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Bandmaster Rod Carger (with certificate) and his wife Carolyn, flanked by Corps Officers Captains Robyn and Paul Lorimer. BY ANTHONY CASTLE Adelaide Congress Hall (City Salvos Church) has honoured Rod Carger for his 45 years of service to the corps band, including more than 35 years as bandmaster.   Rod was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Service (awarded by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and presented by Corps Officer Captain Paul Lorimer) during a recent meeting.   “I am so grateful for Rodney’s humble and faithful leadership,” said South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander Major Paul Hateley. “And for the sacrifice Carolyn Carger has given over many years as she released her husband into this ministry.” The role of bandmaster is one that takes responsibility for the work of a Salvation Army brass band and supports the spiritual development of the musicians.   Rod, a senior leader at the corps, has volunteered in the life and work of the church for decades, conducting the band on Sundays and serving the homeless community during the week.   The corps Facebook site stated: “ We thank him for his dedication, service, passion, composing, transposing, arranging, patience, planning, wisdom, leadership and support of this group of musicians.” Meantime, Adelaide Congress Hall hosted the Melbourne Staff Band for the Bands in the Round event on Saturday 17 May, under the leadership of new bandmaster Mark Hamilton. The Bands in the Round event also featured performances by Adelaide Congress Hall Band, Arndale Corps Band, Ingle Farm Corps Band, North East Salvos Band, Melbourne Staff Band, and younger musicians from Just Brass. The musicians combined for a massed band performance conducted by Mark Hamilton. Rod Carger had the honour of conducting the Melbourne Staff Band. On Sunday 18 May, Rod Carger had the honour of conducting the Melbourne Staff Band in the devotional hymn, ‘My Jesus I love thee I know thou art mine.’ “Staff Bandmaster Mark Hamilton spoke about when he was a young man that Rod encouraged him by allowing him to conduct the Adelaide Congress hall band in a piece,” said Captain Paul Lorimer. “And so now, as Staff bandmaster, Mark asked Rod to conduct the Melbourne Staff band in a piece.”   The Salvation Army Adelaide is a welcoming church in the heart of the city that aims to love Adelaide as Jesus does. CitySalvos hosts worship gatherings, Bible studies, children’s programs, DUO groups, and offers a range of emergency relief, financial counselling, and budgeting services. The rehearsal for Bands in the Round, held on Saturday 17 May.

The Salvation Army will distribute sleeping bags and blankets to individuals experiencing homelessness in Western Australia, courtesy of a donation from The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).   The REIWA annual Sleeping Bag Appeal partners with The Salvation Army each winter to provide much-needed bedding. As the cost-of-living and housing crisis deepens, more families and young people are turning to The Salvation Army for the very first time.   “Our members understand how important it is to have a roof over your head and a safe place to call home, but that’s not the reality for thousands of Western Australians,” explains Suzanne Brown, REIWA President. “This appeal is a practical way we can help, and I’m proud to join our members in collecting donations again this year.” REIWA is the peak industry body representing over 9700 individual members. Participating real estate agencies will collect donations of new and laundered sleeping bags and blankets from 26 May to 27 June across 23 collection points in the metropolitan area.   There were an estimated 9700 people (up from 9005 in 2016) who were homeless in Western Australia in 2021, with some projections estimating 127,680 people experiencing homelessness across the country in 2025.   “Sleeping on a hard surface in rough places is a harsh reality for many people,” says Warren Palmer, State Communications Manager for The Salvation Army. “Imagine how incredibly uncomfortable that would be for one night, especially in winter, and how intolerable it is long term. A sleeping bag can at least provide a cushioned layer softening the impact and giving some level of insulation against the weather.”   The Salvation Army believes that every person deserves dignity, respect and quality of service and that no one should be without a safe, affordable and secure home.   The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness support in Australia, offering a range of services tailored to adults, families, and children.   “In WA, while there is no clear, immediate relief in the state of housing, every sleeping bag given through this appeal is urgently needed and very much appreciated by all recipients,” Warren says.   Those who wish to contribute financially can donate directly to the Red Shield Appeal . Those willing and able may donate bedding at one of the Sleeping Bag Appeal collection points .

MORE Conference  is an annual event hosted by The Salvation Army, dedicated to strengthening and advancing our ministry to young people. This gathering equips attendees with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to effectively engage with emerging generations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners and speakers who will address key issues facing youth and those serving in youth ministry.  Beyond training and development, MORE Conference  is a powerful opportunity to connect with other leaders from across the country, engage with new ideas, and be encouraged in your ministry. Attendees will also experience meaningful times of prayer and worship, creating space for spiritual refreshment and a renewed sense of purpose. We invite all individuals involved in youth ministry within The Salvation Army to join us for this transformative and inspiring event.  For 2025, we have invited special guests to speak on the topics of  MORE Leaders, MORE Ministries, MORE Young People , and  MORE Jesus .  We’re thrilled to be hearing from:  Danielle Strickland  Shelley Johnson  Pastor Nathan Bean  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas   Revolution Worship will lead us in worship throughout the conference, and various workshops are also part of the schedule.  DETAILS:   Begins: Wednesday 23rd July at 4pm  Concludes: Saturday 26th July at 1pm  Location: Presence Church, Gold Coast  COST:   Conference registration fee: $75 (transport and accommodation to be arranged by attendee).  REGISTRATION:   Registrations are open from now until 16th July  GUEST SPEAKERS:   Danielle Strickland   Danielle lets Love lead her to inspire, challenge, provoke and disrupt the present, and to live the future now. Having lived in different cultures and contexts around the world she celebrates diversity and deeply longs for wrong things to be made right. Danielle practises following Jesus daily. This pursuit has led to exciting entrepreneurial exploits (like co-founding multiple charities and non-profits) and a whole host of failures (that we don’t as often talk about). All of this has convinced her of the deep need we all have for hope, faith, and love. Her deepest longing is to demonstrate what living that boundless life looks like. Danielle lives in Vancouver, Canada with her three sons and husband Steve. Danielle loves getting outside, doing new things, physical adventures, and she can’t seem to turn down a free lunch  Shelley Johnson Meet Shelley Johnson. Her mission: to build leaders they’ll want to follow and teams they’ll never want to leave. Shell is the founder at Boldside – the leadership & HR agency for bold businesses.   Shell has led large HR teams for over a decade, coaching executives to become stand-out leaders, and build a culture that has people talking — and applying.  She’s the host of This Is Work where she’s helped thousands of people lead teams and build a career they love. Her work as an HR professional has been featured in many major publications and news outlets across Australia and internationally.  Pastor Nathan Bean Pastor Nathan Bean is the Senior Pastor of Nexus Church. He and his wife Rebecca and their two sons, Cooper and Emerson, joined the Nexus Church family in June 2018.  Ps Nathan has a genuine love for God, His word and the local Church. He is an ordained minister and has been in ministry for over 16 years in thriving churches in both Australia and the US.   He communicates with passion and humour as he seeks to unpack the truth of the Bible and the power of the Gospel each time he preaches and in his everyday life.  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas My favourite roles have been being a corps planter, corps officer, and Chief Secretary in PNG. I love the people of the nations! I have also loved my time as a DYS, and Divisional and Territorial roles. The people that I have met along the journey have made it an amazing experience.  The rallying cry in these days will be … Jesus centred, Spirit led, Hope revealed. Believing big!! In a post covid, post Christian, postmodern world, I have watched God do some amazing things, in my last appointment. The days have changed. We must be the church. Jesus centred, Spirit led, Hope revealed will be key in these days. God is up to something very good. Let's join Him in that. As Catherine Booth said, "There is no improving the future, without disturbing the present". ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:   For recommended hotels, including special conference discounts, click here .

Congratulations to the following officers who are delegates from the Australia Territory at the International College for Officers (ICO) sessions in London from April to November 2025. Major Chris Clarke  (session 261) – 16 April to 26 May Major Kylie Collinson  (session 261) – 16 April to 26 May Major Kate Baudinette (session 262) – 16 July to 25 August Major Tracey Davies (session 262) – 16 July to 25 August Major Joanne Brookshaw (session 263) – 15 October to 24 November Major Craig Farrell (session 263) – 15 October to 24 November These Australian officers will join officers selected for this privilege from around the world. The International College for Officers exists to further develop officers by nurturing personal holiness, corporate holiness, and spiritual leadership; fostering leader development and capacity building for current and future officer leaders; providing opportunities for officers to experience the internationalism of The Salvation Army; and encouraging a renewed sense of mission and purpose among officers.

Inspecting the project (from left) Major Dale Murray (Divisional Operations Manager - Qld), Jason Burns (Senior Development Manager - Qld Strategy and Development), Chris Karagiannis (CEO of Salvation Housing), Cheri Erai-Collins (State Manager of Salvos Housing – NSW, Qld, ACT) and Major Darlene Murray (Officer Personnel Secretary with Salvos Qld). BY LERISSE SMITH   A dynamic new $17 million social housing project in Queensland’s Toowoomba region is set to transform lives by providing people in need with affordable and secure accommodation.   The innovative development of 23 modern units is the  second  largest Salvos Housing development in Queensland to date and the first of its kind in the state.   Additionally, it marks the first partnership development between Toowoomba Corps and Salvos Housing, featuring a ground-floor community-care space zone run by the corps, one of its many exciting features.   “It has been really, really exciting,” said Cheri Erai-Collins, State Manager of Salvos Housing (NSW, Qld, ACT).   “We expect construction to be completed by mid-June. I believe the greatest impact will be for the Salvos and continuing the connection with the local community in providing access space both to residents and the wider community. Having that space and connection to corps, and the connection to the mission of The Salvation Army, will probably have the most impact.” The social housing project in Toowoomba taking shape. Toowoomba Corps previously owned the site in Snell Street, which was used as a Salvation Army warehouse before being converted into a Family Store.    However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and additional compliance requirements, it became untenable to continue utilising the space. Salvos Housing collaborated with the corps to purchase the land into the social stream within The Salvation Army to then use it to place an application for grant funding with Queensland’s ‘Partnering for Growth’ program aimed at supporting the growth of social and affordable housing in partnership with the government and community housing providers.    The application was successful in obtaining a 50/50 government funding agreement, partly due to surplus funds from a previous Brisbane housing development.   Cheri said the Toowoomba project would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for the decision of former Corps Officers, Majors Dale and Darlene Murray, who chose to retain the site several years ago after receiving a private market offer on the property.   “They chose to retain the property within The Salvation Army and allowed us to do the purchase and build the property at a cost to themselves (the corps) of about $500,000,” she explained. “But they didn’t see the benefit of $500,000 over the benefit of providing it (the new development) to the community.”   Salvos Housing has worked with the Queensland Government and the corps to design the development, resulting in the creation of 23 units of accommodation – 19 one-bedroom, and four two-bedroom units.   “We are excited for the partnership that we will have with Salvos Housing in this project,” said Captain Aaron Reid, Toowoomba Corps Officer.   “I think the more that we do as an organisation holistically across the board, where the corps and Social Housing are working together to form a really strong relationship at a local level, I think is better for everybody. Everybody benefits.” Captains Aaron and Alana Reid, Toowoomba Corps Officers. Aaron said there had been a significant need for social housing in Toowoomba due to factors such as high private rental costs and the rising cost of living, resulting in a demand for the corps’ services and support.   Domestic violence is on the rise, too: “The increase of people coming in escaping domestic violence has been quite large,” he remarked.   Local residents affected by family violence can access a variety of support services from the corps, including food hampers, the Salvos assessment line for extra support, Salvos Stores vouchers and a free cuppa from their café.   A key focus for Aaron, his wife, Alana, and the corps team has been to help people feel 'more human' and not be seen as a number, but as an individual.   The construction of the new project has been led by McNab Constructions, a long-time supporter of the Salvos who aligns with the Salvos’ mission. Salvos Housing will manage the tenant selection with the Queensland Government, aiming to create a thriving community where residents feel safe and secure.   Each one-bedroom unit includes a multi-purpose room, a result of negotiations with the Queensland Government for a 'downsizing' project. The units are being offered to people currently living in larger social housing whose children have moved out, thereby freeing up space for families in need. The multi-purpose room provides extra storage, a craft space, or a place for grandchildren to stay.   An artist’s impression of the completed Salvos Housing project in Toowoomba. Another key aspect of the project is allocating space back to the corps to support their mission activities.   Within the building’s footprint, the community care zone is being leased back to the corps at no cost for the duration of the agreement with the Queensland Government, serving as a communal gathering space. The corps can run programs and do whatever they choose within the space.   “We were really adamant that was something that we wanted to retain,” Cheri says. “The corps had been on that site for a long time, and it is an ideal location to be connecting in with the community in that way. So, we have been working with the local corps around what they need in that space and how they are going to utilise it.”   The corps will utilise approximately 100 square meters on the ground floor as a community care space, offering support to residents and the wider Toowoomba community. Plans are also underway to offer employment and financial support services.   “We are very excited about what opportunities it can bring and what we can do in that space for not only the residents there, but also the local community that are around that area,” Aaron remarked.   “We are also looking at promoting positive relationships, so equipping people to better relate to friends and family and creating healthy support networks for themselves. We are also looking at doing that through the Salvos Positive Lifestyle Program. So, any of the residents wanting to come down and be involved just have to come down on the elevator and across to our space. To have that practical support and help is fantastic.”   With the proximity of the new housing development to the corps about a 5-10 minute walk, residents will have easy access to these programs.   Once completed, the new social housing will also provide residents with opportunities to volunteer at the corps café and Family Store, further integrating them into the community and promoting active involvement.   “The Toowoomba region is very much about their community,” Aaron explained.   “They love their community. They love supporting their community in whatever way they possibly can. And that is very evident also within our corps, too. Whoever walks through our door, they love. The first time that they are coming into our building, they are loved. Our people just have such big hearts and an openness to anybody coming in because they just want to see the best for people that are whoever are coming in here. That’s what we love the most - the loving, caring nature that everybody has.”

Norm Archer from SAES NSW says the Salvation Army is working hard to support those affected by flooding on the Mid North Coast. Image: File BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE  The Salvation Army’s Emergency Services (SAES) teams are currently supporting evacuation efforts in flood-affected areas of the NSW Mid North Coast.  With 13 evacuation centres operating across the affected region, which stretches from north of Armidale down to Sydney, SAES teams are providing food, drinks and a comforting presence to those fleeing rising water levels and power outages.  With overflowing creeks and rivers causing significant road closures and barriers to access, SAES teams are braving difficult conditions to ensure resources are available where they are most needed.   SAES Response Coordinator for NSW Norm Archer said that while the teams across the state consist of many volunteers, road blockages north of Taree, where there is considerable flooding, have meant that some volunteers are unable to access evacuation centres. He said one volunteer on Wednesday night drove to a motel in Kempsey, near the Macleay River, and checked in, only to find the motel was about to be evacuated.   “There’s a lot of logistics and moving parts to get people, equipment and food in a place, particularly when they’re coming from out of area,” Norm said. “We provide the best accommodation possible [for volunteers], but that could be a stretcher in the evacuation centre.”  Three members of the Northern Rivers Salvos are travelling to Kempsey today to assist SAES teams.   Northern Rivers Salvos team members Soseh, Danny and Diana leave Lismore this morning. Soseh, Danny and Diana left Lismore early this morning and will join the Northern Rivers Salvos catering truck that was deployed to the affected region yesterday.   “ We have loaded the bus up with a huge array of vital supplies to help this community displaced by floods,” Diana said. “We know first-hand the devastating impact floods have on a community and the long road to recovery.” Yesterday, Norm and his teams were working to deliver volunteers, equipment and food to the Wauchope evacuation centre, about 30 minutes inland of Port Macquarie, and the Kempsey evacuation centre, about an hour north. The Kempsey town centre was evacuated and flooded, so all shops, including the local Woolworths store, were closed. Norm said they managed to work alongside another supermarket that was open near the evacuation centre in West Kempsey, procuring food for an SAES emergency catering truck from Lismore. The truck and a small team of volunteers were at the centre, where about 50 evacuees were sheltering. They had also managed to get supplies and volunteers to the small cohort of evacuees at the Wauchope evacuation centre.  Another volunteer is providing support in the town of Tuncurry, with more teams on standby in the Central Coast and Lismore regions. With many other centres based out of clubs and RSLs, SAES teams are doing welfare checks to ensure they have all necessary supplies and assistance.  “One of my other regional coordinators is touching base with each of the clubs each day, just making sure they’re happy and don't have any dramas that we might be able to help with,” Norm said. “The clubs are ok, and in a good place.”  Norm said he wanted to commend the volunteers for their commitment, because their willingness to get engaged on the ground in “less than comfortable circumstances” was what the Salvation Army was famous for.  “We’ll provide meals, but that’s only a small percentage of the benefit we bring, because [for] people [who are] having a bad day, having evacuated their home, [who are] worried about their possessions and livelihood and life going forward, it’s a real boost to them to know that people have given up their time and are there just to serve them,” Norm said. “The fact that the community knows that The Salvation Army, along with other community partner organisations, is part of the formal arrangements and we’re in there working hard to support them is a real benefit.”

Leaders in the Kropivnitsky Corps, Ukraine, recently organised a praise and worship night for youth. BY SIMONE WORTHING Despite Russia’s war in Ukraine intensifying across the country, Salvation Army corps continue to hold weekly worship services, prayer meetings, youth events and activities that bring hope, joy and friendship. Praying for freedom from anxiety and fear. In Kropivnitsky, a youth recently attended a praise and worship evening – a special, spiritual event for worship and prayer, and to provide the young people with an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God.   Older people also regularly gather to pray. A recent meeting focused on Philippians 4:6-7: “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which is higher than all understanding, keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Celebrating volunteers! As the (northern) spring brings welcomed warmer weather, the corps leaders thanked their hard-working and dedicated volunteers with an outdoor thanksgiving picnic. “Everyone loved the vibrant time of fellowship, games, God’s word and delicious food,” they said. “It was such a blessed time.”   Salvation Army assisting tornado-struck towns in Midwest USA Salvation Army teams are assisting after tornadoes in America’s Midwest. The Salvation Army has been on the ground in Illinois and Missouri delivering assistance following multiple tornadoes on 16 May, which killed at least five people in the region and displaced thousands. Salvation Army teams are offering hydration, meals and places to charge phones and essential equipment for those without power or food. Donated food and drinks are used in supplying meals to those impacted by tornadoes. The teams have served more than 2800 meals and drinks in St Louis, Missouri, and provided emotional and spiritual support to more than 60 people. As of 19 May, many communities remained without power, and The Salvation Army was communicating with local and state governments as well as NGOs to delegate tasks and distribute resources. Bulgarian picnic focuses on prayer for youth The prayer picnic attracted Salvos of all ages. The Salvation Army in Bulgaria recently gathered for a (northern) spring prayer picnic – a special time of fellowship, games, delicious food and most importantly, prayer for the young generation. “This event unites us in prayer and empowers us to go outside the walls of the church building,” said regional leaders, Captains Eduard and Inna Lebedeva.   “God is good all the time! It was a blessed day. We look forward to our next meeting with joy – for the glory of God!”   The Bulgaria Region is part of the Eastern Europe Territory. The work was officially opened there in October 2023. To read our story on this, click here . UK offers life-changing mentoring support Mentoring changes lives. Through the BUILD program in the United Kingdom Territory, survivors of modern slavery are paired with mentors who walk alongside them for a year. The program aims to champion personal growth, contribution, and dignity through workshops, mentoring, and integrated partnerships. From learning tech skills to building confidence and making friends, this support is life-changing. One survivor who participated in the BUILD program says:   “It’s been great, they have been with me through my worst times and guided and motivated me. They were like friends and gave me the confidence to make new friends. Talking together helped with confidence and to achieve goals … one day I would like to be a mentor.”   Salvo leaders attend inauguration for Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV, on his popemobile, tours St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontificate, on Sunday 18 May 2025.. (Photo: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo) On Monday 19 May 2025, Lieut-Colonels Andrew and Darlene Morgan, leaders of Italy and Greece Territory, joined representatives from other churches and faiths in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican to meet Pope Leo XIV. “I can see that Pope Leo XIV will also continue with a focus on the gospel and social justice, uplifting those who experience poverty and who are marginalised in society. “This aligns strongly with the mission of The Salvation Army, and we look forward to our ongoing ecumenical relationship with the Roman Catholic Church," said Lieut-Colonel Andrew Morgan. To read the full story, click here . The ‘Soup of Love’ program, run by Central Corps in Montevideo, Uruguay, shares hot meals, bread and clothes to many of the city’s most vulnerable people.

Divisional Commander Major Paul Hateley (right) leads the affirmation of the new Revolution Salisbury City Corps in Adelaide – (from left) Major Wendy Hateley, Captains Keryn and Aaron Coombes, and Envoy Nathan Casey. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Revolution Salisbury City is a new faith community and outreach in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. The new expression is the result of a merger between two existing Salvo churches – Revolution Church and Parafield Gardens Salvos.   “We’re coming home,” says Envoy Nathan Casey, Team Leader of Revolution Salisbury City. “Our heart has always been in this part of Adelaide’s northern suburbs. Our work has been mentioned in the Action Plan for Salisbury City. It’s our neighbourhood.”   Envoy Nathan Casey oversees the new faith community alongside Corps Officers Captains Aaron and Keryn Coombes, combining the strengths and assets of the two churches.   The first service was on Good Friday, with over 150 in attendance.   Captain Aaron Coombes and the worship band. South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander Major Paul Hateley affirmed the newly unified faith community, sharing about the history of The Salvation Army’s work in the greater Salisbury area.   “We’ve had a relationship with Parafield Gardens for years, with combined youth ministries,” Nathan says. “We’ve worked together. We started to talk about what we both had and didn’t have, and realised that we each had what the other was missing. Things aligned.”   Revolution has established initiatives that provide outreach to schools and services for youth experiencing homelessness. Revolution Salisbury City utilises its Red Shield Appeal funding to supply emergency packs to caseworkers and local services, with an eye on how the housing crisis impacts young people and families.  Envoy Nathan Casey says he is excited by the new combined faith community. “Our scope is the city of Salisbury, and it’s still a demographic where The Salvation Army needs to be present,” says Nathan. “There’s a large migrant population. There are a lot of families, a lot of young people, and a lot of need.”   Revolution Salisbury City has already seen its numbers increase since its first Sunday.   Locals and families from the area have visited the new community expression. The newly arrived kids and families programs complement the existing Companion Club and Craft Club.   “The gospel invitation is for all people, with no exceptions, ever,” Nathan says. “We hope to exist for all people, but our mission priority is young people. That’s been our legacy; it’s what we’re going to continue to do.   “To create a safe, welcoming place for young people, we need all generations involved. There is a place and a purpose for all people.” Worship is a vibrant part of every service at Revolution Salisbury City Corps.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (right) with Majors Darrell and Chelsea Wilson and their family (along the front row) and supporters from their Rockingham Corps family. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Major Darrell Wilson was installed as the new Divisional Commander for Western Australia at Perth Fortress Corps on Sunday 27 April.   Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas conducted the installation ceremony in front of a packed hall.   Darrell will officially take up his role on Thursday 1 May. His wife, Major Chelsea Wilson, will remain the Corps Officer at Rockingham, where she and Darrell have served as corps leaders since 2011.  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas conducts the ceremony. About 25 members of the Rockingham Corps were at the installation ceremony to ‘cheer on’ Darrell.   The installation service, under the direction of Perth Fortress Corps Officers Captains Aaron and Lauren Stobie, hosted prayer, worship and musical messages.   Major Nikki Curtis opened the meeting by sharing a passage from Romans 8:1-2: “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus ,” she said. “ And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you .”   A video message followed, in which Darrell was welcomed to his new role by various leaders, volunteers and soldiers from across Western Australia. Majors Darrell and Chelsea Wilson with their three children – Lewis, Max and Lilly – at the service. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas then invited Darrell to join her on the platform before thanking Commissioners Peter and Jenny Walker for their interim leadership of the division.   “I’d love to be the DC in Western Australia,” Miriam quipped, “because you’re so far away, and you can try new things. Imagine what God will do!   “In welcoming you (Darrell), this congregation acknowledges your many years of dedicated service, given freely and willingly to God. The new appointment with which you are entrusted, a further expression of your lifelong covenant with God.”   Miriam affirmed Darrell in his new role, sharing from Romans 15:13: “ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit .” Commissioner Peter Walker prays for the Wilsons. Commissioner Peter Walker was invited to the platform to pray over Darrell and his family.   “I want to pray for Darrell and Chelsea and for their family, that in taking on this new role, there will not be loss, but there will be wonderful new experiences together,” he prayed. “Lord, I pray that you’ll bring peace, that you’ll bring protection, that you’ll bring a vision for the state of Western Australia and the work of The Salvation Army here.”   Darrell was further welcomed by the Kids and Families ministries, Youth and Young Adults ministries, and other groups representing the Army’s diverse work in WA.   In response, Darrell said, “I am deeply humbled and deeply honoured to be able to serve God in this way. The Church is consistently looking for better methods, looking to tweak our programs, but God is seeking people who are humbly devoted to being Christ-centred, Spirit-led, who will reveal the hope of God to the world. And I believe the methods will take care of themselves. Major Darrell Wilson brings his first message as Divisional Commander. “I’m a big fan of frontline mission, and I think Local Mission Delivery is going to be what we’re seeking as we move forward in WA.”   Originally from Ballarat (Vic.), Darrell grew up in Western Australia and served the majority of his roles in the division. These included working as a youth worker at Morley Corps and in the youth and mission departments at DHQ before taking on the corps officer role at Rockingham.   To view the livestream of the service, click here Click through the slideshow below to view more photos of the installation service:

Amelia Natoli (right) with TSA Tasmanian Schools Engagement Program Leader Ashleigh Cowell and blankets from the drive. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE The Salvation Army is partnering with ABC Hobart this year to deliver hand-knitted blankets to Tasmanians who are feeling the cold this winter. The Rug Up Tassie drive is an annual initiative begun by the ABC to gather 20cm x 20cm knitted squares from across the state and join them into blankets, ready for donation. This time, the goal is 500 blankets, and The Salvation Army is the main collector and distributor alongside the ABC. The blankets will be distributed to those who seek assistance from The Salvation Army and other service providers in the state. Donated blankets for the Rug Up Tassie drive. Image: Amelia Natoli The Salvation Army’s External Communications Manager for Tasmania, Amelia Natoli, described the drive as a “really nice wraparound” community contribution. She said that while some community members will knit one square, others, who may be lifelong knitters, will knit multiple blankets. She said that as a child, her nan would knit her a new scarf every couple of years as a special reminder of her care, but for many facing difficult times, this is often not their reality. “It’s freezing [in Tasmania, so] there’s a practical element to it,” Amelia said. “It’s also that with the many different squares, a whole community has actually knitted this and joined it together as a token of ‘hey, we are thinking about you and we want to do something for you’. “For people [who] might have had really tough upbringings and haven’t had that support, we are literally saying to them ‘you mean a lot to someone, you are worth hours of their time’.” Amelia said that when the blankets were distributed, frontline workers took care to select blankets with features that were specific to the people receiving them, such as their favourite football team colours or patterns. She said that, due to their weight, however, the blankets were heavy, which made them a great fit for some situations but not others, as they were difficult to dry efficiently when wet. She said it was especially a good fit for those looking to rebuild their lives, such as those recovering from family violence. She said that for both adults and children in vulnerable situations, the blanket could provide that little bit of comfort that made a difference. Michael West, Salvation Army Emergency Services Response Coordinator for Tasmania, with Rug Up Tassie blankets. Image: Amelia Natoli Amelia said that when some knitters came into Salvation Army centres, they were also prompted to volunteer their time and efforts in other ways, so it was a good way to connect with community members who were looking to get involved. ABC Hobart Manager Samantha Stayner said the ABC was really grateful for the support of the Salvos, as they provided a crucial physical presence among those receiving the blankets. She said the drive was a “beautiful expression of what a community can do”. “Knowing that the Salvos are working in so many communities in so many different ways around Tasmania, you are so connected to such a wide range of people who might benefit from blankets or beanies,” she said. “That’s just fantastic for us and just such a great benefit to have places that people can drop off their items as well, knowing that not everybody’s got the ability to get to Hobart or Launceston, and postage can be prohibitive. “It’s just so great to have that physical presence as well as obviously the caring connection the Salvos bring to the people who will receive them.” “I think when we come together, and for people to be able to be a small part of something bigger is quite powerful,” Samantha said. “It’s literally a beautiful, warm and fuzzy feeling.” The ABC and Salvation Army are open to donations of knitted squares, full blankets, beanies and scarves from across the country. To find out how to contribute, see here .

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Erle, click here

National Volunteer Week is a wonderful time to celebrate the 20,000-plus volunteers who help The Salvation Army connect with communities around the Australia Territory every day. Join Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett as they give a big shout-out to our amazing volunteers and all they do!