William ‘Fighting Mac’ McKenzie – one of The Salvation Army’s wartime heroes.   BY BARRY GITTINS   The idea of a minute’s silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month is not practised in many places throughout Australia these days. Non-observance of that minute would have been unthinkable even three or four decades ago, when generations were closer to the passed-down stories of death and horrific losses. William McKenzie, a Salvation Army officer better known and loved as ‘Fighting Mac’, was writing home from Gallipoli 110 years ago when he recorded “the most awful sight I have ever witnessed” – his description of a field of dead bodies that he and other personnel were identifying and burying at Gallipoli. If we didn’t know the truth of the events of World War One – the veracity long attested to by absent seats at family tables, plaques on cenotaphs, and lifelong wounds in loved ones’ hearts – we may be tempted to believe it was a horrible fantasy. In the early arm-wrestling on the Turkish peninsula, according to Jonathan King’s Gallipoli Diaries, the Allied forces invading Turkey’s Dardanelles were up against it – the British medical authorities at Cape Helles recorded that 100,000 casualties had been evacuated from the 29th Division in the first few months. Chaplain Major William McKenzie MC’s journal relates that the beach was a “hot shop” of shrapnel shells and bullets flying overhead when he disembarked that first day. “I had a very narrow squeak,” he wrote, when “I got covered with earth [and] I threw myself on the road for safety. A number of shells fell near us ... “I camped with the ‘Div.’ at the dressing station to be near to the wounded etc. I slept none the first night, as a fusillade of bullets flew over our heads the whole night and kept us a great row. I improved my ‘dugout’ next day tho’ it was very damp and uncomfortable. However, the sun got over it next day and so the third night I slept soundly. “It was pleasing to be able to get the Colonel’s body the first night I was in the firing line and we buried him at 9 p.m. in an exposed position. For safety I had to kneel in a crouching position to conduct the burial. He had been dead a fortnight. I had to perform a number of burials that day, as indeed every day. “It is a trying job, as the smell is awful. A number of these men are unidentified – somebody’s sons…” One day a truce was called for and honoured; the day McKenzie and his mates spent burying the dead: it was, he declared, “the most awful sight I have ever witnessed”. “Thousands lay dead along the front; many more than we had anticipated ... the smell was terrible, it turned me sick ... I buried Turks and Australians in the same trench and read the same burial service over them ... some had been dead a month. “I had a trying time getting the discs and other identification marks off them. I never had such a task and hope I never shall again.” Sadly, it was far from the last time that Fighting Mac had to bury the fallen. The campaign to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, assault Constantinople and weaken the Ottoman Empire was a costly failure. Total casualties during the Gallipoli campaign were more than 141,000 for the Allies, while the Turks suffered some 250,000 men killed or wounded. Remembrance Day marks this conflict out in red. It includes all other conflicts in which Australian and New Zealand men and women have served, died, been wounded and in some way scarred for the entirety of their lives. Lest we forget.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas (centre) and Major Brendan Nottle (back row) with Thai Night performers at The Couch gathering. BY FAY FOSTER Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas dropped into The Couch recently, where international students were celebrating a Thai-themed night at the home of The Salvation Army’s Project 614 Corps. Each evening from Monday to Thursday, The Couch at 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne, is filled with international students, talking, laughing, eating, learning and finding company and support. “ What a wonderful night at 614 for The Couch ...Thai Night!” said Miriam. “Over 300 international students – real community, great partnership, a great group of young adults ... inspiring!”   The team at Project 614 started The Couch in 2010 after noticing a growing number of international students who were vulnerable, lonely and isolated. The aim was to create a safe, fun place for students to gather, get practical support and make new friends. Major Brendan Nottle says The Couch provides a “really good” experience for international students. Major Brendan Nottle, Team Leader at 614, explains: “We initially had a meeting with the City of Melbourne and Victoria Police. And we said, we are really concerned about international students that are vulnerable, isolated, I think being targeted in some ways …  and we wanted to work with those parties, but also other agencies, to say, collaboratively, what can we do to just help the experience here in Melbourne be a really good one for international students.” At that time, there were around 131,000 international students in Victoria. In 2025, that number has risen to nearly 224,000. Connection and learning “The Couch is a really fun place for students to meet each evening”, said Phoebe, Senior Operations Manager at 614. “But it is also a really important place for them to access important information during their stay in Melbourne, whether it’s Surf Lifesaving Australia teaching students to swim between the flags, the ATO showing students how to apply for a tax file number, or our really popular salsa dancing classes. It’s an opportunity for people to meet and learn new skills and important information.” The Couch provides not only a safe space for international students to meet, but also an opportunity to connect with support services and information on a range of issues, including housing, employment, counselling, student services, legal support and representation. A meal is provided, and social activities help with making friends and cultural exchanges. Activities include salsa and hip-hop dance classes, theatre workshops, art and craft exhibitions, costume parties and dance therapy. WATCH MORE: The Couch at Project 614 Each month, an event celebrating one of the countries represented by the students is held. They have even sent a billycart team to contest Melbourne’s iconic Queensberry Cup! For more information on The Couch, check out the Melbourne Couch Facebook page here , phone 0444 111 222, or email thecouch614@gmail.com

At The Hope Report launch (from left) Major Chelsea Wilson, Rebecca Tolstoy AM, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Lorraine Finlay (Human Rights Commissioner of Australia), Brigitte Brink (former intern now internship assistant and co-ordinator), Major Darrell Wilson and Michelle Bordoni (former intern and PhD Candidate at UWA).  BY ANTHONY CASTLE    Leaders of the Path of Hope Foundation and The Salvation Army in Perth have launched The Hope Report 2025.   Launched by Chair of the Path of Hope Foundation Rebecca Tolstoy AM – along with The Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Majors Darrell and Chelsea Wilson, and Warren Palmer – the groundbreaking report is drawn from Path of Hope, a joint initiative between the Rotary Club of Perth and the Salvos.   The Hope Report is a 100-year intergenerational initiative aimed at raising awareness and supporting victims of family and domestic violence.   “Our partnership with The Salvation Army is invaluable,” explains Rebecca Tolstoy AM, Chair of the Path of Hope Foundation.   “Through the Salvos’ refuges and essential services for women and children, the report is grounded in lived experience while also shaping wider awareness and prevention efforts. Together, we combine research, advocacy, and practical support to break the intergenerational cycle of family violence.”   Established in 2008 by two Swedish mothers – Helena Everkrans-Smith and Rebecca Tolstoy – Path of Hope began as a partnership between Rotary and The Salvation Army in Perth. Some of the 63 interns, or ’Rotary Champions’, who have been part of the Path of Hope.  Formally launched in 2013, the foundation leverages the organisational strength of Rotarians – locally, nationally, and internationally – to support vital services addressing family and domestic violence.   “I had moved to Australia in 2008,” explains Rebecca. “I felt it was important to do something for women and children. I started volunteering with The Salvation Army in 2008 and joined Rotary in 2011. The Salvation Army does the work with women and children, so our roles are to provide support to that work.”   Path of Hope brings together Rotarians and community members to raise awareness, promote healthy relationships and generate funds to support The Salvation Army’s shelters and programs.   Path of Hope has launched several projects, such as garden makeovers, learning centre renovations, mentoring programs and community awareness campaigns.   “This relationship with Rotary started with a simple conversation in 2008 with Rebecca Tolstoy and myself, together with Major Margaret McDonald,” explains Warren Palmer, State External Communications Manager for The Salvation Army.   “It has grown into a fantastic collaborative partnership that has contributed over $1 million in financial support for our family and domestic violence services and over $1 million in support for infrastructure projects. The cover of The Hope Report. The Hope Report is the synthesis of all the data recorded by the intern teams at the Path of Hope Foundation. Spearheaded by Rebecca and Professor Stella Tarrant, an expert in gender and criminal law, the project began in 2021 with a focus on researching global legislation abolishing corporal punishment of children.   “We start with law,” Rebecca says. “The report maps where legislation enables violence against women and children. It’s being built by interns, and we’re having to unpack different laws, different jurisdictions and different ways to apply it. We are starting to map what Rotarians and the Salvos are doing as well.”   What started as a project with a single intern has since engaged 63 interns, ‘Rotary Champions’, who continue tracking legislative progress in both public and private settings. By highlighting successful bans and their societal benefits, the project encourages nations to adopt evidence-based strategies that are adapted to local contexts.   “We mentor students to contribute to the report,” Rebecca says. “The point of the report is to bring together Rotarians from around the world, often business people. We created a map that demonstrates the places in the world where there is legislation that enables violence against children.”   Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe. With the Path of Hope initiative inspiring Rotary Clubs and local Salvation Army operators in the USA, the partnership could grow well into the future.   “This can be a global framework,” Rebecca says. “Neither The Salvation Army nor Rotary are obligated to a partnership, but we are building a system whereby local Rotarys can contact The Salvation Army and offer help. Path of Hope is solely a Rotary and The Salvation Army partnership. It’s a collaboration. Where there is a Rotary club and The Salvation Army, you can have Path of Hope.”   The Hope Report 2025 is now available to read online here

Albany Corps isn't just doing church. They’re becoming it, write corps officers Colette and Duane Albino. BY LIEUTENANT COLETTE AND CAPTAIN DUANE ALBINO You might not find pews or a pulpit when you walk into Albany Corps midweek, but you will find church. Not just once a week, but woven into every day, every conversation, every act of care. Because at Albany, church is not an event, it’s a way of life. In fact, what you’ll witness is something deeper: a church lived, not just attended. At its heart, Albany Corps is Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, and a place where hope is revealed – not only in sermons, but in service. Not just through officers, but through everyday people walking faithfully in Christ’s love. This deep conviction is reshaping how church is lived and shared in their city. Why we do church differently This shift wasn’t driven by tension or frustration, rather, by prayer and love. With a deeply-valued elderly Sunday congregation (average age 80), the ministry had naturally shaped itself around their needs. But as the Spirit stirred, a question emerged: What about everyone else? And so began a search for something more inclusive: not a replacement, but an expansion. The mid-week bustle of Albany Corps. Image: Supplied A church that isn’t bound to a building or time slot, but one that meets people wherever they are. A church where, through prayer, Gospel conversations, shared meals and practical care, every moment can be sacred. Praying for the future Inspired by our national leaders to seek new ways of doing things, to think outside the box and to follow a Spirit-led path, we prayed, prayed, and prayed some more. We navigated personal turmoil and were stretched to the very limits of what we could bear. Yet, as difficult and even traumatic as those experiences were, we remained faithful and were richly rewarded. We waited, we listened, and through prayer and discernment we discovered a vision we believe is from God: a vision to change the way church is lived. This is not something new; it flows from the timeless practices of pastoral care, discipleship and empowerment. It is a call to send forth disciples and let them proclaim a God who loves, a Christ who saves and a Spirit who leads. As we move forward in that same faith into a new appointment, we continue to seek God’s guidance for the next leg of our spiritual journey. What it looks like in practice The result is deeply intentional and beautifully organic. Every activity becomes a church moment. Every volunteer becomes a minister. Every gathering becomes a holy space. It is not a new program, model or structure, it’s a new mindset. It’s a redefining of church, not as a single gathering, but as a way of being. Church is not just something we attend, it’s something we bring into every room, every relationship, every moment. Instead of reserving worship, prayer or teaching for Sundays, those elements are infused into everyday life. The much-loved Albany Corps volunteers with Colette. Image: Supplied Whether it’s a craft group, a pantry team, a music session with toddlers, or a quiet conversation over coffee, the Gospel is present. Jesus is talked about. Prayer is offered. Needs are met. People are pastored, not only by officers, but by volunteers empowered to live and lead like Christ. This model removes the divide between ‘church activities’ and ‘community work’. At Albany, there is no separation – the mission is the ministry, and every moment is discipleship. The result is not just inclusion, but transformation: lives changed, not by a single service, but by daily encounters with Spirit-led love, grace and truth. A week at Albany Corps The rhythm of church unfolds through midweek and weekend activities which integrate prayer, fellowship and Gospel conversation into everything. Volunteers and community members meet to serve, create, share meals, worship and care for one another, from community connect sessions and craft groups to Mainly Music, home visits and Sunday worship. Sunday worship at Albany Corps. Image: Supplied Each activity is an opportunity for spiritual growth, meaningful connection, and hope revealed in action. It’s not two churches, it’s one. And every part reflects the same heartbeat: Jesus at the centre, the Spirit guiding every step, and hope being made visible in real lives. This model connects with those who’ve often felt overlooked – volunteers, families, those seeking assistance, and people experiencing homelessness. But more than being welcomed, they’re being transformed. “Tuesdays at the Salvation Army saved my life,” shares Grant, 35, who once faced homelessness and addiction. “Having those spiritual conversations, prayer, sharing meals, caring for each other – everyone helping and no one judging. I came to know God through the same people who offered me hope. That’s what I call my church.” Across the board, people are responding with spiritual hunger, staying longer, asking deeper questions, seeking prayer and stepping into faith. Biblical roots, Salvation Army heart This isn’t new theology, it’s ancient practice. Rooted in the early church of Acts 2:42–47 and 1 Corinthians 14:26 , where believers met daily, broke bread in homes, and each brought something to share – teaching, worship, encouragement, prayer. It also reflects The Salvation Army’s core doctrines and mission: • “We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.” – Faith is active, lived and expressed. • “We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified ...” – Albany Corps calls everyone to walk in holiness and love, not just anointed leaders. • “Heart to God, Hand to Man.” – Every encounter is both deeply spiritual and deeply practical. This model embodies the Army’s radical beginnings: going to the people, raising up leaders, and offering Christ without condition. It goes further by intentionally nurturing discipleship, equipping everyday believers to grow in faith, share the Gospel and mentor others. Church is not just attended; it is lived and passed on. Every interaction – whether through prayer, fellowship, service, or conversation – becomes an opportunity to guide someone closer to Christ, helping them to mature spiritually and empowering them to do the same for others. In this way, the cycle of faith, leadership and discipleship is continuous, dynamic and deeply transformative. Sunday worship at Albany Corps has not been forgotten either, in fact, it has been enriched by all that happens throughout the week. Today, Sunday services cater to all ages; blending traditional elements with the vibrancy and connections nurtured during midweek gatherings. What was once a small, elderly congregation now reflects a living church, nourished by the prayer, fellowship and Gospel conversations that occur every day of the week. Colette and Duane Albino. Image: Supplied Albany Corps isn’t just doing church. They’re becoming it. And, in doing so, they’re showing a path forward: one that looks a lot like the early church, and even more like Jesus. This is Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed, and it’s bringing life. Duane and Colette Albino are Corps Officers at Albany Corps, Western Australia.

Colonel Rodney Walters addresses the media alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the launch of the 38th Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal in Canberra. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched the 2025 Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, supporting The Salvation Army’s ministry to Australians in need at Christmas time.   “The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal reflects the best of the Australian spirit – generosity, compassion and community,” Mr Albanese said.   “With the support of Kmart and The Salvation Army, it’s always special to see Australians coming together to make Christmas a little brighter for families doing it tough.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) launched the appeal at Parliament House in Canberra. It is the 38th year of the Kmart Wishing Tree, a nationwide campaign in which Australians are invited to purchase and donate gifts in-store, which are then donated to Salvation Army centres to distribute to families who are struggling to make ends meet at Christmas.   The Salvation Army’s Colonel Rodney Walters and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley placed the first gifts under the Wishing Tree at Parliament House to kick off the appeal, which runs from now until Christmas Eve.   Rodney, Secretary for Communications, later posted on his social media, “So many gifts and so much collaboration in bringing gifts with big smiles! Thanking God for opportunities to support those who need it most!” A Salvation Army brass ensemble was on hand to launch the 38th annual Kmart Wishing Tree appeal. Earlier in the day, Rodney had attended the annual Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, which drew more than 500 people, one of the largest recorded attendances in recent years.   The theme was ‘Rejoicing in Hope’, with Dr John Dickson as the keynote speaker, who spoke on Romans 12:11-18 and issued a powerful challenge on ‘conflict versus compassion’.   “Leaders of the respective political parties shared in the importance of prayer in the everyday aspects of their lives,” Rodney said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to unite in prayer.” Colonel Rodney Walters (left) and ‘The Salvation Army table’ at the annual parliamentary prayer breakfast in Canberra.

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it?   My current appointment is Corps Officer/Team Member at Kingborough-Huon Corps in Tasmania. I minister alongside my team leader across two sites in the beautiful coastal town of Blackman’s Bay and Huonville, a regional centre in the south of Tasmania, surrounded by fruit orchards, farmland and the Huon River. It is early days for me. I am only into the eighth month of my appointment, after three years as a chaplain in aged care, so I am still finding my feet.   What I find most satisfying about my appointment is being out in community. I am mostly attending the Huonville site, which is a lovely community hub from where we run various weekly ministry programs. It is a warm place of connection, community, fellowship and caring with love of Jesus. In addition to that, I am enjoying the journey of growth and development, which is inevitable and never-ending in ministry. I have had to unlearn much, relearn some, and am learning new things about myself, my walk with God and others and the complexity of ministry at corps level. It is tough at times, but I like that we never stop learning and that opportunities to learn something new sometimes present themselves in unexpected ways.   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   One of my favourite activities most Saturday mornings is solitary visits to a coffee shop with a book. There are excellent coffee shops in Hobart and surrounds, so I rotate between them. I love walking on the beach or along the Derwent River when the weather is good and catching up with friends over a meal.   Most importantly, I enjoy checking in and chatting with my children and grandchildren, who are all living abroad except for my youngest, who is on the mainland. I also enjoy scouring record shops and markets for second-hand vinyl records. Listening to the artists my parents enjoyed and a few of my own favourites while pottering around the house brings back lovely family memories.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   My favourite Christian song for this season of my life is the classic hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness . There are others, including contemporary worship songs. I find that my preference changes depending on where I am in my walk of faith. This hymn speaks of God’s unchanging character, his mercy, compassion, presence, provision and love. It anchors my faith and trust in God and gives me strength and hope for the day and for the journey ahead, especially at times when I feel ill-equipped and just a little overwhelmed by it all.   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?   I think it would be Apostle Paul, he is by far, apart from Jesus, my most favourite Biblical character. I am so encouraged by the impact that his encounter with the risen Christ had on his life, his purpose and ministry. No amount of opposition, rejection, hardship, or persecution could stop him from living out his call and purpose in Christ.   What would we talk about? I guess I would want to peel back the layers a bit and get to his level of vulnerability as a human being. At a deeply human level, as a suffering man, in the thick of it, what was his experience in processing the painful rejection, hardship, persecution and anxiety experienced in his ministry?   The pause to process and reflect on challenges and painful experiences requires work and a response reflective of surrender, faith and trust in God, as modelled by Paul. It would be interesting to have a meaningful discussion with Paul and hear his experience of processing emotional, physical and spiritual pain.   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?   Absolutely! If they believe that God is calling them to officership, I would encourage them to explore every avenue at their disposal; by being active in their local corps, seek direction and affirmation from corps leadership; talk to local cadets and other corps officers, but mostly seek God’s direction in prayer, don’t rush, but don’t dismiss the call either.   Officership has been the most rewarding and the most challenging journey I have ever embarked on, but I know that God has called me, He is equipping me and has promised to be with me for the duration of this journey and beyond.

Wild weather launched the Temora Corps building in country NSW into the skies earlier this year. BY LAUREN MARTIN   In its 101-year history, Temora Corps has never had a more eventful year. The brick citadel has been taken up by a tornado, covered in snow and had its roof blown off!   Well, not really.   The images of the corps in these crazy predicaments, photoshopped by Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Caleb Smith, have become a talking point in the small south-western farming town. Temora Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Caleb Smith in front 101-year-old Temora Citadel. “To amuse myself, I photoshopped a dinosaur into a picture of the main street and posted that, and put the caption, ‘This guy looks lost, does anyone know the owners?’ There were hundreds of likes and shares and comments.”   Caleb took note of the huge response, and it got him thinking. His regular monthly posts to advertise the corps community dinner, and his weekly posts inviting people to church on Sundays barely received any responses. He wondered if trying a more novel approach could change that.   So, in the lead-up to Christmas last year, he posted a photoshopped image of the Temora Citadel covered in snow, to invite people to one of the corps’ Christmas functions. Caleb’s impression of the Temora Corps covered in snow. The next week, it was wrapped in wrapping paper, and the following week it was made of gingerbread. Instead of one or two ‘likes’ on Facebook, there was a huge response, with some people even sharing the post to their personal Facebook pages. “People were sharing ads for our community event!” Caleb said. Early this year, Caleb tried a similar approach to invite local townsfolk to church on Sunday. He photoshopped a photo of the hall so that it looked like it had no roof. This photoshopped image of Temora Corps without a roof generated plenty of conversation on the town’s local Facebook page and in the main street! The caption read: “People always say to me, ‘I’d go to church but I’m pretty sure the roof would fall in if I entered the building, haha.’ That’s why, here at the Temora Salvation Army, we’ve undertaken some minor alterations to our building to ensure that everyone feels welcome. And our new heavy-duty lightning rods keep blasphemy-related smitings to an all-time low!”   That one went as ‘viral’ as you can get, for a town of about 5000 residents, with about 300 likes, plenty of comments and shares. And, to Caleb’s surprise, it generated conversations as people stopped him on the street to talk about it. “People would say, ‘I saw your building carried away by the tornado!’ People initiated conversations with me about what the church was doing, which never happened before.”   Like the verse in 1 Peter, Caleb was now making sure he was ready to ‘give an answer’ to those who had questions about the church and its ministries.   “It means that people are happy to talk about what we do and … it means I have to be prepared for random people to ask questions about our ministries down the street, I have to keep a good story ready to go to tell people.” Since then, the corps building has been photoshopped being taken up by a tornado and, on top of huge tractor tracks, as a ‘ Mobile All-Terrain Salvation Deployment Vehicle’ in Facebook posts that promote the work of the local Salvos and invite people to join them.   But have the posts led to any increase in attendance at the corps’ monthly community lunch or Sunday meeting?   “We have some extra folks coming to the dinner and occasionally to Sunday as well,” said Caleb. “But it’s hard to tell if they are coming [as a result of the social media posts.]”   Regardless, the initiative has been a fun one, and Caleb has no shortage of ideas up his sleeve for future adventures of the mysterious 101-year-old Temora Salvation Army Citadel. Stay tuned!   One of the latest promotional images is of Temora Citadel renovated to become a “Mobile All-Terrain Salvation Deployment Vehicle”. The Facebook post goes on to say, “ the extension cords required to keep the thing running proved unsafe, so we chose to return our building to its original configuration,” before inviting residents to its monthly community dinner.

Linda, Emotional and Spiritual Care Specialist, helps out with the emergency distribution of toys and household materials after devastating floods in Texas last (northern) summer. LINDA DOWELL is an Emotional and Spiritual Care Specialist with The Salvation Army in the USA. In July, she was deployed to Kerr County, Texas, following the devastating flooding that killed 135 people. In today’s Global Focus column, she shares her recollections of her deployment.   On Friday 4 July 2025, as our nation celebrated its birthday, an unthinkable, disastrous event was looming in my home state of Texas. Heavy rains produced dangerous floodwaters which rose rapidly. Tragic stories began to unfold as the media and the nation watched in disbelief. In just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose by more than eight metres, and spilled over its banks. The people along the riverbanks had little or no warning of the deadly flow of water raging downstream.   Quick deployment As a disaster volunteer with The Salvation Army, I stay close to the phone when tragic events unfold. And on Monday morning around 6am, I received a call that an emotional spiritual care team was being deployed to Kerrville. By Tuesday afternoon our team was on the ground.   My assignment the first few days was to join a Salvation Army team already serving at Walmart. While water, cleaning supplies and snacks were distributed by canteen crews, I had the opportunity to speak with survivors. A ministry of presence is essential as an emotional spiritual care worker. Providing a safe place for people to share their stories and release their fears and grief as we listen is an integral part of our ministry. During those first few days, I spent time with survivors, some of whom had been rescued out of the flood waters, with people who had lost a friend or a loved one, and with numerous people just grieving for their community.   Roaming team As the recovery efforts continued, I was reassigned to a roaming team in one of our rapid response vehicles to look for people in neighbourhoods that might need to be served. As we followed the road along the river’s edge, teams of first responders, clean-up crews and heavy machine operators were hard at work cleaning up debris and uprooted trees. Some teams were still looking for unaccounted people. We found property owners trying to muck out what little was left of their structures. We spent time offering hydration, listening to stories and praying with everyone who was willing.   Towards the end of the day, our team had made our way downriver near Camp Mystic. I got out of the vehicle and started walking towards the river. I didn’t see anyone at first, but then I noticed a lady sitting in her pickup truck with her head resting on the steering wheel. As I approached her pickup truck, we started a conversation. I could see she had been crying. Exhaustion and weariness were written on her face.   As I looked around the area, I could tell this had been a special place before the flood. Looking towards the opposite side of the river from where we were, I noticed the bank was very steep rising from the river, and on top of the hill I noticed a cross. I asked the lady about the cross and she explained this area once had been a summer camp. The cabins had been purchased by individual families years ago and they had started a little homeowners association. The families spent the summers together there as the kids grew up.   The cabins had been built in what looked like a semi-circle pattern. There were only a few severely damaged structures left. Most were simply gone with only cement foundations left where houses once stood.   Stark reality As the tears flowed along with stories and sweet memories, the stark reality of the present seemed surreal. Several people from that community perished during the flood. In fact, the first funeral was taking place that afternoon in San Angelo.   She told me about her brother who is disabled and in a wheelchair. She pointed to another house and shared that that family also had a child in a wheelchair as they were growing up. When the kids were young, the parents built a wheelchair ramp in the river so her brother and the other little boy could get into the water and play with the other children.   After a time, I asked if I could give her a hug. More tears flowed. In that tender moment, I offered a prayer for her and her community. It’s difficult at times to have words, but God always seems to send a prayer of comfort just at the right time.

As National Director of The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus agency, Dr Graeme White leads one of the Salvos’ largest and most impactful services. Dr Graeme White is a man on a mission. A big mission. His role is National Director of The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus agency. Since launching in 1998 to help people find work that supports their wellbeing and benefits the community, the recruitment agency has placed more than 740,000 people into work. In the first of her series on Employment Plus, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH spoke with Graeme about the agency’s powerful mission to transform lives, communities and celebrate ‘life turnarounds’ – all through the power of employment. It took something special to lure Graeme White out of retirement. So, when the chance came in 2019 to lead The Salvation Army Employment Plus service on a six-month posting, he didn’t hesitate. The role immediately reignited Graeme’s passion for helping others and giving back to the community – and when the opportunity arose to lead the agency permanently, he didn’t hesitate to say yes again, driven by a deep respect for the organisation. “It is one of the great causes for good in the world,” he reflected from his Melbourne office. “You look around the world at the moment, and it is full of violence, inhumanity and a lot of terrible things that are going on, and it is on our doorstep here in Australia, which is even more distressing. It’s not remote, it’s not other people, it’s here. The Salvation Army stands out as one of the great causes for good against that; it is a wonderful thing to be a part of.” Employment Plus is Australia’s most experienced recruitment agency, working with job seekers, employers, industry groups, governments and community organisations to champion employment for all Australians. The agency’s work is guided by its vision of ‘Work for All. Hope for All’ and by its values of integrity, compassion, respect, diversity and collaboration. It has a wide network of partners to support job seekers and employers all over Australia, including counselling services. With 40,000 job seekers on its caseload, the agency’s reach is substantial. It also hits impressive milestones with 10,000 people securing work in the past year. And by the end of this year, Graeme will oversee close to 700 agency staff. The Salvation Army founder, General William Booth – an inspiration to Graeme White. Founder’s inspiration A great inspiration for the National Director in leading the agency is The Salvation Army’s founder, William Booth. “In his book, In Darkest England and the Way Out,  my understanding from William Booth is that he saw that people being fed, people being housed, and people being able to work were the foundations of independence,” he said. “These were key to rescuing people from poverty and having them stand on their own feet. So, we see ourselves as an integral part of the Army, fulfilling an important objective William Booth had, which is basically supporting people to find work, to be financially independent, and to reintegrate into society.” Federal Governments have invested considerable funding in helping unemployed people find work. They fund welfare payments, plus invest a lot with subcontractors such as Employment Plus to support people to find work once they are on welfare. There are also a number of contracts, the largest being with Workforce Australia. This mainstream program caters to around three-quarters of a million unemployed Australians. Employment Plus ranks as the fourth largest provider of this program nationwide. The second-largest contract, which they recently re-won, is called ‘Inclusive Employment Australia’ and focuses on helping people with disability. Beginning 1 November, no fewer than 175 new locations will open, with their caseload set to quadruple. The growth means Salvos will become the eighth largest generalist provider of services to people with a disability. “We are just in the throes of a frantic period of recruiting people and finding sites, made more difficult by getting just over a month’s notice on site sizes from the Department,” Graeme remarked. Some of the agency job seekers are First Nations people or refugees. Staff not only place people in jobs, but also work with them to ensure they have the skills, confidence and encouragement they need to succeed in the workplace. ( Image courtesy of UK Black Tech  unsplash.com ) The third-largest program is Parent Pathways, designed to help prepare parents re-entering the workforce when their youngest child turns six. Employment is not necessarily a target of that program, but it helps people get trained, build skills, and rebuild confidence. The Salvos have become the market leader of the program since it was launched last November. The fourth-largest program is a youth-focused initiative that goes to tender next year. It supports under-25s transitioning from school and studies into the real world of employment. The mission of Employment Plus may be straightforward, but its approach is what truly sets it apart. Great pride is taken in caring for their job seekers and providing a more caring, compassionate service than other providers in the sector. Supporting that claim, an anonymous staff survey found significantly higher levels of care and compassion in service delivery than in staff’s experiences with previous providers. The results spoke volumes. Employment Plus scored 7 out of 10 compared to 4.6 for the competitors. And more good news was to come. When job seekers were asked if they felt more supported at Employment Plus than with other providers they had liaised with, an overwhelming 82 per cent said yes. “We are seen to be a more caring organisation, a more supportive organisation than others,” Graeme remarked. “That’s what we bring to the party that is different to the other providers out there. There are around 200 other organisations that provide employment service support to job seekers.” With 40,000 job seekers on its caseload, Employment Plus’ reach is substantial. The mission of Employment Plus may be straightforward, but its approach is what truly sets it apart. Great pride is taken in caring more about their job seekers and providing a more caring and compassionate service than other providers in the sector. ( Images designed by Freepik excluding keyboard ) A staggering 60 per cent of the 40,000 people on Employment Plus’ caseload have been unemployed for two years or longer. “It is terrible,” he explained. “It is a massive increase over the last five years.” The Government launched an online platform to support job seekers closest to the job market, aiming to avoid referral to providers such as Employment Plus. However, it’s falling short. Many job seekers remain inactive on welfare for one to two years before reaching the Salvos or other providers, often with diminished confidence and motivation. “We support some of the most vulnerable people in Australia,” Graeme emphasised. “Many of our job seekers are experiencing multiple barriers, including mental health issues, poor literacy, addiction, domestic violence and homelessness, and many of them are single parents, CALD, ex-offenders, First Nations people or refugees. This means our staff are not just placing people in jobs, they are working with them to address these challenges, and to ensure they have the skills, confidence and encouragement they need to succeed in the workplace. This often involves seeking support from other mission expressions of the Army.”  Workplace dangers There is also a harsh reality to the agency’s work – assaults on staff. A recent incident resulted in two staff members being punched and kicked, requiring police attendance and urgent medical support after a frustrated job seeker violently attacked them. “That’s the worst I’ve heard in the time I’ve been here,” Graeme said. “I’ve heard many examples of laptops being thrown at our staff, people being punched, chairs being thrown through doors and windows, people being spat on, abused and threatened ... we get those almost weekly. So, what our people have to endure is really quite extreme, and it’s from people who are frustrated, upset, drugged up or just angry. We have job seekers who get frustrated when the Government cuts or suspends their payments. They blame us, the messengers, and get frustrated because they are unemployed, just down and out … we understand the pressures on job seekers, but being the punching bag for their frustration is a tough gig for our people.” Everything Employment Plus undertakes is guided by its vision of ‘Work for All. Hope for All’ and propelled by the above values. Compassion, care and empathy At the heart of Employment Plus is one defining quality: culture. “We have to look after our own team, our own staff,” he said. “I have been focusing on that very heavily since I started ... Our frontline staff are mistreated by job seekers, so a lot of them don’t last. Last year, the industry turnover increased to 47 per cent. Ours is down to 25 per cent. So, we’ve made a real effort to move staff on who bring an aggressive and hostile attitude to the workplace – and it seems to be working. Our retention rates are up, and the workplace is more relaxed and productive.” The second quality is the approach to job seekers. A brief to everybody who works in Employment Plus is clear: compassion, care and empathy for its client base. And the greatest challenge? “The biggest challenge is that the Government has made it more difficult to claim fees for the work we do,” he said. “There’s not a real lot of money left in employment services, certainly not in the mainstream program. We are advocating through the peak body with the Government, the Minister, and the department to rectify this…I’m hopeful they will understand and make the appropriate changes.” Advocacy is a top priority. The National Director remarked that the agency was one of the main voices among employment service providers and highlighted the game-changing advocacy role Employment Plus had taken on following the introduction of Workforce Australia. When a new IT system was implemented, it removed crucial functionality, dramatically increasing manual workarounds for frontline staff, increasing the time spent on administrative tasks from 25 to 55 per cent of their time, cutting into their ability to support job seekers effectively. Advocacy campaign The Employment Plus team responded with a powerful advocacy campaign. The agency convinced the committee undertaking a sector-wide review of employment services that fixing the broken IT system should be the most urgent recommendation in the report. Subsequently, the Government allocated $10.9 million to fix the system in the 2024 budget. This was the direct result of Employment Plus’s advocacy.  When it comes to the greatest reward for Graeme and his team, the answer lies in a simple and powerful truth. “Seeing life transformation,” he said. “An example is an Indigenous man with one child and a second on the way, who had not worked for over seven years. We worked with him, built his skills and confidence, helped with training, and eventually he got a job and is now financially independent.” Another story that has encouraged the team is of a staff member turning to the Christian faith. The young woman had experienced domestic violence in two separate relationships, which led her to become estranged from her family. As a result of the trauma, she developed a speech impediment and severe mental stress, eventually returning to her parents’ home in a different town.  But then came a turning point. The agency’s chaplain started working with her. “She actually found Jesus in the process," Graeme recalled. "She joined a church, left Employment Plus, joined the Salvos in the local town and is a part of a Bible group with the chaplain ... that’s a wonderful story about coming to Christ. When I hear these stories, especially the life turnarounds, that is the thing that gives me the biggest buzz – and that is why I am here.”  For more information, click here   Services for Employment Plus job seekers/Programs for job seekers.

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

Hurstville Corps’ Just Brass band played at the ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ event. Photo: Beth Shao BY BEN WANG*   Hurstville Corps recently hosted its second ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ event at Hurstville Plaza in southern Sydney, uniting diverse communities in a celebration of music, dance and prayer.   Building on the inaugural event held in 2023, this year’s gathering on Sunday, 12 October, drew participants from Chinese, Nepalese, Ukrainian, African, Filipino, Australian, and other backgrounds, reaffirming the theme of strength through diversity in the name of Jesus.   The event commenced with a lively performance by the Hurstville Corps’ Just Brass band, setting the tone for a day full of cultural showcases as hundreds of people passed through the plaza, many stopping to watch and listen.   Highlights included Chinese dragon dancing, Salvation Army brass band and timbrel routines, and traditional dances from various global communities. Attendees, many dressed in ethnic attire, joined in spontaneous group dances, creating a lively, festive climax. More than six different cultures were represented at Hurstville Corps’ recent ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ public event in southern Sydney. Photos: Beth Shao Information stalls highlighted Salvation Army services, including Moneycare financial counselling, Doorways social support, preschool children’s music programs, after-school activities, Just Brass, and a dedicated prayer tent.   The 2023 event marked a milestone as the first collaboration between a local Salvation Army Corps and the national CaLD (Cultural and Linguistically Diverse) team, with lessons shared nationwide to inspire similar gatherings.   The ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ concept has expanded nationally under Nuria Gonsalves, The Salvation Army’s CaLD Community Engagement National Lead.   “Today, as we revel in stunning performances from the Just Brass band to the Chinese dragon dancing, and more, we offer a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, performers, Georges River Council, and the multicultural organising team, whose tireless work echoes the Salvos' commitment to building belonging across Australia,” said Nuria on the day.   The ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ vision has flourished in Hurstville through Lieutenant Beth Shao’s dedicated implementation, fusing her enthusiasm with deep ties to the Chinese community – evident in vibrant festival celebrations. Under Major Judith Soeters’ steadfast leadership, the 2025 event delivered another memorable day of heart, harmony and hope, with the powerful gospel of Jesus once again proclaimed.   Nuria Gonsalves said that beyond the festivities, ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ served as an open invitation to the community: “If you’re looking for support, someone to talk to, or practical help, the Salvos are here for you. If you’re looking for a place to serve, to belong, and to make a difference, we welcome you to join us. Together, we can keep building bridges, extending helping hands, and fostering hope for everyone in our community.”   Councillor Ben Wang. *Councillor Ben Wang, an independent member of Georges River Council and Salvation Army Multicultural Ambassador since 2021, has played a key role in fostering the ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ vision. Working with Georges River Association (GRA) – a grassroots organisation supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities – Ben has led efforts including the Red Shield Appeal, Easter fundraising, digital door-knock campaigns, and family days. The Georges River Council has been a steadfast supporter of multiculturalism in the area, providing funding, resources, and promotion for initiatives that celebrate diverse communities, from cultural events to community grants that empower events like the ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ days.

What does it mean to live and serve in community with Jesus at the centre? In this video, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Australia, shares a heartfelt reflection on what it truly means to live in unity. Romans 12:5 reminds us that we are one body in Christ — every person matters, every voice counts. When we lean into that truth, amazing things happen, because together we are at our strongest.