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Majors Andrew and Jeanette van Gaalen (centre) with newly enrolled senior soldiers at Easter (from left), Eric Mabilin, Liv Mabilin, Kung Thang Lian, Minge Lay, Elle Smith and Tyrus van Gaalen. BY LAUREN MARTIN   When Liv was a child, she had an unforgettable dream. In it, she was standing in front of the mirror, and suddenly she saw the face of Jesus on her chest. He looked at her and said, “Liv, place me in your heart and make me your King.”   Liv is one of 13 Coffs Harbour Salvos who have been enrolled as senior soldiers this year, and at her enrolment, she declared: “Today I stand here in front of you to declare: Jesus is not only in my heart, he is in my mind, in my soul and in every part of me. He is my king, and he is the life I need. To him belongs all the glory, all the honour and all the worship because he made me whole again.”   The NSW corps of Coffs Harbour has experienced many God-filled moments over the past five years. Not only have there been many enrolments, but in 2023, the corps sent two cadets to training college – Jose Porcia and Benn Nicholson – and witnessed senior soldier Soseh Cowham being commissioned as an auxiliary-lieutenant and now serving at Northern Rivers Ballina Campus.   Coffs Harbour Corps Officer Major Andrew van Gaalen says the culture of the corps has undergone a dramatic shift.   “There’s a hunger amongst our people to go deeper with God. They see becoming a soldier as part of going deeper with him. He is calling them,” he said. Senior soldiers enrolled at Coffs Harbour in February (from left) Trevor LeBrocq, James Burry, Jodi Jones, Glendon Jones, Dayna Newman, Aimee Tecson and Christian Tecson. With many corps demographics indicating that congregations are aging, Coffs Harbour has seen an increase in the number of young people interested in soldiership and officership.   “Some of them do want to become officers,” says Andrew. “Others just want to become local leaders and, realistically, they want their witness to be seen in this community as a soldier of Jesus Christ through The Salvation Army.”   Andrew says the book “ Aggressive Christianity” by Catherine Booth is very clear about the importance of intentional discipleship and leadership development for new converts. “Get them involved and get them moving.”   Soldiers’ testimonies And that’s what’s happening at Coffs Harbour Corps. People who come to faith are invited to serve in various ministries and deepen their relationship with Jesus through small groups.   “On Friday night, there is no place I would rather be than out serving the community and doing the work of the Lord,” said newly enrolled soldier Dayna in her testimony. She not only found Jesus and a “beautiful church family” at Coffs Harbour Salvos, “but my friendship with my best friend also blossomed into a wonderful marriage to my now husband” (who is also a recently enrolled soldier at Coffs Harbour Corps.)   For Elle, her journey with the Coffs Harbour Salvos allowed her to lay all her hurts, fears, shame, and guilt at the foot of the cross. “I just remember,” she says of the first time she came to a Sunday meeting after being invited by Corps Officers Jeanette and Andrew, “the worship team came up, and I sang, and I can’t really sing, but I did sing, and I just got absolutely lost in it. I felt the Holy Spirit just resting upon me. I felt enveloped in this unspeakable peace.   “Feeling love like a daughter has been the most healing thing for me. He listens to me, and he never judges. He sees my scars, and he looks at me and he says, ‘Oh, child, you are just so beautiful and precious to me’,” she shared at a special service the night before her enrolment.   Please keep these 13 new soldiers in your prayers. And stay tuned – there are more enrolments planned at Coffs Harbour Salvos!   Palmerston enrolments On Tuesday 22 April, Palmerston Corps in the Northern Territory enrolled four senior soldiers during the Journeys Church service.   This event was celebrated and supported by 50 community members from within the congregation, and also extended family of the soldiers who hadn’t previously been to church before.   “These four people come from all walks of life and are incredible members and contributors within both the Palmerston and Darwin Corps,” said Captain Sherrelee Gray, Palmerston Corps Officer.   Palmerston Corps Officers Captains Neil and Sherrelee Gray (left) with newly enrolled senior soldiers Lisa Wright, Sheldron and Karl Adams-Brown and Hannah Gray.

Cartoon supplied by The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne. BY BARRY GITTINS* Sixty years ago, in the 15 May 1965 War Cry , The Salvation Army’s Brigadier Harry Dean cited the belief that there was intelligent life beyond Earth and millions of inhabited planets. Those beliefs were expressed by Bruno Friedman and published by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation). The brigadier added a question mark to the statements.“Science used to say that intelligent life on other planets was ‘improbable’,” wrote the brigadier. “It has now altered its tune.” Brigadier Dean further pondered questions such as, “What makes scientists so sure today that there is intelligent life in space? ... Where do we locate such living beings? ... Are they more intelligent [than us], just as [intelligent], or less intelligent than we [are]? ... How can we communicate with them?” An excerpt from the 15 May 1965 War Cry article. The intriguing aspect of a church periodical is that The Salvation Army, like many Christian denominations, inherited an old cosmology and theology that presumed a heaven and angels, along with a loving Creator who existed ‘way up high’ in the sky, far beyond the blue. Could we travel to that Beulah Land beyond the clouds? Would we be welcome, or would such an incursion be a no-no for the Almighty? For the brigadier, such thoughts were of no great import, and ultimately, such questions as the existence of intelligent life were “only of academic interest”. While hoping that if such creatures did exist, we wouldn’t hurt them, and they wouldn’t hurt us, he declared, “It isn’t really intelligence that matters, finally, but goodness. “Brilliance and competence are all very well, but if used destructively [they] can bring hell on earth – as they have done in the past … If there are intelligent beings elsewhere in the universe, I only hope their characters aren’t blighted [or] that they’ve had the sense to accept whatever kind of redemption a good God must have provided for them.” Four years after the article, on 20 July 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon. Sadly, there was no evidence of little green humanoids. Launched in 1977 to suss out Jupiter and Saturn, NASA’s Voyager 1 became the first vessel from Earth to go into ‘interstellar space’ in 2012, and it’s still going. As far as we know, human beings are the only form of life in our solar system, at any rate.  Whether we can be classified as intelligent remains to be seen!   *Barry Gittins is the Assistant Manager of The Salvation Army Museum in Melbourne

Street Side Medics team members gather with Jesse Burns, Project 614’s Twilight Cafe and Outreach Coordinator (centre), in Melbourne’s CBD. Hidden away from prying eyes, a transformative mission is quietly unfolding in Melbourne’s buzzing CBD. Each Thursday evening, down a quiet laneway, a distinctive bright blue and red mobile medical van complete with a heart on its door, pulls up opposite the Salvos Project 614 Twilight Café. It’s not just a van; it’s a lifeline. This is Street Side Medics. A free mobile medical service helping those who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness, and as Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH discovered, it’s changing lives – one person at a time. It all began with a seizure. Back in 2019, Dr Daniel Nour, a young trainee doctor from Melbourne, witnessed a man having a seizure at a London station. He instinctively stopped to provide immediate care and called for an ambulance. But a subsequent chat with the man’s friends revealed a shocking truth: both the man and his friends were homeless and unable to access primary health care. Despite continual seizures, no one was treating the gentleman. Street Side Medics founder Dr Daniel Nour. (Photo courtesy of James Cook University) That moment lit a fire in Dr Nour. Homeless people, he realised, could not access essential health care services due to varying obstacles and barriers. Inspired to change that, he founded ‘Street Side Medics’ – a mobile medical service that helps those who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness and saves lives on the streets across multiple states and locations, including those who congregate outside the Salvos Project 614 Twilight Café in Melbourne. “We have got many people who have told us we have saved their lives and changed lives,” said Grant Fenton, Street Side Medics Victorian State Manager. “It is enormously powerful feedback. It is the fact that somebody cared about them, that somebody did not treat them with any judgment, and so they felt enabled to start looking after themselves.” Major Brendan Nottle, Salvos Melbourne Project 614 Team Leader, added that the Salvos’ partnership with Street Side Medics had helped to ensure that no one was left behind. “A lot of people are locked out of essential services we take for granted,” he said. “Bringing the health service to people is critically important.” Grant added that Street Side Medics is a separate entity to the recently launched Health Clinic at Project 614 ( a collaboration between CoHealth, Alfred Health and The Salvation Army) , but would “connect their patients back into the 614 process”. The significance of Street Side Medics, a free non-profit healthcare service that began in Melbourne last year, cannot be understated. Grant emphasised the profound impact of recognising the ‘invisible people’ – the homeless, the vulnerable, those who have been neglected for too long. Street Side Medics doesn’t just treat them; it sees them as human beings. “The greatest impact is getting people seen,” he explained. “People who have had a reluctance to enter into the health system, who will not go and see a GP in a clinic and won’t present to an emergency department. In some cases, we will be the first to make an initial diagnosis for things as serious as heart disease or diabetes. Unchecked, those things will end a person’s life.” ‘We have got many people who have told us we have saved their lives and changed lives,’ says Grant Fenton, Street Side Medics Victorian State Manager. A key component is reintroducing medical care to those community members who may not have seen a GP in some time. In some cases, 10 or 15 years. And every Thursday, the need for its service outside the Salvos cafe is immediately apparent. A line of people eagerly awaits the arrival of the mobile health van in the early evening. Its shiny blue and red colours, complete with friendly and important messaging, are a beacon of hope. A welcoming and enthusiastic team gathers for yet another session of serving those who need it the most, regardless of their healthcare status, financial situation, or whether they have a Medicare card or not. “They (Street Side Medics) have been fantastic since they started,” said Jesse Burns, Project 614’s Twilight Cafe and Outreach Coordinator. “Just providing support to some of the most vulnerable people, people sleeping rough, people living on the fringe of society, people experiencing food insecurity and other financial insecurities and just non-judgmental support the whole time. We work well alongside them. They are fantastic to us. They provide great support to some of our clients who have been doing tough for a long time.” Jesse Burns, Project 614’s Twilight Cafe and Outreach Coordinator, and volunteer Mary, play an integral part in supporting and caring for cafe patrons and those who require medical assistance with Street Side Medics, plus the medical team. And the greatest impact? Having the van literally outside the café’s doors and being so easily accessible, Jesse remarked. People who visit the café come for a meal, a shower, or just to have a roof over their heads and can access Street Side Medic’s medical services in a casual way. “The cafe acts as the waiting room in a way,” he reflected. “The staff of Street Side Medics and Salvos both work really well and in that sense alert each other of who is up next ... there has been great feedback from our clients and nothing but positive reviews. We love working alongside them on Thursday nights. Our Thursday crew, volunteers and staff love working with them.” The clinic, led by a General Practitioner, brings together a dedicated team of volunteers, including nurses, paramedics, junior doctors, and non-clinical support staff. The service is so valued that an extraordinary 1000 people are on the waitlist to join as volunteers. Its mission is clear: deliver exceptional healthcare, treating everyone with dignity and respect. The mobile van is fully equipped with medical supplies and can treat a range of medical conditions, both inside and outside the vehicle. Take a look outside, and the names of the team members for that night are also written for everyone to see, accompanied by a smiley face indicative of their friendly welcome. Street Side Medics volunteer Sarah tends to the needs of a patient. The partnership with the Salvos has been a great success since it began in September of last year. Grant said the Salvos cafe team had been incredibly supportive and helped them identify the location where they park the van. “The team operating the cafe are consistently checking on our wellbeing,” he remarked. “They are incredible and so supportive of us.” Through compassion, dedication, and a commitment to inclusivity, the service ensures that homelessness doesn’t mean the absence of healthcare. “We are genuinely a street-side medical team,” Grant emphasised. “That is a word that I always like to say to people. It’s not just a throwaway line. The GPs will get out of the van for people that are unwilling to get on the van and treat them out on the street. We are literally street-side medics. When we say that word, it’s not just about parking the van on the street. We operate out on the street. That is something by which I am incredibly humbled. When I see these health professionals do that sort of stuff, they are just incredible people.” Since its humble beginnings in 2020, Street Side Medics has expanded across Victoria and New South Wales in various locations. In 2024-25, the service conducted more than 450 clinics, treating around 6000 patients on a $2 million budget that relies on donations, local health networks, government agencies and sponsors. Without that help, the service would not be able to do what it does. The annual cost to operate one mobile clinic is approximately $130,000, making funding a continuous need. READ MORE: New health clinic launched at Project 614 Demand for the service is also skyrocketing, with plans for further expansion. “Homelessness is not something that is decreasing; it’s increasing,” Grant said. “There’s a greater need for outreach services now than ever before. We are doing what we can, but we need more resources to meet the demand. Other health services are grateful that we are doing what we are doing because they simply cannot deal with the number of patients that they cannot see.” Yet, the team remains cautious about expansion, ensuring that quality care remains the priority. And the medical needs of the homeless and vulnerable are huge. From their team’s experience, health issues experienced by homeless people include severe and persistent mental illness, problematic substance use, physical disabilities, chronic physical health issues, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions – asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), liver disease – chronic viral hepatitis, oral health conditions and cancers. The red heart on the mobile van’s door -  a symbol of compassion and care. There are many barriers to accessing services by people experiencing homelessness. They include a lack of awareness of available services, plus prohibitive costs, a lack of transport, the level of documentation required (for example, a Medicare card), structured appointment systems, stigma and embarrassment, previous negative experiences, and distrust in practitioners. The service has partnered with several homeless service organisations in areas with high concentrations of homelessness to enhance patient participation. “The service’s primary objective is to provide healthcare services which may include but are not limited to health examinations, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions,” Grant explained. “Also producing and implementing health care plans, immunisations, pathology services, nutritional advice, minor surgical procedures, and referring the homeless to appropriate medical subspecialties.” Furthermore, Street Side Medics have partnered with a number of medical subspecialties and allied health professionals who will offer their services at no cost to its patients. While they continue to build these relationships, they currently offer pro-bono podiatry services, as well as cardiology and gynaecology services, to refer patients to where needed. Volunteers are the crucial backbone of the service, each with their own story about why they joined up. For Alex, his voluntary role is deeply personal. Alex says his voluntary role is deeply personal. “I have two homeless daughters,” he said.“I have not had contact with them. I work in medical research and with doctors, and I am a first responder. But my real interest here is that I am treating people who also have mothers and fathers and who also have a story. And while I cannot find my own or help my own, maybe I can help somebody else’s. Every time I come here, it allows me the opportunity to feel like I am making a difference in that community, a community that I had no touchpoints on before.” Another volunteer, Jo, who was a nurse for 30 years and now works for St John of God in a governance role, described her voluntary role with Street Side Medics as her “heart job” and was inspired by Dr Nour, who won Young Australian of the Year in 2022. “This is my heart job,” she said. “I just love it ...they (the patients) love it when you remember a name or remember a face ...there are a lot of people that don’t feel that they are worthy of care, and that’s great when you go, yes, you are here, here it is, and this is what we can do for you!” Looking to the future, Brendan has one big hope for the Melbourne community – that Street Side Medics will continue, and for a long time to come. READ MORE: Lerisse Smith’s personal reflection after spending an evening watching the Street Side Medics in action Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the Street Side Medics team in action:         ​

Daryl Crowden (second from right) and Lieut-Colonel Gregory Morgan (right) at the Britano Clinic, Vanuatu, as part of their evaluation of The Salvation Army’s earthquake relief program. BY SIMONE WORTHING Australians Lieut-Colonel Gregory Morgan (Secretary for Mission) and Daryl Crowden (General Manager, Salvation Army Emergency Services) have recently returned from the Pacific island of Vanuatu, where they facilitated an end-of-program evaluation of The Salvation Army’s earthquake relief program. Lieut-Colonel Gregory Morgan with some of the shirts, drink bottles and other supplies taken to Vanuatu. The Salvation Army has had a small but dynamic presence in Vanuatu for 14 years. As Daryl explains, “When their community is impacted by natural disaster (which is every year), the response may be small, but it is immediate and practical. Within two hours of the December 17 earthquake, the ladies of The Salvation Army were cooking and serving hot meals (7000 over seven days) from the church property, and their neighbours were accessing water from our tanks and using the amenities.   “In the weeks that followed, The Salvation Army Australia supplemented the local fellowship with response personnel (Daryl and Major Darren Elsley, Remote and Rural Chaplain in Far West NSW, ) and resources, and implemented a rapid response program that we have just concluded.”   Widespread support Daryl and Greg worked with partners ADRA Vanuatu and UNICEF to wrap up the response. They also met with those who have been supported with funds provided by The Salvation Army International and the Australia Territory, and those raised through a Vanuatu earthquake appeal. “Thanks to support from our partners ADRA and UNICEF, we supported 18,464 people – 23 per cent of all those impacted – providing hardship grants to 122 families, getting clean water into (eight) schools and (two) health facilities, restoring rainwater harvesting, and ensuring 4612 schoolkids (and their families) have safe drinking water,” said Daryl. “It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but together, we made a real difference for families affected by the disaster.     “For an agency the size of The Salvation Army in Vanuatu, that is huge. So, a very big thank you to those that gave in support of the people of Vanuatu.”   This data will be verified when the report is released at the end of May.   Vibrant fellowship During the visit, both Daryl and Greg spent time with the local Salvation Army community. On the Saturday, they visited The Salvation Army’s fruit and vegetable garden in a bush community that provides food resources and income for the Salvos, and for single mums and widows who live at the Salvos site in Tagabe. “We needed a bit of four-wheel driving to get us there – thanks to Daryl for the driving,” Greg shared. “[Then] It was wonderful to worship at The Salvation Army Vanuatu on Sunday and I enjoyed the opportunity to share a message from God’s Word,” added Greg. “Daryl and I were given a warm welcome to this vibrant fellowship, which is full of joy and hope.   “We concluded our time together with lunch. God bless The Salvation Army in Vanuatu!”

The Salvation Army has been nominated for an award in the TIARA Talent Acquisition Awards. The Salvation Army’s excellence in workplace inclusion practices has recently been recognised in an Australian and New Zealand human resources award category. The Salvation Army has been named a finalist in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in the TIARA Talent Acquisition Awards ANZ. This follows TSA’s embracing of the Australian Disability Network’s Employing 100 Program, an initiative designed to encourage employers to onboard staff with disabilities. According to the Australian Disability Network, even though those with disabilities make up about 20 per cent of the overall Australian population, the unemployment rate for those with a disability is about 10 per cent. This is compared with the overall unemployment rate of 4.1 per cent. As part of Employing 100, the Salvation Army appointed 29 new staff with disabilities over a period of 14 months, exceeding the goal of 25. At the close of the program, 100 per cent of the new members were retained. The TIARA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award recognises the value and impact of policies and initiatives to promote greater inclusion in workplaces. The Salvation Army is a finalist alongside Informatica, nbn, Axe Group and Capgemini, among others.

Donna was facing homelessness and was struggling financially after escaping a domestic violence situation. Caring for three children and facing rising rental costs, things became so hard that Donna says, “she was losing hope”. Fortunately, she received support from the Bayside Salvos Houses of Hope program in Queensland, which helped her secure housing and connect her with additional support services. Donna says that all the help she received drove her to want to be part of the Salvos. She signed up to be a volunteer and wants to share the hope she has received with others. Know someone affected by domestic and family violence? There are support services that can help you. In an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000) 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 The National Family and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselling Service. Women’s FDV Line – 1800 007 339 Hotline for women, with our without children, who are experiencing FDV. Men’s FDV Line – 1800 000 559 Hotline for information and referrals for male victim-survivors of FDV or those concerned about violence or abusive behaviour.

One of the medical team oversees a volunteer assisting a patient. Personal Reflection BY LERISSE SMITH It’s a profound experience to find hope and healing in the most unlikely of places. And when you do, you can’t help but be changed for the better. That’s exactly what happened one overcast Thursday evening in Melbourne’s bustling CBD. Amidst the noise and neon, I headed down a quiet laneway to begin another story for the Salvos – only to experience a night far more powerful than I could have imagined. I had come to join the Street Side Medics team, whose vision is to provide an exceptional standard of healthcare to the homeless community. And what I witnessed was nothing short of inspiring. A night that has stayed with me long after the lights dimmed. The van is easy to spot on the street. The mobile medical van, its bright red and blue colours cutting through the city’s grey sky, parked in the perfect spot – a quiet alley directly opposite the entrance of The Salvation Army Project 614’s much-frequented Twilight Café, where its amazing team selflessly serves a huge number of people daily. As the van doors swung open, people from all walks of life started to gather. Some just arrived, while others had patiently waited for the wheels to roll in. It was quickly clear this wasn’t just another medical vehicle. It was a sanctuary on wheels – a shining symbol of hope, healing and humanity. And what unfolded in the next few hours perfectly epitomised the words clearly printed on the side of the van: Helping those who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness. The red heart on the mobile van's door -  a symbol of compassion and care. A vibrant team of volunteer medical staff – comprising nurses, paramedics, medical students, and non-medical personnel – moved seamlessly between patients inside and outside the van. On offer? Warmth, grace and dignity. Leading from the front was a dedicated GP. What struck me most wasn’t just their professionalism – it was their presence. Their friendly, approachable manner created a relaxed atmosphere, restoring dignity and reminding each patient that they were valued and mattered. As I mingled with the team rostered that evening, Alex, Jeremy, Chris, Dimity, Dom, Sarah, Janelle, Bryce, Jeff, Jo, and Street Side Medics Victorian Manager Grant Fenton, I was immediately moved by how quickly they made me feel welcome – like I was part of something far bigger than myself. As the clinic got underway, Alex rallied the team with a brief overview of the schedule before arranging seats outside for those who preferred to be seen on the street. A discreet blue curtain was then pulled across the van’s entrance for those who preferred privacy. Confidentiality assured. The team’s energy? Infectious! Janelle, Clinical Education and Onboarding Manager, emphasised that ‘everybody is a person’ and access to healthcare is a human right. Not having a fixed address should never be a barrier to accessing quality healthcare. Dom, another team member, jumped at the chance to volunteer to ‘bridge the gap’ for those struggling to access care, adding that wanting to ‘improve everyone’s life’ was a life goal for him. “I think that a lot of our community members and clients that come through now probably consider the Street Side Medics team their regular GP.” Their message was crystal clear: real change begins by showing up and caring, one person at a time. And it’s working. One lovely patient expressed her gratitude for the team being there for her at her time of need while she waited to be seen. Another gentleman stressed to me how impactful and important the medical service was to his local community, and being able to access free healthcare. Inside the café, the atmosphere was equally moving. Jesse Burns, Project 614’s Twilight Cafe and Outreach Coordinator, together with volunteer Mary and the rest of the dedicated team, served hot meals and warm smiles. Their passion for service and social inclusion was immediately evident. The roster for the evening. There was no division between the medical and café teams – just unity. A shared mission of relationship-building, care and respect. The café’s entry also serves as the ideal gateway to anyone with a healthcare need. Operating morning, noon and night, Twilight welcomes hundreds of people from all walks of life, including those facing addiction, mental health challenges and homelessness. “They (the Street Side Medics team) have built great relationships with a lot of them,” says Jesse, whose passion for his community shone through the night. “I think that a lot of our community members and clients that come through now probably consider the Street Side Medics team their regular GP. So, that is great knowing that they can come here each week and have that service.” As the evening drew to a close, I had not just seen the medical service in action. I had witnessed humanity at its best. Street Side Medics isn’t just filling a gap in the system; it’s reshaping it. Rewriting what care can and should look like for those too often overlooked. With demand surging across cities and volunteers stepping up in record numbers, its impact is impossible to ignore. Amidst the noise of elections and promises, I can only hope that real funding flows toward vital services like this, which offer far more than just prescriptions and pills. In a world too distracted to see those on the margins, Street Side Medics isn’t just admirable – it’s essential … and it is saving lives.

Major Peter Sutcliffe (second from right) receives refurbished tablets from Glen Corfield, Bravus Mining and Resources. The Salvation Army in Townsville recently received refurbished, state-of-the-art tablets (technology) for struggling families from the big trucks and diggers at Bravus Mining and Resources Carmichael mine near Clermont, Central Queensland.   “These tablets will be put to immediate use in this month’s Red Shield Appeal launch before being distributed to Community Connect sites to help locals access essential resources,” said Major Peter Sutcliffe, Corps Officer - Team Leader, Townsville and the Local Community.   Glen Corfield, Bravus Mining and Resources Head of Production and Site Senior Executive, said more than 50 tablets no longer needed for mining operations had been upcycled to support the work of The Salvation Army and Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. The tablets have been reconditioned and preloaded with various applications, including Minecraft and Messenger, in preparation for their beneficial reuse. “We’re proud to operate in regional Queensland and are passionate about backing the organisations and causes that are important to the 1200 workers at our Carmichael mine,” Mr Corfield said. “The Salvos and Ronald McDonald House are two great examples. Both organisations provide services you hope your friends, family or workmates never have to call on, but there’s a sense of comfort in knowing they’re there in a time of need.”

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham joined the delegates from across West Africa. More than 1600 delegates from Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso attended the West Africa Women’s Congress in Tema, Ghana, on 25-27 April. The delegates were joined by Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries), Commissioner Shelley Hill (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) and Commissioner Yvonne Conrad (International Secretary for Africa).  Themed ‘Woman, do not cry’, the conference commenced with a colourful balloon-cutting ceremony, followed by devotions, praise and worship. Commissioner Buckingham delivered an inspiring sermon on the power of a woman’s tears. In a Bible study, Commissioner Hill emphasised the spiritual power of tears through the story of the Canaanite woman’s persistence (Matthew 15:21-28). At a health workshop, Dr Ama Gyadua Boadu, from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana, discussed the symptoms and treatment of lupus, an autoimmune disease. The second day of the conference began with a prayer walk. Commissioner Conrad conveyed a heartfelt message, assuring women that God sees every tear, even those that never fall. Drawing from Psalm 30:5 and 1 Peter 5:6, she reminded participants that Jesus is the anchor in sorrow and the source of joy.  Lieut-Colonel Rasoa Khayumbi (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea) led a marriage workshop, in which she highlighted the value of prayer and faith in building strong marital relationships.  The final day began with a march of witness, as more than 1650 uniformed delegates paraded through Tema, carrying banners and singing, spreading messages of salvation, hope and community service.  The event culminated in a holiness meeting, led by Colonel Janet Agyei Appeateng (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Ghana). Commissioner Buckingham delivered a compelling message on God’s love and faithfulness. Her altar call saw hundreds respond, seeking spiritual renewal at the mercy seat. “The conference provided a powerful platform for spiritual renewal and women’s empowerment, and the theme echoed through all activities, calling women to a deeper faith and trust in God,” the organisers shared.

Family Empowerment facilitators Zoe Lang (2508 Salvos), Lisa Clancy (First Floor Program) and Lauren Martin (2508 Salvos). They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Reactions and behaviours that become ingrained over time can be hard to change, even if they are detrimental to a person’s wellbeing.   In Helensburgh (NSW), a course developed by the Salvation Army is helping community members tackle the change process.   Called ‘See Change’, the six-week course was developed by The Salvation Army’s First Floor Program, based in the Illawarra, and the University of Wollongong’s psychology unit. It was designed to assist families impacted by loved ones with challenging behaviours.   2508 Salvos in Helensburgh (part of Shire Salvos) began offering the course in 2022. Participants meet once a week for six weeks to learn about the process of change, strategies to reclaim a healthy, safe and functioning life and ways to enhance personal and family wellbeing.   “That first course was so powerful,” 2508 Salvos Mission Leader Lauren Martin said. “We knew right then that See Change was something special. A space where people could be totally authentic and vulnerable about the struggles they were having in implementing positive changes they so desperately wanted to see in their lives.”   Lauren and her 2508 Salvos volunteers have now facilitated five See Change courses.   “We have had people attend who struggle with anger, who have chronic health issues, who have unhealthy stress-coping mechanisms in play in their lives,” said Lauren. “But one of the key consistencies that we have seen in people attending the See Change course is what I call a ‘self-worth deficit’.   “If we can empower people to truly see their worth and value, through the See Change exercises and tools that they start to implement in their lives, they see some powerful changes start to take place.”   One woman gave feedback after the course that “the invitation to See Change probably saved my life!” Another said that the course helped to “increase her self-awareness” and assisted her to “re-focus on what’s important to me and ‘cement’ it into my general living.”   Every single person who completed the See Change course with 2508 Salvos noticed an increase in self-worth.   In 2025, The Salvation Army in Helensburgh, working in conjunction with the First Floor Program, introduced an extension to the See Change course – the Family Empowerment Program. This 12-month course supports families and individuals with information, support and resources to move forward and build the kind of future they want – even when difficulties within the family still exist.   Participants meet once a month and have access to a mentor, with whom they meet between the monthly sessions.   “Supporting people long-term as they work to make positive changes in their lives and in the lives of their families is incredibly rewarding,” said Lauren. “We see people start to introduce healthy boundaries, envisage and work towards goals and put in place strategies to deal with stressful circumstances.”   This long-term support for people complements the emergency and short-term assistance The Salvation Army gives to people in the 2508 area through food and financial assistance and referrals for case work and specialist support.   “We want to see individuals and families in 2508 thrive,” said Lauren. “It’s about wholistic support for as long as it’s needed.”

(Left) One of the stalls at the Youth Fest Carnival. (Right) Leah and Jarid from the Oasis Youth Services Central Coast were finalists in the Central Coast National Youth Week Awards this year. BY LAUREN MARTIN   The ‘Spark Collective’ initiative of The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Service on the NSW Central Coast gives dignity, worth and hope to local young people.   Birthed in 2023, the Spark Collective is a nine-month leadership program designed for teens and young adults. Its purpose is to empower young people to make their voices heard and take action to spark positive change within the community.   For National Youth Week in April, this year’s Spark Collective cohort was challenged to produce an event that celebrates young people and brings them together. They spent the three months leading up to April planning, designing and determining a theme for the event.   “They came to the consensus of having a carnival,” said Kimberley Hallinan, Oasis Youth Service Youth Support and Mission Leader. “The Youth Fest Carnival had over 70 people attending, including 11 local services to support young people, a bungee run, a food stall, a photobooth and carnival games.”   Some of the stalls being set up for the Youth Fest Carnival. The feedback from the event was positive. The Spark Collective participants asked attendees for feedback, which included comments that they ‘would not change anything’ and ‘can’t wait to come again’.    One of the key learning elements of the process was the Spark Collective’s idea to have a prize table and show bags. Oasis team members came up with a budget and took members of the Spark Collective shopping to make sure their voices were heard regarding what should go into the bags to make them ‘cool’ for young people (“fidget toys and lollies mostly!” said Kimberley.) There was plenty on offer at the carnival if the signs are anything to go by. “ The whole thing was really young-people-led,” said Kimberley, who added that it is really rewarding to be involved with the Spark Collective initiative and watch the transformation of its participants. “Seeing the growth in leadership and them being able to share their voice and seeing their own personal growth.”   Two members of the original 2023 Spark Collective cohort, Leah and Jarid, are still in youth leadership roles at the Oasis Youth Service. This year, they were nominated for the Central Coast National Youth Week Awards. Both were selected as finalists and attended the awards ceremony to receive recognition.   “One of them mentioned on the night that they had never received an award before due to anxiety and wasn’t sure if they would be able to get on stage,” said Kimberley. “They said they were able to overcome this because of the support and growth they had gained from Oasis and the Spark Collective group, and afterwards were very proud of themselves.”   Jarid has been so impacted by his journey with Oasis Youth Services that he is now enrolling to study a community services certificate with The Salvation Army’s Eva Burrows College. “H e says that he wants to help people to be able to share their voice like he’s been able to do,” said Kimberley.   Just one spark can start a flame. The Oasis Youth Services Spark Collective is sparking hope in the lives of young people on the NSW Central Coast. The prize table at the Youth Fest Carnival.

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