BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With the Thought Matters Conference coming up next month in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, the schedule has been announced, featuring many speakers who have never previously presented. This year’s topic, ‘Do not be anxious about anything’, drew more abstract submissions than ever before, according to Major Sandy MacDonald, who is coordinating for Australian delegates. With 41 submissions, the organisers were challenged to choose which ones would be accepted, as Sandy said there was only so much room to include presenters in the schedule. “It does show that the topic resonated quite widely, whether from the personal perspective or how it applies in faith settings, or … culture and community,” she said. Sandy said the selection panel also tried to balance the more purely theological or sociological papers versus lived experience ones and trying to ensure there was adequate of both. “It certainly wasn’t an easy process to come up with the list of accepted papers for the conference,” Sandy said. READ MORE: Registration for Thought Matters 2026 conference now open The abstracts to be presented include a very personal reflection on the work of Catherine Booth by Lieutenant Emma Howan, a Salvation Army New Zealand Area Officer who is living with incurable cancer, a reflection on colonial anxiety from TSA New Zealand’s Caroline Jewkes and an exploration of the mental health impacts of increasing social challenges in Samoa from Litia Manuāvai'a Pelefoti-Gibson. TSA Australia’s Major Melanie-Anne Wren, Captain Kris Halliday and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane are also presenting. (From left) TSA Australia’s Major Melanie-Anne Wren, Captain Kris Halliday and Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane, who are all presenting at Thought Matters. Due to the breadth of topics raised in this conference, the organisers, led by TSA New Zealand’s Major Stuart Tong have released a statement declaring the expectations of those engaging with the material. “Thought Matters conference is a safe and respectful space for theological conversation,” the conference organisers wrote. “It is expected that there will be a wide range of views expressed through papers and in responses from delegates. The aim of the conference is to explore ideas rather than convince others of the rightness or otherwise of any particular position. Therefore, we look for presenters who are able to articulate ideas in a respectful manner, allowing space for disagreement and discussion with others. We will also be selecting papers which represent diverse voices, methodologies, approaches, demographics and perspectives.” With registration closing on 30 September, organisers are urging delegates to secure their place. The conference will also be live-streamed for online attendees, and the link to access both options can be found here.

Each week through 2026, Salvationists around the world are uniting in prayer for the same territory or region of The Salvation Army. Prayer requests are shared by the territory/region to help us pray with precision and power for one another. This week (28 September-4 October) we are praying for the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. This territory has 513 officers (252 active, 261 retired); 6 aux-captains; 7 envoys; 16 cadets; 86 corps; 25 outposts; 4361 senior soldiers; 1395 adherents; 741 junior soldiers; 2152 employees. Commissioner Janine Donaldson leads the territory. Colonel Jennifer Groves is Chief Secretary. Commissioner Janine Donaldson (centre) and team with international leaders General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (right). The work of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory includes: Addiction support Food security Health services Modern slavery and human trafficking response Social housing Social services Chaplaincy Early childhood education. Prayer requests: Please pray for a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit across the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa Territory. Pray that we would be a people deeply rooted in Christ, courageously engaged in mission, and united in our commitment to care for people, transform lives, and reform society by Gods power. Pray for courage and grace across our four nations as we live out the Good News of Jesus Christ so that everyone can experience hope, wholeness and ongoing transformation – the fullness of life as God intended. Pray for vision and guidance as we seek to meet practical needs, share the hope of Christ, and serve our cities, towns, villages and communities with love. We give thanks for God's faithfulness and pray for wisdom, resilience and vision for leaders, officers, soldiers, adherents, employees and volunteers. Please pray for our children, youth, young adults and emerging leaders. Pray that God will raise up and equip a new generation of leaders. Pray for their continued spiritual growth, discipleship and mission awareness and responsiveness. Please pray that new candidates will emerge and be called into officership, so that we can lead God’s mission effectively and sustainably now, and into the future. Please pray for our AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) Addiction Services right across the territory, and especially our new services in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Pray that newly recruited teams will be equipped to serve, and that people accessing these services will experience transformation by God’s power, find freedom from addiction and step into a new life of hope and purpose in Christ. Fiji Please pray for our first Family Store set to open in Nadi. Pray that we will connect strongly and deeply with local hotels, embassies and donors. Please pray for the new work of The Salvation Army in Levuka and Korovou, Fiji. Please pray for the first ever territorial commissioning weekend being hosted in Fiji in December (usually in New Zealand). National dance is a strong Fijian tradition. Tonga Please pray for our 40th anniversary celebrations over the weekend of 2-4 October. Pray that Salvationists and friends may come together in unity to honour the goodness and faithfulness of God here in Tonga. Please pray for our Kindergarten Centre. Pray that every child nurtured through this ministry will grow in wisdom, character and joy. Pray that children may grow into leaders who will serve God faithfully into the future. The Alcohol and Drug Awareness team in Tonga. Samoa Please pray for the health, wellbeing and resilience of our small team. Each person plays a significant role, and when someone is unwell or absent, their absence is deeply felt. Pray for strength, encouragement, and wisdom as we continue to serve our communities faithfully. Please pray for strategic opportunities for growth and new community connection here in Samoa. Pray that God would open doors for meaningful partnerships as we seek to identify emerging needs within Samoa. Pray for the wisdom and and courage to respond effectively. Please pray for wisdom, provision and guidance as we explore future property development and new facilities. Our vision is to create a space that better supports our community services, church ministry, and AOD programmes, enabling us to serve people more effectively for years to come. New Zealand Pray for our ongoing bi-cultural partnership with Māori as we uphold and honour the Treaty of Waitangi. Pray for more Māori to take their rightful place as Salvation Army leaders and inspire the next generation. Please pray for our transitional and social housing services teams as they navigate the implications of the current cost of living crisis and rise in homelessness effecting struggling New Zealanders. Pray for safety and hope for these families and courage and compassion for those supporting them. Pray for the health and wellbeing of our senior Salvationists and retired officers. Pray for opportunities to pass on wisdom and engage in meaningful ways with younger Salvationists. Pray for unity and understanding as The Salvation Army continues to engage with an ever-changing world and traverse the challenges of the digital age for the sake of the gospel. To find out more about the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

The Salvation Army and partners celebrate the refurbishment and reopening of six new apartments in Brisbane for young women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. BY SIMONE WORTHING Six self-contained apartments from The Salvation Army’s youth housing stock in East Brisbane have been refurbished and transformed into contemporary homes for young women aged 17-22 who are building pathways towards stability, education and independence. Major Mark Everitt, Queensland Divisional Commander, with Stephanie Wilks (centre), General Manager - Social and Community Mission, and Kate Mills, CEO of the Property Industry Foundation. The six self-contained apartments and a shared youth hub, reopened earlier this month, will offer more than just a single-bedroom unit to their tenants. Through the provision of safe housing, trauma-informed support, case management, life skills development, community connection, and pathways to education, training and employment, young women will be supported by the Queensland Youth Services team to build the confidence, resilience and skills they need to thrive. “The architecture and interiors of the properties are thoughtfully designed and organised to ensure trauma and psychologically informed spaces that foster health and wellbeing,” said Rob Ellis, Queensland State Manager for Youth Services. “These design features include easy access to natural light and air quality, an abundance of plant life and an edible garden, opportunities for onsite exercise and physical activity, and communal spaces designed to enhance social connectedness among residents and Youth Services support staff such as a barbecue area. The Queensland Youth Services team will support young women in the apartments to build stable and independent lives. “The program provides a safe, supportive accommodation option while facilitating active engagement and participation in education and training until successful completion. “All participants are provided with living skills to successfully transition into and maintain independent housing within the community.” This work is made possible through a partnership between The Salvation Army, the Viertel Foundation and the Property Industry Foundation, giving young women experiencing or at risk of homelessness have the opportunity to build a bright new future. READ MORE: Social housing project opens in Toowoomba

Christie Lim with the Australian Women in Security award she received at a Gala Awards Night in Melbourne. BY MATT ALLENSBY The Salvation Army’s Christie Lim has been recognised for her commitment to creating opportunities for neurodivergent people to thrive, receiving the Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity Excellence Award at the 2026 Australian Women in Security Awards. As General Manager of Information Security and Governance for The Salvation Army Australia, Christie leads the organisation's approach to securing its information and systems. But it’s her commitment to people, particularly in creating opportunities for neurodivergent professionals, that earned her recent industry recognition. Christie received the Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity Excellence Award at the 2026 Australian Women in Security Awards at Crown Palladium in Melbourne on 1 September, an honour she described as an unexpected and humbling surprise. She was nominated by industry colleague Roma, whom she met in 2023 through Purple Team Australia, an initiative that supports women transitioning into cybersecurity careers. Christie participated in the program as a mentor representing Victoria. Roma nominated Christie after observing her work and hearing from others in the industry whom she had mentored and supported. “It was incredibly humbling to learn that someone had taken the time to recognise and advocate for me when I wasn’t expecting it,” Christie said. Creating opportunities for people to thrive A significant influence on Christie’s approach to neurodiversity was an earlier partnership with Auticon, a technology consulting organisation that employs autistic professionals and supports organisations in building more neuroinclusive workplaces. Through this experience, she gained a deeper understanding of the barriers neurodivergent people face when seeking employment and witnessed the strengths, dedication and unique perspectives autistic professionals could bring to an environment where they can thrive. During the partnership, Christie onboarded several Auticon consultants into cybersecurity roles and has since had the opportunity to watch them grow and develop their careers. One of those consultants, Matthew, attended the awards ceremony to support Christie. “It made the experience especially meaningful and reminded me why this work matters so much,” she said. Be open-minded and willing to try something different “You don’t need to be an expert in neurodiversity to make a meaningful difference. Start by listening, asking questions and being curious about how people work best,” Christie explained. Small adjustments can have a profound impact on an individual’s confidence, wellbeing and ability to contribute. Creating inclusive opportunities like this can profoundly affect someone’s life and career trajectory. On the night of the event, Christie was surrounded by colleagues, former team members, industry partners, and Matthew. Since receiving the award, she has also heard from peers who have shared their own experiences of neurodiversity, either personally or through people close to them. “Their stories touched my heart and motivate me to continue championing neurodiversity and creating opportunities for neurodivergent people to thrive,” she said.

Each month on Salvos Online, Rosy, the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, shares her thoughts and reflections on the spiritual issues that shape our lives as Christians, exploring how our faith intersects with our everyday experiences and how we can deepen our relationship with God. Today, writing on the eve of a youth and kids camp, Rosy introduces an initiative (SINEWS) that she hopes young people will build into their lives as they embark on a Jesus-centred life. As I write this, we are in the calm before the storm of the Victoria Youth and Kids Camp; campers will arrive in just over an hour, with around 300-something people on the Phillip Island site, including our leaders. I remember four years ago, when my husband Scott and I first moved to Australia, and he took up his role as Youth Secretary, and only around 30 youth came to the first Victorian camp post-COVID. Although small, it was a really special time. As the years have passed, with growing connections and community, local expressions of mission and corps, consistent leadership investment, and our Salvos showing up daily for youth and children, we’ve continued to see greater trust, groups, and input as young people’s lives are touched and changed for the Gospel. This year’s camp, I will be preaching alongside a young friend of mine named Ella. Ella’s mother is an officer in Victoria, and Ella is a committed soldier and lover of Jesus, with a heart for mission and serving overseas. Me and Ella (right) getting ready to share at the Victoria Youth and Kids Camp. Ella and I will be leading the morning sessions at camp, and we’ve been spending the last few weeks checking in with one another, giving feedback on our sermons, messaging and praying for one another. Ella’s testimony that she’ll be sharing expands on the Scripture of Jesus calming the storm, when the disciples feared the boat would be overcome while Jesus slept. Ella shares her story of Jesus meeting her in the middle of one of life’s largest storms, and feeling God's peace as the waves came near and she cried out. Her story reminds me of Samuel Logan Brengle, The Salvation Army’s foremost holiness theologian, who wrote that pain, sorrow and bereavement had “thrown me back upon God” and deepened and purified his joy in God. I will be preaching on the calling of Levi. The Youth and Young Adults team and the Children’s team have speaker briefs that they give to speakers for their camps around the country, which means that every year, across every division that runs them (Tasmania’s camp has just been, with some of the leaders from there coming to this one, and some will be continuing on to Western Australia’s next week!), there is consistency in the teaching. We are centring on the territory’s rallying cry: Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed. The children have tied into the theme ‘The Way Maker’, which is part of The Way series that The Salvation Army has been running over the last year or so (focusing on the five themes of prayer, evangelism, discipleship, spiritual warfare and all Salvos on mission). My sermon on the calling of Levi explains that when Levi was in the tax collector’s booth, which represented an audacious treachery against his own people, as the Roman colonists were forcing them to pay tax on the land the colonists had taken from them, Jesus called him right then and there. He didn’t ask him about his beliefs or personal lineage. He simply said, “Come, follow me” ... and Levi did. I reflected on my own experience in the church and on the many times I, as a radical-looking wild young person, had been included or excluded from various things in the Christian church. But while sometimes followers of Jesus get it wrong, Jesus never does. Jesus always says, “Come and follow me”, and he never runs out of patience, and his grace never runs out of credit. A couple of months ago, I was at the What’s Next gathering in Queensland, a nationally run gathering, with every division inviting delegates who were faithful leaders where they were, to come away for a few days’ retreat to think about what’s next for them in terms of leadership potential in The Salvation Army. Traditionally, it has been a way to invite people into officership, which it still is, but it’s also expanding our view of vocational ministry, perhaps to include ministry or mission leaders locally. In all these gatherings across the territory, I keep coming back to the essential point that people come away from every meeting with us, every camp, every gathering, every conference, thrown back on God. I love fostering a love of Scripture that comes alive within them. Truly, it is the bread that gives life. It is the Gospel truth of old. It is Christ, the bread, that we must ‘eat’ daily. Something you may notice at a Salvation Army conference is an endless supply of food: breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, supper, dessert. I imagine that, in those same intervals, if we shared Scripture every time we ate, memorising a new word together, we might not feel so spiritually starved, malnourished, or anxious if we ate the bread that gives life. This isn’t said to incite shame or to enforce disciplines that crush or repress, but we, as a church, are sometimes prayerless and wordless. When I was reflecting with my reverse mentor (a young person mentoring an older person), they said that prayer, in and of itself, is not the endgame. It’s talking to God. I had this idea or metaphor: imagine if I thought I had a best friend, but it turned out they were just using me to practise their English? I would be so gutted. And I just realised that sometimes we might look at or treat our talk or teaching about prayer the same way. Prayer should be a conversation that leads to greater understanding and a relationship with God, not just getting better at prayer or checking off that we have ‘talked’! I have been guilty of this many times. Maybe our Christian walk is like a watch. Watches need to run, not just for the sake of activity, but to tell the right time. There is an objective ‘right’ way to be in the ‘timezone’ you’re in, based on a shared agreement about the land you’re on, dictated by something higher than our own feelings or ideals (I wonder what the spiritual equivalent of ‘daylight savings’ is?!) Our Christian community, embedded in our local ministry and mission and part of the evangelical Christian Body of the Church internationally, should help us discern the right time spiritually, communally and personally. We need to tune up, check in, and make sure we’re on track: being discipled and discipling others, maintaining accountable relationships in life groups, and cultivating an intimate prayer life with God. Introducing SINEWS Something I’m looking to introduce in the coming days, weeks, months, or years, when I find the right landing for it, is SINEWS, which stands for Scripture, Intimacy, Neighbours, Eating, Witness and Sabbath. Scripture: Reading the Scripture daily, eating it. Intimacy: The intimate knowledge of God and other believers, where we are truly seen and truly known. Neighbours: Being involved in our community and wherever we are or serve, genuinely knowing our neighbours beside us. Eating: Sharing one meal with others once a week, if possible. Witness: Looking for opportunities to speak about God, see God in others and be witnessed to ourselves. Sabbath: Finding days, practices, and rhythms of daily and weekly rest. “Thus, saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: and I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (Ezekiel 37:5-6, 10 KJV) All of this is to say that, as I know the approaches of hundreds of children and young people to descend on the camp, my prayer is that they would find the sinews we see in the calling of the valley of dry bones: the prophetic utterance that the bones would form a mighty army, and that the word of God to them would be sinews wrapped around them, together, so that they can stand and fight. I’m sure that if you’re reading this, you would want this for yourself too. Leave a comment below with what you’re thinking as you read this, especially how you keep your spiritual watch and spiritual time, so we can be encouraged. And if you have any other ideas on how SINEWS could be lived out, I’m all ears! READ MORE: Find all Rosy’s Spiritual Life columns here.

Keynote speaker Reverend Joel Mestry addresses participants at the 20-Year Officer Service Seminar. Forty-one Salvation Army officers of the Australia Territory representing seven sessions of officer graduates gathered in Mooroolbark, Victoria, in late August to celebrate completing 20 years of faithful ministry and service. The 20-Year Officer Service Seminar, hosted by Colonel Lani Chamness (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development), offered a powerful three-day retreat. Officers were deeply refreshed and strengthened through a meaningful time of fellowship, prayer, testimonies, teaching, and worship. Major Jo Brookshaw, Corps Officer at Waverley Temple, painted a stunning landscape mural for the seminar that sparked deep conversations and allowed officers to creatively articulate the highs and lows of their unique ministry journey in Spirit-led ways. Major Jo Brookshaw’s mural that was on display during the seminar. Joining the participants were Colonel John Chamness (Chief Secretary), Major Kim Haworth (Assistant Chief Secretary – Mission) and Major Stuart Glover (Assistant Chief Secretary – Strategy, Performance and Projects). They shared their experiences of serving God in ministry, along with stories of encouragement, and their joint vision and hopes for the newly launched national strategy for transformation: Holistic Integrated Mission. The keynote speaker, Reverend Joel Mestry (Associate Pastor at Donvale Presbyterian Church), offered further wisdom and insight as he spoke candidly and compassionately about the joys and challenges of pastoral ministry. Feedback received from participants about the event was very encouraging: “It was a blessing to come together and look back on our last 20 years and see the amazing faithfulness of our God.” “It was a blessing to be with sessional mates: good food and spiritual renewal.” “Your prayers and preparation that went into this were very evident. This has been just right!” It is hoped that the next 20-Year Officer Service Seminar will take place in 2028. (From top) Arseny Ermakov (Eva Burrows College lecturer), a gift presented to participants on the last day of the conference as a memento of their service achievement and time together, Reverend Joel Mestry (keynote speaker) chatting with officers, Colonel Lani Chamness and Darlene Murray (Officer Personnel Secretary - Qld).

Through Salvos EPlus Local, many refugees and asylum seekers are securing jobs including landscaping, administration, and delivery driving. (Photos: Pexels - Gustavo Fring, Keira Burton, Kindel Media) A pay cheque is only the beginning. For someone rebuilding their life in a new country, a job is more than income – it’s a pathway to economic independence, stability and belonging. It’s also a powerful source of hope. Through the Salvos EPlus Local program, that hope is being turned into action for many refugees and asylum seekers – changing life trajectories, turning barriers into breakthroughs, and building confidence for new beginnings. In her ongoing series on The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus agency, Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH spoke with Paul Green, General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships, about why creating positive, inclusive employment pathways is changing lives for those often unseen and unheard in the community. There’s one moment Paul Green never tires of seeing. It’s a moment that captures the true meaning of a fresh start. It’s the moment an asylum seeker or refugee has money in their pocket earned through their own “blood, sweat and tears”, achieving economic independence along with a renewed sense of pride and self-esteem. “The smile and the independence that you see on people’s faces is what gives me an enormous amount of joy,” reflects Paul. “It’s about seeing people achieve economic independence. The pride and self-esteem lift when they’ve got money in their pocket that they’ve earned through their own blood, sweat and tears. It’s also about recognising ‘It’s my money and I can go and spend it how I like’.” Paul Green, General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships, says creating positive, inclusive employment pathways is changing lives for asylum seekers and refugees. But the impact doesn’t stop with a job. “We’ve got quite a few emails and responses from people who have just been so grateful and so thankful,” he says. “We’ve changed their lives.” And that is the driving force behind the EPlus Local program – a life-changing initiative that meets a vital need by helping refugees and asylum seekers overcome barriers, find pathways into employment and build a future in Australia. Born out of the Auburn Corps in Sydney in 2018, the program began after the corps recognised that many people from migrant backgrounds, classified as refugees or asylum seekers, were struggling to survive because they were ineligible for government programs or benefits and needed some form of income. The local corps invested in part-time support and engaged with Employment Plus to get the program off the ground. Today, that small beginning has grown into a thriving program supporting communities across two states in Australia. It operates across Parramatta and Merrylands in Sydney, as well as Dandenong, Epping, and Craigieburn in Melbourne, with the program’s objective to support refugees and asylum seekers on the pathway to employment. Yet finding employment is only one part of the journey – first, many barriers must be overcome. Some of the major barriers are around language, specifically English proficiency. EPlus Local staff will connect clients with English language courses and other relevant services to help build their confidence and communication skills. The Salvos EPlus Local program is changing the trajectory of lives, turning barriers into breakthroughs, and building confidence for new beginnings. (Photo: Mads Terkelsen, Pexels) The program’s bespoke approach, tailoring support to each individual’s circumstances, also includes help with housing, transport, and connections to other community services where needed. “What we find is that the settlement services in Australia are inundated, and they just can’t deal with and respond to all of the needs,” Paul remarks. “So, we pick up a lot that fall through the cracks, focussing particularly on employment.” The scale of that need is reflected in the numbers. Over the past year, EPlus Local supported 454 participants, with 254 new commencements and 157 people placed into employment. Another 234 people were connected with The Salvation Army and additional services including housing, support with domestic violence, alcohol and other drug services, food and furniture. The team also works alongside 35 community partners, many of them multicultural organisations. “There is a huge need out there, a huge demand,” Paul says. “Many of our referrals come from The Salvation Army services who they connect with corps, or some other services. Referrals go both ways. They come from services to us, and we might then refer them to other services.” The opportunities created through the program span industries and backgrounds. Employment opportunities cover a wide range of sectors. They include delivery driving, landscaping, gardening, home cleaning services, administration, reception, sales, marketing and aged care. Born out of the Salvos Auburn Corps in Sydney in 2018, the EPlus Local program began after the corps recognised many people from migrant backgrounds who were classified as refugees or asylum seekers were struggling to survive because they were not eligible for government programs or benefits and needed some form of income. (Photo: RDNE Stock project, Pexels) For some participants, delivery work provides an important first step. “Most don’t do that long term,” Paul explains. “They just really need money, and that gets them started, and then money goes straight into their pocket from each delivery they do. In the meantime, we’re looking for something more permanent and more akin with their skills.” For many, the pathway forward also means overcoming the challenge of having overseas experience that isn’t immediately recognised. That pathway can be challenging, particularly when people arrive with qualifications – sometimes highly advanced qualifications – and experience that are not recognised in Australia. Formal qualifications can be costly to have accepted in Australia. A diverse range of employers across a range of industries have employed EPlus Local clients from National Aluminium and Garden Plastics to Mainland Receptions, DoorDash, Vivo Energy and aged care provider, Mecwacare. The right connection can often make all the difference. A key factor in connecting people with the right employment opportunity is placing people in their own communities. “If they’re from Vietnam, for example, and they speak Vietnamese, then we try to connect them into that community, and we generally find you’ll get employment support,” he says. “It’s not always the way, but it’s often what we do as a focus to leverage connection with communities that help with language and getting them started.” For refugees and asylum seekers, employment is often just one piece of rebuilding a life. Many people arriving from Afghanistan and other war-torn countries have experienced significant trauma. “That’s one of the things that has to be addressed up front because ultimately someone with that level of trauma is very difficult to place and, in many respects, struggling and suffering,” Paul adds. To help the migrants, the program works alongside other social services, including Salvos Doorways, and to focus on their community where they have supports. The difference EPlus Local makes is often best seen in the stories of the people it supports. One client from Myanmar illustrates EPlus Local’s tailored approach. His wife and son were still overseas when he arrived in Australia. After illness, job loss and accommodation problems led to a decline in his mental health and hospitalisation, EPlus Local supported his recovery, helping him return to his former job, secure accommodation and access a vehicle. Today, the client is happier and more positive about the possibility of having his wife and son in Australia. To read this story about Ben, click here. But despite these successes, many refugees and asylum seekers continue to face significant challenges and misconceptions. They are often misunderstood, struggle to assimilate into the Australian community – and are not made to feel welcome. That is where The Salvation Army comes in, says Paul, offering a place where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed, supported and given the chance to start again. Looking to the future, the ambition is simple: to reach more people with the support they need to rebuild their lives. “Every person who walks through the doors of EPlus Local carries a unique story, often marked by loss, uncertainty, and resilience,” Paul remarks. “Through practical assistance, community connection and employment pathways, The Salvation Army is helping turn those stories into new beginnings. And for refugees and asylum seekers seeking a fresh start in Australia, that can change everything. “We’re trying to expand in any way, shape, or form. And that’s a challenge – trying to find funds to expand because it’s a program that’s not funded by government. The program is funded by The Salvation Army, and the resources are not finite. We’re trying to find philanthropic funds. But that’s the dream – to expand the program and offer more services across the country.” For more information on EPlus Local, click here. READ MORE: A day in the life of an Employment Plus consultant READ MORE: Tattoos, transformation and trust

With the help of The Salvation Army, Ben has been able to resume his career in welding. Photo: Christopher Burns on Unsplash BY LERISSE SMITH Ben, a highly skilled welder with over 40 years of experience, has triumphantly secured employment in Merrylands after facing years of unemployment and multiple challenges. Since migrating to Australia eight years ago, Ben has struggled to find work because of his age, limited English proficiency, and the difficulty of navigating local recruitment processes, despite holding internationally recognised qualifications. Employers often sought candidates with recent Australian experience, leaving him at a disadvantage. Financial hardship added to his burden, with very limited access to food and transport. Support from Employment Plus Local transformed Ben’s prospects. Employment Consultant Noora provided personalised, intensive assistance, including Korean language support through professional interpreters to ensure clear communication. Together, they developed an Australian-style resume that effectively showcased his welding skills and experience. Ben was also referred to immediate employment opportunities and received ongoing coaching and motivation. The Salvation Army’s support services addressed his urgent needs with emergency food relief and community meals. Chaplain Jisook Wunderlich offered cultural guidance and connected him with Korean-speaking employers and networks, easing his adjustment and helping him complete online employment inductions despite language and technology barriers. Volunteering with CASS Care Ltd gave Ben valuable local workplace experience and confidence, while Jesuit Refugee Service Food Bank ensured continued access to essential food during his job search. On 20 June 2026, Ben began his new role as a welder, marking a new chapter in his life. Post-placement support from Employment Plus continues, helping him settle into his job and maintain progress. Paul says this success story highlights how a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach, combining one-on-one employment support, emergency relief, community connections, and ongoing follow-up, can overcome layered barriers and enable mature-age skilled migrants to re-enter the workforce and regain financial stability. READ MORE: When a job is more than income

Major Andrew Lee’s current appointment as Australia Territory Projects Officer THQ is rescinded and he will be appointed fulltime to serve alongside his wife, Major Manuela Castaldo, as Corps Officer of Limitone-Cappelluccia Corps and Guesthouse Villa Speranza - Potenza in the Italy and Greece Territory, effective 1 October 2026. ‌ We assure Majors Andrew and Manuela of our prayers as they serve together and pray God’s blessing upon them. May they continue to experience God’s grace and guidance as they serve, confident in His faithfulness and unfailing love.

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

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

BY CLAUDIA CUMMINS In 2007, General Shaw Clifton, then international leader of The Salvation Army, called on the movement to establish an International Day of Prayer for victim-survivors of human trafficking. Since then, the day has been observed globally each September, reflecting a growing recognition of one of the world’s most hidden human rights violations. At the same time, Major Paul Moulds, who was leading The Salvation Army’s Social Services Department in the Australian Eastern Territory, was exploring emerging areas of need where The Salvation Army could make a meaningful difference. As awareness grew that slavery and human trafficking were occurring within Australia, it became clear that a dedicated response was urgently needed. Reflecting on that time, Major Moulds recalls: “I knew The Salvation Army must do something about it. So, we began researching and listening and learning as much as we could. This included becoming involved in an anti-trafficking taskforce in Sydney that was meeting to create collaborative service responses for people impacted by trafficking and slavery. There we learnt there was an urgent need for specialised, safe emergency accommodation, particularly for women who were victims of human trafficking.” The Salvation Army operated a women’s refuge in the heart of Sydney, and in response to the identified gap, one floor of the service was repurposed and dedicated as a specialised refuge for 10 women recovering from trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices. In late 2008, Australia’s first Safe House for survivors of modern slavery was opened. Demonstrating a strong commitment to this specialised work, The Salvation Army initially funded the service from its own resources and recruited Jenny Stanger, who brought international experience supporting survivors of human trafficking, to establish and lead the new program. In late 2008, Australia’s first Trafficking and Slavery Safe House was officially opened by Tanya Plibersek, then Minister for Housing and Minister for the Status of Women. Bold advocates over the years – (from left) Jenny Stanger (in 2008), Major Paul Moulds and General Shaw Clifton, who was promoted to glory in 2023. Meeting a hidden need When the Safe House first opened, public understanding of modern slavery in Australia was limited. Human trafficking was often viewed narrowly through the lens of sexual exploitation, while other forms of exploitation remained largely invisible. As awareness grew and frontline workers became better equipped to identify exploitation, the diversity of experiences among survivors became increasingly apparent. Women were referred to the Safe House after experiencing trafficking, domestic servitude, debt bondage and forced labour in settings ranging from private homes and family businesses to commercial workplaces. The more outreach the service did, the more referrals which were received. In those early years, almost all residents were migrants to Australia. Many spoke little English, had uncertain visa status, and were ineligible for income support or other government assistance. Most faced complex legal, migration and recovery journeys. Survivors often arrived with significant unmet health needs, including injuries, chronic health conditions, and untreated medical or dental concerns. Many had gone without access to healthcare for months or even years. In response, the Safe House developed partnerships with healthcare providers committed to delivering trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. It quickly became evident that survivors of modern slavery required a different model of support than traditional crisis accommodation services. The systemic barriers many people experience has meant that longer-term support was often required to achieve stability. Many women remained at the Safe House for 12 months or longer as they navigated complex systems and built safety and recovery again. The development of the transitional housing program provides a stepping stone to long-term housing by supporting survivors with navigating independent housing pathways and increasing their knowledge and confidence in tenancy-related goals. A survivor-centred model From the beginning, the Safe House recognised that meaningful recovery required more than safe accommodation. The service developed around a survivor-centred model focused on safety, dignity, choice and empowerment. Twenty-four hours access to specialist workers through extended staffing or on-call support provided support to survivors managing ongoing safety concerns, trauma, isolation and unfamiliarity with Australian services and community systems. Recognising the need for specialist trauma recovery support led to the early engagement of a Safe House consultant psychologist, who provided therapeutic support to residents and guidance to staff on culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. This laid the foundation for the therapeutic approach that continues to underpin the service today, combining complex case management with opportunities for healing, connection and recovery. Today the service compliments traditional goals-focused case management with staff and survivor-led activities aimed at supporting the healing journey, for example the therapeutic art program. Today activities such as therapeutic art programs, group initiatives and community-building opportunities have become important elements of the recovery journey. Community connection has also been a defining feature of the service. Through chaplaincy, volunteers, peer support opportunities and culturally inclusive activities, the Safe House has helped reduce the profound isolation many survivors experience. Friendships and new support networks have often emerged, extending well beyond a resident’s stay. One resident described the impact of the service this way: “I have hope again to survive, to have independent life again. It’s not easy but it's possible to survive. My mental health is more stable now than before the first time I came to the Safe House. I know how to regulate my emotions. “I think this program will be helpful for someone who doesn’t have experience living independent life before. I think this can be an inspiration. “I feel safety here at The Safe House, but at the same time I feel freedom.” The Salvation Army’s Safe House service model is flexible. This enables supporting survivors in a needs-based way, especially for those who may have had no other options accessible to them. This support flexibility has been extended to include people who may not be eligible for other modern slavery supports or who were highly vulnerable to worsening exploitation, adopting an early intervention approach to escalating harm. This survivor-centred approach has remained one of the service’s defining strengths. Restoring rights and agency The experience of modern slavery is fundamentally a violation of human rights. For this reason, restoring choice and autonomy has always been central to Safe House practice. “The Safe House team make sure they name the violence and human rights violations a person has experienced as part of their casework engagement. This supports survivors to take time to reflect on what concepts such as self-determination, agency, choice, freedom, boundaries mean to them. This is a key part of their recovery journey and the journey looks different for each individual depending on their culture, values, belief systems,” said Melina Matthia, Safe House Program Manager. Building understanding and confidence to exercise rights is foundational to Safe House casework, which has always included exploration of human rights, employment rights, relationship rights and socio-cultural rights. This knowledge empowers survivors to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves long after they leave the service. As one resident reflected, “Case workers at The Safe House helped me to understand if someone touches you without your consent, I can report this. My case worker helped me to report to police and showed me how to do that in the future. Before this I did not know about this. Now if that happens again, I know what to do in the future.” The cornerstone of a national movement While the Safe House was established to provide refuge and support, its influence has extended far beyond its walls. Over nearly two decades, the lessons learned through supporting survivors have informed an expanding range of Salvation Army anti-slavery initiatives across Australia. The Safe House became the foundation upon which broader prevention, advocacy, education and systems-change efforts were built. In 2011, The Salvation Army established Freedom Advocates, an innovative initiative focused on survivor leadership, advocacy and peer mentorship. This work laid important foundations for the Lived Experience Engagement Program and contributed to the establishment of Australia’s first Survivor Advisory Council to government in 2022. In 2014, the Freedom Partnership program expanded efforts to prevent exploitation through community education, awareness raising and sector training. Initiatives included workplace rights education for groups vulnerable to exploitation, such as regional agricultural workers and international students. Today, training frontline workers and community organisations remains a critical strategy for improving identification of modern slavery across Australia. The Freedom Network further strengthened this movement by bringing together faith leaders from diverse religions and denominations to stand united against slavery and exploitation. Insights from Safe House practice and the expertise of survivors have informed policy submissions, consultations, roundtables and advocacy efforts that helped build momentum toward the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Commonwealth) and continue to shape responses today. Advocacy for social justice is part of The Salvation Army’s core mission, and since the Safe House’s establishment in 2008, The Salvation Army has grown a movement towards ending modern slavery across Australia. The Safe House has pioneered a survivor-centred model of care built on safety, dignity, healing, community and the restoration of choice. Since its inception, the service has supported hundreds of survivors in a residential and outreach capacity, while providing the knowledge, partnerships and lived-experience insights that have shaped broader anti-slavery responses across Australia. *Claudia Cummins is the National Family Violence and Modern Slavery Specialist for The Salvation Army Australia, and former manager of the Safe House.