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Ravenswood School for Girls in Sydney continued its long-standing involvement in The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal with 135 students hitting the streets to collect a record $10,000. Photo courtesy of the Ravenswood Facebook site. BY LAUREN MARTIN As The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal draws to a close for another year, stories are emerging of Australians’ generosity, even amid the current cost-of-living crisis. “Across the board, it looks like fewer people have given, but those that have given have given more,” said General Manager of Community Fundraising, Andrew Hill. “Our collectors saw a huge response at the bucket, and as a collector myself, I couldn’t wait to get out there day after day because people were warm, generous, and they loved to see the Salvos out and about.” He said this year he was blown away by the number of schools across Australia that partnered with the Salvos to get involved in the Red Shield Appeal. “I saw primary school kids, high school kids in their uniforms, and they were out there collecting and being enthusiastic,” he said. “It inspired me that this – the Red Shield Appeal – it still works. “People and kids are still doing their bit for an organisation that maybe they don’t completely understand, but they trust. And it’s our job to continue to tell the story.” In Hobart, Tasmania, Year 12 students from The Hutchins School challenged themselves to run (or walk) continuously for 12 hours to raise money for Hobart Corps’ Red Shield Appeal. They completed over 23,000 laps around their school auditorium, covering 3000km. Shieldy meets The Hutchins School mascot at a student run-a-thon to raise money for the Red Shield Appeal. The school said students chose to support The Salvation Army because “it’s an organisation that shows up when people have nowhere else to run, whether it’s a meal, a safe place, or someone who simply listens.” Tasmania Schools Engagement Program Leader, Ashleigh Cowell, said the story of The Hutchins School is a wonderful celebration of the bigger schools engagement story: “The Year 12 student leaders who chose the Salvos as the charity for the run-a-thon actually participated in Salvos Schools educational workshops when they were in Year 9 and subsequently volunteered at Hobart Corps’ Sunday Night Dinner. “This is a great reminder of the power in planting seeds early and empowering young people to take action,” he said. Ravenswood School for Girls in Sydney sent out 135 students, 11 staff and nine parent volunteers to collect in Sydney’s northern suburbs. Nearby, a record number of students from Ascham School in Sydney’s eastern suburbs raised $10,000 in their collection. Three students from Ravenswood School for Girls who spent a morning collecting for the Red Shield Appeal. Photo courtesy of Ravenswood Facebook page. Research released by The Salvation Army on 24 June revealed that more than half of those surveyed (people seeking emergency relief) felt society didn’t care about their financial situation. The results of this year’s Red Shield Appeal show that there are plenty of Australians who do care ... and thank God for that. “Colonel Mark Campbell says that the Red Shield Appeal is God’s recurring big miracle,” said Andrew. “When our corps rally together and go out and ‘do their thing’, engaging with the community, the community responds, and through that, God provides.” The final 2026 Red Shield Appeal collection figures will be made available in the upcoming Salvation Army annual report. READ MORE: The Salvation Army Australia – 2025 Annual Report

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 (29 June – 5 July) we pray for The Salvation Army in the USA Western Territory. Majors Cheryl and Nisan Kistan, who served for many years in the Australia Territory, are the divisional leaders of the Intermountain Division of the USA Western Territory. The USA Western Territory is comprised of 13 western states, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and the Marshall Islands. This territory has 1027 officers (543 active, 484 retired); 31 cadets; 23 Envoys; 223 corps; 3 outposts; 16,197 senior soldiers; 3761 adherents; 2388 junior soldiers; 8026 employees Commissioners James and Sue-Ellen Betts lead the territory. It is also the home territory of Colonels John and Lani Chamness, who are currently appointed to the Australia Territory – John as Chief Secretary and Lani as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers). The work of the USA Territory includes: · Family services · Rehabilitation services · Disaster response · Summer camps for young people · Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Praise points: · For the officers retiring this summer across the territory: for decades of faithful service in corps, divisions, and headquarters posts. We thank God for lives that have been poured out for the gospel and for the communities each has shepherded. · For our cadets who were commissioned in June: May they lean into the Lord's presence and strength as they take up their appointments as new lieutenants. Bless the congregations to which they will be sent as well. · For the breadth of ministry across our territory: We are comprised of 13 Western states, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and the Marshall Islands. This includes thousands of officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers carrying out the mission day after day in corps, ARCs (Adult Rehabilitation Centres), Kroc Centres, social service centres, and camps. We thank God for his faithfulness in each setting. Prayer Requests: · For our officers in transition this summer: Many are saying goodbye to communities and congregations they've served for years. These can be difficult days, while at the same time very hope-filled days. Pray for grace in the goodbyes, for families uprooting and resettling, for marriages to remain strong through the move and for fresh anointing as officers begin a new season of ministry. · For our cadets, the College for Officer Training, and for candidates God is calling: Pray for the incoming session of cadets as they prepare for training. · Pray for our CFOT teaching staff and leadership as they shape the formation, character and theology of our future officers. · Pray with us for more candidates for officership. We pray that the Lord of the harvest would call workers into his field across our territory, and that those he is calling would have ears to hear and hearts willing to say yes. We need officers, and we need to be a people who seek God earnestly for whom he is raising up. To find out more about the USA Western Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

The Salvation Army’s mascot, ‘Shieldy’, with one of the teams that participated in the annual Red Shield Appeal Corporate Golf Day in Sydney. The 10th annual Red Shield Appeal Corporate Golf Day in Sydney celebrated a significant milestone this year, surpassing $1 million raised over the past decade in support of Australians in need. Held at St Michael’s Golf Club on Sydney’s eastern beaches on 5 June for the sixth consecutive year, the event brought together a record 28 teams, reflecting its growing popularity and strong support from corporate partners, sponsors and long-time participants. Hosted through a close collaboration between The Salvation Army’s Property and Fundraising teams, the golf day has evolved over the past decade into a flagship initiative on the Red Shield Appeal calendar. What began as a modest corporate event has steadily expanded into a significant contributor to the organisation’s national fundraising efforts. The milestone result was highlighted on the day, with The Salvation Army team acknowledging the collective effort of those supporting the golf day behind reaching more than $1 million in total funds raised. “This [$1 million] milestone belongs to every player, sponsor, and supporter who has contributed over the past 10 years,” said Georgie Barker, The Salvation Army’s Executive General Manager for Property. Channel 7 sports presenter Mark Beretta kept attendees entertained during lunch. A strong sense of community underpinned the day, with many attendees, including suppliers, contractors and partners of The Salvation Army Property Team, who have supported the initiative since its early years, some participating in both Sydney and Melbourne events. Their continued commitment has been instrumental in reaching the seven-figure fundraising milestone. Beyond the course, the day featured networking opportunities and a lunch hosted by former Channel 7 sports presenter Mark Beretta, with a Q&A session led by Andrew Hill, TSA General Manager Community Fundraising. With ideal weather and a full field of players, the event not only delivered a successful day of golf but also reinforced the enduring generosity and collaboration of The Salvation Army’s supporters and internal teams. The momentum will continue later this year, with a Melbourne Corporate Golf Day scheduled for September at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Golf Club, further extending the impact of this successful fundraising initiative. “As the Red Shield Appeal continues to provide critical assistance to vulnerable Australians, the achievement of more than $1 million raised stands as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through long-term partnership, shared purpose, and strong collaboration,” Georgie said.

Mini Movers is run every school holidays at Colac Corps, with children taking part in a range of high-energy, play-based activities and a variety of fun games. Image: Stock BY LERISSE SMITH Colac Salvos is now hosting a Mini Movers physical literacy pilot program, where bouncy, happy and energetic young children aged three to seven are ditching screens and sitting still for soccer balls, fun games, gardening gloves and healthy snacks. “It is a great program and initiative,” says Josiah Van Niekerk, Corps Leader of Colac Corps. “The program is all around physical literacy and getting kids active and then teaching the parents how to get their kids active. It’s a great alternative to play group. “It gives us not only a relational way to see those families, those parents that come in here which normally don't because it’s a very middle class region, but also helps us engage with a different demographic of Colac and educates them about what services are available to them, such as Material Aid and Laundry Services.” Behind the buzz lies an important local partnership between Colac Salvos and Leisure Networks, who oversee the physical wellbeing program for children, using sports as a fun way to improve motor skills as well as build social and emotional skills. Children also develop life skills such as perseverance, sociability and self-esteem to support the smooth transition to primary school. Colac Salvos run Mini Movers every school holidays, with about 15 children involved, each taking part in a range of high-energy, play-based activities and games. After a session of movement and fun, the group winds down together to finish off their session. Then comes one of the kids’ favourite parts – the garden. After the games slow down, children head outdoors to enjoy fresh fruit, plant seedlings and help tend to the garden beds, creating a calmer hands-on space that blends wellbeing, nature and play in equal measure. Colac Corps is the first, other than Leisure Works, to pilot and lead the program. “It’s working really well,” says Josiah. “Last school holidays we were booked out for the morning sessions. We are in the midst of running this as a full-scale program.” And it’s ticking many boxes too. “It kind of ticks off our larger goal as Colac Salvos to improve the holistic health of the individual, family and the community,” reflects Josiah. “We want to help the child understand how they can be physically active within being relational. They’re getting exposed to a faith community as well, which helps in that way. It also opens up the doors to financial opportunities to save preventatively for local families with our Material Aid program and others … Ultimately, it opens up people being more intentionally aware about their life as holistic health.” Already, the vision is growing. The Salvos team is now looking at ways to expand Mini Movers into schools and kindergartens across the region, with plans to involve Physical Education students in delivering sessions and helping younger children develop movement skills from an early age. “We’re in the midst of designing this so our trainers can work with our local schools to get the Physical Education students to know how to teach it,” says Josiah. “We will then go into the kindergartens and deliver Mini Movers with the students.”

Salvation Army emergency services teams are now on the ground in Caracas, Venezuela, providing initial relief and support in communities affected by two powerful earthquakes that struck on 24 June. After a 19-hour journey through damaged roads, debris, and restricted access, teams have reached Caracas and immediately set to work, procuring and distributing essential supplies. Food, hygiene supplies, basic household items, sleeping mats, and blankets are being sourced locally and delivered directly to people most severely affected, including families sleeping outside after losing their homes. At the time of publication, at least 1400 people have been killed, more than 3300 injured, and tens of thousands are still missing. Needs continue to grow as more communities are reached. More than 3200 people are injured and 3100 have been left homeless as of Saturday, local time. People in Venezuela are taking shelter and sleeping on the streets following the earthquake. “The preliminary assessment indicates significant need in the areas of food assistance, hygiene supplies, household items, sleeping mats and blankets,” said Ricardo Gomez, The Salvation Army’s Community Director for the Latin America North Territory. “Many people are currently sleeping outdoors in streets, parks and other open spaces due to safety concerns and damage to their homes. “These priorities will continue to be refined as additional assessments are completed.” The Salvation Army has been present in Venezuela since 1972. Venezuela is part of the Latin America North Territory. HOW TO DONATE • To donate through the Canadian Salavation Army earthquake response, click here. • To donate to the Salvation Army World Service Office earthquake response efforts, click here.

Riverside Gawler Corps Officer Major Darren Dwyer and Senior Sgt. Rob Mowday from Gawler Police ready to do battle on the cricket field. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Riverside Gawler Corps in South Australia has announced its fifth annual Hope Cup cricket match to support those experiencing homelessness in the Gawler region and surrounding areas. The Hope Cup, which features a game between the Riverside All-Stars and a team from Gawler Police, this year aims to raise money for sleeping pods, longer-term accommodation and additional supports for those facing life on the street. The match will be held on Sunday 15 November at the Waldeck Oval, Trinity College Gawler. This year’s launch event will be held on Friday 31 July at Nixon’s Function Centre, Gawler, and will feature guest speaker Bharat Sundaresan, sports journalist and Australian correspondent for Cricbuzz. Colourful cricket commentator Bharat Sundaresan. In his announcement of the event, Gawler Corps Officer Major Darren Dwyer described Bharat as an “engaging and authentic individual” who is a personal friend of many of the world’s first-class cricketers, and a “walking encyclopedia” of the game. “Outside of cricket, he is a musician, a volunteer with Spark, a charity group actively combatting loneliness, and a genuinely good guy,” Darren wrote. “I know an evening with him will be a unique and unforgettable event, as well as raising much-needed funds supporting those living rough and actively engaging with those who are at risk of homelessness.” Tickets to the launch event are $100, and include a three-course meal, table wine and access to the Hope Cup auction. Each table holds 10 people. The Hope Cup is this year aiming to raise $50,000, and fundraising has already commenced. To find out more about the cricket match or launch event and register, see here. READ MORE: Riverside corps officer named Gawler Citizen of the Year

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am currently the Corps Officer at the Kwinana Salvation Army in Western Australia. I have been at this wonderful corps for nearly two years. The most satisfying and enjoyable aspect of being here is being a part of the life transformation that happens through our various ministries. I have journeyed with people who have been Christians for most of their lives, and at Kwinana, they have found new purpose and spiritual vibrancy. I have seen people with low self-esteem be accepted into a loving community. I have been privileged to introduce people to a loving Father who values them and has a plan for their lives. I have seen people without hope find hope, and the lost and lonely find a place to belong. Major Scott Ellery in his role as Corps Officer at Kwinana (WA), enrolling Julian and Kathy Crombie as senior soldiers. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? When I am not focused on ministry, I am focused on my family. They are the most important people in my life, so they come first. I love spending time with them, whether it be sharing a meal, going for a walk, exploring nature, watching a series together, playing board games, or even just doing housework together! They are my safe space and bring me joy. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it? My favourite Christian song is called ‘Oh Lord You’re Beautiful’ by Keith Green. The simple words of this song are so personal and speak to an intimate relationship with our creator: Oh Lord you’re beautiful. Your face is all I seek. And when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to me. Rebecca St. James did a great cover that you should check out. 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? If I could have a chat with a character from the Bible, it would have to be Balaam’s donkey. How can you pass up the opportunity to speak with a talking horse?! If it had to be human, I’d have a coffee with Joshua and talk about leadership and faithfulness. Joshua was known for his deep trust in God and as ‘a man in whom is the Spirit’. He led his people well, and his life was filled with excitement, variety and success. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Serving God is the greatest and most fulfilling thing that you can do with your life. Loving God and loving others are the call of every Christian, and it is the foundation upon which a meaningful life is built. When we love God fully and love others genuinely, we participate in something eternal – something far greater than ourselves. Officership is one avenue to do this, and it is such a gift because it allows you to dedicate your whole life to God’s purposes. If God is stirring your heart toward something more – toward deeper service, greater impact, and a life fully surrendered – officership may be a pathway He is inviting you to walk. More information on Salvation Army officership can be found here.

New senior soldiers after their enrolment at Coffs Harbour Corps (from left) Reng Tun, Pi Thai, Chan ii, Lal Hming Thang, Isabella Par, Su Su, Anastacia van Gaalen, Arlene Fletcher, Valerie Armessen, Heidi Palsuk, Michael Gallagher and Bible Dailo. BY LAUREN MARTIN In the past few weeks, 27 new soldiers and adherents have been enrolled across two corps on the NSW Mid North Coast, prompting NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Major Robyn Black to remark, “God is up to something good!” On Sunday 14 June at Coffs Harbour Corps (Engage Salvos), Majors Andrew and Jeanete van Gaalen enrolled 12 soldiers during a sacred weekend, with a Saturday night dinner and covenant service, and a Sunday morning enrolment, which included fervent praise and worship. The new soldiers enrolled were Reng Tun, Pi Thai, Chan ii, Lal Hming Thang, Isabelle Par, Su Su, Anastacia van Gaalen, Arlene Fletcher, Valerie Armessen, Heidi Palsuk, Michael Gallagher and Bible Dailo. After Andrew preached the Word, Jeanette said hearts were stirred, “and as we sang, ‘I need you more’, there were first-time decisions made for Jesus! “We are feeling incredibly blessed by everything God is doing in our midst.” The Spirit is certainly moving at Engage Salvos in Coffs Harbour. The 12 new soldiers come after 13 people were enrolled in 2025, and two corps members – Jose Porcia and Benn Nicholson – are cadets in the current Keepers of the Covenant session. *Two new soldiers – Arlene Fletcher and Isabella Par – shared their testimonies at the end of the story. Nambucca River enrolments Three soldiers and 12 adherents were enrolled at Nambucca River Corps recently, with Major Robyn Black conducting the ceremony. On Sunday 21 June at Nambucca River Salvos (NRC Salvos), Major Robyn Black enrolled three soldiers and 12 adherents, with the entire corps surrounding them in praise and prayer. The new soldiers enrolled were Maria Aucamp, Ros Burgess-Clay and Stefo Kay. Adherents enrolled were Rosemary Porter, Leonie Hunter, Penny Obrien, Belinda Munro, Ash Wood, Nicole Walker, Kirstin Knight, Anne Hembry, Lisa Edwards, Bruce Edwards, Jody Unterrheiner and Daniel Unterrheiner. Corps members at NRC Salvos surround those making commitments as soldiers and adherents. TESTIMONIES Salvos Online shares the testimonies of two soldiers who were enrolled at Coffs Harbour. Testimony – Arlene Fletcher “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8 3:6) Arlene being enrolled as a soldier of Coffs Harbour Corps I was born into a Catholic family and went to church regularly as a child with my mum and dad. When I was around 12 years old, my dad stopped going to church, and I stopped going too. Instead, Sunday mornings became breakfast with Dad. When I was 14, God placed a double bass in my life. Looking back now, I see it as one of His greatest gifts. I was a kid who could easily have gone down some unhealthy paths, but music gave me purpose, discipline and direction. Sundays were now about religiously cleaning, praying over my double bass and practising. That gift opened incredible doors. It led me to study jazz in Melbourne, build a career as a musician and teacher, and achieve many things I had dreamed about. On the outside, life looked successful. I was achieving, achieving, achieving. But the more I achieved, the further I drifted from my heart and from God. Then in May 2016, everything changed. I received a phone call telling me that my dad’s cancer had progressed. Within a week, I was told I needed to move back to Armidale to help care for my parents. The next 10 years were not easy. They included grief, becoming a carer, entering an unhealthy marriage and finding the strength to leave it, recovering from a brain injury, and facing some destructive habits that I had used to cope with pain. There were many times when I felt lost. Yet even in those difficult years, God never stopped pursuing me. One of the ways I experienced that was through signs of eagles. Eagles seemed to appear again and again during significant moments in my life. They reminded me of my father, but they also reminded me of God’s promises – that He sees us, carries us, and gives us strength when we feel we have none left. Arlene and her double bass, Lulu. Last year, I moved to Sawtell. Not long after, I met a lovely lady named Val, who invited me to church. To be honest, I was terrified. For many years, I had associated church with fear, judgment and coldness. I wasn’t sure I wanted to walk through those doors again. But I did. And what I found wasn’t fear. I found welcome. I found community. And most importantly, I found that God had never left me. Looking back now, I can see that God used every part of my journey – the successes, the heartbreaks, the grief, and the struggles – to bring me back to Him. Mark 8:36 asks us what good it is to gain the whole world but lose our soul. I spent years chasing achievement, but what I truly needed was a relationship with Jesus. As I become a soldier of The Salvation Army, I stand here grateful – not because life has been easy, but because God has been faithful. Testimony – Isabella Par “Say to them: ‘As I live, says the Lord God, I have not pleasured in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turned from his way and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, oh house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11). Isabella on her enrolment day as a soldier of Coffs Harbour Corps. I was born and raised in a Christian family. I would always go to Sunday school and church every Sunday, I thought this made me a good Christian. I did all the good things. I once had to stay with my uncle for two years while I was trying to get my visa to go to the US. When I first arrived at his house, his wife asked me a question that was a bit different. Instead of a usual ‘hello’ or ‘welcome’, she asked, “Are you receiving Jesus as Your Saviour and Lord?” I wasn’t expecting that question, so I was quiet for a moment before I said “No”. That question really made me think about myself and God. Even though I go to church every Sunday, it doesn’t help me to become a good Christian because I did not have a relationship with Jesus. So, I decided to read my Bible, even though I didn’t understand. From that night on, I started reading my Bible and praying to God every day, asking how I could receive Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. It took me about a year to receive Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. One day I was reading Ezekiel 33:11, “Say to them: ‘As I live, says the Lord God, I have not pleasured in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turned from his way and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, oh house of Israel?’” I knew God was speaking to me. God gave me two options. Which one am I going to choose, death or life? So, I decided to repent and give myself to Jesus. I knelt down to God and prayed for forgiveness. As I prayed, I felt God’s presence all around me, filling me with his love. He said, “I love you, my daughter.” God’s love is not the same as your parents, siblings, friends and the ones you love. God’s love is unchanging, and that unchanging love has changed me little by little every day.

The Salvation Army is responding after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June. The Salvation Army is carrying out an initial needs assessment in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on the evening of 24 June. The earthquakes, reported at magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, struck in rapid succession at approximately 18:04 local time, as many people were gathered at home during a national holiday. Tremors were felt across the country, and the government has declared a national emergency. Initial reports have confirmed at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries, with national authorities also reporting thousands of people missing or unaccounted for. The US Geological Survey has warned that the eventual loss of life could be significantly higher. Assessing the needs Ricardo Gomez is the Development and Emergency Coordinator in The Salvation Army’s Latin America North Territory, which oversees the organisation’s work in Venezuela. “We received reports of a major earthquake in Venezuela with preliminary reports of significant damage, including possible building collapses, although we are still working to verify the situation,” he said. “We are carrying out an initial assessment to better understand the impact and determine whether there may be a realistic opportunity for us to provide some form of intervention or support in response to the situation.” Initial information indicates that The Salvation Army family in Venezuela is safe, as corps are located away from the area closest to the reported epicentre near Caracas. This will continue to be verified as the needs assessment progresses. The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services, based at International Headquarters in London, is on standby to provide further assistance as soon as possible. Widespread damage reported The National Red Cross Society has described damage to residential and commercial buildings, with reports of structural collapses in parts of Caracas and damage to infrastructure in several affected areas. Search and rescue operations have been activated while authorities continue rapid damage assessments. Power and telecommunications interruptions have been reported in some locations, and hospitals are receiving injured people. The Salvation Army at International Headquarters offers prayers for all those affected by the earthquakes, and for everyone working tirelessly to provide support in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. The Salvation Army in Venezuela The Salvation Army’s presence in Venezuela is part of the Latin America North Territory, which includes work in nine other countries in the region. Alongside its church presence, The Salvation Army’s community work includes family support, education, support for older people, and responses to end modern slavery and human trafficking. The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services team supports local and national Salvation Army programmes around the world to prepare for crises and respond when emergencies and disasters occur. For more information on the Latin America North Territory, click here.

Salvation Army teams are banding together to bring support to those impacted by the recent earthquake in Indonesia. Salvation Army teams in Indonesia and the Philippines are continuing to support those impacted by the recent earthquakes that resulted in fatalities, injuries, widespread destruction and severe disruption. BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS INDONESIA The Salvation Army is assessing urgent needs and preparing emergency support after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, affecting more than 6400 people on 16 June. Captain Jevry Ambitan, an Indonesian Salvation Army officer currently serving at the Salvation Army’s International Headquarters as Project and Finance Administrator for International Emergency Services, said: “The recovery process calls for solidarity and collective support. Through our continued prayers and concrete assistance, we can strengthen affected communities and ensure they receive the protection, care and essential services they urgently need during this difficult time.” The earthquake hit at 11.27 am local time, with its epicentre located around 42km south-east of Palu at a depth of 10km. Strong shaking was felt widely across Palu and surrounding districts, prompting residents to leave buildings and seek safety outdoors. According to the latest data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority, as of Thursday 18 June three people have died, 17 people have suffered serious injuries and 91 have sustained minor injuries. A total of 2109 households (6412 people) have been impacted by the disaster. Healthcare workers at the Woodward Hospital in Palu assist those impacted by the earthquake. The earthquake has caused significant damage to homes and community infrastructure. Major Albert Silinawa, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for Palolo, reported that several Salvation Army churches and community buildings have also sustained damage. As aftershocks continue, the safety of officers, church members and local communities remains a significant concern. Salvation Army teams in Palolo have begun gathering reports from affected areas to support preparations for an emergency response. Healthcare workers at The Salvation Army’s Woodward Hospital in Palu are also supporting those impacted, while officers and staff from various departments are working together as part of the wider response. Immediate priorities include access to clean and safe drinking water, emergency tents and temporary shelter, medical and health services, blankets and basic relief items. Children’s nutrition and hygiene support is also urgently needed, including age-appropriate food, safe infant-feeding support where appropriate and essential hygiene supplies. The Salvation Army in Indonesia is working to ensure support reaches affected communities as soon as possible. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available, but we continue to keep those impacted in our prayers. THE PHILIPPINES The Salvation Army has delivered emergency relief for 900 families affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines, on 8 June 2026, followed by associated landslides. The powerful earthquake, which triggered tsunami warnings and associated landslides, has caused fatalities, severe loss, disruption and widespread destruction across parts of Mindanao. Communities are facing displacement, damage to homes and infrastructure, and interruptions to essential services, including electricity and communications. Thousands of people are being accommodated in evacuation centres. A team from The Salvation Army in Mindanao carried out a rapid needs assessment earlier this week, visiting barangays (local village-level administrative areas) and local government representatives in General Santos City and nearby Sarangani province. The team met evacuees, local government units and camp coordinators to understand the most urgent needs. The Salvation Army is assisting earthquake victims in Mindanao. In response, The Salvation Army will distribute food, water, sanitation and hygiene materials, and provide psychosocial support to people staying in evacuation centres. Trained volunteers from the General Santos City church and community centre are ready to help deliver assistance to an estimated 900 families. The Salvation Army is working closely with local government units, social workers, barangay authorities and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to coordinate the response and ensure support reaches those most in need. The Salvation Army’s work in the Philippines was officially recognised in 1937 and continues today through 114 faith communities, as well as programs in emergency response, education, community development, social enterprise, and modern slavery and human trafficking response. International Emergency Services, based at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, supports local and national Salvation Army programs around the world to prepare for crises and respond when emergencies and disasters occur. We continue to offer prayers for all those affected and for the staff, officers and volunteers who are working tirelessly to alleviate the situation. For the full versions of these stories, and to access other international news, go to the International Salvation Army website.

The ADCO team in WA. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Long-term Salvation Army partner ADCO Constructions has been offering practical assistance at the company’s own expense at Salvation Army centres across the nation, most recently in Perth, Western Australia. ADCO Constructions is one of Australia’s oldest and most established construction companies and maintains a deep philanthropic and community-focused approach. ADCO Community Days are an opportunity for ADCO people to step away from day-to-day roles to contribute their skills, time and energy to organisations including The Salvation Army, supported by the Brinsmead Hill Family Foundation, chaired by ADCO Director Tom Hill. Tom described the community days as a ‘privilege’ and said that being involved together across the nation felt incredibly special for the partnership. “[We are] able to touch people in these communities by our projects, and why not extend that to doing it in a charitable way,” he said. “Anyone can give money. It is a noble thing. But I think when you give an expertise or a specialty and gather trades together and deploy your own people’s time, it is really rewarding. It is rewarding for us. “Hopefully, it is rewarding for The Salvation Army. I think it is a win-win.” The projects ADCO recently undertook in Perth included a playground update at Graceville Women’s Refuge, a dining room refurbishment at Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre and the beginnings of a Yarning Circle at Bridge House in Highgate. Tom said the significance of the centres at which the team works became obvious at the Perth sites, and they take the value of the spaces very seriously. He said over the smoko break or at lunchtime, it was common to see clients who had experienced domestic violence, and that this made those assisting from ADCO quite emotional. “It can be so moving … it really provides the oomph behind why we do it, and you might lay that carpet a bit faster or speed up your work that afternoon,” he said. “We’re a big supporter of the Red Shield Appeal as well, and we try and get our people to attend that and [meeting clients onsite] might encourage them to give some money as well. It is very motivating.” TSA Philanthropy Relationship Manager Earle Johnston said there was real heart behind what the ADCO leadership and staff do, both on a community and philanthropic level. He said their generosity was on multiple levels, and that the recent community day in WA was managed thoroughly and to a high standard. “It ran like a well-oiled machine on the day; nothing was left to chance. It was a really streamlined thing,” he said. “They’re really committed to quality because that reflects the business that they do. It is quality, it’s enthusiastic, it’s a great way of giving back to their staff and to their suppliers. “It reinforces a really strong culture that’s within their organisation, and I think that flows from the top.” At the Graceville Women’s Refuge, the team installed new turf and reticulation, a picnic setting with a pergola and some vegetation works. At Bridge House, the team undertook a refresh of shared spaces, replacing old clotheslines, repainting the communal lounge and relocating planter boxes. At the Harry Hunter Rehabilitation Centre, the team delivered multiple upgrades, including new flooring, new seating, ceiling fans, kitchen updates, painting, air conditioner repairs and donation of technology such as a new fridge, TVs, computers, and iPads. The ADCO team working on the dining room space at Harry Hunter Recovery Centre. Image: Supplied Managers from the various centres provided comments on the transformation, and what it meant to the clients. “The staff and participants at the Harry Hunter Recovery Centre are so grateful to ADCO and other partners for contributing their time, energy and resources towards the refurbishment of a number of our communal spaces,” Harry Hunter management said. “The positive impact of the new dining room environment on participants and staff has been significant. We have had so much feedback noting an amplified sense of value, care, and inspiration in the community because of this project.” At Graceville Women’s Refuge, management cited the immediate and meaningful impact of ADCO’s contribution, telling how when an urgent need arose for a client and her children to access emergency accommodation, the ADCO team quickly assembled beds, a dining table and chairs and ensured the unit was ready to house the family that afternoon. The playground and outdoor space at Graceville Women’s Refuge. Images: Supplied “This practical support had an immediate and meaningful impact,” management wrote. “What may have seemed like a simple task enabled a woman and her children to access safety without delay during a time of crisis. It demonstrated the volunteers’ flexibility, compassion and understanding of the importance of responding quickly to the needs of families experiencing vulnerability.” Bridge House management praised the ADCO team for making an “incredible” start on the Yarning Circle, and said they were greatly appreciative and inspired by the generosity, kindness, and practical support shown by the ADCO team. ADCO beginning work on the Yarning Circle at Bridge House. Images: Supplied “Their contribution will have a lasting and positive impact on the wellbeing of the people we support,” managers wrote. The next ADCO Community Day in collaboration with The Salvation Army will be conducted in NSW during September.

Children’s Secretary Captain Marty Herring says The Way Kids invites children to engage with stories of Jesus in learning styles that they can connect with. BY LAUREN MARTIN Children have been invited to participate in ‘The Way’, the Australia Territory’s spiritual focus for 2026. A series of resources – called ‘The Way Kids’ – has been launched by the Children’s Ministries department to support our next generation. Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas said The Way is a united call for the whole movement, including children, to learn to live more deeply in the way of Jesus. The 11-week resource of child-friendly ministry lessons – for use in Kids Church or Junior Soldiers – covers the five key principles of ‘The Way’: discipleship, mission, evangelism, prayer and spiritual warfare. Australia Territory Children’s Secretary Captain Marty Herring said it’s important to break down the spiritual concepts of ‘The Way’ for children, so they can be part of the movement of God that’s happening across the Army. “The faith of a child is so important to Jesus and the Kingdom of God. It is imperative that we nurture and make room for them to follow Jesus directly,” he said. “The Way Kids invites children to engage with stories of Jesus in learning styles that they can connect with.” READ MORE: The Way discipleship Bible reading plan The resource is designed to be flexible, with two sessions for each of the five parts of ‘The Way’ and an additional session for prayer. “The first prayer session focuses on talking to God, and the second on hearing from God. Both are important in prayer,” Marty said. “The third prayer session offers some beautiful and creative prayer stations that aim to foster settings where children can talk and listen to God.” He said he hopes the resources will nurture children’s personal relationship with Jesus and encourage them to be part of the mission of Jesus. “Children are vital partners in mission to share the hope of Jesus with their generation.” For more information, go to the MySalvos site here READ MORE: Launch of The Way