Prayer requests from the Mexico Territory. Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for a particular territory or region of The Salvation Army.   The focus territory/region shares prayer requests to help us pray with precision and power for one another.   This week ( 8-14 December ), we pray for the Mexico Territory .   The Mexico Territory has 171 officers (115 active, 56 retired); 11 cadets; 47 corps; 1 outpost; 1248 senior soldiers; 970 adherents; 519 junior soldiers; 105 employees   The work of the territory includes: ·  Children’s homes ·  Soup kitchens ·  Mental health support ·  Domestic violence response ·  Modern slavery and human trafficking response ·  Emergency relief (4200 people assisted in 2025)   Lieut-Colonels Agripina and Gerardo Góchez lead the territory.   The vision of the Mexico Territory is “to be passionate about the Kingdom of God, sharing the message of God's love with everyone and positively impacting communities”.   Praise points:   ·      We praise the Lord for the lives and ministry of eight newly commissioned Lieutenants in 2025 from the ‘Champions of the Mission’ session, who are already faithfully serving in different parts of the country. ·      We thank God for four new cadets who have just begun their training this year and for the five cadets who started their second year of training. ·      We are thankful for the emergencies seminar held in September, that allowed officers and soldiers to strengthen their training and answer towards natural disasters that affect the country. ·      We praise the Lord for the youth evangelism brigades performed in the four divisions, and for the Salvationist Youth passion in Mexico that continues sharing the salvation message in every time and place. ·      We thank the Lord for the Territorial Institute of Music and Creative Arts celebrated in June, and for the new musicians’ generation whom God had called to praise and proclaim his name.   Prayer requests:   ·      We thank God for guiding us through the implementation of the Strategic Plan ‘Hope’, which will conclude in 2026. We pray for its growth and impact, that we may see beyond the numbers and recognise that each number represents a life transformed. We also pray for the final evaluation stage, that it will reflect God's work in the territory. ·      We pray for the preparation of the new Strategic Plan, that we may discern God’s direction, keeping us aligned to his will, and see tangible spiritual growth in all areas of ministry. ·      We pray that God continues to call men and women to serve as Salvation Army officers, and that soldiers may respond obediently and courageously to his call. ·      We pray for the Territorial Men’s Congress in 2026, that it will be a renewal time of commitment and spiritual strength in the lives of every attendee. ·      Pray that the Mexico Territory will move towards self-sustainability, trusting in God's provision especially for the 45 social work expressions that serve vulnerable communities on a daily basis. ·      We pray for the Christmas finance campaign, that every appointment may be blessed in reaching the goal, and that more lives may be touched by God’s love through the money raised. ·      We pray for an increase in memberships in the territory, that every Salvationist in Mexico may be moved by a deep passion for souls and a desire to share the salvation message.   To find out more about the Mexico Territory, click here . To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here .   To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .

Newly commissioned Captains Belinda and David Dobbie (front centre) with Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, fellow officers and family and friends of the Mackay Whitsunday Corps in Queensland. BY LERISSE SMITH With one courageous word, everything shifted the moment they said ‘yes’.   That single word – and message – became the heart of the Ordination, Commissioning, and Sending Out service for the  Keepers of the Covenant,  inspiring everyone who gathered on Sunday 7 December at Mackay Whitsunday Corps in Queensland.    Taking the next step into full-time service, Auxiliary-Lieutenants David and Belinda Dobbie were officially commissioned as officers and assigned the rank of Captain, following the couple’s signing of the sacred Covenant on Saturday.   Their ‘yes’ echoed far beyond the ceremony – it marked a resounding commitment to officership and a new chapter of faithful service.   Against a vibrant and colourful Christmas nativity backdrop, the officers’ family and friends filled the church auditorium to celebrate the couple who were not only commissioned but took a major role in the service, sharing deeply moving testimonies and reflections and leading the congregation in worship. Commissioner Miriam Gluyas conducts the Commissioning ceremony for Belinda and David Dobbie. One of many poignant moments was when their parents were awarded a Silver Star (an order expressing gratitude to parents of commissioned officers in The Salvation Army) by Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, who commissioned Belinda and David. The couple’s daughter also brought three different readings.   Reflecting on his journey, David spoke about both the highs and lows of the past few years.   “I need to be honest and say that this is an occasion that has given me some mixed feelings,” he told the congregation.   “Having served in ministry for the last seven years, I feel as though today is an acknowledgement of the ‘yes’ that I gave all those years ago. I must admit that back then, I probably didn’t fully understand what that yes meant, but I think God clearly did, and he’s been shaping that ever since.” READ MORE: Commissioning 25 – a celebration of purpose, passion and powerful faith He explained that his seven years of ministry had taught him that if there were not days when he felt like giving it all up and returning to teaching, he probably wasn’t doing the work the way it was meant to be done.   “There are days that I have a good heart-to-heart with God and say, ‘Why on earth did you send me? Why? Why am I doing this?’” he shared.   “But one of the biggest things I have learned is that full-time ministry isn’t something you can do unless God has actually called you to do it. There are far too many challenges, far too many moments that stretch you for it to be something that you manage in your own strength.    “… Life and ministry are full of frustrations, and although there are things we don’t understand, we need to put our trust in a God who does. Each time God and I have our little chats, he finds, often, quiet unexpected ways to remind me that he is the one who started this, and he’s the one who’s carrying it.” David (left) was supported by his parents, Majors Margaret and Bruce Dobbie. Turning to Scripture, David reflected on Peter, chapter two, noting that God’s divine power had given them everything they needed throughout the journey. He added that God provided the strength and courage by sending people into their paths, making life and ministry enjoyable.    “We’ve been blessed with some incredible people along the way,” he said.   “Communities who have welcomed us in, and friends who have walked with us through life’s joys and challenges. We truly believe that those relationships have been God’s provision just as much as anything else … I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to reflect and to say thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way.    “So today, it isn’t just about a Commissioning. It’s about recognising that first ‘yes’ from seven years ago and choosing to say ‘yes’ again, still trusting, still committed, still believing that the God who called us then is the God leading us now. As we step forward, I want to commit to continually relying on God’s leading, trusting that he has a plan, not just for us and for our family, but for the communities that we serve.”   For Belinda, the turning point came when she remembered being clearly unsure about what to do in her life about 10 years ago, in her 30s.   So, she phoned her sister.   “I was about to go back (to work) after having the two kids, and I rang her, and I probably cried, and said, “I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up”, like I’m 30-something, and I still don’t know,” she said. “And I said, “I’m too old to start anything new, and I definitely don’t want to study. And I had no idea what I was going to do.”   A decade later, Belinda found herself doing two things she never thought she would do.   “One of them is to have red epaulettes (indicating their rank). I was never going to be an officer,” she remarked. Belinda was supported by her parents, Alan and Robyn Moyer, as she shared her story. “And I never wanted to study again. I am now an officer and finished a Diploma of Theology! None of this would have happened without God working in my life every step along the way, and he has a funny way of pushing me into doing things I don’t want to do … but I don’t do this alone.    “And I say to people all the time that I’m walking proof of what the Holy Spirit can do through you. God has taken someone who preferred to stay behind the scenes and use me in ways I could have never imagined, and every step of this journey has shown me that when we say ‘yes’ to God, he does amazing things through us.”   A particular moving moment of the Commissioning service was a special painting taking centre stage on the platform, depicting Belinda’s favourite verse – Romans 8:28.   “This verse has been a message of assurance to me, and has guided me to where I am today,” she said.   “Now I’m ready to make this calling a more permanent part of my life … Saying ‘yes’ means trusting God even when I don’t have the answers. It means stepping out of my comfort zone, knowing he will guide me. It means that every challenge, every fear and every doubt becomes an opportunity for him to shine through me. I say ‘yes’ to being used by God, not for my glory, but for his. And I hope that in saying ‘yes’, I can inspire others to trust him and to see that his plans are always greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves.”   Reflecting on their growth, Major Tracey Davies (First Five Years of Officership and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Lead Coordinator) said she had the pleasure of journeying with both Belinda and David as Auxiliary-Lieutenants, and it was her privilege to hand them over to the Commissioner in preparation for commissioning.   “It has been a privilege to witness and be a part of these sacred moments that we’ve had already this weekend at Covenant Day, and what a special time that was,” Tracey said. “And so, it is a privilege to be a part of this with Belinda and David today.”   Tracey explained that there were now a variety of pathways to becoming a commissioned officer, and for the majority, they would take a traditional route, become a cadet, and complete two years of training.    However, for Belinda and David, their journey came through serving as Auxiliary-Lieutenants, bringing previous experience, training, knowledge, and skills.   “Belinda and David have served faithfully for two full terms, and they are now well into their third term as Auxiliary-Lieutenants,” she reflected.    “As David has already spoken about today, this has been a season of ministry that has allowed them to lead and to serve faith communities while engaging and learning alongside of that, and to have built their formation.”   She then offered a heartfelt message for the couple.   “Belinda and David, today, as you are commissioned, you will join the  Keepers of the Covenant  session, a name that reminds me of the intimate bond that God has called you to,” she said.   David and Belinda with Major Tracey Davies ( First Five Years of Officership and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Lead Coordinator) and Commissioner Miriam Gluyas. “A covenant, a bond, a positioning of oneself to be fully dependent on God, showing faithfulness in your service and orienting your lives towards God’s kingdom and his values ... My prayer for you is that you will continue to live out your calling as you step into this covenant that God has invited you to and made with you. Colossians two, verse seven says, ‘ Let your roots grow down into him and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness .’ We are thankful for you today, and we pray God’s blessing upon you.”   Adding to the sense of celebration were Colonels John and Lani Chamness, who sent video messages of encouragement and prayer from the United States. (John and Lani are still awaiting their visas to enter Australia before taking up appointments as our new Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development.)   And bringing the service to a close, Miriam emphasised how special it was to attend the Covenant signing with Belinda and David on Saturday 6 December, and then to officially commission the officers. She also spoke about the importance of the New Covenant.   “It is Christ-centred,” she said.   “Jesus is right at the centre of it. It’s life-giving. It’s relational. It’s faithfulness-oriented. It’s underpinned by mercy … God is a God of grace, a God of forgiveness, a God of love. We don’t run away from him. We run toward him. It’s a covenant about loyalty and fidelity and holding together when everything else is driving us apart. My covenant transforms.” David and Belinda Dobbie and their two children were part of the Commissioning service conducted by Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas.

Salvation Army representatives at the International Men’s Forum 2025 in Canberra. (From left): Auxiliary-Lieutenant Bryan Bartlett (Cooma), Damian Wilkie (Wagga Wagga), Captain Mitchell Stevens (Canberra) and Lieutenant Keven Williams (Eastern Beaches, Sydney). In celebration of International Men’s Day on 19 November, The Salvation Army was asked to participate in a discussion at the International Men’s Forum in Canberra, centred around the theme: ‘Supporting Men and Boys’. Salvos Online  journalist LAUREN MARTIN  reports on this event, and other events held around the Australia Territory in honour of the annual day.   Canberra, ACT   NSW/ACT Men’s Champion Keven Williams took a table of Salvation Army ministry leaders to the forum on 21 November and said it was an honour to be invited by Phil Gouldson, from the Men’s Health and Wellbeing Association in the ACT, who was the first to bring International Men’s Day to Australia in 2003. “I spoke in the ‘lightning round’ where a number of participants were given seven minutes to share,” Keven said. “I spoke about what The Salvation Army is doing and the need for more spaces for our men to be able to feel safe and be able to talk about their stuff, life, and about the issues they are going through.”   The following day, Keven, the Eastern Beaches Corps Officer in Sydney, spoke at the inaugural The Salvation Army Southern NSW/ACT Men’s Summit held at Gungahlin Salvation Army. NSW/ACT Men’s Champion Lieutenant Keven Williams speaks at the Men’s Summit at Gungahlin Corps. “It was fantastic,” said Keven. “Men came together and talked about how we are better together than we are apart.”   The guest speaker for the summit was Baptist Pastor Gary Steenbergen, who spoke about his time working as a butcher and how the parts of the body of Christ work together for the glory of God. He encouraged men across The Salvation Army to “do life together” and to support one another. “It’s definitely not a coincidence that God is speaking into unity and men coming together across multiple different denominations at this time,” said Keven.   “I think that God is calling our men, God is calling our youth, God is calling our young adults. We are seeing more and more across our corps and mission centres that men are deliberately and intentionally coming together to support each other’s walks with God.   “I’m excited!” Former butcher, now Baptist Pastor, Gary Steenbergen, spoke about the ‘body of Christ’ with a practical demonstration on butchery, at the NSW/ACT Men’s Summit, held at Gungahlin Corps in Canberra, November 2025. Photo: Bryan Bartlett Lismore, NSW   Northern Rivers Salvos hosted its third International Men’s Day Community Dinner on Friday 21 November.   More than 95 men of all ages attended to celebrate men and boys and discuss the importance of recognising the role men play in the community.   “It was great to have local musician Chris James, who encouraged all the guys to get up out of their seats, open up and find their voices,” said Captain Phil Sutcliffe.   “There was something special about seeing nearly 100 guys get comfortable with each other in the room and sing Amazing Grace .”  Men worship at the Northern Rivers International Men’s Day event at Lismore Corps where the guest speaker was James Carson, social entrepreneur and holistic health coach.   Local Chef, Everton Martins, from ‘Brazil on the Grill’, provided an amazing feast of chicken and beef all cooked over coals, with more than 32kg of meat consumed!   Guest speaker, social entrepreneur and holistic health coach, James Carson, shared his personal journey with body image issues and finding his place in the world. Social entrepreneur and holistic health coach James Carson with Northern Rivers Corps Officer Captain Phil Sutcliffe.  “James shared some really practical habits that the guys could adopt into their daily lives to help improve their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing,” said Phil.   One of those tips was practising a daily gratitude journal, and every attendee was gifted a personalised journal to take home with them on the night.    “Each year, the International Men’s Day dinner in our area is growing,” said Phil. “I’m so thankful to the amazing business community that donates and supports the event so that it can be provided to the men in our community free of charge.”   Cairns, QLD   An International Men’s Day breakfast in Cairns, north Queensland, was hosted by the new Cairns Men’s Collective, of which The Salvation Army is a member.   Lieutenant Edward Conteh from Cairns Corps said the collective is about all the different support agencies working together for the wellbeing of men in the city.   “Coming together [people] will bring their own strength, their own skills, their own expertise. If we draw all the strengths together, we will definitely support men in their journey,” he said.   The breakfast included a First Nations performance, a men’s panel discussion, and a barbeque and ‘international cuisine’ breakfast. Cairns Corps Officer Major Ben Johnson and Centrecare’s Javier Suarez promote the Cairns Men’s Collective International Men’s Day event on ABC Far North radio.. The International Men’s Day breakfast was just one of six men’s breakfasts the Cairns Corps has hosted this year as part of its men’s ministry.   “There is still a lot of work to do to get men motivated to make a difference in the corps and community,” said Major Ben Johnson from Cairns Corps. “Many men feel powerless.”   The corps also uses sport to engage with men and has a men’s basketball team. “This is a great team of mainly young adults, and it keeps them connected,” Ben said.

Major Linda Miller and volunteer Mick Pogorzelski, from the East Coast Salvos Emergency Services team in Tasmania, supporting the Swanston Evacuation Centre last week. BY LAUREN MARTIN   The Salvation Army has responded to several bushfires that have claimed homes in New South Wales and Tasmania, with emergency services crews also stepping up in Victoria and Western Australia.   The Australian bushfire season has begun in earnest with blazes in NSW over the weekend and Tasmania last week, damaging and destroying up to 20 homes in each state.   NSW Major Bindy Lupis from The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) said teams were asked to assist at five evacuation centres in NSW, including feeding 200 firefighters at the Red Head blaze near Newcastle.   Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) crews fed 200 Rural Fire Services personnel at Red Head near Newcastle on Sunday 7 December. “That team was taken away from a Christmas event – the Newcastle Toy Run – which was a shame, but the urgent need at the time was to feed the firefighters,” said Bindy, Senior Program Manager, Response and Wellbeing  for the SAES. SAES personnel were also on hand at four other evacuation centres from Bulahdelah down to the Central Coast, which were situated within local clubs.   “The clubs do all the cooking, which is really helpful,” said Bindy. “That means we can have personnel in each of the centres to support and chat with people who are impacted.”   At Gosford RSL Club on the NSW Central Coast, SAES volunteers from Gosford and Northlakes crew assisted, and were appreciative of donations of food and pastries from the local Woolworths and Bakers Delight. With efforts moving into the recovery phase, The Salvation Army Emergency Services in NSW is taking over-the-phone referrals for disaster payments from local government and referring agencies.   Tasmania In Tasmania, where a blaze at Dolphin Sands in the state’s east destroyed homes, Tasmania’s East Coast Salvos fed 50 community members and first responders with food supplied by the local council at the evacuation centre in the town hall. Now, with emergency efforts moving into recovery, The Salvation Army is also assisting.   Speaking from the Recovery Centre, Corps Officer Major Stephen Miller said there has been a lot of devastation, but the community is supporting each other beautifully. “We are such a tight-knit community, it’s a real strength of our town. The community spirit here is something I’ve never experienced before,” he said. The Salvation Army was on hand at Merriwa Evacuation Centre in the Hunter Valley due to nearby bushfires in early December.   Victoria and Western Australia Crews in Victoria were on stand-by near Wangaratta last week and over the weekend.   The Salvation Army has already assisted multiple families there whose homes were destroyed. And at the beginning of the month, crews in Western Australia responded to a bushfire near Geraldton, which also destroyed homes. Early in December, Salvation Army Emergency Services crews in Western Australia supported first responders to a blaze near Geraldton. Bindy said it’s already a busy time of year for The Salvation Army, and having bushfires so early in the season adds extra load to personnel and volunteers.   “A lot of our volunteers are helping their corps with Christmas events. Many are also Salvation Army employees, and they are busy, as it’s the busiest time of the year.   “We are working to prioritise our team’s wellbeing. We need to make sure they are ok and not burnt out before we even get to January.”   She said it’s a good reminder for SAES volunteers to check and update their availability to volunteer and ensure their training is up to date.   “And if you can, please register to volunteer now, before the season is fully underway.”   For more information on volunteering with the SAES, click here

Major Glenn Price speaks on Sunrise about The Salvation Army's response to the deadly Hong Kong fire. Salvation Army personnel in Hong Kong are continuing to respond to the aftermath of the tragic fire at Hong Fu Court in Tai Po that began on 26 November.   “The  Salvation Amy Hong Kong and Macau Territory is active in bringing hope to those in the community that have lost so much,” said Australian Salvation Army officer, Major Glenn Price, Secretary for Business Administration.   An appeal has also been launched to help support Tai Po residents affected by the fire, as Glenn shared in his interview aired on Sunrise Saturday 29 November.   As of 2 December, The Salvation Army Special Donation for Emergency Support to Tai Po Disaster Victims has raised over HK$25 million. “We sincerely appreciate the generosity of everyone,” Glenn said. “The residents of Hong Fu Court have a long road to rebuild their homes and lives.”   The first round of support for 90 affected families who are going to move into transitional housing, includes a HK$10,000 emergency grant to purchase appliances, daily necessities and bed frames. An additional 2000 bed frames have been purchased, as well as living supplies for connected transitional houses.   Bereavement support and free funeral services offer a full range of support and assistance, including help with funeral planning (family members can choose any funeral and ritual they wish), free funeral services, psychological assessment and emotional support, accompany bereaved people through grief, and more.   The Salvation Army Recycling Program has sent over 8000 pieces of clothing and supplies to The Salvation Army Tai Po Integrated Youth Service Centre for residents of Hong Fu Court in need.   The Salvation Army Tai Po Elderly Community Service Centre and Tai Po Youth Integrated Services provide applications for the ‘Country Chest and Rain Fund’ for disaster-affected residents; the Elderly Community Service Centre escorts residents to appointments and the two centres continue to provide living supplies and emotional guidance to residents of Hong Fu Court. Needs assessments are ongoing and will continue in the weeks and months ahead.

Wagga Wagga Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant David Hopewell with Aboriginal elder Dion and the landscaper of the Yarning Circle, Andrew Baker. The Salvation Army’s Recovery Hub in Wagga Wagga, south-west NSW, recently celebrated its first birthday with the launch of an outdoor Yarning Circle.   The Yarning Circle was created in partnership between Wagga Wagga Corps, The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) stream, and a local Indigenous community health service, RivMed.   At the launch, attended by about 50 community members and representatives of multiple partner agencies, local Wiradjuri man Dion led an indigenous smoking ceremony. A traditional smoking ceremony marked the launch of The Salvation Army Wagga Wagga Recovery Hub Yarning Circle. “As the cleansing smoke drifted through the crowd, participants embraced its meaning, honouring culture, country and the spirit of coming together,” said Wagga Wagga Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant David Hopewell.   David said the Yarning Circle space is designed to strengthen connection, healing and community.   The Salvation Army’s Wagga Wagga Recovery Hub provides a one-stop-shop Alcohol and Other Drugs service that also provides family and domestic violence support, peer support, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support and referrals to other services.   Hub Partnerships & Program Manager, Jacob Walker, said in just one year of being open, the Hub has had remarkable success in coming alongside people in need and partnering with the local community to bring hope to families and individuals impacted by alcohol and other drugs.   “The celebration day was a clear reflection of the Hub’s success and the vital role it plays in meeting the needs of the Wagga Wagga community,” he said. Auxiliary-Lieutenant David Hopewell speaks at the launch of the Yarning Circle. Around 50 community members and representatives of partner organisations gathered at The Salvation Army Wagga Wagga Recovery Hub to celebrate its first birthday and the launch of a Yarning Circle.

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it?   I am currently a team member at the Campaspe Shire Salvos, alongside my wife, Major Lynne Turnbull, and Ministry Assistant Tamara Sperling. What I find most satisfying about my current appointment is the opportunity I have in walking beside others, telling them of God’s love for them, and supporting/helping them as much as I can.   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   I like kayaking, gold-detecting and walking. I also like watching movies, and I am currently watching the Father Brown TV series.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   My favourite song is It is Well with My Soul by Horatio Spafford. It is my favourite not only because the lyrics move me, but also because of the history behind it. Having lost children due to a collision of two ships, he wrote this song as he sailed over the spot where the collision had occurred. It speaks of faith and God’s great grace and love for us during the turmoils of life.   4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?   It would have to be the Apostle Paul. He is a hero of mine, a life totally transformed for Jesus as a persecutor of the faith who became one of its greatest defenders. I would love to just hear his personal testimony in his own words and discuss things of faith and theology.   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?   My reply to this question would be if you are called to be an officer, then become one, because whatever God calls you to be, He will also equip you for it. Really, it is an issue of exploring the calling, as not everyone is called to a life of officership, but do you know what? That is fine. We need people to be faithful and follow the call God has placed on their lives, whatever that is. To some, it may mean becoming doctors, plumbers, nurses, or carpenters. If you are faithful to what God has called you to, He will take care of the rest.

Gunnedah Corps and Community Leader Peter Hall with volunteer Tanya and Gunnedah Salvos Stores Manager Nic Williams. Today is International Volunteer Day. The Salvation Army has more than 20,000 volunteers across Australia who connect with people, support our mission and bring compassion and hope where it’s needed most. One of them is Tanya, who has been volunteering for The Salvation Army at Gunnedah Salvos Stores in north-west NSW for the past two decades.   BY LAUREN MARTIN   Twenty years ago, Tanya’s job-service provider recommended she try volunteering to fulfil her Newstart requirements. So, she contacted her local Salvation Army in Gunnedah, joined the Family Store team and hasn’t missed a week since.   Tanya has seen two location changes, four store managers, and a merger from the Family Store to the now Salvos Store, but every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday she faithfully volunteers, taking it all in her stride.   Gunnedah Corps and Community Leader Peter Hall says seeing Tanya’s familiar face and smile when he walks into the local Salvos Store every week is reassuring.   “She is a stalwart for us at The Salvation Army. She has gifted to us a lot of time and talent, and we really appreciate that.”   Tanya says she enjoys working out the back, sorting donations and tagging clothes: “I like working here and all the people I work with. And coming in gives me things to do in my day.” Tanya sorts clothes at Salvos Stores Gunnedah. (Centre photo): Tanya being honoured with a luncheon to mark her 20th year volunteering for The Salvation Army.   Store manager Nic Williams says Tanya’s caring nature is a blessing for all the staff and volunteers in the store: “She cares for everybody and she’s so friendly – you can’t help but fall in love with her. And she takes so much pride in her work.”   Employees and volunteers honoured Tanya this week with a celebration luncheon to mark her 20 years of volunteering. “We had a lot of people who weren’t even working yesterday coming and helping us celebrate,” said Nic.   Tanya said she was honoured to receive a Salvation Army 20-year volunteer pin and a lifetime Salvos Stores discount!   “They gave me a bunch of flowers, and I got a few letters from people [in management] at The Salvation Army – one had a gold badge that says ‘20 years’ on it.”   She will wear it with pride and says she’s not planning on retiring anytime soon!   For more infomation on International Volunteer Day, go to Volunteering Australia here UN Volunteers here MySalvos here Celebrating our volunteers Volunteers are at the heart of our mission. They bring hope, dignity and belonging to people in need, reminding us all that everyone matters. At The Salvation Army, we’re proud to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary impact volunteers have across our movement. Their dedication and compassion inspire us every day and strengthen our mission. To mark this occasion, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas shares a short video reflecting on the extraordinary impact of our volunteers and the love that compels them to serve.

The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign has kicked off across wartorn Ukraine, with all eight corps joining in. In the lead-up to Christmas every year, all eight corps across the Ukraine Division participate in the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. Despite the ongoing difficulties and dangers of Russia’s devastating war, Salvation Army leaders say that this tradition continues to inspire generosity. A Salvation Army volunteer bringing smiles to people on the increasingly cold and often dark streets. “The familiar sight of Christmas kettles, along with carol-singing and bell-ringing on busy streets, in shopping centres and near offices, encourages people to help bring Christmas cheer to those who are suffering – those who have lost relatives to the war, children living in orphanages after losing their parents, soldiers recovering in hospitals, individuals who have lost their homes and become displaced, the lonely, the struggling.   “It brings hope to the discouraged and keeps us focused on our eternal hope.” Scouts volunteer to assist! Salvation Army volunteers, including scouts, assist in the campaign, bringing smiles to people on the increasingly cold and often dark streets with their singing, music and sense of fun and joy. “We’ll have a good time, and it’s for such a useful cause,” they emphasise.   The Christmas message is also being taught across corps ministries, including Sunday Schools, youth meetings, women’s gatherings, scouts, and groups for sports, craft and music.   Safety Salvation Army leaders have also asked for prayers for a camp for adults and children – especially for the children. “The camp is just outside the Kyiv region, which is more dangerous,” they explain. Pray for the adults and young people setting off on a pre-Christmas camp. Everyday issues don’t stop during wartime, including, sadly, bullying at school. Traumatised, grieving, confused and often angry children struggle to make sense of nearly four years of war, and can take these feelings out on others.   There was a meeting-training ‘Parental superpower against bullying’. Discussed effective strategies for protecting and supporting our children. Salvation Army personnel assist with teaching parents how to help their children deal with bullying, Service All corps continue to assist families with vouchers and physical goods, including clothes and shoes. Recently, 1650 family vouchers were distributed to needy families, including those from veteran organisations, the Foundation of Disabled of Chernobyl, the Kyiv City Organisation of Disabled War, and the Armed Forces and Participants of Combat. Volunteers regularly distribute vouchers for essentials to some of Ukraine's most desperate people. “People thanked us and said it was very timely,” the organisers shared. “Some didn’t know where to get help, and here it was provided. It helped many to feel that they weren’t alone. And many sent us photos of what they could purchase with their certificates.”

When it comes to raising the next generation, conversations about respect, consent, equitable and healthy relationships, and challenging the rigid gender norms that underpin violence against women are more important than ever. Image: Getty BY FAMILY VIOLENCE EXPERTS KATE FYLAN, HANNA SALTIS, SONIA LE FEVRE AND BETHANY ADAMS The primary prevention of violence against women focuses on stopping violence against women from occurring in the first place by addressing its underlying drivers . Global evidence consistently demonstrates that levels of men’s violence against women are significantly and consistently higher in societies, communities and relationships where there is more rigid gender-stereotyping, and where dominant forms of masculinities are rigidly adhered to. When it comes to raising the next generation, conversations about respect, consent, equitable and healthy relationships, and challenging the rigid gender norms that underpin violence against women are more important than ever. This ‘Ask the Expert’ article explores how parents, educators and the community can foster empathy, promote gender equality, and redefine masculinity to create safer, more respectful environments in families, schools, workplaces and society as a whole.   Interview with Hanna Saltis: Q: I’m a parent and I’m worried I might be accidentally reinforcing gender stereotypes at home. How can I do better?   A: You are not alone! From the toys children play with to the language we use every day, we are surrounded by gender stereotypes. We know kids develop an understanding of gendered expectations and norms very early on, around the age of three or four, so what they hear and see at home matters a lot. Try to focus on your child’s interests, not their gender. If your daughter wants to play soccer or football, cheer her on! If your son wants to wear something sparkly, tell him how great he looks. Give the same types of compliments to kids of all genders –compliment everyone (not just girls) on their appearance, praise boys and girls on their athletic abilities or interests, thank both girls and boys for helping with chores, etc. It might feel awkward at first, but those little swaps make a big difference in how kids see themselves. Remember, no one gets it perfect! If you say something and realise later it wasn’t helpful, go back and correct yourself. Tell your kid, “Hey, what I said earlier wasn’t right, you can play soccer if you want to”. That models what it looks like to make mistakes, learn and grow, which is also a powerful lesson.   Q: My partner and I naturally fall into quite traditional roles – I cook and do laundry and he does the garden. It’s just what is easy. Does that make us bad role models for our kids? A: No! What matters most is the why . Are you doing those jobs because that is what is expected of you or because it’s a strength or you enjoy them? Having open conversations about how you divide up the housework, and letting your kids see that, is a great way to show that roles can be flexible. If you like cooking and he likes mowing the lawn, that’s totally fine! You could try swapping now and then or participating in the activity together. It keeps things equal and teaches kids it’s just work , not ‘men’s’ or ‘women’s’ work.   Q: I’ve heard on a few parenting podcasts about the importance of teaching my kids about consent and personal boundaries, but I’m scared. They feel too young to learn about those things and I want to preserve their innocence as best I can. How do I even start? A: Great question, and it’s one that comes up all the time! When we talk about consent with young children, it’s not about sex. It’s about body autonomy, personal boundaries and protective behaviours. The focus is on teaching them that they get to make choices about their own bodies and respect others’ choices too. There are a few simple things parents can do: ·       Use real body words.  Normalise the vocabulary of their own body – use the correct body part names such as penis or vulva. ·       Help them tune into their feelings.  Ask, ‘How do you know when you feel scared or stressed? Where do you feel it in your body?’. Kids know what is happening in their bodies and this activity helps them to recognise early warning signs if someone makes them uncomfortable. Explain to them that if someone does something to you or you feel these feelings, you can come and tell me. It can also be helpful to identify some safe people for when you’re not there. Remind them it can’t be a pet or a toy, but it can be another family member or friend, a teacher, an older sibling, or a neighbour. ·       Respect their ‘no’.  If your child doesn’t want to hug grandma, that’s ok. You can say, ‘Would you like to wave or fist bump instead?’. It’s a small act that teaches boundaries in a safe, loving way. Consent does not negate parental guidance. Healthy relationships education is about equipping children with the skills to stay safe, speak up and understand consent in a healthy, age-appropriate way. Interview with Kate Fylan: Q: It feels impossible to protect my kids from toxic stuff online – influencers, porn sexist memes. How do I even start that conversation without dying of awkwardness? A: You’ve got to get uncomfortable to be comfortable. It’s awkward but avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. Kids are exposed earlier than we think, and if we don’t explain what it is, they’ll learn from it. Consider how your reaction may help or hinder the conversation. Start by checking in with yourself first. Take a breath, regulate and decide what tone you want to set. I find coming in hot makes them shut down but if you come in curious, “Hey, I saw something online today and wondered what you think about it?”, they’re much more likely to engage. We have to talk about porn! Not only does it pose risk for non-consensual sex and strangulation, but it also distorts how young people think about their bodies, sex and consent. It’s important to explain that porn is not real and it’s acted. It’s like Jurassic Park. That’s not a real dinosaur; it’s been made to look like that. Porn is the same, it’s dramatised to sell. With influencers, I try and find ones that are impacting positive views of self, girls and being a boy! These are often harder to find as the more harmful influencers get more airtime. We have to show boys what we want them to be by giving them access to influencers/other men and boys that share safe and positive content and behaviours.   Q: I want to raise my son to be kind and respectful of women, but I’m already hearing concerning things amongst his peers and from some of the adults at footy too. How do I challenge that without embarrassing him? A: This is a common one, and I get it! You want to step in, but you also don’t want to make them feel singled out. The truth is, you can’t control everything he hears, but you can  shape how he processes it. Start by noticing what comes up and choosing your moment. If something happens in the moment and you need to say something, keep it simple, “Hey, that’s not OK.” Have a deeper conversation later, when it’s just the two of you. That’s when you can say, “It really hurt my heart when you said that” or “How do you think that made someone feel?” It’s about calling them in, not calling them out. Bringing them on a journey without shaming them. Most boys don’t want to hurt you. They just need you to help them see it. If you’re noticing that culture showing up in their sphere of influence, keep connecting. I look for windows into their world, opportunities to text them, check in, ask about their friendships and understand what they’re seeing. You can’t control it all, but you can stay close. And remember, it’s not just the big things. Even small everyday stuff, like who drives the car or who cooks dinner, shapes how kids see women. Talk about those patterns, laugh about them, call them out gently as a family. Equality doesn’t have to be a lecture; it can be a conversation over dinner, or a joke in the car.   Interview with Sonia Le Fevre: Q: My partner and I have just fallen pregnant with our first child. They say parenting doesn’t come with a manual, I wish it did. There’s so much information out there I don’t even know where to begin … help! A: Congratulations! Firstly, you’re doing great just by thinking about this stuff. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, you basically learn on the job, but one of the best tools you can have is self-awareness. Think about what you loved or hated about how you were raised, not to blame your folks, but to understand why you do what you do. This might help you think about the kind of parent you want to be. It could also be helpful to enrol in a parenting class. Can we flip the script on parenting classes already? Parenting classes are about proactive parenting not deficits or failure. We go to gym classes, we research which car to buy, we read reviews for a toaster… but we wing it with raising humans. A parenting class can be a great space to reflect on the type of parent you want to be and unpack “how do we want to do this?” together. Remember, parenting isn’t about perfection but reflection and self-awareness is a great start.   Q: I’ve got two teenage boys who don’t engage with me for more than 5 seconds. How am I supposed to talk to them about gender equality, healthy relationships and respect? A: I can relate to that! I look for opportunities as they pop up. So, instead of serious conversations, I drop in little comments as they arise. One thing I like to do is talk to the television. It will be minimal, but it might be “Oh, I am getting that feeling in my waters about that guy” or “he looks a bit dodgy”, I try to teach through what I model, not what I preach. Keep it light and conversational. My goal isn’t to lecture but spark thinking.   Interview with Bethany Adams: Q: My son is 14 and just started going to parties. How do I ensure he and his friends are being safe and respectful without being ‘that mum’? A: My eldest is 17 and has also started going to parties. I try and be direct with my kids, but I also use humour, movies or even Instagram reels to get messages across. For example, when my kids are going to a party, I’ll say, ‘Don’t add to the population, do not subtract from the population, and don’t get in anybody’s car, even if it looks cool, and look out for your friends.’  They’ll all roll their eyes and go, ‘Yeah Mum’  , but they know what I mean. I promise you, they do  hear you, even when they roll their eyes. When my kids were younger, I did call the parents of the party, but now they are getting older, I tell my son before he leaves,  “I trust you. I know you will make good choices, and you will look out for those around you”.  I also talk openly about consent. I let my son and his friends know before they leave, “Drunk does not = consent, tipsy does not = consent, persuaded or convinced does not = consent. If you see someone looking uncomfortable, it’s ok to step in”. Kids are bombarded with mixed messages every day, and you’re the quiet, steady counterbalance. I say all the time: Aim for 40 per cent.  If you can model good boundaries, call out the dodgy stuff when you see it, and show them kindness, you’re doing beautifully. Parenting isn’t perfection. It’s persistence.   Q: After living through family violence myself, I want to teach my kids about healthy relationships. I want to break the cycle for my family, but I don’t know what I don’t know. It’s hard to know where to begin. A: It’s an ongoing recovery and healing journey. It’s not a bus stop destination, it’s lifelong but there is support out there to equip you with the tools and resources you might need. As someone who has also lived through family violence, I have the task to rewrite some past learnings for my children, and that’s really difficult. But I do it by having those conversations and modelling it. Model healthy relationships, point them out, surround them with healthy role models where possible. I think when we have boundaries ourselves, strong boundaries, and we can explain to our children why they’re important, that’s powerful. I’ll say, ‘I wish someone had taught me that when I was younger, so I’m teaching it to you now.’ I find the small opportunities day-to-day. When I see something in a movie or in advertising. I’ll say to my daughters, ‘That girl is really trying to change herself to earn the affections of that boy, that’s not what love looks like’. I tell them, ‘Don’t ever dim your light for anybody. If someone doesn’t like you as you are, that’s your answer, that’s not the right person for you. But don’t ever start carving off pieces of your gorgeous selves to fit someone else’s story”. I teach my kids that you can be in a relationship with somebody and still be your own person. You can still be independent, have your own dreams, bank accounts, property. You can build alongside each other, that’s ok. It doesn’t mean you don’t love that person, it just means you’re there because you want to be, not because you have to be. I am not a sit-down-and-have-a-formal-talk-person so having general conversations regularly as they come up is probably the best way and that’s what I would recommend. By staying attuned to ourselves and our children and strengthening our toolkits, we can share the new information we learn and use it to break generational cycles of violence amongst families and communities. We don’t succeed at parenting; we learn parenting as we go and never stop. As I say, aim for 40 per cent, make it achievable and forgive yourself and try again tomorrow if you don’t get it quite right.   Hanna Saltis – They/Them Hanna has been a Research Officer with the Curtin University Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Project since 2020. They are passionate about all things RSE but have a particular interest in the diversity and inclusion space. Kate Fylan – She/Her Kate is an experienced Salvation Army Domestic Family Violence and Children’s Services practitioner with 24 years’ experience working in the sector in Ireland and Australia, and is the State Manager for the Family Violence Team in NSW/ACT. Kate has unique experience of working with both adults and children as victim-survivors of gender-based violence and working with men who choose to perpetrate this violence.   Sonia Le Fevre – She/Her Sonia has been working with The Salvation Army's Karinya Support Services in Ballarat, Victoria for a decade. As the Team Leader of Supported Housing for Families, Sonia leads a number of diverse programs and activities for women and children who are experiencing family violence and/or homelessness.   Bethany Adams – She/Her Bethany Adams is a Specialist Family Violence Practice Lead for The Salvation Army’s Bayside Peninsula Area in Victoria. She has been member of the Victim-Survivor Advisory Council for three years as a lived experience advisor to government on family violence reform and works with Safe and Equal, Police and judicial systems to create more trauma-informed approaches to process and practice.

Orana Salvos Youth and Kids worship night. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Earlier this year, Dubbo Corps Officers Captains Andrea and Daniel Wayman felt inspired to overhaul the structure of their children and youth programs.   Their plan was to invest more heavily in discipleship pathways for their young people and also create a space that might attract young people from outside the corps.   Instead of running Junior Soldiers one afternoon a week and Youth Group on another afternoon, they combined the two groups on one afternoon and rebranded it as ‘Orana Salvos Youth and Kids’. (Dubbo is part of the Orana Region in NSW Central West). Captains Daniel and Andrea Wayman. They started running a monthly rotation of programs. Every second week of the month, it’s ‘learn and grow’, where kids are divided into younger and older age groups: the younger group does Junior Soldiers, while the older group participates in a Bible study. Within the month, they also have a fun and games session, where kids often invite their friends who don’t attend the corps. In the other week of the month, they hold a ‘praise and worship’ week, where each of the young people is learning an instrument in the band.   “The theory behind it is the future of the corps,” says Andrea.   “Most of our kids who come during the week come on Sundays as well, and we are hoping to inspire them [to want to join the corps’ worship arts team]. We are also within that night, teaching them about worship and about praise and worship and the purpose behind it, and just really enjoying it.”   While none of the children or young people have transitioned into the corps worship group yet, it’s only a matter of time before Andrea and Daniel say they will happily step away from their roles in the worship team and nurture new members. Orana Salvos Youth and Kids take part in the corps’ Sunday service.  For the first six months, Orana Salvos Youth and Kids focused on one song, the contemporary version of The House of the Lord, which the children and young people then led worship with during a Sunday meeting.   “The corps loved it!” says Andrea. “And the kids loved it too, which was really what we were after.   “We said, ‘It’s not about perfection, it’s about coming from the right heart.’ We want you to enjoy it and do it from the heart of worship.” Fun activities at the Orana Salvos Youth and Kids afternoon program at Dubbo Corps. Dubbo Corps has a diverse mix of generations who worship there every Sunday. The updates to the children and youth programs aimed to make them more connected with the corps overall, rather than just separate ‘events’ or ‘programs’.    “We wanted to give our children and young people more ownership,” said Daniel, about the way the new format is intentional about discipleship, and the teaching of an instrument – even if it’s a simple percussion instrument – gives every child and young person involved the ability to become an active part of the corps.   It’s an ethos they carry into every ministry at the corps, intentionally identifying and developing leaders as part of a discipleship journey.    Christmas connection One family who has benefited is the Yeos. Leanne, her partner, and Leanne’s three kids first connected with Dubbo Salvos two years ago when they applied for a Christmas hamper. They gradually became more involved with the corps, regularly attending church on Sundays and the kids enjoying being part of Orana Salvos Youth and Kids.   The change within their family has been significant. “It’s turned everything around,” said mum, Leanne. “We are more connected. Our family ... we talk a bit more. Before, we used to always be on our phones. We would always be cranky and upset and really aggressive towards one another,” she said.   “Being with the Salvos and the kids and youth group, they [the kids] have settled down a lot. They don’t swear, they are happier and cheerful, they learn different songs, and they want to come home and listen to Christian songs.” Sixteen-year-old Sophie from Orana Salvos Youth and Kids volunteers on the sound-desk at the Sunday service. With her home much more peaceful, Leanne began connecting more with the Dubbo Salvos during the week. Now, she volunteers in the kitchen helping to prepare the community meal on Tuesdays and Fridays and says she has made beautiful friendships. She has also started volunteering at the Dubbo Salvos Store.   “The church is basically like my family. I had a rough upbringing, so it’s good to have people that you can trust and talk to.” Her 16-year-old daughter Sophie wanted an opportunity to serve at church and has enjoyed learning the sound desk. “I like learning,” she said, with Leanne adding that another volunteer sits with Sophie to train her and help build her confidence.   Andrea and Daniel are excited to see how God has been growing and shaping their corps family this year.   “Our focus this year has not been growth in numbers but growth in the kids that attend,” said Andrea.   Keep Dubbo Salvation Army in your prayers as God continues to build his Kingdom through his faithful people in that place.

Volunteer barista Rob Adami with the new coffee set-up. Image: Supplied. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE  The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) in South Australia has recently rolled out a new response vehicle equipped with a coffee machine.  The set-up, which is located on a harness system in the rear of a Hilux utility, has been in operation for about six weeks. Over that time, SAES teams have used it about once a week, with coffee-loving volunteers Rob Adami and John Briggs primarily serving as baristas.   SA Response Coordinator Reno Elms said he saw the coffee machine as a “God thing”. He said the team talked about how they wanted to be able to serve a “nice coffee” to Country Fire Service volunteers, and also those in isolated areas when there was an incident. Reno said the difficulty with the larger trucks was that truck drivers were required, and the places they could be driven were limited.  “We’ve wanted to build up our volunteers [and] we’ve wanted to rebuild a relationship with the CFS,” he said. “There was a little bit of money available to get a coffee machine. Then there was a storm a few years ago up in the Adelaide Hills and we thought, wouldn’t it be good if we could take something hot [like coffee] up there.”   “That’s where the idea [came from].”   He said that through the generosity of Woolworths, the team was able to purchase two coffee machines, and with the team able to recently obtain a new Hilux, the plan was put in motion. It was also a way to keep involving volunteers in the work of the SAES throughout the year.  “It’s one part of our strategy to engage our volunteers other than in the high-risk weather [seasons],” Reno said.   The SAES volunteers and coffee vehicle with the Dalkeith CFS team. Image: Dalkeith Country Fire Service Facebook page So far, the coffee vehicle has been used in Port Lincoln, Eudunda, Dalkeith, Concordia and Salisbury, as well as other locations, for a range of events including anniversaries and training exercises.   The machine is able to operate on either mains power or an LED battery, on which it can run for about two hours. Reno said the team was very thankful for the support of Woolworths.  “We’re grateful [for] the Woolworths backing of SAES [who have] supported a lot of these new ventures,” he said. “We wouldn’t be able to do it [without] Woolworths’ support.”