To read Beryl’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here

In this God-defining moment, Nicole shares that she never wanted to be a Salvation Army officer until God made his plans unmistakably clear. Seeking God's guidance, she prayed for someone to arrive with a very specific message. The next day, a faithful Christian friend came to her with the exact words Nicole had asked God to confirm. She also reflects on a tender moment at a kids camp in Tasmania, where a seven-year-old’s thank-you card helped Nicole understand the gifts God had placed within her all along.

Major Paul Morrice, Capricorn Region Corps Officer, opens the new Ross Lyle Dobbs SAES Centre in Rockhampton. BY SIMONE WORTHING A new Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) depot at the Capricorn Region Corps in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, was officially opened and dedicated on Sunday 11 October. The Ross Lyle Dobbs Plant and Logistics Centre will house multiple SAES assets and supplies, enabling teams to respond to disasters and emergencies across the Capricorn Region, and beyond, as needed. The purpose-built centre reflects a strong partnership between the SAES and the corps and its dedication to the region, which extends from Gladstone in the south to Mackay in the north, and out west to Emerald. “Ross Dobbs had played a major role in the SAES for many years, including the coordinating role from 2011,” said Major Paul Morrice, Capricorn Region Corps Officer, who officially opened the centre. “Previous to that, he was a valued SAES member as well, as was his father, Lyle. And Ross’s middle name is Lyle too, hence the name of the centre, because we wanted to honour and acknowledge them both. Lynn Dobbs, Ross’s wife, was also active in the SAES and continues to be an integral part of the team today. “Sadly, Ross has been battling health issues for many years and, despite that, would still turn up, serve graciously and coordinate activities. His faith and his love of the SAES meant so much to him. “The opening of the centre was quite an emotional day for us all. Ross was very active in the planning of this centre but was Promoted to Glory in March. He leaves an amazing legacy.” In opening the new centre, Paul also thanked Adam Cole, the former SAES Response Coordinator for South and Central Queensland, who had worked closely with Ross and the local team to get the centre established. Captain Ron Stobie, SAES Response Coordinator – Queensland, gave the prayer of dedication for the new centre. On the Saturday (10 October) as part of the weekend opening celebrations, Capricorn Region Corps hosted a ‘Bands in the Round’ afternoon, featuring a selection of local brass bands. A ‘Gospel Concert’ was held on the Saturday evening with the visiting Bundamba Corps Band performing. Ross and Lynn have a long association with Bundamba Corps (40km south-west of Brisbane) and had remained in close contact with friends and family there. The Capricorn Region is preparing for a busy season as the weather warms up. As well as losing Ross, they are also struggling with a break-in at the centre a few months ago, with the theft of two vehicles, a trailer, solar panels, generators and gazebos. “Our team is doing what we can and is always ready to go out and help,” said Paul. “We are so grateful to them all.”

To view the appointment bulletin, click here

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 (19-25 October) we pray for the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. This territory has 1992 officers (765 active, 1227 retired); 53 envoys; 13 cadets; 587 corps; 18,950 senior soldiers; 7293 adherents; 2072 junior soldiers; 4080 employees. Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main lead the territory. The work of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory includes: Homelessness services Support for older people Budget and debt advice Modern slavery and human trafficking response. The 140 years celebration at Bromley Corps (left) and the Ramsgate Corps programs. Prayer requests: Pray for the new cadets of the ‘Rescued’ session as they settle into the early days of training. Pray for The Salvation Army’s mission in the context of increasing political and cultural pressures, particularly the rise of populism and protest politics, and the impact these can have on mission and ministry. Pray that our shared commitment to reduce, prevent and end homelessness will bear fruit through effective partnerships, innovation and compassionate service. Pray for our Candidates Department 9:38 initiative, drawing inspiration from Matthew 9:38. An encouragement for people to set an alarm for 9:38 as a call to pray for people to hear and respond to God's call. To find out more about the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

Major Kate Baudinette with Major Jo Brookshaw, who painted this scene during the Seniors Celebration service at Waverley Temple. All photos: Major Steve Haworth BY MAJOR ALAN LAURENS* Waverley Temple Corps in Melbourne was filled with people enjoying fellowship, worship and music as Salvationists and friends from across Victoria gathered for the annual Seniors Celebration on Wednesday 14 October. Guided by the theme ‘Simply Trusting’, the day welcomed attendees from Melbourne’s metropolitan areas and regional centres, including Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat and Geelong. Led by Major Kate Baudinette (Assistant Divisional Commander for Victoria), the celebration began with a fellowship morning tea, followed by worship accompanied by the Melbourne Red Shield Band. Waverley Temple was near capacity for the Seniors Celebration. An engaging question-and-answer interview with Major Simon Damen (Area Officer for Southeast Victoria) set the day’s theme, followed by guest speakers who shared insights into The Salvation Army’s diverse ministries and its response to people experiencing disadvantage. Simon spoke about youth outreach through Frankston Youth Ministries, while Major Narelle Jacobsen (Community Development Officer at St Kilda Chapel) outlined The Well’s work at St Kilda Chapel. Major Brendan Nottle (Corps Officer at Melbourne Project 614) traced The Salvation Army’s social work history in Melbourne, from its early ministry along the Yarra River to the ongoing work of the 614 centre, which supports people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. Major Brendan Nottle speaks while Major Jo Brookshaw paints. A choir formed for the occasion, led by Merryn Steel, Brimbank City Corps, added to the morning program, while Major Jo Brookshaw (Corps Officer at Waverley Temple) created a remarkable artistic interpretation of the theme. Painting throughout the meeting, she completed a striking image of a firmly rooted tree beside flowing waters – a powerful reminder of the strength and security found in trusting God. The painting is to be donated to The Well. After lunch, the celebration continued with an afternoon concert featuring a variety of musical performances. The Melbourne Red Shield Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Graham Roper, opened the program. The Sing and Strum Ukulele Group from Mornington Corps, led by David Parker, encouraged enthusiastic participation with familiar choruses and enjoyable solo items. The Sing and Strum Ukulele Group from Mornington Corps was a popular addition to the Seniors Celebration. The choir returned with a selection of songs that invited the congregation to join in. A lively timbrel display, organised by Lisette McMillin of Warragul Corps, delighted the audience, while pianist Peter Lewis of Craigieburn Corps offered a quieter moment of reflection with his own arrangement of ‘Standing in the Need of Prayer’. Recognising faithful service A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the annual Isabel Gale Award, recognising faithful service and care in senior ministries. Announced by Major Jennifer Cloke (Corps Officer at Kingston City), the award was presented to Kevin and Patricia Drinkwell of Greensborough Corps. The warm applause and standing recognition reflected the appreciation and affection felt for the recipients. Kevin and Patricia Drinkwell speak after being presented with their award. Major Kate Baudinette thanked everyone who contributed to the day’s success, with special acknowledgement of Jennifer and her ongoing work in senior ministries. The Melbourne Veterans Band farewelled attendees with the familiar strains of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, providing a fitting end to a memorable day of fellowship, celebration and encouragement. Through worship, shared stories and recognition of faithful service, the Seniors Celebration was a joyful reminder that, whatever the season of life, we can continue to find strength, hope and blessing in simply trusting God. Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the Seniors Celebration: *The story’s author, Major Alan Laurens, is a retired Salvation Army officer living in Melbourne.

The Salvation Army team with (centre) Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia – (from left) Adrian Reeve, Major Carolyn Harmer, Joanna Reeve, Major Bruce Harmer, Major Vannessa Garven, Eliza Priest and Grace Davidson. The Salvation Army was honoured to be part of the Government House Open Day in Canberra on Saturday 12 October 2026. It was a wonderful day filled with community, connection and fun. Over 2500 visitors passed through the Government House gates to explore the Governor-General’s official residence, one of Australia’s most historic properties. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander, said, “It is a deep honour to have Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia as patron of The Salvation Army Australia. And it was fantastic for The Salvation Army to be part of the Open Day. Simply wonderful!” Her Excellency dropped by to say hello to The Salvation Army team, which had set up a badge-making table, inviting people to make a badge with a message of hope and encouragement to brighten someone else’s day. While at the stall, Her Excellency placed a badge alongside other badges of hope, bearing a message from Commissioner Miriam: “Choose kindness, spread hope”. One of the most striking aspects of the day was seeing people of all ages respond so enthusiastically to the theme of hope. Members of the community creating Badges of Hope at the Salvos stall. The stall soon filled with uplifting messages as participants decorated their badges in bright colours with drawings, stickers and messages such as ‘You are deeply loved’, ‘You’re not alone’, and ‘Be the reason someone smiles today’. These beautiful badges will be distributed through The Salvation Army’s services in the ACT. “Throughout the day, I reflected that this activation was a real opportunity to share our heart with the people of Canberra,” Grace Davidson, National Schools Engagement Manager, remarked. “The conversations we had were so genuine and uplifting, and the activity felt like a warm invitation for people to be involved in our mission.” During the day, people were captivated by the experience. What began as a simple craft activity quickly became more meaningful as participants thoughtfully shared their message of hope for others. It was a true demonstration that kindness is contagious. A growing collection of hope-filled messages. As each child engaged in the activity, they were offered a small showbag containing a few gifts and a leaflet with information about TSA programs and services in the ACT/Queanbeyan. They also received a very sweet colouring-in sheet: an image of Shieldy at Government House (we also couldn’t resist recreating the colouring competition image in real life). Children were invited to participate in the colouring-in competition by submitting their artwork at their local Salvos Store, providing a simple way for families to continue engaging with The Salvation Army beyond the event and creating further opportunities for connection. “A very big thank-you to the Governor-General’s team, whose organisation and support were amazing and set the tone for a wonderful day for all,” Joanna Reeve, Executive Manager Government Relations, noted with appreciation. “Thank you to each person and team from across The Salvation Army who helped bring this event to life. Your support, creativity and commitment made a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly grateful for all you contributed.” The Salvos team all agreed it was a fantastic day of connection and community with countless small acts of kindness set in motion, carrying hope and encouragement into homes, families and communities across Canberra and beyond.

Bill Geracia with wife Susanne and children Elaina and Crosby. Image: Supplied A Sydney-based Salvation Army officer recently shared his difficult health journey at the Thought Matters Conference in New Zealand. This is his story. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Major Bill Geracia, Divisional Chaplaincy Manager for NSW/ACT, proud husband and dad and long-term follower of Jesus, is, this minute, very much alive. But there is a reason he jokes with his children about having a Hollywood-style Viking burial at sea, and plans of how to make fun of his own friends at his funeral. Almost eight years ago, Bill began to grapple with his own mortality. In December 2018, at the age of 42, Bill was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. Ongoing, debilitating pain in his abdomen eventually led to the discovery of an intestinal blockage caused by tumours. Over time, the tumours continued to multiply. “I get hot flashes,” Bill says. “I’m really cold, or I’m really hot. I get hot sweats. I get cold sweats. I go to the bathroom a lot. It messes with the chemistry [of the body]. “It’s like throwing a strange chemical into the mix and hoping everything goes right. It throws everything out of whack.” The first reaction Bill had to his cancer diagnosis was, understandably, shock. “You hear the ‘c’ word and you’re just like, ‘What is this?’ But on the day I was diagnosed, I was crying, and I pulled over to a servo because I could not see through the tears. And God gave me the verse in Philippians that says, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say rejoice.’ And it was [like it was] written across my eyelids, almost. And I remember this idea of how can I possibly rejoice in this? That makes absolutely no sense.” At the time of Bill’s diagnosis, he was Corps Officer at Tuggerah Lakes Salvos. Within the space of several months, he was one of several people diagnosed with cancer from that community. Soon after, Bill travelled back to the United States, where he is originally from, and was forced to provide a prognosis for some visa documentation. The news was sobering. “My life expectancy was between eight and nine years from when I was diagnosed,” he said. “That was obviously a pinnacle, kind of [thinking] ‘what does your faith look like, knowing that you could potentially be dead in the next eight years?’ “My thoughts instantly went to my son. Will I teach him how to drive? And [then] to my daughter. Will I be able to walk her down the aisle?” In the midst of the fear and grief, Bill was having to learn how to cope day by day, minute by minute and second by second with the knowledge that his life now had a more defined expiration date. “God continued to keep telling me that I need to live every day as if it’s my last, not just look at eight years. And so again, I’m a very practical person, so some days it’s been, ‘Okay, I just need to live the next second because I’m stressed or I have a lot of anxious thoughts’, or sometimes it’s a minute, sometimes it’s an hour, sometimes it’s a day. “It really became about breaking it down to whatever my mind could hold.” Bill in his ministry role. Image: Supplied Bill presented a paper at the recent Thought Matters Conference in Aotearoa New Zealand, on the topic of ‘Planning a funeral while planning for tomorrow’. Of this early time, he wrote in his paper of the anticipatory grief he felt. “My mind was already years ahead, grieving my absence from moments that hadn’t arrived. In worrying about whether I would be there for tomorrow, I was in danger of missing the fact that I was here today,” he wrote. “Where the title of the paper came from was [that] my anxious thoughts are planning the funeral. I’m almost as if I’m already dead, but my practical side of myself [reminds me that] I just need to plan for today. Yes, there are thoughts of planning for a funeral and planning for when that all happens, but I need to plan today because today is the day I’m given right now and today is the only time, or one minute, one hour, whatever – that’s the only time I have control of right now. And nobody [has control]. That’s the thing. “And so through my own experience, I learned to deal with the anxious thoughts by just dealing with the right now.” Valuing time Having worked with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients, Bill says the concept of looking at the problem of the current hour, minute or second is a theory that is commonly used in treating clients facing addiction. He said this method also helps him as he considers the value of each unit of time when he knows time is running out quicker than for perhaps others his age. “I like to say that my faith is very basic. It’s following God in this next minute because I don’t know how my life is going to be impacted by life, circumstance, burden, grief, death in the next minute. So, I’m going to follow him in this next minute and whatever happens, whatever comes next, then we’ll work that out later,” he says. READ MORE: Working together for God’s glory in Sydney City He says as a lifelong lover of fun and social interaction, his diagnosis didn’t completely flip his perspective, but it did make him more determined to make the most of every moment. But as he says this he doesn’t believe in time as wasted – any quality time is worthwhile. “I found that some of the best times with my kids are just so random, so chaotic, so just messy. My wife comes home some days and she’s like, ‘What have you guys been up to?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, we just decided to bake cookies with our eyes closed.’ She’s like, ‘Why would you do that?’ And I’m like, ‘Why not?’ “I think in the circumstance when you realise that time is so precious, any moment is time spent. Whether it goes to plan, whether it doesn't go to plan, whether you do something they want to do, whether you do something you want to do, any moment [is special].” Bill says even watching YouTube videos with his son, something he previously thought was a waste of time, now feels significant. “I think the difference after the diagnosis was if he wants me to watch a video, I’m going to watch a video. If he wants to go outside and kick the ball, I’m going to go kick the ball. If he wants to sleep in our bed, then let him sleep in our bed. It’s time spent. “I don’t think any time spent with our kids, our spouses [or others] – I don’t think that time is ever void. I don’t think it’s ever time wasted.” Bill says he also finds himself more intentional about trying to make every social interaction, whether at the coffee shop, the supermarket or anywhere else a source of joy for the other person. “I just want to create joy and bring a smile to people’s faces,” he says. “And not that I didn’t want to do that beforehand, I think I’m just so much more intentional. And I think that’s probably the biggest change across the board ... it’s just I try to do everything with intention.” In his work, Bill says his diagnosis has also made him more proactive than reactive, and the intentionality he carries through other areas of life has improved his work as well and the outcomes for his team. “I think there’s intentionality in advocating for what they need in a space. I think before the diagnosis, in my role, maybe I wasn’t as forward in advocating and truth telling. “[Now] I’m trying to advocate for what I think is the right thing in any given moment. And if you ask me what I think, then I’m going to tell you. And I wouldn’t have done that before. I wasn’t that person.” Bill when he was part of the inner-city chaplaincy team based out of Sydney City Salvos. Images: Supplied Still life to live In his paper, Bill reflects on the journey he has taken to reach this point. “Planning my funeral and planning for tomorrow are not as contradictory as they first seemed,” he writes. “I can acknowledge that death is part of my future without allowing it to take over my present. There is still life to live, people to love, ministry to do and moments in which to rejoice.” And when Bill thinks about planning for his funeral, he has joy at the forefront of his mind. “I want people to be joyful. I want people to laugh. I want people to tell stupid stories about things that I did,” he says. "I understand that there is a sadness that comes. There is a grief of missing somebody, but I don’t want that to overwhelm them. “I think my biggest fear would be a bunch of people in a room crying. I think that would absolutely shatter my soul. I want people dancing in the aisles. I want people telling stupid jokes. I want people making fun of me. I really take to [heart] The Salvation Army’s idea of celebration of life. I want people to celebrate the moments that they had with me. So yeah, I don’t want it to be sad.” READ MORE: Heroes of the faith

Retired officers play an integral role in the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army for many years after their active officership has ended. Most continue to be involved in meaningful ways in their local corps and community, drawing on experience gained over decades of service. Salvos Online continues a new regular series focusing on some of these amazing retired officers. San and Topher Holland retired from active officership in 2023. 1. Which corps do you both currently attend, and how are you involved? Both: We attend Pine Rivers Corps in Queensland. Topher: I am involved on the team for Play Hive (playgroup); Our Table (weekly community dinner church; preaching; Sunday worship; Christmas Cheer and Red Shield; brass band; member of the worship team; and Padre to the RSL. I am available when needed for fill-in and extras. San: I am involved in prayer ministry, Play Hive, Our Table, preaching and Sunday worship. I’m an occasional guest at Ladies L.I.F.T. gatherings, Christmas Cheer and Red Shield. I am available as a volunteer for fill-in and extras when needed. 2. When did you both attend Training College, and what was your sessional name? Did you like that name (why or why not)? Both: We attended Training College in 1986, and our Session name is Messengers of Peace. We never really focused on the name, but we sometimes have a bit of a laugh about it, as we had very interesting and lively characters in our session. We had a great session; we have loved our time with our session-mates and have continued deep connections and relationships. Volunteering at Pine Rivers Corps ... (left) Topher and his daughter-in-law Alli, and San, preparing food in the corps kitchen. 3. Looking back on your years as active officers, was there a particularly memorable appointment, and why? Both: We have loved all our appointments, serving and working alongside amazing leaders, wonderful congregations, local people and great communities. We have met beautiful people who have shared our ministry journey with us, and we have deep, meaningful friendships with them. We have been wonderfully blessed with our appointments and ministry opportunities, and there have been memorable times in each of these. It has been a privilege to lead people to Jesus, disciple them and see them then lead others to Jesus. 4. Is there a specific Bible verse or passage, or even a song, that has anchored your spiritual lives over the years, and if so, why? Topher: Bible verses: Isaiah 40:28-31 – This Scripture expresses God’s eternal power, strength for the weak and renewed hope. I love the biblical image of the eagle. A symbol of freedom, strength, courage, and patience, liberty, power, fierce, glorious, majestic, mighty. Colossians 2: 6-7 – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grown deep down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” These verses highlight gratitude as the natural evidence of a heart deeply anchored and secure in Christ. Song: ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ by Edward Mote. This song offers me deep spiritual and emotional comfort as a steady foundation during life’s challenges and difficulties, when I have experienced times of doubt, great joy, unanswered prayer and grief. Christ is an unshakeable rock and I have learnt to completely lean on Him. I am able to shift my perspective from temporary struggles to eternal security in Christ. San: Bible verses: Philippians 4:6-7 – Reminds me to turn worry into prayer. Psalm 91 – Speaks of God’s protection. Ezekiel 47:1-12 – I want to live in the River of the Holy Spirit. Kings 6:14-17 – Supernatural sight. Song: ‘Goodness of God’ by Jenn Johnson, Bethel Music. 5. If you were speaking to a young Salvationist who asked whether you would recommend officership, what would you say? Both: First and foremost, make sure this is God’s call on your life, and always remember The Salvation Army is a vehicle through which you serve God. We have found officership and ministry a great adventure, a great way to serve, full of challenges, opportunities and a joy in following Jesus. Being a minister of the Gospel as a Salvation Army officer is foundational to belief in and commitment to the power of community, the opportunity to serve and helping people find freedom in Christ, purpose, hope, security, acceptance and value. Wouldn’t you love to be surrendered to that? APPOINTMENT HISTORIES To view San’s appointment history, click here To view Tophers’s appointment history, click here Family ties: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (centre) with Major San Holland, Lieutenant Alli Holland and her mother Lyn Hannah, Lieutenant Liam Holland and Major Topher Holland. Alli and Liam are the Pine Rivers Corps Officers.

Still going strong – (left) men in the late 19th century load up a horse and buggy with goods to be distributed to local op shops and (right) collecting donated items today for the same reason. Tomorrow (Saturday 17 October 2026) marks just the second year of World Op Shop Day. Salvos Online takes a look at The Salvation Army’s op-shop history and ongoing impact around Australia. BY FAY FOSTER Did you know the concept of op shops, or ‘opportunity shops’, has existed in Australia for over a century, and that The Salvation Army has been there from the start? Long before the term ‘circular economy’ became popular, The Salvation Army was already pioneering sustainable practices. The Salvation Army opened its first recycling depots in Melbourne and Sydney in 1883, providing work, accommodation and food for men leaving prison. The depots repaired, sorted and sold items to help cover running costs. ‘Jumble Sales’ (essentially early versions of op shops) gave families access to low-cost clothing when they needed it most. One remarkable example is The Anchorage Hostel in Abbotsford, Victoria, where they repaired items and repurposed them as new garments or wove them into mats for local businesses. These initiatives laid the foundation for what we now recognise as circular economy thinking – extending the life of goods through reuse, recycling and repurposing. World Op Shop Day is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action. Op shops play a crucial role in reducing waste, supporting those in need, and funding essential community and welfare programs. Each year, Salvos Stores diverts more than 40 million items from landfill through resale and recycling. Over the past 25 years, this has amounted to 575 million kilograms of textiles, electronics and home goods that would otherwise have become waste. But it’s not just about protecting our environment. “What I think is really special about op shops is that they’ve really become part of the fabric of Australian society,” said Sarah Knop, Salvos Stores’ General Manager of Customer and Strategy. “They are not just about being an income source for charities. They are a really vital community hub where Australians from all walks of life can belong and find purpose … op shops are also a great way to contribute to a meaningful cause by generously giving your time and your valuable donations.” At the heart of every store is the desire to ensure that everyone who walks through the doors feels welcome, connected and part of something bigger. “We really want to offer a welcoming environment where people know that every purchase they make, donation they give, or hour they spend volunteering helps people and the planet,” Sarah added. As op shops have evolved over the decades, so have the Salvos, from rethinking store layouts and how goods are displayed to setting up an online store. Customers can purchase a wide range of clothing, accessories and collectables via the Salvos Stores e-commerce platform at salvosstores.com.au/shop. Today, with more than 400 store locations, Salvos Stores remain sustainability powerhouses. Supported by the Queensland government, they have also installed Australia’s first automated textile sorting and decommissioning facility. The cutting-edge facility processes donations for resale, and non-resellable items are sorted by colour and fibre type, then cut into high-quality textile swatches for future recycling. The textile recovery facility in Brisbane. “It is a really exciting Australian-first initiative,” Sarah remarked. “We are proud to provide ways for Australians to participate in the circular economy – and we are always working to deliver better sustainability solutions for those items that can’t be resold in our stores. “We want to celebrate the power of second-hand,” said Sarah. “Whether people are donating, shopping or volunteering, their involvement helps create positive change. By supporting op shops, they are not only helping to deliver the life-changing programs of The Salvation Army but also championing a more sustainable future.”

Colonel Kelvin Alley (centre of photo behind his bike) and the reception he received on the completion of his latest ride, a 3500km route from Taree to the Gold Coast. Retired Salvation Army officer Colonel Kelvin Alley has just completed another marathon bike ride for charity, raising funds to support Veterans and families who have served in the Australian Defence Forces. Kelvin, who started out as a participant and chaplain in the annual Pollie Pedal two decades ago, now has his sights set on crossing Australia, a ride that could see him enter the Guinness Book of Records. He shares his story for Salvos Online. BY KELVIN ALLEY I have been an active participant in the annual Pollie Pedal for 20 years now. The Pollie Pedal started in 1998 as a way to get politicians (‘pollies’) out of Parliament House and seen doing something active and constructive in the community. It started with a few pollies on bikes and has grown into something involving up to 40 cyclists riding up to 1000km over eight days (some of whom are federal politicians), and it always includes former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Kelvin with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott on the Pollie Pedal leg of his latest epic journey. The Pollie Pedal raises money annually for a charity of their choice, usually over a period of five years. I am the chaplain to the Pollie Pedal, and I begin each day with a thought and a prayer as everyone gathers quietly. It is widely regarded on Pollie Pedal as a great way to start the day (although many are non-believers), and they respect this time at the start of each day. For several years, the charities have been supporting our veterans – ‘Soldier On’ from 2018 to 2022, and ‘Wandering Warriors’ since 2023. Each rider raises sponsorship from family, friends and the general public. In 2021, the Pollie Pedal was cancelled due to COVID restrictions on state borders. However, because I had already started raising funds from some sponsors, I decided to do my own Pollie Pedal within Queensland. READ MORE: Riding for our veterans My ride was solo and self-supported, covering 1500km into outback Queensland, and raised $10,000 for charity. I was 67 at the time. As a result, I have done this every year since, basically as a ‘warm-up’ ride ahead of the annual Pollie Pedal, but each year becoming more and more adventurous! The route Kelvin took on his latest ride, 3500km from Taree to the Gold Coast. Two years ago, I flew to Adelaide and rode home to the Gold Coast (2400km). Last year, I flew to Port Douglas and rode home to the Gold Coast (2500km). This year (a few weeks ago), I spent five weeks on the road – starting in Taree and riding to Canberra, then turning north and west through Dubbo, Lightning Ridge, and St George in Queensland, then east across the Darling Downs to Toowoomba, where I joined the Pollie Pedal for a week, then took a further week to ride home to the Gold Coast, arriving at Upper Coomera on 6 September. This totalled 3500km and, I’m grateful to say, raised $21,000 for Wandering Warriors. For the past few years, I have turned these rides into a mission by stopping at every Soldiers Memorial along the way. This year, that would have totalled 150! I blog about the rides daily, which has created enormous interest, with people now telling me they won’t pass through towns without searching out the local war memorials. I use the rides to appear on national radio – Sydney 2GB and ABC Australia All Over (Macca) – to talk about the importance of our memorials to those Australians who have served our nation. This year was a huge adventure, and it also sets a good example for retired people, showing that age is never a barrier to achieving fresh and challenging goals. Next year, at age 73, I intend to ride 5000km across the Australian continent from Perth to the Gold Coast (yes, across the Nullarbor!) and, hopefully, make the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest to ever do this solo and totally self-supported. I will use it to raise funds for Wandering Warriors. I am proposing to write a book-length account of this year’s 3500 km ride (just for my memories), which I have also undertaken in previous years. For more on Kelvin’s rides, go to his Facebook site. State MP Mark Boothman presents Kelvin with a framed letter from Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on completion of his latest ride at the Upper Coomera War Memorial in Queensland. All photos courtesy of Kelvin's Facebook site.

Captains Brad and Joycelyn McIver are serving as the Regional Officers in the Solomon Islands. COMPILED BY SIMONE WORTHING Aussie officers visit village churches in Solomon Islands Australian Salvation Army officers, Captains Brad and Joycelyn McIver, recently completed a “fruitful mission trip” to Malaita, the second-largest island in the Solomon Islands, where they serve as Regional Leaders. Accompanied by Auxiliary-Captain Wency Ramo’oroa, Brad said the mission trip strengthened fellowship, worship, leadership development and community engagement across The Salvation Army’s three community church fellowships – Gateway, Kafomauri and Rauai – in the north of the island. “The team received a warm welcome at each location and enjoyed meaningful opportunities to share in worship, prayer, fellowship, and ministry with local Salvationists and community members,” Brad said. The visit provided valuable time to encourage church leaders, build relationships, and support the ongoing mission of The Salvation Army in the region. “A significant highlight of the trip was the delivery of Salvation Army Child Protection Training in partnership with local leaders. To ensure understanding and active participation, the training was presented in three languages, allowing leaders and church members from different communities to engage fully with this important material.” A snapshot of corps activities during the McIvers’ visit. “Another special feature of the visit was the combined worship gatherings that brought together surrounding churches, pastors, and congregations. “Alongside the ministry activities, Captain Joycelyn spent time with women from the local communities, teaching practical skills in making reusable tote bags from fabric and recycled rice bags. The workshops were well received as participants learned simple, creative techniques that can be used to produce marketable products. It is hoped that these skills will provide opportunities for women to generate additional income for their families while promoting resourcefulness and sustainability. “The mission trip was a wonderful example of holistic ministry, combining spiritual encouragement, leadership development, child protection education, and practical community empowerment.” Salvation Army officer speaks at European Parliament Captain Oleg Samoilenko prepares to speak at the European Parliament. Captain Oleg Samoilenko, Corps Officer in Warsaw, Poland, received an unexpected invitation from the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, to take a part in the panel discussion about children and youth in Europe this week. “Only 12 guest speakers from different EU countries were invited, and I was recommended as a voice from Poland,” Oleg said. Oleg’s first presentation focused on children’s safety in the real and digital world, health and education. The panel discussion was centred on the difficulties and challenges facing youth and children in the EU, including human trafficking and poverty. “The most important part of this was what we can do to solve these problems,” Oleg shared. “I did my best to be a voice for children and youth, and also used the opportunity to talk about The Salvation Army and what we do in the human trafficking space. “A month ago, I could not even imagine that I would be in such an important place and that my opinion would carry such weight. God gives us amazing opportunities, and I hope I made the most of this one.” Oleg is Ukrainian and trained as an officer in the Eastern Europe Territory. The Warsaw Corps runs groups for children and youth – many who have come to the country from all over Europe, and beyond. Captain Oleg (centre) was part of a panel discussion in the European Parliament. Educational opportunities in Kuching, Malaysia Educational opportunities are especially important for children from low-income families. The Salvation Army after-school program in Kuching, Malaysia, gives children from low-income families the opportunity to catch up with their studies through tuition classes, run by volunteers. Malaysia is part of the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory. Robotics classes in Lviv, Ukraine Despite the challenges of war, children associated with the Lviv Corps in Western Ukraine, are continuing their robotics classes, led by teachers from the after-school program. "The children are learning, not just to play with Lego, but also how to program it," one of the teachers explained. Children learn robotics through Lego. The children are so proud of their achievements.