Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week ( 9-15 March )   we pray for the Uganda Territory.   Colonels Chatonda and Joyce Theu lead the territory.   This Uganda Territory has 181 officers (146 active, 35 retired); 16 cadets; 99 corps; 37 outposts; 15,337 senior soldiers; 751 adherents; 8,212 junior soldiers; 58 employees.   The work of the region includes: ·  Community centres (1500 people supported with counselling in 2024) ·  Vocational training ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response Praise points:  ·    We are thankful to God for our territorial thanksgiving, where we increased by 35 per cent compared to 2024. We have hope that we shall continue growing in giving. ·    We praise his name for the Territorial Home League Helping Hand Rally 2025, which was successful in both attendance and giving. ·    The visit General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham 18-24 February 2026. The recent visit of General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. Prayer Requests: ·    Pray for the physical wellness of both active and retired officers and their families. ·    Pray for financial sustainability; that all activities according to our annual calendar of events may be done successfully. ·    Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit leading to spiritual awakening and growth in the territory. ·    Pray for the Territorial Junior Miss and Young Women Rally 8-9 August 2026 – for creativity and spiritual empowerment. ·    Pray for the Territorial Home League Helping Hand Rally on 5 September 2026. To find out more about the Uganda Territory, click here . To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here . To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here .

Salvos Online  continues a new series of unexpected and decidedly prescriptive teachings that General William Booth gave to his soldiers 124 years ago, excerpting the 1902 publication  Letters to Salvationists on Religion for Every Day (volume 1). Over the next few months, we will publish General Booth’s thoughts on everyday topics, including sickness and bereavement, sleep, hygiene, life challenges, poverty, the Bible and the Sabbath, industrial relations, food and drink and more.   “The Army uniform is a preacher. It makes people think about God and Godliness. If it is right for the Salvationist to proclaim Salvation from sin and separation from the world, with his tongue, it cannot be wrong for him to declare it by his dress.” Wearing your heart on your sleeve BY GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH Salvation Army co-founder (The article below is the original transcript of how General Booth wrote it, with no editing or alterations by the Salvos Online team.)   My dear comrades, let us discuss clothing.   Man has been described by someone as a clothes-wearing animal. It could not be intended, by that expression, that he is the only animal that wears Clothes, for there are few creatures that walk the earth around him, or dwell in the sea beneath him, that are not as usefully and as becomingly clad as he is – most of them much more so.   Still, he is the only creature on this planet who has any choice in the character of his outer covering, or in the manner of putting it on and taking it off, which things I suppose, taken together, do constitute a Clothes-wearer in the sense that animals generally are not.   Clothes may, from their all but universal use, be considered as an absolute necessity to our race. There are few people, even of those nations counted most barbarous, that do not affect some kind of apparel, however simple and crude it may be. The purposes served by the Clothes-wearing habit are of a very varied character.   To begin with:   Clothes may be regarded as a mark of civilisation. The fact that any tribe, of any race, found in any part of the globe, not wearing Clothes, is considered to be a proof of their savage state, pure and simple. One of the first things by which converts to civilisation express the change that has transpired, whether in the forests of Africa, the jungles of India, or elsewhere, is to get into some form or other of dress.   Indeed, many of these Aborigines measure the height to which they have risen in the scale of civilisation, by the quantity and costliness, to say nothing of the ridiculous fashions, of the Clothes they are able to carry about with them.   Something of the same kind often follows the Salvation of the lowest and most vicious outcasts. One of the immediate results of their coming to Christ is their appearance in decent clothing. It is wonderful, too, how the most degraded can and do fix themselves up within a few hours. Literally, they are soon found, like the man in the Gospel, “Sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in their right mind.”   Clothes safeguard and promote proper feelings of decency. They are essential to modesty and chastity, in the present condition of human life. Of course, Clothes can be so shaped, and so worn, and, alas! they often are, as to have the very opposite effect. The tendency of a good deal of dressing, in these days, is, beyond question, strongly in that direction.   A great many of the fashions that prevail in what is known as ‘society’, are, I think, more suggestive of indecent thoughts and feelings than is the semi-nudity of the native races that range the trackless forests of Darkest Africa, or of the lower castes who dwell in the cities and villages of India.   Whether or not Clothes were worn before the Fall is a controverted question, upon which I will not enter; but if they were not instituted before that event, they became a necessity for the maintenance [of] pure feelings immediately afterwards.   Clothes serve as a protection from the consequences of those changes in the weather , which are so unfavourable to health and vigour. The animals, as a rule, are made for one climate only; hence, one kind of dress, with the little variation required by the succession of the seasons, serves their purpose.   But, having to pass from country to country, man needs many changes of covering. If he is to live, in any reasonable comfort, under the burning suns of the tropics at one time; on the fringes of the North Pole at another; and midway between them both at another, he must be able to change and adapt his outer garments to each.   Clothes are useful for signifying social distinctions. There are differences in the positions, duties, and powers of mankind. Some object to these differences and contend that all men ought to be on one level. But at present it is not so. Indeed, it is just the reverse, and society being constituted with these distinctions, it seems to be very desirable that we should, with the least possible trouble, be able to discover what the position and condition of those around us may be. Clothes are useful for this purpose.   They serve: (a) To mark out the caste or position of individuals. You can form some opinion as to the position, occupation, and general circumstances of those you meet, but do not know, by the Clothes they wear. This is useful, and, while it is often abused, tends to maintain the proper order and distinctions which are necessary for the conduct of business and the relations between the sexes.   (b) Clothes serve to distinguish the servant from his master, the maid from her mistress, one trade from another, and mark out those placed in lawful authority over us. You do not want anyone to instruct you whether a man is a policeman, a soldier, a sailor, or a Salvation Army Officer; and when you go into a Court of Justice, neither friend nor usher is needed to tell you which is the Counsel, or which is the Judge. Their Clothes impart the information. Just so, Clothes mark out the rank of Officers in the Armies and Navies of the world, Officials engaged in State functions, and other persons of distinguished condition.   Salvation Army uniform Salvationists are Clothes-wearers. We are great at Clothes: indeed, we have a style of dress that we call uniform, which, in style and appearance, is all our own. We reckon that this dress saves us from certain serious evils, and serves several very useful purposes.   Uniform is a public witness to our Lord, an avowal of our devotion to His cause, and of our willingness that all the world should know the fact.   It is an open declaration of the renunciation of evil and of our determination to be out and out for God, and to live and die for the Salvation of men.   Uniform makes opportunities for usefulness. By it, men can recognise the Salvationist as the servant and messenger of God, and are often led to converse with him. Army soldiers in full uniform at the turn of the 19th century. If the uniform does occasionally lead those who hate religion to indulge in ridicule, it will, at the same time, afford the wearer an opportunity of proclaiming to them the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. But necessary and useful as the Clothes-wearing habit may be, like other things that are good in themselves, it can be so far abused as to be the means of doing much harm.   This is just what has happened; and the material, shape, and general character of Clothes have become sources of temptation to a large part of the human race. Indeed, they can be counted on as among the most fruitful causes of evil with which poor human nature has to battle.   For instance, Clothes may easily become the means of fostering and feeding the pride and vanity of the human heart. Introduced in consequence of the sin of our first parents, and on that account to be regarded as being really marks of disgrace, it is curious to contemplate the extent to which they have come to be gloried in by their posterity. It is not probable that Clothes were originally intended to disfigure or be out of harmony with the human form. On the contrary, it is perfectly natural to suppose the opposite. But that in the present day they should have come to foster the vanity, occupy the time, and involve the foolish expenditure of energy and money that we see around us, is one of the most convincing evidences the human race affords of the fact, that man is, indeed, a fallen creature.   What scandalous waste and misery result, for instance, from the ambitious rage of one set of people to be as finely dressed, or, if possible, more finely dressed, than another! What a mockery and a farce, in the eyes of the Angels, the religion of many professing Christians must appear, when they are seen in their places of worship bedizened with every conceivable form of worldly fashion, ostensibly worshipping the God who has pronounced some of His most biting denunciations upon their adornments!   “In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet ... The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers ... The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils ...   “And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well-set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.”   The Army uniform saves those who adopt it from all this, while, at the same time, it enables them to make a good and modest appearance at an immeasurably less cost than the fashionable world around them.   The Army uniform is a preacher. It makes people think about God and Godliness. If it is right for the Salvationist to proclaim Salvation from sin and separation from the world, with his tongue, it cannot be wrong for him to declare it by his dress. NEXT WEEK: General William Booth’s thoughts on food and drink. *This series has been compiled by Barry Gittins, The Salvation Army Australia Museum Specialist (Melbourne)

From: Pine Rivers Corps (Qld) Session: Keepers of the Covenant Appointment: Corps Officer – Pine Rivers (Qld) Silver Star recipients : Lyn Hannah (Alli’s mother) This Sunday, Auxiliary-Lieutenants Alli and Liam Holland will be commissioned as Salvation Army officers, with the rank of lieutenant. The Commissioning, Ordination and Sending Out ceremony for the couple will be held at Pine Rivers Corps in South East Queensland. They are being commissioned as part of the Keepers of the Covenant session. The other seven members of this session were commissioned late last year*. This morning, we share the testimony of Auxiliary-Lieutenant Alli Holland.   Alli’s testimony Over the past 12 months, I have intentionally stepped out in faith and consistently experienced God’s faithfulness. During this time, my relationship with God has deepened in a profound way. My relationship with Him is like oxygen; essential, life-giving, and woven into every part of who I am, the decisions I make, and how I approach life and ministry. Through Scripture, worship, and community, I have sensed the Holy Spirit actively speaking, leading, and shaping my heart for His Kingdom. Being stretched and challenged has strengthened my faith and clarified God’s calling on my life. Personally, I have grown in confidence and clarity. This God has shown me that my story, experiences, and even vulnerabilities are ways God connects me with others. Nothing is ever wasted, and I love that. So today I am praying the same words William Himes wrote: All that I am, all I can be, All that I have, all that is me, 
Accept and use, Lord, as You would choose, Lord,
Right now, today. Take every passion, every skill,
 Take all my dreams and bend them to Your will;
 My all I give, Lord; for You I’ll live, Lord, 
Come what may.” Throughout this past year, I have sensed God gently speaking to my heart and calling me toward commissioned officership. This call has grown steadily through prayer, Scripture, worship, community, and the affirmation of trusted leaders and friends in my life. As I say yes, I do so, trusting the same God of my life that promised to direct my steps and give me hope and a future when I was 18 years old. What draws me to officership is a desire to serve God wherever He calls, in shepherding, discipling, and walking with people through both brokenness and hope. I feel particularly called to create spaces of belonging, healing, and growth through relational, creative, and Spirit-led ministry. I step forward in faith with humility, teachability, and trust, confident that the God who has been faithful will continue to guide and sustain me as I say ‘yes’ to this next season. The Hollands will have their Covenant Day tomorrow (Saturday 2pm) at Pine Rivers Corps. “Covenant Day is a sacred occasion when each cadet signs their Officers Covenant before God,” said Kylie Herring, Leader of Officer Formation at Eva Burrows College. “In this moment, cadets are making a sacred agreement with God – they are accepting God’s call on their life, they are accepting a life of sacred service as a minister of the gospel in The Salvation Army.” Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas will officiate at both Covenant Day and the Commissioning, Ordination and Sending Out ceremonies over the weekend. *READ MORE: To read last year’s Commissioning reports, click here and here

General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham encouraged Salvationists across Uganda. BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS During a six-day visit from 18-23 February 2026, international leaders of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries), brought encouragement and inspiration to Salvationists throughout Uganda. Hosted by Territorial Leaders Colonels Chatonda and Joyce Theu, the trip included a series of gatherings in Kampala and Mbale. Officers, soldiers, young people and community members from across Uganda came together for worship, teaching and fellowship. Encouraging future leaders The visit began with a meeting at the Officers’ Training College, where cadets preparing for ministry were encouraged to remain faithful to God’s calling. Addressing the cadets, the General reminded them: “God continues to call ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for his Kingdom.” Celebrating women in ministry In Mbale, hundreds attended ministry rallies celebrating the life and mission of The Salvation Army in Uganda. A Women’s Ministries rally brought together 400 women, where Commissioner Bronwyn affirmed the important role women play in ministry and community transformation. A highlight of the event was the crowning of the Helping Hand Queen Mother, Ms Nafula Violet of Kampala Corps, who was recognised for her dedication and service. During a time of prayer and commitment, many women came forward to the mercy seat. General Buckingham presents Nafula Violet with her recognition award. Calling men to faithful leadership The Men’s Fellowship gathering drew participants for worship, testimony and teaching. The General challenged men to lead their families and communities with integrity and faith, with a number of men responding at the mercy seat. Young people inspired for mission The younger generation was also central to the visit. An energetic youth rally attended by young people from across the country included worship and an interactive discussion with the international leaders. The General encouraged them to remain bold in their faith and mission. Powerful worship and commitment A highlight of the visit was the Sunday morning meeting, featuring music from the territorial band and testimonies from cadets. Following the General’s message on holy living and dedication to God’s work, many people came forward to the mercy seat. Strengthening mission An officers council attended by active and retired officers brought the visit to a close, with prayer and reflection on the continued growth of the Army’s mission in Uganda. Reflecting on the presence of the international leaders in Uganda, Territorial Commander Colonel Chatonda Theu said it had brought great encouragement to the territory, strengthening unity and renewing commitment to serve God and communities faithfully. For many Salvationists, the visit was a reminder that the mission of The Salvation Army in Uganda is part of a global movement dedicated to sharing the gospel and transforming lives. For more photos from the Uganda visit, click on the arrow below:   For the full version of this story, click here. READ MORE:   Pray for Uganda Territory

Corps Officer Major Kate Young, Lynette Luxford, Molly Young, Corps Officer Major Colin Young, Amy Young, Loretta Colla and Allan Starr. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Fifteen years ago, Loretta Colla’s son noticed an advertisement in the local paper of their town, Orange, in western New South Wales. It was inviting any children wanting to learn a brass instrument to join a free Salvation Army group called ‘Just Brass’. That marked the beginning of the Colla family’s musical journey to Jesus.   “My son was about eight,” remembers Loretta. “He was one of the original kids … he loved it.”   She remembers thinking that everyone at Orange Salvos was just lovely, and that they were doing such a great thing for the kids of the town by teaching them brass instruments.   “My family just got drawn in one by one,” she says. “We were taking the kids to Just Brass, and they looked at my husband, who’s a fairly tall fellow, and said, ‘You’re playing the tuba,’ and he said, ‘Oh, am I?’ So, they started teaching him alongside the kids!   “He’s part of the Salvos’ band now.”   When Loretta’s daughter joined Just Brass (she started on the baritone and then moved on to the euphonium), she told her parents that she’d like to attend Orange Corps on a Sunday for the meeting.   “We were all from a Catholic background,” says Loretta. “So, we just went one Sunday, and it was lovely.”   Next, Loretta’s youngest child started playing the cornet, and now four family members were playing brass.   With the entire family having experienced Just Brass and getting involved in music through The Salvation Army, Loretta started to wonder if it was ‘her turn’.   “I sort of take in the message and the word of God more from the music than the Scripture. I really like the hymns,” she says.   Her husband had become interested in playing in groups and pointed out that to form a quintet, the family would need a tenor-horn player. “So, I decided to take up the tenor horn!” says Loretta.   For Loretta, becoming a soldier wasn’t a big step. She was already deeply involved in corps life, not just in the band but also through volunteering and helping out with SAL Connect, The Salvation Army’s emergency support service for community members struggling to get by. Becoming a soldier at Orange Corps was the natural next step after years of feeling loved and appreciated as a corps member.   On the day of her enrolment, Loretta remembers feeling a sense of pride. “I just felt really proud that I had gone through that journey and could be part of The Salvation Army,” she says.   For fellow soldier Allan Starr, soldiership at Orange Corps was a natural step once he learned about the traditions and origins of The Salvation Army after joining the corps about a year ago.   “My view is if you go to a place, you commit to a place, so it was just a natural step to go with the tradition and procedures that I’d inherited and to become a soldier.”   He says joining The Salvation Army has enabled him to serve God in a way he feels called to, and he enjoys helping out at the corps and on Sundays.   “Interestingly, my mum was brought up in The Salvation Army by her parents, and I have a book from 1926 when my grandfather was gifted a book by the Salvos … so I’ve come full circle in a sense!”   Others who were enrolled at Orange Corps in February were Lynette Luxford, Molly Young and Amy Young.   Adherents enrolled at Forbes/Parkes Corps Forbes/Parkes Corps enrolled four new adherents on 15 February (from left) Corps Leader Wendy Broome with new adherents Rex Taylor, Rachel Taylor, Lyn Simmonds and Barry White; and Corps Leader Judy Brown. At nearby Forbes/Parkes Corps, Corp Leaders Wendy Broome and Judy Brown were thrilled to enrol four adherents – Rex Taylor, Rachel Taylor, Lyn Simmonds and Barry White – on Sunday 15 February.   Wendy Broome said the meeting was centred on discipleship as the corps launched ‘The Way’ initiative, the Australia Territory’s spiritual focus for the years ahead.   “To add to the special day, we were thrilled to enrol four new adherents to our corps family. These people have been attending and active in the corps for a few months and asked to become official members. We praise God ... that is now eight new adherents in eight months. Exciting!

Auxiliary-Lieutenant Sandra Mortimer from Katherine Corps offering breakfast at an evacuation centre in the Top End region of Australia. Image: Facebook BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With significant flooding in the Northern Territory and now wet weather and flooding extending into parts of Queensland, The Salvation Army has been responding to the needs of emergency crews and evacuees. The Salvation Army is active at two evacuation centres in Darwin, with Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) volunteers from Queensland and Western Australia having been deployed to the Top End region to assist. SAES volunteers Heather, Kris, Angela and Julie from WA, who have flown to Darwin to assist teams on the ground. Image: Facebook In Katherine, 12 staff and volunteers from Katherine Corps, including Rural and Remote Chaplains Majors Niall and Michelle Gibson and personnel from Social Mission, are coordinating food and refreshments at two evacuation centres, with a third, which is specific to evacuees with medical needs, being coordinated separately. Katherine Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Sandra Mortimer says multiple teams from the Katherine site will be deployed to the two evacuation centres until Friday. Sandra said there was a great collaborative effort across multiple organisations, churches and community groups. She said community members were also very cooperative and were going “out of their way” to assist neighbours in need. Sandra said the work the corps normally did to assist those sleeping rough, known as “long-grass sleepers” was continuing as at-risk community members had been moved into shelter centres where TSA was present. “We've been able to see our community and hang out with our community a bit while we've been serving the food that's been provided,” Sandra said. Sandra said many of the Salvos' own volunteers and staff had had their own homes inundated, with members of the corps isolated, having spent days without power. She said many in the community were very pleased to see familiar faces from The Salvation Army assisting. She said the past few nights, food had been flown in from Darwin. “The mood has been very, very cooperative,” Sandra said. “People coming from all different organisations ending up trying to make teas and coffee together and refrigerate, serve and store food.” Another evacuation centre has been activated in Bundaberg, Queensland, with SAES volunteers from the local corps assisting the local community with food and refreshments.   While water levels in Katherine are again on the rise with further rainfall, in Bundaberg, about 200 additional residents evacuated overnight as homes and businesses were inundated. Images supplied from Darwin Corps, Katherine Corps and Bundaberg Corps.

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

The Salvation Army’s Third Place in Subiaco (Perth, WA) offers a safe place for those doing it tough. The Assertive Outreach Team and Subiaco Engagement and Assessment Team partner with the local council and other service providers to offer assistance to everyone who enters the door, bringing hope to those in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

Salvation Army Employment Plus consultants Patricia (left), Tiffnny (top), Kirra (bottom) and Rashidah. It’s 8.30am. Another day, another dollar. For Employment Plus’s employment consultants across Australia, it’s all hands on deck and hearts full as they dive into the fast-paced mission of transforming lives through employment. In her ongoing series on The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus agency, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH catches up with several Employment Plus consultants to uncover what a typical day looks like – and the wins that make it all worthwhile.   Tiffnny O’Connor (Victoria) What led you to become an employment consultant – and what keeps you excited about your work? I’ve always wanted to work with people who are disadvantaged. When this job came up, I thought, why not? It’s something I always wanted to do. What keeps me excited is helping people. I love helping people, and to see some of my participants regain their independence and move away from their situation is really rewarding. It makes me want to get up every morning and come to work.   Walk us through a typical day – if such a thing even exists! Generally, I have appointments back-to-back. So, having people come in, getting to know them and starting their journey with us. Everybody’s journey is slightly different. There’s also an incredible amount of paperwork, plus putting it all through the system and ticking all the boxes. What’s a memorable or ‘wow’ moment you’ve had with a client? I had a young man come in to see me. He had been jobless for about three years and was feeling very down. I very quickly got him into a job – and he’s been in that job ever since. I’ve just watched him grow from a person who was a bit introverted, a bit scared, to someone who is relatively confident and able to do his job. His employer is so happy with him. He keeps in touch with me regularly. I think that’s amazing, and to hear him say that his parents are proud of him – that’s a real wow moment!   What’s the most rewarding and challenging part of your role? The most rewarding is seeing the participants come out of themselves and realise that there is a job out there for them. The most challenging is dealing with some participants who have very complicated mental health issues who become a little bit aggressive. It is quite challenging because that’s not something that I’m often used to.   How do The Salvation Army’s mission and values influence your everyday work? Lots of people call me a Pollyanna! I’m always very positive. I value integrity. I always want to do my 110 per cent best. The Salvation Army’s values are very much aligned with what I believe in – compassion, understanding everybody, and giving them a chance to talk.   At the end of the day, what makes you feel like saying, ‘Yep, that was a good day!’ When I manage to get through all my appointments with everybody leaving happier than when they came into the office.     READ MORE: It’s more than a job for Graeme White   Patricia Adorini (NSW)   What led you to become an employment consultant – and what keeps you excited about your work? After 25 years in nursing, working closely with what was then the Department of Community Services, Allied Health at Hawkesbury Hospital, the United States National Guard, and the RAAF in the same role, it was time for a career change. A friend suggested I apply for an employment consultant position with Match Works in Blacktown (Sydney). It involved face-to-face interaction, and many of my existing skills matched the job criteria. I was successful and have never looked back. I get excited when faced with challenging situations that allow me to apply my life skills to change participants’ lives. As the Mental Health and First Aider, I regularly use these skills. It’s extremely satisfying to help participants through employment, boost their self-esteem, or support them in domestic violence situations by liaising with our community services. Seeing them progress and recover is incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful to be in this role – and proud of my achievements.   Walk us through a typical day – if such a thing even exists! No day is the same. I arrive early, print work calendars, read files, check notes and action plans, and follow up with clients. Remembering previous conversations and addressing ongoing issues earns clients’ respect because it shows I understand their situation. Delivering results is what makes me happy. What’s a memorable or ‘wow’ moment you’ve had with a client? A young Indigenous woman, who had never worked and was couch-surfing, was initially rude and inappropriate. But she took a factory job, and the following week, hugged me tightly, thanked me, cried, and apologised for her behaviour, saying, “You’ve changed my life.” That moment touched my heart and taught me the meaning of what we do.   What’s the most rewarding and challenging part of your role? The most challenging clients are those recently released from jail – they are extremely vulnerable. Gaining their trust and saying, “We’re going to get there, and around this barrier”, is crucial. The most rewarding part is achieving results. Helping someone others may have given up on and seeing them move forward means the world to me.   How do The Salvation Army’s mission and values influence your work? It’s about showing respect, regardless of a person’s past, treating everyone individually without judgment, and letting them know I genuinely want to help.   At the end of the day, what makes you feel like saying, ‘Yep, that was a good day!’ It’s results. When someone says, “Hey Tricia, I’ve got an interview!” ... that, to me, means the world.     Rashidah Perrins (Victoria)   What led you to become an employment consultant – and what keeps you excited about your work? I applied during lockdown after being made redundant. With a background in government roles in London and 10 years in retail in Australia, the role sounded perfect. What keeps me excited is being able to help, and that four years on, the role keeps changing. It’s multi-faceted, different each day, and I get to meet people from all over the world. It’s amazing! It keeps me on my toes as the demand in society changes.   Walk us through a typical day – if such a thing even exists! I work across two sites – Heidelberg and Preston. Mornings will start with reviewing my caseload, phone and face-to-face appointments. I have regulars from the local community mall and centre come in and say hello. There’s also face-to-face contact, but I’m usually on the phone, working through daily checklists and reaching out to employers. We often walk through Heidelberg’s mall and centre as it’s a key community hub.   What’s a memorable or ‘wow’ moment you’ve had with a client? I supported a 57-year-old CALD unemployed grandmother who had language barriers and struggles with age discrimination. We completed her resume on a Friday, called employers on Monday, and by the following Friday, she was placed with a local employer who just wanted someone to work. She’s still there two years on. That was a ‘wow’ moment. It doesn’t usually happen that fast! What’s the most rewarding and challenging part of your role? Meeting clients’ needs in any capacity is most rewarding – a phone call, someone to speak to. Often, I will be thanked for being a listening ear, someone to talk through problems, or just helping in any shape or form. Challenges include demands in society, cost-of-living pressures, mental health support, and an increase in long-term unemployed and required support services.   How do The Salvation Army’s mission and values influence your everyday work? The Salvos’ mission and values are my core mission and values – caring for people, providing support, compassion, and having a diverse community base. It naturally aligns.   At the end of the day, what makes you feel like saying, ‘Yep, that was a good day!’ When a client says, “Ah, that makes me feel better” or “I’m so glad I spoke to you.” It  could also be anything such as “Thankyou for picking up my call”, “Thanks for helping me with my resume”, “Thanks for changing my appointment time.” It’s the feeling we helped someone.   READ MORE: Transforming lives in Sydney’s north   Kirra Goodwin (NSW)   What led you to become an employment consultant – and what keeps you excited about your work? After 14 years as a bar manager, I developed skills in leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills working with diverse people. Becoming a single mom necessitated me to seek more stable, secure employment to support my son. My passion for helping others led me to become an employment consultant, which I find incredibly rewarding, especially guiding people through their employment journey. The impact we make on their lives – big or small – is what keeps me excited.   Walk us through a typical day – if such a thing exists! Checking emails, completing daily tasks, connecting with employers for potential job opportunities, client meetings, assistance with resume creation, course enrolment, and job referrals. I also check in on their employment progress. There is a lot of administrative stuff that needs doing, from updating privacy forms, taking notes, to tracking participants’ progress. It’s a fast-paced role.   What’s a memorable or ‘wow’ moment you’ve had with a client? One memorable moment was with a client who had Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). I arranged allied health support for him, and after several sessions, he started his own consulting company the day before he turned 67 and exited to the aged pension. Months later, he called to let me know his business was thriving, and the allied health assistance changed his life. What’s the most rewarding and challenging part of your role? The most rewarding part is seeing the change in someone’s confidence from when they attend their first appointment to when they secure a job. The most challenging part is supporting people who have complex barriers to employment and finding ways to help them overcome them.   How do The Salvation Army’s missions and values influence your everyday work? Integrity shapes how I make decisions, handle confidential information, and remain accountable and transparent in my responsibilities. Compassion influences how I treat every person with patience and understanding, recognising that many may be facing big barriers. Respect reminds me to treat everyone with kindness, irrespective of their circumstances. Diversity encourages me to embrace differences in culture and lived experience, and to create a welcoming, safe environment.   At the end of the day, what makes you feel like saying, ‘Yep, that was a good day!’ A good day isn’t always about big outcomes. If I’ve helped someone move one step closer to their goal or helped remove a barrier that was holding them back, that’s when I think, yep, that was a good day.     READ MORE: Addressing challenges in NSW Hunter region   Salvos team members in the Hunter (NSW) at an exhibition that included the promotion of the Employment Plus program: From left, Daniella Ward (Doorways), Will Bragg (Chaplain), Kristy Moylan (Regional Performance Coach), Jackie Irving (former Activity Coordinator) and Bec Geleedst (Engagement Coordinator).

Kingborough-Huon Corps Officer Captain Roz Edwards (right) with Lieutenant Dave and Lydia Bruford at the Kingborough-Huon 50th anniversary celebrations. All photos: Steve Haworth  BY LAUREN MARTIN   More than 50 years ago, a Salvationist from Hobart, Lillian Parsell, felt called by God to start a Sunday school in the Blackmans Bay area with her grandchildren and others.   She also commenced a Home League ministry for women in the area 20km south of Hobart. This work became an outpost of Hobart’s Sandy Bay Corps, and in February 1976, The Salvation Army appointed the first corps officers, marking the beginning of the Blackmans Bay Corps, which has now become Kingborough-Huon Corps.   Last month, the corps celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s work in the region.   Kingborough-Huon Corps is a vibrant mission expression under the direction of Captain Roz Edwards.   Last month, family members of Lillian Parsell, current Salvationists, Salvation Army mission partners, members of parliament and the community gathered to celebrate Lillian’s discernment and obedience to God’s calling in her life. Tasmania Divisional Leaders Majors Dean and Vicki Clarke at the anniversary celebrations. “Since then, we have met in three different locations,” Roz said. “Our present hall is a beautiful hall, and we are the Salvos in the community here. We have a strong community presence, we have a bursting community meal during the week at Kingborough, and at Huonville, which is 25 minutes inland, we have a booming missional centre.” The impact that the Kingborough-Huon Corps has on the community was evident during the anniversary weekend, which included members from the local Rotary Club (that partners with the Salvos), members of state parliament, representatives from other charities and services, all attending either the Saturday afternoon tea time of reflection, or the Sunday celebration meeting. “We had a whole row of Rotarians in church on Sunday,” said Roz. “We had one of our other local charities, their director, in church on that Sunday. At the end, we were having morning tea, and they said, ‘We never knew church was so much fun; we didn’t think we’d laugh so much at church!’ They said, ‘We loved hearing from [Major] Kim [Haworth – guest speaker for the weekend.] The worship was just wonderful – lots of really high praise and giving God glory.”   Former corps officers travelled from Queensland and Victoria to attend the weekend, and on Saturday, many shared memories of their time at Kingborough-Huon Corps. Lieutenant Dave Bruford who is now Devonport Corps Officer, was sent into ministry from Kingborough-Huon. There was also a celebration of the people God had called into full-time ministry from the corps – Lieutenant Dave Bruford, now Corps Officer at Devonport, and Reverend Simone Smalley, who leads the Uniting Church in North Hobart. “We wanted to celebrate the fruit of the past 50 years and the people whose time at Kingborough-Huon prepared them for full-time service,” said Roz.   For Roz herself, the weekend was very special, as she explained to those gathered:    “Well, about 70 years ago, Lillian Parsell was also sponsoring ‘10-pound Poms’ [over one million British citizens migrated to Australia between 1945 and the early 1970s for just £10 under the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme].   “A lot of them came out to Tasmania. Lillian sponsored this young man, a Salvationist from England. When he got off the boat, he saw a Salvo lady handing out War Cry ’s [The Salvation Army newspaper] on the dock, and he said, ‘Where’s the local Salvation Army and what time is the meeting on Sunday?’ She told him to go to Sandy Bay Corps at 11am. Kingborough-Huon Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Jackie Williams with Corps’ Administration Assistant Jocelyn Saunders at the anniversary celebrations. “Well, it turned out that those two got married and went to Salvation Army Training College to become officers. Anyway, several years later, they came back to Tassie as Salvation Army officers, and while they were there, they had a third child. That third child was me!” For Roz to now be the Kingborough-Huon Corps Officer – through Lillian Parsell's listening spirit and obedience to God’s voice – is not just a coincidence.   “I really feel like God called me back to Tasmania,” she said, explaining that when she was in ministry in Canberra, God really ‘laid it on my heart’ that she needed to be in Tasmania. “Everyone was saying, ‘Oh you don’t want to go there, you’ll freeze!’… but the Lord had laid it on my heart.”   During the 50-year anniversary celebrations, Lillian Parsell’s eldest grandchildren – those she started the Sunday School with – cut the anniversary cake.   Anne Liddell and Bill Parsell – the eldest grandchildren of Lillian Parsell – cut the 50th anniversary cake of the corps that she had helped to found. During Kim’s message, she used the story of the wedding at Cana, and reminded us of Mary’s instructions, to ‘Do what He says’.   At the end of the weekend’s Sunday meeting, Tasmanian Divisional Commander Major Dean Clarke challenged the congregation to move into the future in the footsteps of Lillian Parsell.   “He encouraged us to be ready to really seek God. We are in days of seeking God in a fresh new way, and we are ready to be obedient to his callings for the future ministry of this corps,” said Roz. Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the anniversary celebration weekend:

From the public to the private, from the strategic to the unseen, many women throughout Biblical history gave what they had, writes Rosy Keane. Image: Getty Today marks International Women's Day , a time when all of us stop to consider the contribution of women to our world and lives, and the unique challenges faced by women in an ever-changing world. In this piece, AUXILIARY-LIEUTENANT ROSY KEANE* reflects on what ‘Give to Gain’, the international United Nations theme of the day, means in the context of The Salvation Army. The International Women’s Day 2026 theme, Give to Gain , highlights the power of reciprocity and shared flourishing. The IWD website explains that when people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase.    The United Nations consistently affirms that educating girls and advancing gender equality are among the most significant contributors to global peace and prosperity. When women are given ways to thrive, the world gains as a whole.   For people of faith, this idea is not new. It sits at the heart of Christian community.   Recently, I visited The Salvation Army Auburn Corps (church) in New South Wales. As we gathered for worship, I was struck by the beauty of what I saw. A richly multicultural, intergenerational community. People of different ages, languages and cultural backgrounds worshipping side by side. Each person was welcomed, seen and valued for who they were and for the part they played in the body of Christ.   It felt like a glimpse of what the Church is meant to be.   In the Christian faith, we do not give in order to get something in return. We give and gain because healthy kingdom community is reciprocal and a supernatural economy that defies logic. We offer what we have, our gifts, money, skills, time, wisdom and compassion, to serve one another. We are called by God to give in times of need, as well as in times of plenty, and to bless the lives of both our friends and enemies. In doing so; we see the love of Jesus made manifest through ‘loving our neighbour as ourselves’. Giving that changed the world   Scripture offers countless examples of women who lived this truth.   Esther used courage, wisdom and hospitality to save her people from genocide. Through her willingness to give her life and risk her position, an entire nation gained safety and a future.   In one of the shortest scriptures in the Bible; we find the words ‘Abigail acted quickly.” (1 Samuel 25:18). Abigail’s story is one of insight, prophetic words and strategic gifts. What she gave to would-be King David saved her household from destruction and gained her royal influence.   Mary gave her whole life when she responded to God with, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Through her ‘yes’, salvation entered the world and she became the mother of Christ. Through her, the world gained a saviour.   Priscilla gave her theological insight and wisdom, instructing Apollos so he could more accurately gain in the way of God (Acts 18:26). Her generosity of knowledge meant the early Church gained strength.   Anna gave decades of faithful prayer and prophetic witness, speaking over the infant Jesus and proclaiming redemption would be gained by all who were waiting (Luke 2:36–38).   Junia is named by Paul as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7), giving leadership, intellect and courage so the message of Jesus Christ could gain momentum throughout the world.   From the public to the private, from the strategic to the unseen, these women gave what they had. Through their giving, whole communities gained life.     The question for us is this. What might Give to Gain look like in our own lives today?   As The Salvation Army, we believe in meeting human need without discrimination, motivated by the love of Jesus. Jesus himself is the ultimate example of Give to Gain. He gave his life so that women and men, young and old, might find peace, salvation and hope.   While we know women across the world continue to be disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence, poverty, lack of access to education, medical bias, climate-related vulnerability, and discrimination shaped by gender, culture and religion - women also continue to give themselves to the flourishing of environments, families, communities, enterprise, churches and nations.   This International Women’s Day, if you are a follower of Jesus, would you pray with us for women around the world. Pray for safety, dignity, opportunity and new life.   And if you are still exploring faith, perhaps you might pause and consider this question. What could it look like for you today to give something that helps women in your world gain life in all its fullness?   When women thrive, we all gain together. This is the Jesus way.   * Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane is the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development READ MORE: To read about how we might view threats to women's safety online, see this piece from Star Conliffe.

AI deepfakes disproportionately harm women, writes Star Conliffe. Image: Getty BY MAJOR STAR CONLIFFE* Imagine waking up one morning to find that someone has posted all over the internet pictures of you without your clothes on. This is exactly what happened a few months ago to thousands of women. They went online to find that their photographs had been used by Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot to generate sexualised images of them which were then posted publicly on the X platform. The New York Times reports that between 31 December 2025 and 8 January 2026 (just nine days), Grok generated and “posted more than 4.4 million images , of which at least 41 percent were sexualised images of women and children”. These were all non-consensual images which Grok had been asked to create and post to the X platform, mostly by men. The public was rightly outraged and governments around the world opened investigations. Some have announced new laws designed to protect people from artificial intelligence (AI) image abuse. Musk responded to the scandal by stating that Grok would block users from making illegal images; however, journalists report that paid subscribers can still use Grok to create them. AI deepfakes disproportionately harm women, especially women with public profiles such as politicians, journalists and celebrities. One of the women who was targeted by AI image abuse is Paris Hilton. She is a vocal activist and advocate for better laws that protect everyone from AI image abuse. In a recent press conference, Hilton talked about how this abuse affected her and other victims: “ Too many girls are afraid to exist online, or sometimes to exist at all. And I know how that feels because I’ve lived it … This isn’t about just technology, it’s about power. It’s about someone using someone’s likeness to humiliate, silence and strip them of dignity.” The Grok scandal is just one example of how all forms of online violence towards women are escalating around the world. And it leaves me wondering, how is it possible that this kind of public abuse of women is still so common in 2026? Why are governments still struggling to regulate technology companies and make them accountable for how their platforms facilitate online violence? The issue is twofold. Not only is there a lack of women and other minorities working in tech companies, but governments and companies simply do not listen to women. Their warnings that there are not enough safeguards in place to stop AI being used as a tool to abuse women were ignored until too late. Ironically, the purpose of online abuse is to frighten women into silence. When the online abuse is not effective at shutting women up, perpetrators will then move to offline violence (primarily stalking), to frighten victims out of the public conversation. The online to offline violence connection is so serious that some women journalists have increased their physical security measures. Adding to the distress that women experience from online violence, they are often blamed for their own abuse and expected to moderate their online presence to prevent the abuse from happening, an impossible and unfair task. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Rights. Justice. Action.’  It highlights the reality that around the world, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights that men have, and that countries are failing to close these legal gaps. I hope for a world in which governments and tech companies listen to women’s concerns and experiences before even more harm is done. And I dream of an online world that is safe for the equal participation of all women and girls. *Major Star Conliffe is an Australian Salvation Army officer (pastor) currently serving in South Korea