(From left) Celebrities Joe Hilderbrand, Beau Ryan, Natalie Barr, Ben Fordham and Sonia Kruger joined Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at the launch of the 2026 Red Shield Appeal. BY LAUREN MARTIN The Salvation Army has officially launched its 2026 Red Shield Appeal, with a line-up of prominent media personalities backing the work that goes on ‘behind the shield’. There has to be something special going on to bring together the likes of Joe Hilderbrand, Sonia Kruger, Ben Fordham, Natalie Barr and Beau Ryan into the same room for the same cause. This week, that room was at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters in Sydney, and that cause was the organisation’s 62nd Red Shield Appeal. “I’m just incredibly proud of you guys and what you do, and how you help the wider community in need,” said television presenter Sonia Kruger. “Australians put their faith in that shield,” added Channel 7 Sunrise host Natalie Barr. For former NRL player and now TV and radio presenter Beau Ryan, the cause is personal: “The Salvation Army and the Smith Family looked after my wife and her mum – her mum was a single mum with three kids … so, we made a commitment to give every bit of time that we could and money to help out The Salvation Army. “There is a lot of hurt and despair out there in the world, but if you put your hand out, someone from the Salvos will grab it.” In assisting with the launch of the 2026 Red Shield Appeal, which aims to raise $41 million by 30 June to enable The Salvation Army to continue its vital work, the celebrities committed to supporting, promoting and continuing their work as ambassadors for the Salvos. “You don’t have to look too far to find examples of how the changing face of those in need has changed over a relatively short space of time,” said radio host Ben Fordham. He said that ever since he was a kid, his father instilled in the family the importance of supporting The Salvation Army, which he says the Australian public – “the mob” – has made up their minds to love, for good reason: “The ‘mob’ loves the Salvos and that’s why we want to raise $40-plus million this Red Shield Appeal.” At the launch, The Salvation Army released its annual survey of people who had reached out to the organisation for support. It found that 9 out of 10 parents were going without food so their children could eat, and 22 per cent of those surveyed said their children had gone without food for an entire day. Major Bruce Harmer said the cost-of-living crisis is now entrenched and pushing families to breaking point. “It is truly heartbreaking to think that our community’s most innocent and vulnerable, our children, are the ones bearing the brunt of the relentless cost-of-living crisis Australia once again finds itself in,” he said. “No parent should have to make the impossible decision of choosing between feeding their child or taking them to the doctor, but we are seeing this crisis amongst more and more families across the country.” For all your Red Shield Appeal 2026 resources, click here

Felicity Pearson with Jess and Adeola at the Darwin Evacuation Centre, giving the corps staff a well-deserved break. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army has launched its first-ever Youth Services team in the Northern Territory, with the uplift of a Street to Home program set to deliver culturally responsive, targeted assistance to young people. At the helm is State Manager Felicity Pearson, who began in her role in November 2025. The team of five is beginning to engage clients between the ages of 14 and 24 who are already homeless or at risk of homelessness. Felicity said the team have been conducting assertive outreach in Garamilla (Darwin), Katherine, and Mparntwe (Alice Springs) since March. She said team members were making themselves known, ensuring they were as “visible as possible” in the community with the goal of fostering trust and forming relationships with vulnerable young people. She said the target age group for her team was often missed in homelessness work. “The Salvation Army shows great heart and courage in the youth space,” Felicity said. “Our Street to Home program supports young people at-risk of, or experiencing, rough sleeping, within a young person-centred, trauma-informed case management approach. We’re filling a critical service gap that existed by providing immediate crisis support and intervention. “We work closely alongside schools and communities, to keep young people safe and ensure their voices are heard.” The team is offering early intervention for those relying on couch surfing, or whose family dynamics meant unstable housing was likely. Felicity said while their engagement with a client was short-term, the goal was also to refer them onto other providers aligned with their health, educational, or housing needs, highlighting the importance of local partnerships. “We think of it [as] getting them back up on their feet, getting all the other wraparound supports in place and walking with the young person for a time until they are confident to keep going on their journey toward independence,” she said. As the team launched, the initial challenge was Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which interrupted their plans to begin outreach from 1 March. However, Felicity said this gave the team a chance to assist The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) by offering extra hands. She said this provided for great interactions with youth at emergency shelters. “Being able to get our presence out there amongst the rest of The Salvation Army was really a good opportunity,” she said. Felicity, who brings experience from a background in the education sector, said her staff team held a wealth of knowledge about the landscape of service delivery and the needs and aspirations of the young people in the locations in which they were working. “I have a very strong team that are supportive of one another despite the distance between them, using the wonders of technology to connect daily,” she said. “We are excited about the continued expansion of TSA Youth Services in the Northern Territory. Watch this space!” Felicity’s team have each shared a snapshot of their background, their hobbies, their passion for the work they do, and what they would tell their younger selves. Garamilla Team, based in Darwin Adeola Adewale I am an enthusiastic Youth and Community Support Worker with extensive experience in the disability and youth sectors. I have a strong foundation of trauma-informed care and supporting young people with complex needs. I have experience managing complex behaviours of concern stemming from trauma at organisations such as MINDA SA and Edmen. Responsibilities have included mentoring, goal-setting, and advocating for young people in multi-agency meetings. How did you come to be in youth outreach work, and part of The Salvation Army? I began focusing specifically on high-needs youth support around March 2024 with Edmen Community Staffing Solution. In this role, I worked with young people facing significant challenges, including trauma-related behaviours and anxiety. This path continued with a role at MINDA SA starting in July 2025, where I focused on complex needs like gang involvement, substance abuse, and therapeutic care for children. To support this career path, I earned a Diploma of Community Service and a Certificate IV in Disability Support. I also completed specific safety training such as ‘Safe Environments for Children and Young People’ to ensure a high standard of care in outreach settings. I am privileged to have joined The Salvation Army, a connection that began during my formative years. From 1985 to 1990, I attended the Salvation Army Primary School in Freeman Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. It was there that I was first introduced to a value-based curriculum that has shaped my character and principles ever since. So far, what is your favorite part of your role? My favourite part of the role is building genuine connections with young people. When you aren’t at work, what are your favourite hobbies/ways to spend your time? I enjoy staying active outdoors. Personal time might be spent go for a walk, biking, swimming, shopping with family or playing sports to stay physically fit and clear the mind. If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when you were a teenager/young adult, what would you say? “You’re allowed to want more than survival. You’re allowed to dream bigger than the circumstances you grew up in. And you don’t need permission to evolve.” *** Jess Healy I have been lucky enough to have a varied work background including tourism, animal husbandry, and mental health peer work which has allowed me to live in some beautiful and remote parts of Australia. How did you come to be in youth outreach work, and part of The Salvation Army? After completing my Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in 2024, I started working in mental health, and homelessness. Although I enjoyed my roles, I was passionate about creating positive change in a young person’s life as I wish I’d received similar support growing up. I wanted to work for The Salvation Army as my mum had worked for The Salvation Army Aged Care Services when I was completing high school and liked the organisation. So far, what is your favourite part of your role? I love working with young people and building a professional rapport based on honesty, hope and connection. I also like the challenges that youth work brings, and being able to use the problem-solving part of my brain as each young person’s situation is different. When you aren’t at work, what are your favourite hobbies/ways to spend your time? I love spending time at the beach with my cheeky cattle dog cross named Chief, working on craft projects, reading, volunteering, and checking out live music. If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when you were a teenager/young adult, what would you say? I’d probably quote the lyrics from the Jimmy Eat World song ‘The Middle’: It just takes some time, Little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride, Everything, everything’ll be just fine, Everything, everything’ll be alright, alright. Mparntwe Team, based in Alice Springs Freya Kinden and CJ, who are part of the Alice Springs-based team. Image: Supplied Freya Kinden I have spent the past nine years working in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Central Australia. I first came here on a six-week internship in 2017 doing social research and have been here ever since. I have worked in community development roles but have always been drawn to youth work roles, working with various youth programs and coaching Town Camp soccer teams. More recently, I have done case work in the FDV space while completing my nutrition studies. I now run my own cooking program for young people called Community Cook Up', while working as an Assertive Outreach Worker for The Salvation Army Youth Services. How did you come to be in youth outreach work, and part of The Salvation Army? Having witnessed young people experience housing instability, I was drawn to the role, as I believed it could offer a meaningful service for young people and their families. So far, what is your favourite part of your role? Being able to meet young people where they are at through outreach has been something that I have enjoyed about the role. I hope this will give young people confidence in our service, breaking down the barriers of service access. When you aren’t at work, what are your favourite hobbies/ways to spend your time? When I am not at work I am normally focusing on my business doing cooking programs for young people. I also enjoy cooking myself, camping, going to waterholes and enjoying the many events which happen in Central Australia. If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when you were a teenager/young adult, what would you say? Always take the chance on opportunities in front of you, as you never know where life will take you. *** CJ (Chijioke Egbuna) I moved to Australia from Nigeria in 2024 and I’m currently based in Alice Springs. My background is mostly hands-on and people-focused, and I’ve always been someone who values community, connection, and supporting others where I can. How did you come to be in youth outreach work, and part of The Salvation Army? I’ve always had an interest in helping people, especially young people who might need guidance or support. Moving to a new country also showed me how important community is, and that’s what drew me to youth outreach and The Salvation Army. I wanted to be part of something that makes a real difference. So far, what is your favourite part of your role? My favourite part so far is being able to connect with people on a real level, just listening, understanding, and being present. Sometimes that alone can mean a lot. I’m looking forward to building stronger relationships and continuing to grow in the role so I can support people even better. When you aren’t at work, what are your favourite hobbies/ways to spend your time? In my free time, I like to keep things simple. I enjoy spending time being creative, watching content that helps me grow, and just staying active and focused. I like using my time in a way that keeps me improving and balanced. If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when you were a teenager/young adult, what would you say? I would tell myself to stay patient and consistent. Not everything happens quickly, but if you stay disciplined and keep going, things work out. I’d also say don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Anything else you would like to add? I’m really grateful to be part of this. I’m here to contribute, learn through experience, and do my best to make a positive impact.

Nuria Gonsalves loves her role with the Salvos, engaging with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) team. In today’s Global Focus column, Nuria Gonsalves, National Lead of The Salvation Army’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Engagement team, reflects on the lessons that shaped her life. Many of those lessons were first learned as a child growing up in India, watching her parents respond to very real challenges with courage and faith.  BY NAOMI SINGLEHURST As the oldest of three children, Nuria grew up in a safe, quiet Catholic village outside Mumbai, and her childhood was, in many ways, idyllic.  “I was born in this beautiful town called Vasai,” she says. “We had 26 parishes, and I grew up in a parish called Gokhivare. I can still picture waking up to the sound of church bells echoing through the streets of our village. The air was always filled with a sense of tranquillity.”   The village was small – about 200 families.   “This town was just a tight-knit community where I grew up. Everyone knew each other. Our lives intertwined with the church calendar – Sundays with the Mass, choir practice, youth groups and St Vincent de Paul meetings. Family was not just biological – the congregation was like a larger family bound by faith.”  Faith challenged  One night, when Nuria was only eight years old, that sense of safety was shaken.   “At around 1.30am, the doors to our home just burst open,” she recalls.   Her father, working for Air India, had recently returned from Singapore. The electricity had been cut. It was monsoon season.   “Mum and Dad immediately woke up, and they knew something was not right. Mum closed the bedroom door and picked us up from sleep, put us under the bed.”   As the oldest child, Nuria was given instructions. “Hold them. Don’t make any noise. Cover their mouths.”   Nuria pressed her hands over the mouths of her younger siblings as a gang of robbers entered the house and began beating her father with wooden sticks in the same room. Her aunt was attacked elsewhere in the house.   “We had three doors to our house, so Mum ran to the back door. It was very terrifying. If I think of it, I get pins and needles all over – even now,” Nuria says. “But mum was very strong, and she had a strong faith.” Nuria’s mother, whom she says is a ‘pillar of strength’. Supernatural help  “At that moment, Mum was just saying constantly, ‘Christ help me, guide me.’ In the midst of the chaos, she went to the back door and said something incredible happened to her. She jumped into the fields to go to the neighbours to seek help, and it felt like there was a divine presence.   “She rushed to the neighbours for help, and she was crying in the loudest voice ever. Some of the robbers saw her and followed her.”   A neighbour ran to the church and began ringing the bell in the middle of the night, waking the community. “The whole town came running,” Nuria says.  Her father needed more than 20 stitches. Her aunt was injured. Her grandfather, who had been locked in another room, died two days later from the shock.  “It was really the most terrifying experience for our family,” she says. “But it was also a turning point for our family. It deepened our connection to our faith in ways we hadn’t imagined, built resilience and showed the importance of forgiveness.”  Nuria says her mother and father showed “the power of unwavering faith in the face of adversity” and became a “pillar of strength”.  “No matter what challenges come our way, through our faith, we can overcome.”  Believing in God’s goodness  After completing her Bachelor of Education and teaching for a year, Nuria happily entered into an arranged marriage with Rodney, an engineer from Mumbai who had been offered work in Australia.   That lesson – and many others from her mother and father – stayed with her when she moved to Australia as a young bride in her 20s.   “Within a month of getting married, I was here,” she says. “It was total culture shock. I was no different to any other community member who comes to a new country. No family. No relatives. Everything new.”  Even the language felt unfamiliar.  “People would say ‘no worries’, and I would think, ‘I’m not worried’. Colleagues would crack jokes, and I would laugh but have no understanding.”  Though naturally outgoing, she felt lonely.  So, she did what she had always done and drew on her faith and courage.  “Every morning, I would walk to St Anthony’s Church near where we lived and attend Mass. Most of the time, there were women who were retired and attending church, and I made friends with them.   “I did make friends with different cultural groups – there was this lovely woman from Sri Lanka, some were Italian, and there was a Vietnamese woman. They were very loving. They used to come and talk to me. I just wanted to understand living in Australia.”  Nuria and her two daughters, Rishona and Ronah. Motherhood joy  “We were married in 2004, and our beautiful daughter Rionah came into our lives in 2007 and Rishona in 2011. It is beautiful – life-changing,” Nuria shares.   “My mum and my parents-in-law took turns to come to Australia and support us as the kids were growing up. That was really beautiful, and I do appreciate that a lot.  “When you are away from your family, that’s when you realise how important it is ... I’m just so grateful for all they have done.”   When asked what she hopes to pass on to her daughters, Nuria is clear.  “I want Rionah and Rishona to carry the courage and resilience my mother showed me, to trust God even in the most uncertain times. I also hope they cherish our Indian roots – the culture, the language, the festivals, the food, the sense of community – while embracing the opportunities of life here in Australia.  “These are gold nuggets that shape identity, faith and a sense of belonging.”  A career and a calling  Nuria in her role as the National Lead of The Salvation Army’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Engagement team. Although trained as a teacher specialising in mathematics, Nuria eventually began working with The Salvation Army through Employment Plus, later stepping into her current national CALD leadership role.  She soon realised how much she loved and valued the work, which she says added a “profound sense of meaning” to her life.   “The work with The Salvation Army allowed me to touch lives in a more immediate and personal way. I was part of a team that was making a difference … addressing real-world challenges that many people face every day, providing assistance with employment, helping community members going through trauma, depression, addiction, language barriers, or trying to integrate into the Australian culture.   “It became a calling.”  In many ways, the work reflects the lessons she first learned at home – faith expressed in action, community expressed in care, and courage expressed in service. Today, as National Lead for CALD Engagement, she works to support Salvation Army corps (churches) and teams across Australia to engage effectively and meaningfully with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.   But while her leadership spans the nation, the lessons that shaped her life are still most intentionally lived out at home.    To hear Nuria tell her story, visit https://my.salvos.org.au/rich-tapestry/episode-1-nuria-gonsalves/

As The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal launches across the Australia Territory, Colonels John and Lani Chamness express how grateful they are to 'join in' and be the hope for Australians facing crisis. Whether it be those experiencing the fear, uncertainty and exhaustion that come with the threat of homelessness, cost of living pressures, rental stress or family and domestic violence - people need dignity, compassion, and hope. ‌This year’s Red Shield Appeal is more than a fundraising campaign. It is a lifeline.

In the first of a series spotlighting this year’s cadets, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH chatted with Jess Gorringe about her unconventional path from teaching to officership, the testimony that changed the trajectory of her life, her passion for doing life alongside young people – and the love of belting out a karaoke classic. Jess, rewind for us ... when did the call to officership hit, and what made you say that big ‘yes’? I’ve always loved teaching and originally planned to become a teacher. I didn’t consider officership until my teens, after coming to faith and sensing God nudging my heart. One way he speaks to me is through pictures, and at 14, during prayer at Hillsong Conference, I saw myself wearing epaulettes – but I was freaked out, so I went on to study a teaching degree. Even so, God continued to put it strongly on my heart. I was engaged to my husband, Caleb, who always wanted to be an officer, but knew the calling had to be mine. I asked God to be very clear, saying I would leave university if he confirmed it. The very next day at Colour Conference, I heard a woman’s testimony about laying down her career for ministry, and it became very clear that God was calling me to do the same. I left my degree and started pursuing ministry. Where are you serving at the moment – and what’s your role? I’m serving at Parramatta Corps (NSW) as a cadet with Caleb. We are at the corps a few days a week, as well as Sunday, and on top of that, doing our studies. We are really loving it. Any standout moments that are shaping you as a future officer? I’m really loving being at Parramatta. Caleb and I have started a young adults’ Bible study at our house on Monday nights, and it’s been beautiful to watch how the Holy Spirit is moving in that space. We share dinner with them and our family, build relationships, do life together, study the Bible, and play some board games! It’s been beautiful to work with Caleb, as we have never run a ministry together, and to lean on each other’s strengths, and giftings, and to support and complement each other. I think that’s been very helpful for our development, working on how we’re going to do ministry together. (From left) When switching off for fun, Jess loves nothing better than to sing - especially karaoke; A favourite way to spend a Saturday for Jess is to go out for a bush walk with her family; Teaching and leadership are just two of many strengths Jess enjoys sharing with others as she studies towards becoming a corps officer. Where are you feeling stretched right now? I grew up in the same corps for 17 years. It’s very different to Parramatta. My home church was contemporary, modern and super chilled. Parramatta is equally beautiful, but just in very different contexts. Parramatta is in the city. It’s more traditional, more formal, so just getting used to the cultural differences is stretching me. I’m enjoying learning and experiencing church in a new way. What strengths do you lean on most? I have a gift of teaching and leadership. I’m also very organised and quite enjoy administration. I also enjoy discipleship and having conversations about faith with people and praying with people. Leading small groups is another strength. I love it. It fills me up. READ MORE: New cadets Rescued and ready to go! Which focus areas of officership really fire you up – and why? Definitely corps. Nothing fires me up more than teaching people about Jesus. But not just teaching people about Jesus, but journeying with them, and seeing God at work in people’s lives and praying with people, caring for people, seeing people be discipled and grow in their relationship with Jesus, and then bringing somebody along with them. Seeing people’s lives transformed by Jesus and then watching them tell others about how God has transformed their lives, and watching that play out, is just my favourite part about ministry. If you could design your dream appointment today, what would it look like – and who would you most hope to impact? I would love to be at a corps. Obviously, I believe that God has placed me in The Salvation Army, and God is in control of where we go. So whatever appointment I get, I trust that that’s where God’s called me. My heart is for the church, for discipleship and for sharing the gospel. And just for fun ... when you switch off, what do you love doing? I love karaoke! Nothing is more fun to me. I think a safe song for me that I know is ‘I Have Nothing’ by Whitney Houston. I love singing it. I also love being with my family and spending time with Caleb and my son, Joey, and going to the park. My son is a little boy, so doing boy things with him, playing with the trucks and getting in the dirt, is fun! I also like walking and going on nature walks with my family. My favourite way to spend a Saturday is to go for a bushwalk with my family.

Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers at the International Firefighters Day memorial services in Kings Park, Perth. Image: Facebook BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) volunteers in Western Australia have supported communities with food and refreshments at recent events across the Perth region. On 3 May, SAES teams catered for attendees at memorial services held in Kings Park, Perth, to mark International Firefighters Day, which was officially observed on 4 May. Dedicated volunteers provided finger food including cakes, scones and sandwiches. On 4 May, SAES attended a multi-agency exercise at Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley, where they provided morning tea and lunch for 250 people. Five new volunteers – Anthony, Tash, Elester, Karryn and Glenda – all offered assistance at the event. SAES teams across the country are on standby to provide assistance and support during disasters and emergencies, or community gatherings. All images: Facebook.

The Salvation Army’s Monica Pancholi (left) at the stall with Salvo vounteers at Hobart’s Nepalese New Year celebrations. BY LAUREN MARTIN A Salvation Army stall at the Nepalese New Year celebrations in Hobart, Tasmania, sparked great conversations with individuals and families about the Army’s mission and services. Salvation Army Doorways Energy Support Worker, Monica Pancholi, attended the event and said it was a great opportunity to introduce Salvation Army services to the Nepalese community. “Many people were surprised to learn that these services are available and free of cost,” she said. “A lot of community members are not aware that such services exist, and some assume they are not eligible due to their immigration status.” She said having the stall at the event, which provided information about Salvation Army activities and colouring-in activities for children, is really important because it highlights a gap in awareness within CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities. “[These events allow us to connect directly with people, build trust, and ensure the community knows that we are here to support them.” Monica will be setting up a similar Salvation Army stall at another event this weekend, the Hobart Vaisakhi Mela, celebrating the Punjabi Harvest Festival. Colouring-in for kids was popular at The Salvation Army stall at the recent Nepalese New Year celebrations in Hobart.

Captain Sal is making a difference to those in need in Portland, Victoria. This former city bus, converted for use in outreach programs, allows the Salvos to offer practical support and compassion directly to those in need. Serving outside the courthouse, dedicated volunteers offer shelter, food, clothing, and connection, and with the help of therapy dogs, are creating a safe and welcoming space that has reduced tension in stressful moments.

The cohort at the CMI Gathering. Image: Kirralee Nicolle BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE At a recent gathering, leaders across The Salvation Army’s Social and Community Mission services have highlighted the value of the work happening within the newly-formed Centre for Mission Impact (CMI), formerly known as Policy, Research and Social Justice (PRSJ). Sonali Correia, a Senior Manager within the Family and Domestic Violence stream, spoke alongside General Manager for the Alcohol and Other Drugs services Kathryn Wright and Senior Homelessness Specialist Sophie Parsons about the ways in which CMI initiatives such as the Outcome Measurement Project driven by the Research team had helped refine and record the work of The Salvation Army, alongside community members experiencing disadvantage. Sonali also spoke of how the team’s collaboration with Policy and Advocacy had enabled her team to better share their stories and build advocacy opportunities. She encouraged the team that despite how they might feel that projects were lengthy and breakthroughs rarer than for those working in frontline services, the work of CMI mattered greatly. “Sometimes I put myself in your shoes and [I think] sometimes it might be harder when you’re not necessarily seeing the outcome or it takes years to actually happen, but I really want to assure you that every little bit that you contribute goes a really long way,” Sonali said. Policy and Advocacy General Manager Jennifer Kirkaldy interviewing Sonali Correia, Sophie Parsons and Kathryn Wright at the CMI Gathering. Image: Kirralee Nicolle “Being able to constantly be that voice for those people who haven’t found their voice yet is what means a lot to me in terms of advocacy and creating these opportunities.” The comments came as part of ‘Mission in Action’, a gathering of the Policy and Advocacy, Research and Outcome Measurement, Contract Services, Government Relations, Operations and Specialists teams at the Adina Hotel, Pentridge in Coburg, Victoria. The teams gathered to hear about the ways in which their work is supporting teams across the Army to more effectively serve the community and to gain insights into greater collaborative opportunities and the future direction of The Salvation Army. As well as the panel on the first day, on the second day, attendees heard summaries from members of each CMI team about what their work involved, and how it fit within the broader work of The Salvation Army. Major Matt Reeve also spoke on The Way, the national spiritual focus for 2026 and beyond, and each element of discipleship, evangelism, prayer, spiritual warfare and mission. Table groups engaged in discussion on how to best integrate the elements into the work of CMI. Later that day, Reconciliation Action Plan and Projects Manager Sue Hodges led the group in an art activity, which helped highlight the importance of art in conveying the voices and journeys of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. Sue Hodges leads the team in an art exercise. Image: Kirralee Nicolle Following this session, the teams were led on a group excursion of the Pentridge Prison historical grounds, where the tour guides emphasised the early beginnings of The Salvation Army’s Prison Gate Brigade, which began in 1883 at the Pentridge complex, then known as Melbourne Gaol. On the final day, teams heard from members of the Communications portfolio, with Head of Internal Communications Annemarie Watt and Media and Corporate Affairs Specialist Steve Speziale as well as Publications journalist Kirralee Nicolle speaking about the ways CMI could best communicate with strategy and impact. Throughout the event, attendees were reminded of how their work informed and was driven by the work happening across all sectors of The Salvation Army, and the value of collaboration and learning about one another. General Manager Contract Services Lyndel Sainsbury, General Manager Mission Operations Major Andrew Craib and Major Matt Reeve presenting at the CMI Gathering. Images: Kirralee Nicolle At the outset of the conference, Head of CMI Dr Elli McGavin spoke of how the CMI team had originally formed as PRSJ, then was now reshaping as CMI. She referenced philosopher Thomas Kuhn’s concept of the paradigm shift, and how there was now a “weight of knowledge” leading to significant change. “I think we’re in that position at the moment where the weight of the change is pushing up against the paradigm and we’re shifting into a completely new shape and idea, particularly because around us there’s been a lot of change as well in the mission portfolio itself,” Elli said. “We have to respond to that change, and we have to move ourselves into that new paradigm.”

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 (4-10 May) we pray for the India Central Territory. Commissioner Daniel Raju Dasari leads the Territory. This Territory has 703 officers (500 active, 203 retired); 10 Auxiliary-Captains; 278 corps; 32 outposts and societies; 83,120 senior soldiers; 11,964 adherents; 17,483 junior soldiers; 90 employees. The work of the Territory includes: Education Health Children's homes Modern slavery and human trafficking response The leaders of this territory have shared the following points to guide us as we pray: Pray for God’s provision, wisdom, creativity and faithful support as the territory develops sustainable and ethical income-generating initiatives, ensuring financial stability to effectively continue ministry, outreach, and care for communities in need. We pray for the Territorial Strategic Priorities 2026-2030, based on the Empowering People, Equipping Leaders, Enhancing Infrastructure. Pray that officers may grow deeper in their faith and intimacy with God, becoming strong and faithful role models for soldiers and their congregations. And for the spiritual protection of children and youth in the territory to strengthen their faith and help them develop a personal relationship with God. Pray for guidance as they face modern challenges, distractions and pressures. We pray for the upcoming officers’ Councils, that God would confirm his calling in the lives of all participants and guide every aspect of the event according to God’s will. And also for the summer camps, VBS for children and Youth programs for our youth, asking God to pour out abundant blessings, spiritual growth and joy in their participation. Please pray for the development of the women’s ministry, Home Leaguers, and women who are facing challenges such as domestic violence and the dowry system. Pray for the spiritual growth of Junior Home Leaguers and for those who are unemployed. And lastly, pray for the youth as the leaders plan to conduct a Youth Congress this year with around 1,000 young people expected to participate. May this gathering inspire and empower them, strengthen their faith and guide them toward a purposeful and positive future. Pray also for the organisers and leaders, that everything may be carried out smoothly, and that the event will have a lasting impact on every participant. To find out more about the India Central Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus and download the 2026 Prayer Calendar, click here.

(Image supplied) Kylie Vaughan calls herself a ‘Spicy Christian’ – bold, unfiltered and drawn to life’s toughest conversations. The harder the challenge, the better. But she’s also grounded in faith, driven by deep compassion, and passionately believes real change starts within. As a Salvos Employment Plus Employment Consultant, she channels that belief into helping ex-offenders rebuild their lives from the ground up. In her ongoing series on The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus agency, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH chatted with Kylie about leading from the front and why change starts with what we are willing to confront. When Jane* was just 12 years old, she was trafficked by her mother and sold for a bag of dope. The horrific circumstances became the backdrop to a life largely spent in prison – until meeting Kylie in a maximum-security facility changed her trajectory, sparking 22 weeks of support that helped her rebuild her life and pursue becoming a youth advocate. Kylie’s confronting yet hopeful work is driven by empathy, a passion for changing lives, and supporting ex-offenders as they rebuild – often from the ground up. It isn’t just a job; it’s a calling born from frustration, compassion and a refusal to look away. “I was just sick and tired of seeing prisoners released who had done their time, all dressed up and quite literally nowhere to go,” Kylie reflects. “They were hungry. They only had the clothes on their backs. They were disconnected from culture, from family, no circle of friends or positive influencers, no one to have a hot cup of tea with. I just couldn’t stomach it anymore. And I thought to myself, if, in 20 years’ time, what if either of my children were in that position, what would I want? I’m a firm believer that we can’t expect change unless we’re able to do it ourselves and to start leading from the front.” And that question didn’t just linger there; it redirected the course of her life. If there’s one constant in Kylie’s work with ex-offenders, it’s this: people want a chance and someone to trust. (Image Supplied) It began with opening a small outreach in Laidley, a rural town in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley Region, in December 2024, offering a cup of noodles, a coffee, and a conversation with ex-offenders – a non-judgemental service to anyone. “It was me serving them and removing the barriers by being approachable,” Kylie says. “Being someone they can connect to and recharge to and get a positive spin on life beyond barriers.” After a ‘whimsical conversation’ of wishful thinking with a colleague, Belinda Donova-Beggs, The Steps of Freedom Initiative (SOFI) was then born. It has exceeded expectations. Testament to this is that the Employment Plus program has welcomed over 2000 people whilst in custody, on parole, and entangled in the corrections system in some way. READ MORE: More than a job for Graeme White Currently, SOFI has nearly 100 people commencing with Kylie. “It’s not because I’m the silver bullet,” she emphasises. “It’s because this program does what we say we’re going to do. There’s no fictitious building up of fake. We deal with facts. We have transparent communication with Corrections. We don’t overpromise. We do what we say we’re going to do. “If we’re goal-setting today, we’re goal-setting. If we’re making outward referrals, we’re making outward referrals. There’s no changing of faces, no manipulation. It’s almost as if we’re speaking a love language that was always there for them, but they never knew was available to them – and that’s compassion.” For Kylie, patterns of offending are rarely a mystery. Many clients come from loveless, hugless, structureless homes where children grow into adults who struggle with conflict, lacking the foundational building blocks that often start with family conversations at the dinner table. And the biggest barrier ex-offenders face when seeking employment? A lack of confidence. Ex-offenders secure work often in industries they were trained in during prison - welding, construction, woodwork. (Image Supplied) It’s quiet but powerful, seeping into every corner of a person’s life, fuelling destructive behaviours, toxic relationships, alcohol, and other drugs. And how do they deal with it? “You address it,” she says. “You agitate it, walk into those waters – get the sediment to the surface – and apply practical, genuine solutions. You start by bringing down the barriers, making sure that they can talk to me about anything.” Trust becomes the cornerstone of every relationship she builds. Kylie explains that after building trust, she can confidently introduce people to new resources without them feeling set up to fail. Her approach involves identifying their issues, creating an action plan, and connecting them with support services such as Salvos Doorways, first responders, and chaplaincy. While Kylie is faith-based, she doesn’t impose her beliefs. Instead, she offers a different perspective that can challenge their existing assumptions. Interestingly, many ex-offenders assume Christianity is straight-laced or stereotypically a blonde-haired and blue-eyed person. Then they meet Kylie. “I’ve got more tattoos than many of them put together!” she says. “I am a spicy Christian, but undoubtedly a faith-filled Christian. In every aspect, we incorporate all of the core values of just being a good human.” The impact is immediate. “The response is always remarkable,” Kylie says. "They sit with me because it’s voluntary. They are not in prison ... for the first time in many of their lives, they are sitting across the table from someone who they know gets it. You start seeing them engage, you see them flicker with hope, and they start setting and achieving goals.” The Steps of Freedom Initiative (SOFI) that Kylie runs has exceeded expectations. Testament to this is that the Employment Plus program has welcomed over 2,000 people whilst in custody, on parole, and entangled in the corrections system in some way. (Image Supplied) It’s never about perfection. It’s about progression. Kylie also supports employers hesitant to hire ex-offenders, while keeping victims front of mind. She respects each employer’s boundaries, especially around specific offences, and works within their comfort levels rather than pushing them beyond what they accept. But getting a job is only part of the picture. The real challenge is keeping people engaged in work that keeps them ticking. That’s why her support doesn’t stop at placement. “This is why I love Employment Plus,” she says. “We give a genuine 360-degree service.” This includes removing low-lying barriers: paying for the cost of fuel, phones, car registrations, first-aid training. Accessing government-provided employment funding can take someone from survival mode to thrive mode. And the success stories speak for themselves. Recently, a Māori lady who was on a 501 VISA and a candidate for deportation was able to secure employment four months after being involved with SOFI. Ex-offenders also secure work often in industries they were trained in during prison – welding, construction, woodwork. Several creative and talented beautiful minds come out of prison, Kylie added, eventually settling and continuing their passions. READ MORE: A day in the life of an Employment Plus consultant If there’s one constant in her work, it’s this: people want a chance and someone to trust. “They’ve been let down all their lives,” she says. “They want to believe in you. They want to trust you. They just need the opportunity to trust.” And the Employment Consultant insists her work isn’t solo. “I’m very fortunate. Employment Plus rallies behind me,” Kylie remarks. “Not just the immediate team, but the executive team, the national management team, the regional managers. There is never a door closed – and I rely heavily on that.” Two Bible verses are also kept close to her heart: 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Proverbs 13:20, both centred on the power of relationships. “The Salvation Army is doing things that haven’t been able to be achieved,” she says. “The fact that we have been able to open these doors and become intertwined in this area is only evidence that God is real. We are trailblazing this because we don’t want to have applause or anything in return, but we are living up to the core values of this great army. Everything we do has to be to improve and leave this world better than what we inherited." *Jane is not her real name. It has been used to protect her identity. ​​ ​​

Students of the Hornsby Gateway Corps’ ‘AI for Good’ ministry with their graduation certificates. BY LAUREN MARTIN On Palm Sunday at Hornsby Gateway Corps, a vibrant cross-section of the community joined the congregation for the first time for a special ‘All-in-One’ gathering. This included the children and parents from the corps’ STEM program, alongside the UTS student volunteers who coached them in coding and A.I powered project-based learning. Also joining them were the dedicated teachers and students from TAFE Hornsby – the behind-the-scenes heroes who have spent the past term preparing afternoon tea for the families each weekend. It was a landmark day of celebration, bringing together all those who have made this innovative community initiative a success. Captain Lydia Hong, Hornsby Gateway Corps Officer, said the idea of the after-school STEM club was to engage children and young people with the corps, which doesn’t have playgroup or music ministries. She and a UNSW computer science graduate came up with the idea of teaching primary and middle school students the coding program ‘Scratch’ and the STEM club started in late 2024. Hornsby Gateway Corps Officer Captain Lydia Hong giving the message on Palm Sunday, attended by community members connected with the corps’ new STEM-based children’s ministry. “It’s been well received by the community,” she said. The demand was high, but more volunteers were needed to expand, and due to the specific nature of expertise needed, volunteers were hard to find. Then God intervened. “I had the opportunity to speak on a panel at UTS [University of Technology Sydney] organised by AUS_LEAP… under a theme called ‘Thriving in the age of AI-volunteering as a gateway’,” Lydia said. “It was an opportunity for networking and building leadership skills. We gave a 10-minute speech to 150 UTS students on the campus. I got to talk about what The Salvation Army Hornsby does, that we have a family store, we have social programs, and recently we started this kids’ coding club. “I talked about the philosophy and the project-based learning and how we are now doing it in our community for lower socio-economic families. Some of the UTS students were interested, especially members of their Engineer Society, so they came and they said, ‘We are happy to volunteer.’” Hornsby Gateway Corps Officer, Captain Lydia Hong, speaking at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) on a panel talking about volunteering in the age of AI. With the extra volunteers on hand, and a ready-to-use curriculum from another non-for-profit tech-group, in 2026, Lydia and the STEM club leader, Sunny, launched an extra program on Sunday afternoons, focused on A.I powered projects. “We called it ‘A.I for Good’ which is based on this very familiar term, ‘tech for good’ in the technology world,” Lydia said. “I thought that it was a good connection with the Salvos’ ‘Believe in Good’ [campaign].” Each Sunday afternoon, the session started with those gathered learning about an A.I For Good project, such as ‘Affective Computing’ and ‘Ocean Cleanup’. “Then, we introduced Salvos’ ‘Believe in Good’ campaign and invited them to choose a project to help the local Salvos with, which, for the first cohort, was around the Hornsby Gateway Salvation Army Family Store,” said Lydia. The students conducted a shopper survey and found that few younger shoppers were visiting the store, so the project focused on how to attract younger customers. The result was the launch of Hornsby Family Store Mascots, which were 3D printed, with each of the four mascots having their own unique name and backstory. “The Mascots are called the ‘S Alliance’ and ‘S’ stands for Salvation,” said Lydia. At the end of the project, the group and their parents were invited to participate in Sunday worship at Hornsby Gateway Corps on Palm Sunday, to showcase their project and be celebrated. The invitation to the Sunday meeting was just one faith pathway that Lydia and the team integrated into the STEM programs. Every Sunday, at the start of the ‘A.I for Good’ program, Lydia would showcase a Christian scientist. “We call it the ‘Little Devotion’ at the beginning of each week,” she said. “We wanted to help them to understand that faith and science are not contradictory.” In the lead-up to Easter, the mid-week Coding Club was asked to code an animation based on a part of the Bible story. Lydia and the team are seeking God’s direction on where to take the groups in the future and how to strengthen connections with the parents of those who participate, many of whom stay throughout the class. Please keep this new ministry at Hornsby Gateway Corps in your prayers, that the Holy Spirit would move powerfully to impact the lives of those who are becoming connected with the corps through this focus on technology and science. Students of the ‘AI for Good’ ministry at Hornsby Gateway Corps enjoy lunch after attending the Palm Sunday morning meeting.