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Colonels Lani and John Chamness are looking forward to serving in Australia. Hi everyone, ‌ I am delighted to share that Colonels John and Lani Chamness have now been granted their visas, and we expect them to arrive in Australia in early January. This is an answer to prayer, and we thank God for His perfect timing and provision. ‌ Until their arrival, John and Lani continue to serve remotely in their appointments: Colonel John Chamness as Chief Secretary and Colonel Lani Chamness as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers). ‌ John and Lani bring a wealth of experience and a deep love for God and His mission.   Originally from the USA Western Territory, they most recently served in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. John is passionate about the outdoors, and Lani is a gifted musician and writer who loves playing guitar, composing music and poetry, and capturing beauty through photography. If you missed it, you can see a short welcome message from them  here . ‌ ‌As we look forward to their arrival, let us continue to uphold them in prayer. We believe this new season will be marked by fresh vision and renewed strength. As Isaiah 43:19 reminds us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” ‌ Thank you for your grace and support as we prepare for this exciting new chapter together. ‌‌ ‌Bless you each,   Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Territorial Commander

The Salvation Army’s Sue Wynne (front left) with the volunteer team representing several charities preparing for the IGA Launceston City Community Christmas Day lunch  – (next to Sue): Gurpreet Gill (Catholic Care), Karen Crane (Benevolent Society) and Rod Spinks (community member); (back row) R ay Green (City Mission) and Matthew Conroy from Tas TAFE (who provides Drysdale Kitchen for the food preparation). Image  by Phillip Biggs © The Examiner/ACM.  BY LERISSE SMITH   For the residents of Launceston in Tasmania, Christmas Day signifies far more than just goodwill, gaiety and gifts – it’s a day when a festive table transforms community members into a united family.   What began as a simple idea shared by five local charities, including The Salvation Army, has grown into one of the city’s most cherished and heart-warming traditions: the IGA Launceston City Community Christmas.   “It is a very special event for the community,” said Sue Wynne, Lunch Volunteer Co-ordinator and Salvation Army Case Manager of Care Finder.   “One they really look forward to. Some people are vulnerable, homeless, new to the area, or simply without family nearby. Then there are other people who don't have relatives here. So, it’s for anyone. We get a real mixed bag of who comes along on the day.”   Some of the most powerful moments have come from simple, heartfelt comments from guests, Sue added, such as, “It has been my greatest Christmas ever”, and “This is the first time we’ve had Christmas with other people.”   For event organisers, moments like this confirm why the day exists.   The concept behind the lunch was uncomplicated, yet profound: a shared hope that everyone would feel seen and included at Christmas.   Joining forces a decade ago to run the event were five local charities – The Salvation Army, City Mission, Catholic Care, St Vincent de Paul and the Launceston Benevolent Society. Each year, about 100 volunteers step in to make it all happen at the special festive occasion. Pictured are the 2024 volunteers. Since that time, it has grown into one of the city’s most heart-warming traditions held at the Launceston Convention Centre, within the Door of Hope Church complex, filling the room with friendship, fellowship and food. These days, the event team caters for around 500 people between 10.30am and 2pm on Christmas Day.   About 350 guests enjoy a sit-down Christmas meal, with around 50 opting for the same meal, packed into takeaway containers from a van in the centre of the city, so they can celebrate quietly. Another 100 meals are served to volunteers so they can share in the day as well.   Each year, about 100 volunteers step in to make it all happen.   Around 50 volunteers act as table hosts, welcoming guests, guiding them to their seats, chatting with them, and lending a hand wherever needed. If someone arrives in a wheelchair or on crutches, volunteers will get their lunch, drinks and anything else that might make the day easier. Other volunteers assist with drinks, food preparation and other tasks. Volunteers often say they get just as much from the day as the guests do, Sue remarked, adding that many have been returning for years as the experience stays with them long after the tables are cleared.  “The volunteers just love it,” she said. “They say they get so much out of it. They are keen to come back each year. There’s a lot of them that have been coming for years.” A delicious buffet takes centre stage at the community lunch. Community members from all walks of life attend the annual event. Volunteers come from all walks of life – some in their 80s – with families often volunteering together, with some parents serving as table hosts and children also helping out in what often becomes a cherished family tradition. Volunteers serve the delicious buffet lunch to guests from large bain-maries, with a drinks table included in the festivities. About 15 people help prepare the food the day before and then cook the food on the day.  Entertainment forms part of the festive occasion too.   The local Mayor, Matthew Garwood, who was known as the ‘Tattooed Tenor’ years ago, has attended the lunch since it began with his wife, entertaining the guests with his singing talents and lifting the energy of the entire room.   An all-important guest arrives too: Santa.   Every child receives a present organised in advance based on their age, while older children receive a gift card.   Additional entertainment, filling the hall with laughter and cheer, includes children’s activities that Sue oversees in her role, such as a children’s corner with a vast array of Christmas crafts and lucky door prizes.   But running such a large event takes commitment. A visit by Santa is always a highlight for children. The organising group meets monthly all year, even gathering immediately after each Christmas to debrief and explore what can be improved. The organising committee pitches in throughout the year and does whatever needs to be done, with the collaboration between the five organisations extending beyond the lunch event to other events throughout the year.   IGA is a major supporter, donating around $17,000 worth of food annually, with several other local businesses also contributing to keep the tradition thriving.   Those who attend the festive lunch come from far and wide. One year, two full tables of fruit pickers from South Pacific islands attended – people far from home and family who found connection within the shared celebration.   With the rising cost of living, many guests have registered earlier than usual for this year’s lunch. However, no one is ever turned away on the day.   “Through everything we have been doing, we have noticed more people reaching out for assistance,” Sue reflected.   And one more special surprise greets guests: a free photo taken with Santa – something many families can’t afford in traditional settings like department stores.   “The involvement in yearly planning and participation on the actual day is an enormous privilege and absolute joy,” reflected Sue.   “Seeing the faces on the families as they enjoy a hearty meal, entertainment, children’s activities, and a visit from Santa is incredibly rewarding. New friendships are made – and some annual reunions have developed between both participants and volunteers.” For more infomation on International Volunteer Day, go to Volunteering Australia here UN Volunteers here MySalvos here Celebrating our volunteers Volunteers are at the heart of our mission. They bring hope, dignity and belonging to people in need, reminding us all that everyone matters. At The Salvation Army, we’re proud to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary impact volunteers have across our movement. Their dedication and compassion inspire us every day and strengthen our mission. To mark this occasion, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas shares a short video reflecting on the extraordinary impact of our volunteers and the love that compels them to serve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to the following officers on their promotion to the rank of Captain : Effective 26 November 2025 Lieutenant BJ Baillie Lieutenant Bethany Baillie Lieutenant Beth Shao Lieutenant Sarah Walker Effective 30 November 2024 Lieutenant Marika Haupt Lieutenant Min-Hwan Oh Lieutenant Henry Roehrig Lieutenant Sunny Seol    Lieutenant Paul Trotter  Effective 19 December 2024 Lieutenant Alison Templar Officers promoted to the rank of Major: Effective 5 December 2025 Captain Rachel Attard Captain Sean Attard Captain Monty Bhardwaj Captain Robert Champion Captain Peter Gott Captain Paul Lorimer Captain Robyn Lorimer Captain Manikya Mera Effective 12 December 2025 Captain Rebecca Gott Captain Nathan Hodges Captain Joanne Williams Effective 18 November 2024 Captain Adam Peterson  Effective 29 November 2024 Captain Laurel Cummins Captain Jacky Targett Captain Greg Turnbull    Captain Lynne Turnbull  Captain Karyn Wishart Captain Di Hobbs                Effective 6 December 2024 Captain Belinda Atherton Captain Dean Clutterbuck Captain Rhonda Clutterbuck Captain Karen Harrison  Captain Bindy Lupis Captain Marco Lupis   Captain Tara McGuigan  Captain Rick Moulder Captain BJ Moulder Effective 10 January 2025 Captain Jordan Innes Effective 11 January 2025 Captain Kate Baudinette

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

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