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Lieut-Col Gregory Morgan, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Helena Plazzer  (Reconciliation Australia) , Lucy Davis, Joelle Low (Reconciliation Australia) , and Colonel Winsome Merrett at the Stretch RAP Launch.   BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army officially launched its Stretch RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) this week, a commitment to deepening its engagement with First Nations stakeholders and making reconciliation-aligned practices commonplace across the organisation. In doing so, The Salvation Army joined a small number of Australian non-profit organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans that have progressed to implementing such an initiative. The launch event coincided with National Reconciliation Week, which this year had the theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’. Master of ceremonies, Major Stuart Glover, a Bundjalung man and TSA Assistant Chief Secretary for Business, gave a newly written Acknowledgement of Country, in which The Salvation Army paid its respects to Indigenous elders who played a vital role in fostering a fair and just society for all Australians. Indigenous dancers perform at the start of the Stretch RAP launch at Box Hill Corps. “The Salvation Army has called Australia home for over 144 years, and we acknowledge that part of our history has contributed to the profound grief and loss experienced by First Nations people,” Stuart read. “We are committed to working alongside First Nations peoples to pursue justice, reconciliation and mutual flourishing.” Stuart added a personal note about what this occasion and work meant to him as a First Nations man. “I also just want to acknowledge other Mob in this room and also online,” he said. “It’s great to be part of a team of Mob right around the country, being part of helping The Salvation Army, being great agents of reconciliation.” The event, held on 2 June at Box Hill Corps, Victoria, featured a Welcome to Country performed by Djirri Djirri, a Wurundjeri women’s dance group, as well as a previously recorded Passing of the Coolamon ceremony featuring divisional commanders from across the territory. Speakers at the launch – (Top) Lieut-Colonel Gregory Morgan and Shirl Congoo (Bottom) Jennifer Kirkaldy and Lucy Davis. What is a Stretch RAP? A Stretch RAP is an initiative designed by Reconciliation Australia, a non-profit organisation that promotes and facilitates reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. The Stretch RAP’s adoption follows the 2020 implementation of the Innovate RAP. Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Frameworks provide organisations with structured approaches to advance reconciliation. According to Reconciliation Australia, a Stretch RAP is best suited to organisations that already demonstrate strong, meaningful engagement with internal and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. These organisations need to have established a very strong approach towards advancing reconciliation both internally and within their sphere of influence. The Stretch RAP requires organisations to embed reconciliation initiatives into business strategies, so they become ‘business as usual’. This process is expected to span a three-year period and is focused on high-impact commitments based on defined measurable targets and goals. In preparing to launch the Stretch RAP, The Salvation Army hosted a series of yarning circles to discuss communal issues and find a pathway to collaborative solutions. The cutting of the cake ceremony at the Stretch RAP launch at Box Hill Corps. Progress and setbacks Reconciliation Australia Program Manager Helena Plazzer spoke at the launch event about how Australia’s path to reconciliation had been marked both by progress and significant setbacks, but that The Salvation Army was demonstrating its commitment to truth-telling by confronting its own history. “I wanted to say that this truth-telling is courageous and essential, and we cannot bridge now to next without it,” Helena said. Helena said that of the approximately 3000 non-profit organisations in the RAP program, only 5 per cent held either a Stretch or Elevate RAP. “I want to acknowledge that this Stretch RAP and the work that you are undertaking, that is not simple, will also be looked on by many other people who are looking for an example of leadership – of where to go and where to be brave enough to go,” Helena said. Reconciliation Action Plan and Projects Manager Lucy Davis, a proud Cobble Cobble Burrungum woman from South West Queensland, said that the launch was just the beginning, and the next day would mark the start of the real work, which would involve digging deeper into reconciliation. She said the Stretch RAP included six significant commitments, which were Truth-Telling, Reconciliation Ally Guuyungs (guuyungs means camp/circle), Cultural Safety, a RAP Framework Database, Sorry Business and Social Justice Advocacy. Shirli Congoo (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander General Manager) and Lucy Davis (Reconciliation Action Plan and Projects Manager) at the launch. “Our Innovate RAP analysis showed us that there is still much work to unpack about what reconciliation is and looks like in practice,” Lucy said. “The latest RAP Circle Analysis reinforced that while education is still needed, our focus ahead shifted from learning to action. “Each of these commitments reflects the evolving journey of reconciliation, truth-telling and social justice and advocacy, built on previous RAP deliverables, bringing them to life in new ways.”

Pentecost was a day that changed everything. In this sermon, Captain David Delany guides us through the day when the promised Holy Spirit came to earth and filled the believers’ hearts. It was a moment when heaven and earth collided, forever altering the course of history. We believe, as did William Booth in his day, that the Holy Spirit is alive and available to us now. Pentecost was not a one-time event confined to history. The Holy Spirit purifies us for holiness, empowers us to serve and unites us in mission. Let’s be a church ablaze with his presence, boldly proclaiming the Gospel and reflecting his love to all.

The Salvation Army prepares to celebrate 160 years of sharing God's love around the world. The Salvation Army is preparing to celebrate its 160th anniversary!   On 2 July 1865, evangelist William Booth preached to a crowd of people in a large tent in the East End of London, England. This moment is considered the birth of The Salvation Army, which today is a global movement that shares the love of God in 134 countries around the world!   The movement has more than 14,000 churches and worshipping communities, with 1.8 million church members, known as Salvationists, and 100,000 employees.   In recognition of this significant anniversary, The Salvation Army International Headquarters has created eight short videos chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years.   The first video is available now and looks at the duality of being a church and charity. It follows the early days of the mission, and considers how, since its inception, Salvationists (Salvation Army church members) have lived out a doctrine of practical Christianity to encourage both social and spiritual transformation among society’s most vulnerable and marginalised. To watch the first video, click on the arrow below. The seven other videos will be released weekly, every Wednesday, focusing on social justice, education, modern slavery and human trafficking, emergency response, healthcare, development and women in leadership.  The videos will be published on:  ·         Vimeo: vimeo.com/salvationarmyihq  ·        Facebook: facebook.com/SalvationArmyIHQ  ·       IHQ website   If you are commemorating this anniversary in your territory or region, we’d love to know what you have planned. Please email  IHQ-Communications@salvationarmy.org . On social media, you may wish to use #SalvationArmy160.

A depiction of Salvation Army ‘lasses’ serving donuts and hot drinks to American forces during WWI. Today is International Donut Day! You may ask yourself, what do the Salvos have to do with donuts?   If you live in Australia, you might not think much of it. However, if you’re an American, there’s a bit of history tied to it.   Young American women who were members of The Salvation Army were sent to Europe to support Allied forces/soldiers during World War One, and they became known for cooking donuts for the troops.   At one stage, they had seven fully equipped huts, each turning out 2000 donuts a day for hungry GIs.   Choosing to dish out donuts was as much an accident as an inspired choice. One firsthand reminiscence reads as follows:   “[We] were out walking one Sunday afternoon. We had served coffee to the men, our supplies for other things had run out, and we were feeling terrible because we knew these fellows would like something else to eat.   “Finally, I said, ‘I'll go to the commissary in the morning and see what supplies they have that they will be able to sell to us,’ which I did.   “... the only supplies we could purchase were flour, sugar, lard, baking powder, cinnamon, and canned milk. The only thing we could possibly make with those ingredients were pancakes or donuts.   “Pancakes wouldn’t be good cold, so we decided to make donuts. We needed eggs, but if you eat the donuts right away, even without eggs, they taste all right ...” – Barry Gittins Click through the slideshow below for more images of The Salvation Army supporting troops during World War One:

Cutting the ribbon on the new housing complex in Melbourne (from left) Harriet Shing, Katie Hall, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Captain Brad McIver. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army has unveiled a new, purpose-built social housing complex in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria. The 16-apartment complex, developed in partnership with Homes Victoria as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, offers a range of one- and two-bedroom units for singles, couples and families requiring safe, spacious and affordable housing. Additionally, the complex features a secure underground carpark for all residents. The building cost a total of $9.2 million, with The Salvation Army contributing $2.4 million. Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Head of Social Mission Captain Brad McIver were in attendance, as well as the Victorian Minister for Housing, the Honourable Harriet Shing MP, and State Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP. The event was also attended by representatives from Housing Victoria, building contractor Better Living Group, BCBA Architects, Dome Consulting Engineers, Cumberland Project Management and Connect Project Management. Miriam spoke about the history of The Salvation Army’s housing work and how it now manages 2000 homes, housing a total of 3000 people each night. She said there were many lonely people in the world, and the focus of The Salvation Army’s tenant engagement model was to build community, not just homes. “We’re trying to find spaces where people can feel that they are loved and respected and have real dignity,” she said. Harriet Shing said The Salvation Army was a central part of the work of Homes Victoria, and its mission was not just to deliver thousands of additional social housing homes but to offer them the opportunity to get to where they wanted to go. “When we provide [not just] housing but also care, support, wraparound services and dignity, we start to move people away from hopelessness, from shame and humiliation into something that aspires for inclusion and connection,” she said. “These homes are so beautiful. They’re energy-efficient, they’re bright, they’re inclusive, and they’re accessible. They are the opportunity for a blank canvas in the very best of all possible ways.” State Member for Footscray Katie Hall MP said she was a big fan of the Salvos’ work in the community, and she really appreciated the care, love and kindness TSA offered to those at their “lowest ebb”. “I can’t think of anything more special than that phone call to someone to say, ‘We’ve got a beautiful home for you’,” she said. “And that’s going to happen 16 times. Sixteen incredible phone calls, particularly for the people who will be bringing children in here. What a wonderful thing.” Better Living Group Executive Director Silvio Mazzei said the project was more than just a building; for his company, it provided something more significant. “We all understand the need for housing in Victoria, especially,” he said. “The reason we built [this complex] is to give people a decent home to live in, safety and everything else that comes around that. So, for us, it’s a sense of purpose.” Click through the slideshow below to view more photos of the opening:

Colonels John and Lani Chamness will begin their roles in Australia in October. Dear friends, I am pleased to share with you the appointment of Colonels John and Lani Chamness to the Australia Territory, effective 1 October this year. Colonel John Chamness will assume the role of Chief Secretary, succeeding Colonel Winsome Merrett, who will retire from active service on 30 September 2025. We are deeply grateful for Winsome’s faithful and impactful leadership, and we look forward to honouring her service in the months ahead. Colonel Lani Chamness will serve as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers). Together, the Chamnesses bring a rich blend of experience, spiritual depth, and creative energy to our territory. The Chamness family (from left) Colonel John, Colonel Lani, Camille, Lindsey and Mitchell. Currently serving in the Canada and Bermuda Territory as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, respectively, Colonels John and Lani are officers of the USA Western Territory. Their leadership has been marked by innovation, compassion and a deep commitment to mission. Beyond their professional roles, John and Lani are passionate about life and ministry. John is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, hiking, sailing, kayaking and woodworking – especially with reclaimed wood. Lani is a gifted musician and writer who loves playing guitar, composing music and poetry, and capturing beauty through photography. She also collects ceramic chalices, reminiscent of the Holy Grail. I am excited to welcome the Chamnesses to Australia and am confident their leadership will be a blessing to our territory. Please join me in praying for them as they prepare for this transition. Information about farewell events for Colonel Winsome Merrett will be shared in the coming weeks. I am grateful for her faithful service to this territory for the past 38 years. Bless you all, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Territorial Commander

BY MAJOR MELANIE-ANNE HOLLAND   In April, the world marked the passing of Pope Francis with sadness and reflection. His impact reached far beyond the Roman Catholic Church.   The international leader of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham, attended the Pope’s funeral mass alongside many other Christian leaders in St Peter’s Square.   Pope Francis’ legacy of advocating for economic justice and the wellbeing of the poor, along with his example of humble service and inclusion, will continue to inspire Christians across the globe.   A particularly impactful aspect is the Pope’s encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, which conveyed the imperatives of environmental care from a Christian perspective, urging the Church towards a more considerate and sustainable future, safeguarding both the planet and its people out of our love for Christ.   Ecological impact This call to care for Our Common Home reached across faith traditions, inspiring billions to reflect on their ecological impact and how we might collectively respond to the needs around us.   As the global community observes World Environment Day 2025 (5 June), we are urged to unite in our shared humanity to protect and restore the environment. Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals can collaborate to become more sustainable and support the flourishing of all life. Pope Francis shared this vision, stating, “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling.”   The Salvation Army’s commitment is that “In its operations, among its people and through its public influence, The Salvation Army seeks to foster a culture of sustainability with a focus on long-term environmental solutions” (International Positional Statement on Caring for the Environment).   This commitment is far-reaching and practical, encompassing our policies, purchases, practices, and education.   In Australia, this belief has led to the development of solar farms, community gardens and specialist recycling initiatives.   All of this comes from a place of faith, believing that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24, verse 1); a beautiful, wonderful, and endlessly fascinating place that should be treated with love, consideration, and care.

Captain (Dr) John Clifton discussed his late father’s literary legacy at the IHQ launch of the More than Words exhibition. The literary ministry of the late General Shaw Clifton was recognised at The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) in the presence of his family and IHQ staff on Thursday 22 May 2025.   General Shaw Clifton was a prolific writer, authoring 20 titles under The Salvation Army International’s book publishing imprint, Salvation Books, and writing for Salvation Army journals, newspapers and magazines throughout his life and ministry.    Speaking in the exhibition space at IHQ, Captain (Dr) John Clifton, General Clifton’s youngest son, discussed his father’s writing legacy: “It’s a privilege to be able to speak about the literary legacy of General Shaw Clifton, especially as we approach the second anniversary of his promotion to Glory [passing] ... I speak today not only as his son, but as a fellow Salvationist, shaped by his words and the convictions that ran through them. “Writing was, therefore, part of his discipleship and leadership, not separate from it.”  “When I was kindly invited to speak ... I was drawn, not to a list of titles or a collection of accolades, but really to a phrase that, for me, captures the heart of his written work and indeed his ministry: “strong doctrine, strong mercy”. It’s a phrase that was, of course, the title of one of his books ... But more than that, it was a kind of compass for him, a way of holding together truth and compassion, holiness and mission, theology and grace. It’s a lens, really, through which we can view his literary legacy.”  Captain Clifton shared his early memories of his father’s writing. “Early in the morning or late at night, surrounded by books and determination ... he made space and time to write. It wasn’t for show. It was how he thought, it was how he prayed, it was how he tested ideas and how he made conviction precise. Writing was, therefore, part of his discipleship and leadership, not separate from it.”  Range of genres General Clifton’s books covered a remarkable range of genres, including theology, history, governance and devotion. His first title –  What Does the Salvationist Say?  – was published in 1977. His last book –  Family Life (Utmost Respect)   from his ‘Twenty Talks’ series – was published posthumously in 2024. He also authored  The History of The Salvation Army Volume Nine 1995–2015 .  In reference to the variety of genres, Captain Clifton added: “In every case, his writing served a singular purpose: to shape the Army’s understanding of Salvationism, helping Salvationists think more clearly, act more faithfully and live more holy ... He did not write to flatter or please. He wrote to provoke thought, to contend for truth and to call the reader to deeper faithfulness.” Captain Clifton then offered a challenge to Salvationists: “If you have something worth saying, then write it ... Don’t wait for an appointment or a position, but take up the mantle ... If you carry a conviction, theological, pastoral or prophetic, consider this your invitation ... We need words shaped by the gospel, born in prayer and sharpened in community.” Mr Matt Clifton reflected on excerpts of his late father's writing. Captain Clifton and his brother Matt Clifton, concluded by focusing on one of General Clifton’s books,  Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy . Matt read several excerpts from the chapter titled ‘Salvationist Ethics’, and Captain Clifton offered a reflection and interpretation after each reading.  Literary exhibition  General Clifton’s writing legacy was honoured during the launch of the  More Than Words  exhibition at Gallery 101 at IHQ, which chronicles The Salvation Army’s longstanding editorial and literary ministry.  Australian officer Major Tara McGuigan attended the launch. The exhibition states: “Since the earliest days of William and Catherine Booth’s Christian Mission [how The Salvation Army was first known], founded in 1865, the publication of magazines and books was at the forefront of its evangelical outreach ... William was a prodigious writer/publisher until his promotion to Glory in 1912, while Catherine was author of some 15 books...  “In its 160 years, The Salvation Army has gained an enviable reputation for the quality of its publications and the skill of those who write and edit them." More than words The exhibition honours literary giants of The Salvation Army and showcases books and magazines past and present.  At the launch, Paul Mortlock, Salvation Books Publisher, shared that the previously vibrant book publishing program of IHQ had somewhat fallen by the wayside until General Clifton rekindled it in 2008, under the imprint of Salvation Books.  The exhibition reveals: “While our books are not printed in the same quantities as in the days of William Booth, the desire to produce the best possible publications remains at the core of our ethos ... and we celebrate the myriad writers, authors and editors who have enhanced both the mind and the heart of Salvationists since our earliest days.”  Following Captain Clifton’s presentation, IHQ Secretary for Communications Major Peter McGuigan thanked him for taking his listeners deeper with General Shaw Clifton and thanked God “for the way General Clifton’s writing had helped readers adjust their journeys to align with the heart and mind of God”.   The exhibition is on display at Gallery 101, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, UK, until Friday 6 June.  For more information about Salvation Army book publishing, visit  Salvation Books  on the IHQ website.   To watch the exhibition launch, click on the arrow below.

The Box Hill Corps Brass Band, led by Corps Officer Major Karyn Wishart, marches into Melbourne’s Box Hill Town Hall to kick off the annual Dragon Boat Festival. BY LERISSE SMITH More than 2000 people celebrated the launch of Melbourne’s annual Dragon Boat Festival in a burst of colour and culture, with Box Hill Corps Brass Band kicking off the event in spectacular style. A vibrant blend of tradition, community spirit and connection thrilled the predominantly Chinese-Hong Kong participants, with the Box Hill Town Hall event not only brightening the weekend but also powering a meaningful cause. Salvos team members including volunteer Multicultural Community Connectors helped promote the vital work of The Salvation Army at the Dragon Boat Festival. The event shone a spotlight on The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal and the life-changing work of the Salvos within the local community. “The event was a vibrant and joyful celebration of culture and tradition,” reflected Leanne Wong, Salvos Relationship Manager of the Multicultural Community. “With Box Hill home to a vibrant and growing Chinese community, this event provided a valuable platform to connect, share our mission and raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s local services and church programs. “Our presence at this event reaffirmed our commitment to walking alongside the community – not only as a provider of practical support, but as a trusted friend who honours and embraces the unique cultural identities that enrich our neighbourhood.” This young festival attendee was one of many that took part in the fun at the festival - a joyful celebration of culture and tradition. The annual Dragon Boat Festival honours Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese poet and loyal politician who drowned in the Miluo River. Qu Yuan was so beloved that people quickly paddled boats on the river to rescue and recover his body. Though their efforts were unsuccessful, the annual tradition of dragon boat racing was born to commemorate his legacy. Fun, fellowship, and friendship were at the heart of the day as Leanne teamed up with Box Hill Corps Officer Major Karyn Wishart and Community Engagement Worker Linh Dang to share inspiring stories about the real-life impact of the Salvos’ missional work on people’s lives with the festival attendees.   With all hands on deck at the appeal stall, Salvos team members eagerly chatted with festival goers sparking meaningful conversations and encouraging support for the Salvos ongoing missional work.   Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the Army’s involvement at the festival.

This beautiful Reconciliation Action Plan artwork describes the journey across country. Through yarning circles, healing symbolism, and shared storytelling, The Salvation Army reaffirms its commitment to reconciliation, healing, and unity. The new Reconciliation Action Plan prioritises cultural understanding, including support for Sorry Business, and invites all to walk together in truth, justice, and the love of Jesus. Artwork artists: Sue Hodges, Glenn Westwood, James Algeo

Michael Kheirallah, Manager of the Salvos’ Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Gambling Support Service, says the service has had a big increase in referrals and aims to have a physical presence in many catchment areas of Inner North Melbourne to assist people impacted by gambling harms. The gambling industry is a booming one in Melbourne – and it is devastating lives and families. But not all hope is lost. There is a lifeline for those impacted by gambling. Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH spoke with Michael Kheirallah, Manager of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Gambling Support Service, about the newly renamed service and the critical role it plays in the community. Michael, could you first tell me why you changed the name of your service? We used to be called the Melbourne Counselling Service. However, there is a similar service in the city that is called the Melbourne Counselling Centre, run by a private operator – and people got mixed up between them!   We don’t just provide a counselling service but also community education and venue support. So, I thought the name was no longer relevant. I spoke with senior management at The Salvation Army, and we decided to change it to the ‘Gambling Support Service’, which fits in well into the roles we undertake in the community. It is a Melbourne service, and our history dates back to 2010. Whether we expand in the future will depend on State Government funding.   What services do you provide to the community? Our service provides a variety of services to a large number of people across  Inner North Melbourne .   We provide counselling for people who are impacted by gambling harms  by providing  therapeutic counsell ing ,   community education  and financial counselling . We have community educators who go out and provide education sessions to universities, schools, community groups and students to tell them about gambling harms and to try to minimise gambling harms. READ MORE: Anna Bardsley recounts the cost of addiction We also have financial counsellors who go directly to clients and can assist with small funding grants, if needed, to get them out of trouble, as sometimes, unfortunately, the result of gambling is that they may lose all their money and homes. Additionally, we have venue support workers who will go out to gambling venues and train the staff on different legislation to make sure they comply with State Government standards.   After the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence, there were also some recommendations that operators of gambling venues needed to connect with agencies such as The Salvation Army.   We have a big case load. Since the launch of our service, we have had a big increase in referrals to the service. When I started with The Salvation Army, our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) we re low, but now we are on track with our KPI .  Our team do an amazing job. We are on track with our KPIs and meeting our targets and have a very good link and connection with a lot of agencies. We work with them on regular basis – from prisons to The Crown in Melbourne’s CBD. We now have a therapeutic counsellor every Friday night at The Crown. The service provides support to the people who are in need on the ground. We try and help people who are distressed or needing help. Promoting help that is available to those affected by gambling is all part of the work of The Salvation Army's Gambling Support Service. Michael is pictured (right) with attendees at the AVADA Expo.  So, what are the most common forms of gambling addictions your team deal with on a daily basis? We find mostly males are addicted to gambling, but sometimes it can affect the whole family. The common forms of gambling addictions include casinos, Sports Betting and online gambling. The reason people gamble include personal issues, depression, anxiety, not having a purpose in life, family issues and family violence. We work with the whole family to ensure we are reaching out to them and to try and help them.   We have a very experienced team, especially the therapeutic counsellors. They provide excellent work. If you look at the area of Melbourne where people are gambling either at venues or on the phone, Brimbank City Council is number one, followed by the City of  Hume,  Casey, and the City of Wyndham – municipalities, plus others where multicultural communities are located.      And why do you think it largely affects multicultural communities? People come from a country that had a social life, and then they come to Melbourne where they have a lack of the English language and lack of connections. The gambling venues are attractive to them. They provide them with tea, coffee, music and bright lights. They really don’t need to speak English. And unfortunately, gambling can be part of their cultures. They want to try the lucky number.     Also, in Melbourne, there is not much opportunity to go out, especially at night to a festival or something, and especially in winter. That is why gambling is so high. Just in the financial year of 2023 to 2024, almost $7 billion was spent in Victoria on gambling. And now it’s a very popular sport. Sports Betting is very popular now too. They gamble on anything now, including the election. The accessibility is what makes gambling so easy. And now the new trend is a lot of young kids who are gambling.   Can you speak more about children and gambling? There are almost 600,000 young kids between the age 12 to 14 who are gambling online. It is because a lot of games have some sort of element of gambling in them. So, they develop this tendency at a young age, and then they want to try real gambling when they grow up. It’s getting worse, unfortunately, every year. Online betting is a very big problem, too, with children.   What is the ultimate impact of gambling? It devastates families. It can lead to family violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse. Gambling is very bad. It’s not just about gambling and losing your money. It is going to lead to so many different things. It costs the government a lot of money to deal with people who are affected by gambling. We have gambling services on every corner  in our catchment areas.   Is there hope to tackling the whole issue of gambling and its consequences in the future? The gambling industry is very strong,  but after the Royal Commission, many things have changed, and there is a big push now on the Federal Government to ban gambling ads, and on social media  and program TV ads , at least. It is similar to cigarettes – it is going to take a long time. But we are very committed. We now operate from our Kensington office, but we also operate from Kathleen Syme and  Little Flinders St Library , the State Library, and from  TSA  Flagstaff  and Coburg  office. We are trying to have a physical presence in different  catchment  areas to make it easier for our clients to come and receive the service. We really try to use a different approach as we want to reach out to those clients who are really in desperate need of help. Click through the slideshow below for photos of the Melbourne launch of the renamed Salvation Army Gambling Support Service in March 2025:

Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week (2-8 June) we are praying for the Indonesia Territory.   The Indonesia Territory has 926 officers (803 active, 123 retired); cadets 82; Aux-Capts 26; employees 1552; corps 302; outposts 124; senior soldiers 48,536; adherents 14,546; junior soldiers 8634.   Commissioners Widiawati and Yusak Tampai lead the territory.   Pray for Indonesia Territory We express our gratitude to God for: ·   The successful realisation of the vision for 2021-2025, which concludes in December of this year, marking six months of progress in spiritual development, the involvement of soldiers in service, and the increase in the number of soldiers. ·   The pre-candidates who are called to serve full-time as officers in the territory. ·   The launching of The Salvation Army Indonesia Territory website at the beginning of 2025. Prayer requests: ·   Please pray for the ordination and commissioning of the new officers of the Champions of the Mission session scheduled for 15 June 2025. ·   Pray for the Territorial Leaders Conference occurring from 16-18 June 2025. ·   Pray for the activities of the Catherine Booth Women's Congress, set to take place from 21-23 October 2025 in Balipapan, East Kalimantan. Please pray for the THQ Women's Department and the committee involved in organising this event, as well as for the necessary funding, the events and the participants attending, for speakers at the seminars and the revival meeting. ·   Pray for the young people in our territory as they engage in missionary service activities, encouraging their continued involvement and enthusiasm in serving each corps and those called to be officers. ·   Pray for our health services, hospitals and management teams as they strive to enhance services in compliance with government regulations, presenting a challenge to deliver quality services to the community. ·   Pray for a transition in the leadership within the territory in June 2025, that the Indonesia Territory may be blessed with new leadership. ·   Please keep the officers and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they embark on their new appointments in early July 2025, preparing for their respective ministries. ·   Pray for the spiritual growth of the soldiers, that they may embody true soldiers’ qualities by continually learning and adhering to the word, setting a commendable example in their lives. To find out more about the Indonesia Territory, click here . T o download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .