportunity to address a range of issues with a person is just incredibly helpful – it just gives us that inroad, that foot in the door to build relationship and see lives transformed.” The $11 million contribution from Homes Victoria and the State Government, delivered under the Build and Operate program, is helping bring the project to life, with completion expected by July 2027. Chris Karagiannis, CEO of Salvation Army Housing, acknowledged and thanked Homes Victoria and the State Government for their funding and support in working with the aim to bring The Salvation Army vision of Holistic and Integrated Mission to life in Warrnambool. Chris Karagiannis, CEO of Salvation Army Housing, acknowledged and thanked Homes Victoria and the State Government for their funding and support in working with the aim to bring The Salvation Army’s vision of Holistic and Integrated Mission to life in Warrnambool. At its heart, the development is focused on long-term housing and targeted support for families and individuals at risk of homelessness, particularly women over 50, who have applied for housing through the Victorian Housing Register. The four single-level units with two bedrooms will cater for this cohort. A standout feature of the site will be a community garden located on the western part of the site, designed to strengthen engagement among residents, the adjacent Salvation Army Warrnambool Corps, and Salvation Army social services. The location also benefits from its close proximity to Warrnambool Hospital, primary schools, public transport and parkland, reinforcing its integration within the local community. “The current focus of The Salvation Army across the territory is to provide holistic integrated mission,” says Mal. An artist’s impression of what the new social housing will look like. With the site sitting directly behind the church, it’s a detail he says is central to how the project will function day to day and how relationships will form over time. “It just builds relationship, and so we’re really excited that this accommodation program will be so close to the church,” he remarks. “The project is literally built at the back of the church, and so there’ll be a lot of opportunity for holistic integrated mission working with people in a range of different ways.” The Divisional Commander also pushes back against the assumption that housing pressure is limited to major cities. “I think some people can think there’s an urgent need for public housing just in the big capital cities – but that is far from the truth,” he says. “The fact is that in many of our rural locations, spread right across the state and across the nation, there’s an urgent need for housing. Warrnambool is very much a tourist area, a holiday destination, a lovely place to visit and live. “So, there’s people who often move there looking for work in the tourism industry, in fishing, in service industries ... and so, people travel down there and then find, gosh, maybe there’s not the work that I thought there would be, or they miss out, and suddenly find themselves in hardship. There’s just limited housing.” Chris Karagiannis, CEO of Salvation Army Housing, speaks at the sod-turning ceremony at Warrnambool Corps. Local leaders have signalled strong support for the development, welcoming the addition of much-needed housing stock to the region when the project was first announced. When the project was launched, the Mayor of Warrnambool and the local MP were thrilled, Mal added, delighted that some additional housing would be built in Warrnambool. And for the army leadership team, the emphasis remains firmly on outcomes that prioritise people over infrastructure – and transformation over construction. “What I love is that at the end of it all are people,” the Divisional Commander emphasises. “And we want to see lives transformed.” Major Brett Allchin (left), Cr Ben Blain, Ms Jacinta Ermacora and Major Mal Davies pictured at the construction site of the 21 new social housing properties.

This National Volunteer Week, we say thank you to the thousands of Salvation Army volunteers who give their time, energy and gifts across Australia. From community programs and corps life to stores and centres, whatever season of life you are serving in, every contribution matters and all of it counts. Your service brings hope, welcome and God’s grace to people every day. Join Chief Secretary Colonel John Chamness as we say a heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers. We are deeply grateful for all you do; this week and always. Happy National Volunteers Week!

(From left) Major Manikya Mera, Intercultural Officer, with the four new soldiers – Bhaskar Areti, Raja Mera, Ameen Jamali and Reza Jahanian – and Area Officer Major Wendy Hateley at the ICM gathering in the former Thornbury Corps hall. BY DEAN SIMPSON The Salvation Army Intercultural Ministries (ICM) community in Melbourne recently gathered to celebrate the enrolment of four new senior soldiers. The four new soldiers – Bhaskar Areti, Raja Mera, Ameen Jamali, Reza Jahanian – were enrolled on Friday 8 May. Major Manikya Mera is the leader of the ICM corps that meets each Friday in the hall of the former Thornbury Corps. The ICM corps has been operating since 2020. “It was a meaningful and memorable occasion, celebrating faith, belonging and the continued connections of the ICM community,” Manikya said. “The enrolment service was enriched by heartfelt testimonies of faith and personal journeys, highlighting God’s faithfulness and the strength found in shared discipleship. “A key moment of the service was the signing of the Soldier’s Covenants, affirming the new soldiers’ commitment to live out their calling in Christ.” After Manikya conducted the enrolment ceremony, Area Officer Major Wendy Hateley presented the four soldiers with their Soldier’s Covenant certificates. “The celebration brought our community together in a spirit of unity and thanksgiving,” Manikya continued. “And it was followed by a shared community meal that fostered more fellowship and connection.” All four shared personal testimonies during the enrolment service, reflecting on their faith journeys and what becoming Salvation Army soldiers means for them. The soldiers’ personal journeys Major Manikya Mera has put together the following information on each of the four men who were enrolled as senior soldiers: Bhaskar Areti Bhaskar serves as a volunteer at ICM. Bhaskar has been connected with the Intercultural Ministries (ICM) community through faith formation and fellowship for some time. He is from a Hindu background and migrated to Australia with his family from southern India as a skilled IT professional. While seeking connection and community, Bhaskar was introduced to ICM, where he encountered Jesus and began to follow Christ’s way of living. He committed his life to Jesus and has since continued to serve and volunteer within the ICM community. Bhaskar and his family regularly attend ICM and describe The Salvation Army as a place where they feel safe, welcomed, and deeply supported. His journey reflects a growing commitment to Christ and an increasing sense of calling to serve God and others through The Salvation Army. Raja Mera Raja connects with the Army’s mission and values. Raja’s journey with The Salvation Army began 10 years ago when he first volunteered during the Red Shield Appeal while visiting family in Australia. Originally from central India, Raja comes from a Christian background and has worked with numerous organisations over the past 20 years as a gospel musician in India and Kuwait. His encounter with The Salvation Army left a strong impression on him, and he describes the movement as “salvation in action”. Raja moved to Australia two years ago and has since been consistently involved in Bible studies, fellowship groups, and volunteering opportunities. Through steady discipleship and engagement within the ICM community, his faith has deepened, and he has developed a strong connection to the mission and values of The Salvation Army. His enrolment as a soldier was a joyful affirmation of his personal faith journey and ongoing commitment to service. Ameen Jamali Ameen found a strong community connection at ICM. Ameen first connected with The Salvation Army through Intercultural Ministries when a friend invited him to attend an English‑speaking Bible study group at ICM. Coming from a Muslim background, Ameen arrived in Australia as an asylum seeker in 2010 and continued attending ICM, where he found a strong community connection. He became a Salvation Army adherent in 2015, and over time, his journey led him to make a personal decision to follow Jesus. Ameen has been an active part of the ICM community, volunteering and supporting others, particularly through using his carpentry skills. In recent years, his faith has grown significantly, and he personally approached leadership to inquire about becoming a Salvation Army soldier. His testimony shared how the ICM community nurtured his relationship with Jesus and strengthened his desire to publicly commit himself as a soldier. WATCH MORE: Ameen shares his story here Reza Jahanian Reza found faith through attending a Bible study. Reza’s faith journey is one of transformation and perseverance. Originally from Iran, Reza previously identified as having no religious faith. About a year ago, a friend invited him to attend an ICM community Bible study and fellowship gathering. Through his involvement with Intercultural Ministries and The Salvation Army, Reza began exploring faith and encountered Jesus in a personal way. He later shared his desire to become a Christian and to follow the teachings of Jesus in his life. Through consistent participation in ICM, Reza has grown in faith and understanding of Salvation Army life. His enrolment as a soldier marked a significant milestone in his journey with Christ and his commitment to serving within The Salvation Army’s mission.

To read Betty’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment service record, click here

Salvos Online continues a new series of unexpected and decidedly prescriptive teachings that General William Booth gave to his soldiers 124 years ago, excerpting the 1902 publication Letters to Salvationists on Religion for Every Day (volume 1). We are publishing General Booth’s thoughts on everyday topics, including sickness and bereavement, sleep, hygiene, life challenges, conversation, clothing, poverty, the Bible and the Sabbath, industrial relations and more. “If there is any uncertainty about the safety of the sufferers for Eternity, push them up to that repentance and faith in Christ which will secure them admission into the City of Light if they die; and will make them useful warriors of the Cross if they recover.” When malady manifests BY GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH Salvation Army co-founder (The article below is General William Booth’s original transcript.) My dear comrades, I do hope that my counsels, bearing on this subject, will receive your consideration, for we must all agree that prevention is better than cure. After every effort has been made that can be made for the preservation of this inestimable boon, Sickness, as unwelcome as it is, will break into the best-regulated families. When the family is a large one, it will seldom be absent for a very long time together. Perhaps, therefore, few topics have more to do with the peace, comfort and well-being of a household than the best means of dealing with Sickness when it does appear. What can I say? Do not give way to unnecessary fear on the first approach of Sickness. Nothing will be likely, more effectually to hinder your purpose of helping the suffering, than panic or anything bordering upon it. Do not unduly magnify the matter, either to yourself or those around you; and especially would I say, Do not alarm the sufferer with long faces or hasty words about the seriousness of the malady. The symptoms by which different diseases manifest themselves very strongly resemble each other. When our vessel reached Fremantle, on my last visit to Australia, it was found that we had a Singhalese man servant on board, who showed symptoms of Chicken-pox, which symptoms are very much like those developed in the earlier stages of Small-pox. The ship’s Doctor examined the man and said that he had Chicken-pox, but the Officer of Health, who came on board on our arrival, said No, it was, he feared, something more serious than that – he believed it was Small-pox. And as the Harbour Authorities objected to the risk of anyone landing, infected with that disease, they sent 52 of the passengers, myself amongst the number, to afford themselves the opportunity of ascertaining whether we had the disease as well. After waiting two or three days, the sufferer's disease developed and the ship’s Doctor turned out to be right, and the Officer of Health wrong. It was not Small-pox, but Chicken-pox, and after encountering more inconvenience than I can here describe, we were all set at liberty. Try to avoid such alarms, not only to the sufferer but to yourselves. When symptoms can be interpreted in the direction of several maladies, you should hope for the least serious of the number. When a hot skin, and a painful head and back, combined with general exhaustion, indicate either a bad feverish cold, or the beginning of Influenza, or the first stage of some contagious Fever, do not jump at once to the conclusion that the patient is suffering from the most dangerous disease of the three; but, while taking proper care of the invalid, hope that it is nothing worse than the least serious. In following this somewhat sanguine method, you can always encourage yourself with the experience of the man who said that seven-eighths of the things from which he had suffered the most during his lifetime had never happened! If this is applicable to anything in human history, I am sure it is true of anticipations of disease in a family. Loving hearts are ever ready to fear the worst in such circumstances. They cannot help it. Oh, how often, with my own dear children, have I, at such hours, been able to calm gloomy forebodings, and quiet anxious hearts, by hoping for the best; and, oh, how many, many times my sanguine predictions have proved correct – “If hopes are false, fears oftener lie.” But, is it not the safest always to fear the worst and to take precautions accordingly? No, I cannot say that it is. Hoping for the best does not prevent such precautions being taken. Indeed, they should be taken. But is there not such a thing as losing time? Doubtless, there is; and therefore, everyone responsible for the health of others, should be familiar with those symptoms which usually indicate the approach of serious illness, such as high temperature, a very rapid or very slow pulse, continued vomiting, delirium, persistent sore throat, continued sleeplessness, pain that cannot be accounted for, and so on. In elderly people, sudden chills should always be treated seriously. When such signs are present, there are grounds for apprehending that the Sickness is serious, and an intelligent and reliable opinion should at once be obtained as to the nature of the malady. In this respect, a Doctor can help you; but having obtained his opinion, you should still use your own judgment and carefully watch the progress of the complaint. Beware of physic, whether supplied by a regular practitioner, or from that numerous company of quacks who profess to cure almost everything with the same remedy. My own preferences, in Sickness and ill health, are for what is known as the system of Hydropathy, or the Water-cure. I have frequently seen in my own family what might almost be styled miraculous cures wrought by this system, and strongly advise my readers to be at some trouble to make themselves acquainted with it. General William Booth by his wife Catherine’s side as she lay ill in 1890. I also recommend, to the consideration of my Comrades everywhere, what I have said already regarding moderation when eating, drinking, and the like. They have much to do with delicate health, and illness of all kinds. Let people exercise common sense on these questions, and test the counsels I have given them by personal application. When I get out of condition myself, my plan is usually to fall back upon a little extra fasting, sleeping, and bathing. I find the Lamp Bath*, as I have recommended it to you, to be a useful remedy in cases of chill, over-fatigue, and sleeplessness. But as my maladies will, no doubt, differ from those of others, the remedies must be different also. Judge for yourselves. After all that has been said and done, however, most people will rely very much on the regular Doctor. They are at his mercy, whether he belongs to the old Allopath, the new Homeopath – or any other school. When I was ill in South Australia, I felt so confused with the conflicting theories of the Medical Faculty, and so uncertain as to the possibility of finding anyone whose opinions would be at all likely to accord with my own, that I simply said, “Find me, a capable, conscientious, and, if possible, a God-fearing man, and let us see what he can do.” They found me a Doctor whom I believe answered to that description. As to the system he followed, I am glad that I have not to pronounce an opinion upon it! I got well – that was what I wanted to do – and that quicker than anyone expected. He paid me every possible attention by night and by day, and would not receive any fee either for his medicine or trouble. God bless him! I need not impress upon Salvationists the duty of dealing faithfully with the souls of those by whose sick-bed they watch. If there is any uncertainty about the safety of the sufferers for Eternity, push them up to that repentance and faith in Christ which will secure them admission into the City of Light if they die; and will make them useful warriors of the Cross if they recover. *A lamp bath – specifically known as an electric light bath – was a popular late-19th to early-20th-century therapeutic treatment. It involved placing a person inside a cabinet or under a covering equipped with dozens of incandescent light bulbs, which produced intense heat to induce sweat, act as a tonic, and treat ailments like rheumatism. NEXT WEEK: General William Booth’s thoughts on bereavement *This series has been compiled by Barry Gittins, The Salvation Army Australia Museum Specialist (Melbourne)

Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill were warmly welcomed to the Philippines. The Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill, visited the Philippines at the beginning of May, reconnecting with a place that was once part of their Salvation Army home ‘Territory’, the ‘USA Western Territory’. Commissioner Edward reflected on the enduring bonds between the two Salvation Army Territories and the shared history that continues to unite Salvationists across generations. The weekend began with two sessions of Officers Councils led by Territorial Commander Colonel Nelia Almenario and Chief Secretary Lieutenant-Colonel Emerald Urbien. Commissioner Edward encouraged officers with reports of growth across the international Salvation Army and challenged delegates to pray for more workers in the service of God. Testimonies of God’s faithfulness through difficult circumstances created moments of spiritual renewal, with many officers recommitting themselves to God’s service. New ‘Keepers of the Covenant’ However, the main focus of the visit was the celebration of the newly ordained Salvation Army officers from the ‘Keepers of the Covenant’ session who were officially welcomed into ministry and service. During a service to commemorate the ordination and commissioning of the new cadets, a strong sense of God’s presence prevailed. Officers of the Philippines Territory pray during the Appointment and Celebration service. Representative speaker Cadet Jennifer Puno shared her personal testimony of faithfully responding to God’s call despite uncertainty and family challenges. As the youngest child and only Salvationist in her family, she spoke of learning to trust God through fear and sacrifice while continuing to pray for her parents. Following the Chief of the Staff’s message, lives were dedicated to God, and personal needs were brought in prayer at the mercy seat. Silver Star Fellowship Commissioner Shelley later met with members of the Silver Star Fellowship, honouring the parents of the new lieutenants and recognising the faithful support they provide behind the ministry of their children. Appointments to ministry Excitement filled the Appointment and Celebration Meeting as second-year cadets and newly commissioned lieutenants received their appointments to ministry. They were welcomed with cheers and applause, while an inspiring presentation highlighted the importance of personal and friendship evangelism. As Commissioner Edward issued a challenge to officership, 20 young people responded to God’s call, including two 10-year-old junior soldiers. Smiling warmly, the Chief of the Staff remarked, “We are also preparing cadets for 2035 or 2045 sessions!” Throughout the weekend, Salvationists praised God for lives transformed, callings affirmed and continuing faithfulness to God. Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill sit behind an iconic symbol of the Philippines – the tuk-tuk.

Event guests at The Salvation Army Montrose Aged Care Centre. The Salvation Army Australia’s Chief Secretary and the Head of Aged Care, along with senior leaders and the Aged Care Executive team, attended an event at Montrose Aged Care Centre in Balmain, Sydney, on 7 May to recognise an Australian Government grant awarded to the centre for refurbishment works. “At the heart of everything we do as The Salvation Army, there is a clear vision of caring for the whole person,” Chief Secretary Colonel Chamness said during his speech. “Our work in aged care gives us the opportunity to see that vision influence a community of people. It is where belief meets action and where values are lived out every day through care, presence and advocacy.” He acknowledged that this work succeeds through strong partnerships, such as those The Salvation Army has with government, the community and service providers and, in the context of The Salvation Army Aged Care, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The Montrose Aged Care Centre in Balmain, Sydney. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) grants, and the one awarded to Montrose, are intended to build, extend, or upgrade aged care services or to build staff accommodation where older Australians have limited or no access to aged care services. ​The Program aims to maintain or increase access in ‘thin market’ settings where residents may have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, such as those residing at Montrose. The centre, a 44-bed all-male nursing home, is a living expression of The Salvation Army’s mission, vision and values, Colonel Chamness went on to state. “Montrose is not just an aged care home. It is a place of intentional refuge and restoration,” he said. Colonel John Chamness, Chief Secretary, speaks at the event. His comments were echoed by the Head of Aged Care, Angela Raguz, who shared that, while Montrose residents may have complex mental health needs, trauma histories and have experienced social and financial disadvantage, the centre and its staff members empower them to have a quality of life through acceptance, non-judgement and dignity. “We recognise that Montrose residents deserve quality spaces,” she said. “Infrastructure is not just about buildings – it shapes care, wellbeing and outcomes. This grant demonstrates both The Salvation Army’s and the government’s commitment to vulnerable older Australians.” The grant-related works commenced at Montrose in 2025, with a completion date of 2027 and consist of upgrades to rooms, bathrooms and kitchenette areas​; replacement and upgrades of IT equipment and furniture​; and external works upgrades, including to walkways, painting, and the pergola. As Montrose is a heritage-listed building, consideration was given to this and sourcing the original exterior paint colour. Head of Aged Care Angela Raguz gives her address at the event. Event attendees, including Major Stuart Glover (Assistant Chief Secretary – Business), Major Bruce Harmer (Head of External Communications), and Albert Olley (Group Executive – Mission Enterprises) were welcomed by Centre Manager Trudi Clinton, who conducted a tour of the home with Aged Care Property Strategy & Development Manager, James Tetley. Representatives from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing also toured the Centre, with Centre Chaplain Marty Nezval hosting the event, and Aged Care Mission and Chaplaincy Manager Major Cheryl Kinder opening the morning with an acknowledgement of country and in prayer.

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am the Corps Officer at Arndale Corps in South Australia. I love that it is a corps of great variety, where everyone is welcome, the community is very multicultural, and I love that our church is on the journey to reflect this. I also really enjoy Adelaide as a community. It’s a good place to live. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I love to do craft, read, and my favourite sport is Physie (BJP Physical Culture) – oh, and geocaching too! Physie is short for physical culture. It’s an Australian sport run by the Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture (often called BJP Physie). It’s a dance-sport hybrid that blends elements of jazz, ballet, yoga and aerobic exercise, posture, strength, flexibility, and coordination with choreographed routines performed to music. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game using GPS and a smartphone to find hidden containers called ‘caches’ where you can log your find, find small treasures, and even leave treasure behind for the next person to find. It’s even more fun when you hunt with a group! 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? Just one … that is so hard… it depends on the day. But one song that always touches my heart is ‘He Came to Give us Life in All its Fullness’. It’s a song that reflects so many questions and emotions. It speaks to my curiosity but reminds me that whatever I face in life, I must live life to the fullest because Christ died for me. 4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about? It would have to be Joseph. I would ask all the questions that intrigue me about hurt, pain, grief, forgiveness, reconciliation, and so much more. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Officership is such a privileged adventure. As an officer, you are given opportunities that you would never be given elsewhere. No day is ever the same. Yes, there are challenges – but there is also great joy. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

‘Under the Same Stars’ event organiser (from left) Jim Gow with distance runners Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino. Photo: Bree Harding. BY LERISSE SMITH On the back of the record-breaking ‘Under the Same Stars’ Sleep Out fundraising event, the Salvation Army North East Youth Services are at it again. The Victorian youth services, which recently raised a record $46,000 for youth homelessness and featured Miles from Home, a grassroots endurance running event, have organised a fun dinner auction to raise further funds. “We had a lot of people offering alternative ways to help our cause, including material items and memorabilia,” says Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services. A flyer advertising the event. “We considered blending this auction of items into our recent event but didn’t want to interfere with the experience of the Sleep Out event, so we thought we’d hold it separately a month or so afterwards.” The two-course dinner on Tuesday, 19 May, will be held at the Shepparton Brewery, which is generously supporting the event, with the funds directed to youth homelessness. A key component is ensuring the funds raised will stay local. “It’s important that the funds stay local for us,” Jim says. “Many fundraisers send money to different areas; however, this money is raised by locals for locals. I’ve been involved in more than 70 events previously, but this is the first charity auction I’ve been a part of.” Daina Winch, co-owner of the Shepparton Brewery, said she was excited to put on another community fundraising event. “Both Matt and I have participated in both Under the Same Stars sleepouts and find the experience incredible,” she says. “To be able to build on that by assisting to host this evening will be a win/win for all of us.” Some of the items to be auctioned off on the evening. The auction night will feature some of the runners from the event, including Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino. “It’s a continuation of the effort we are putting in for this cause,” says Peter. “We also get to see and thank people who attend for the support of our recent run, which we may not have had an opportunity to do so as we were focused on the running element.” Among businesses donating items to the event are Shepparton Automotive Group, Southern Cross Austereo, Tanks Art Gallery, Elise Gow Designs, Shepp City Garden Equipment and Total Tools. If you are a business and can assist by offering an item, a service or an experience to auction, contact Jim at jim.gow@salvationarmy.org.au To obtain tickets for the event including a two-course dinner and drink, click here