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BY GENERAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM   It was a good Saturday. Or was it? Truthfully, it could have been disastrous. It certainly did not look good in the beginning. I suffered a heart attack. Seems it was quite a significant episode; frightening for Bronwyn and, yes, deeply troubling for me. Was this it? Had my time come? Is this how the Lord was calling me home? What about the kids and the grandkids? What about Bronny? What about my ministry? I still had things that needed to be done. This was not a good Saturday. It was awful, frightening, dark and scary.   And yet, yes, as it happens, it was a good Saturday. As I reflect on that day last October, I celebrate the miracles of that scary day. The right people intervening at the right time. Christian concern that led to action. A beautiful Salvationist nurse whose friend was a Christian cardiologist. A life-saving intervention and even a promise from God himself that all will be well. God’s timing was perfect. His providence abundant. So, as I reflect and look deeper into the events that transpired, I have come to the conclusion that it was a good Saturday after all.   I remember as a young junior soldier being perplexed by the use of the word ‘good’ in the Easter story. Good Friday – the day they crucified Jesus. How can that possibly be described as good? I mean, let’s not sugar-coat it. It was a horrible day. A day of unjust conviction, brutal torture, of unrelenting pain and suffering. The cross, a weapon of the devil, used against the Lamb of God. Horrifying, ugly and unforgivable. But if, without excusing the events of the day, we look deeper, we actually witness God himself in action. God meets the manifestation of pure evil represented by a physical cross, with all its brutality, with the redeeming love that conquers evil, sin and, yes, death itself. He turns an ugly Friday into an exceptionally ‘Good Friday’ indeed. Eternal life is not only duration, but also dimension. It is a life infused with the presence of God, and it begins the moment we place our trust in Jesus.   Understand this: whatever else was going on, Jesus himself was motivated by love. He went to the Cross out of love for all humanity; out of love for you and for me. In his Letter to the Romans, Paul wrote: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV ). Christ demonstrated the extent of God’s love for all of us by taking upon himself the sin of the world. On this Friday, Jesus was motivated by love. The truth is, God loves us, and Jesus is the proof.   The writer to the Hebrews asks the question: “... how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?’ (Hebrews 2:3 NIV ). The prophet Isaiah wrote: “...by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV ). It is a mystery for sure. In some mysterious and divine way, the events of Good Friday hold the key to our own healing, our forgiveness, our salvation and our adoption. The atonement makes possible our being embraced by Almighty God himself. Jesus, motivated by love, makes possible our restoration, redemption and reconciliation. We are healed; we are saved. We are loved.   It can be difficult to see the events of Good Friday as triumphant, but that is exactly what it is. First, it is a triumph for Jesus. He was faithful and obedient, even to death on the Cross. “It is finished,” he declared (John 19:30 NIV ). I have completed my mission. It is done. The power of sin and death is defeated.   Second, the triumph of Calvary is the defeat of evil. In Jesus’ victory over sin and evil, his ‘triumph’ becomes our triumph as well. Because we live on this side of the Resurrection, we are able to celebrate our Lord’s vindication. He conquered death and lives forevermore. His victory becomes ours. It was Jesus himself who said: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26 NIV ).   Jesus acknowledges the reality of physical death but goes on to declare that death does not have the final word over those who, by faith, belong to him. This means death is no longer a wall, but a doorway. It has lost its ultimate power and its terror, and it cannot sever a person from the life Jesus gives. Eternal life is not only duration, but also dimension. It is a life infused with the presence of God, and it begins the moment we place our trust in Jesus.   Turns out, it was a very ‘Good Friday’ indeed!   My prayer for each of you is that you will be captivated by, and experience for yourselves, the reality of God’s love for you, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of the world.   God bless you. WATCH MORE: General Lyndon Buckingham’s Easter message: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18A3K7UJ7Q/ or click here on YouTube

1. What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it?   For the past seven years, my wife, Leanne, and I have been appointed to Southern Downs Corps. The corps is about two hours west of Brisbane and includes expressions in Allora, Stanthorpe and Warwick. The thing we find most satisfying is our Saturday afternoon service called the Gathering. It starts at 4pm and includes a 45-minute chapel service followed by a meal. We currently have about 60-70 people attending this service, and most of these people are new to the army. It is great doing life with them and helping them in their Christian journeys.   As of 30 March, Richard has taken up an appointment as Team Leader at Streetlevel Mission – Logan (Queensland Division).   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   I love to watch sport, and in particular rugby league. I am a long-suffering St George supporter. I also do Lego, and in the new place we live in, I have my own Lego room otherwise, known as my office!   3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   I really like ‘10,000 Reasons’ by Matt Redman. Often, we have to stop and look at how good our God is and how much he has done for us. In the stopping, it helps me to reset and be grateful to God for his abundance.    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?   My favourite would probably be David. He was a man who made mistakes and was full of remorse for what he had done wrong. God chose to forgive him and use him in mighty ways. I love the way he expresses that in the Psalms. I like people who live their lives authentically.   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say?   My officer journey is a bit different. I spent two years as an officer at Tweed Heads, then married my wife and spent over 20 years as an employee of The Salvation Army through the Tweed Heads Corps. I was happy doing lay work and being involved in the life of Tweed Corps, but I felt a stirring from God to commence full-time service again. I can honestly say that the last 12 years have been the most fulfilled I have felt in ministry. I love doing life with people and journeying with them. I have had so many opportunities to use my gifts in the last seven years, particularly in my current appointment. So, I would definitely say step out and see what our God can do.    More information on Salvation Army officership can be found  here . *Meet the Officer interviews are conducted by  Salvos Online  journalist Lerisse Smith

Chief of Staff Edward Hill and Commissioner Shelley at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. This past week, Salvation Army leaders from across the world, including Australia's Commissioner Miriam Gluyas , gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for the International Conference of Leaders (ICL). The ICL presents leaders a chance to reflect, discuss, pray and discern the next steps for the global movement. The event, which concluded on 28 March, featured conversations with leaders about their reflections on the conference, and how they believe the ICL’s talks will shape the future of The Salvation Army. One such conversation was with Chief of Staff Commissioner Edward Hill, and World Secretary of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill. “I think that we’ve engaged honestly, courageously [and] respectfully on big issues facing The Salvation Army, what I would call existential issues facing The Salvation Army,” Commissioner Edward Hill said. “There’s been a great spirit in the room. I’m very encouraged because I think it bodes well for the future of our great Salvation Army … that we can do even greater things as we focus on people, mission and legacy.” To watch the full video, see below. On the final day of the International Conference of Leaders 2026, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) also reflected on the spirit of unity evident at the Conference, the qualities needed for the next generation of leaders, and the ongoing work to remove barriers for women in leadership across the global Salvation Army. To watch the full video, see below. To view more photos, videos and information from the ICL, see here .

Lieutenant Dave Bruford is overseeing a transformation of the Devonport Corps through community-related midweek programs. BY LAUREN MARTIN   Lieutenant Dave Bruford and his wife, Lydia, are the youngest people in their Sunday congregation at Devonport   Salvation Army, in northern Tasmania. But God is doing a beautiful work amongst children and families at their corps throughout the week, and they are excited and expectant to see the Holy Spirit’s fruit.   “I do not believe that our model of church works in today’s society, particularly in our regional area,” says Dave – a Salvation Army officer who’s quick with a smile. “The people we connect with in small groups and our connect spaces, they don’t feel like they can come to church, but they can come to a small group or connect space. It’s almost like God is planting something new.   “We are seeing our Sunday faith community partner with what’s happening by joining in prayer for our Pathway of Hope pilot and as we explore where the Holy Spirit is leading us.” Lieutenant Dave Bruford says the Devonport Corps’ main focus is to create faith pathways. Devonport Salvos is a bustling corps, with dozens of families connected through The Salvation Army Australia trial of Pathways of Hope, a program successful in the United States that supports families of children from newborn to 12 years old. Its Doorways parenting team works in the corps to provide personalised casework support, alongside corps-based programs, like the weekly ‘Smart Cookies’ club (see story here ) . Families are also supported through the corps’ Salvo Connect space, which provides food relief and connection. A prayer wall in that space provides a faith pathway for community members to post prayer requests and take a prayer home with them.   “What does a discipleship pathway look like from that space?” Dave asks, “It’s a long journey, but we have been doing little bits and pieces ... I have had a few people from Salvo Connect journey through the Positive Lifestyle Program, and they’re still connected, but they’re not yet made a commitment. We also have people starting to read the Bible for the first time.”   A community garden on site is another opportunity for Dave and his team to walk alongside community members, do life together, and have chats.    “It’s a slow process, but God is at work.”  And, despite not having a kids program during Sunday’s gathered worship, this year  Devonport Salvos has invited a number of children who have  become connected to the corps through the Smart Cookies program to a Salvos Kids Holiday Program to be held during the school holidays. The Devonport Salvation Army prayer wall provides a faith pathway for people accessing the building during the week. “We have the opportunity to disciple these young kids from a perspective of not a ‘church’ situation but authentically being Jesus to these families [who are connected through Smart Cookies and Pathways of Hope]. We just don’t know what that looks like yet.”   There is optimism for the future at Devonport Salvos.   “What I am most excited about for this year is seeing families find a safe place to connect with us as The Salvation Army,” says Dave. “Sometimes we never see the fruit of our labour, and that’s ok, but we know and stand firm in the knowledge of knowing that God is at work, and that work in the harvest field is not in vain.”   Please keep Devonport Salvos in your prayers as they live, love and fight alongside their community.

Major David Collinson (second from left) led the 2026 Easter Reflection at Salvos Stores Tempe in Sydney on Tuesday.  BY LAUREN MARTIN   Corps officers, mission leaders and volunteers are bringing the love of Jesus to Salvos Stores across the country this week in the lead-up to Easter.   Presenting an Easter Reflection based on the Australia Territory’s ‘Unshakeable Love’ holy week theme, store staff, volunteers and customers are gathering to hear about the true meaning of Easter – that Jesus died so that we can live.   With small props of a cross, a heart and a hollow Easter egg, people in stores are invited to consider that there is a loving God who is always with us.  A hollow Easter egg in front of a cross and a heart reminded those gathered at Salvos Stores Sutherland that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. Those presenting the reflection also ask those who don’t yet know Jesus if they want to accept him as their saviour: “You might have already accepted this gift of life and purpose. Today, you can thank Jesus for his gift of life and ask him to help you experience life in all its fullness, now and forever. If you don’t know Jesus as your friend, you might like to invite him into your life today. You can ask him to be close to you and to show you the full life that he talked about.”   Major David Collinson, Salvos Stores Executive Officer for Mission, says this is the third year that stores across Australia have held an Easter reflection, and it is part of a commitment by the mission enterprise to boldly show the public that Salvos Stores is part of a faith-based movement, with Jesus at the centre.   “People will now notice that in all stores we allow Christian Bibles to be displayed and given away. Also, all of our mission messages in stores include Scripture verses.” Commissioner Julie Campbell led the 2026 Easter Reflection at Salvos Stores Chester Hill (NSW) on Tuesday.   He says that when he delivered the Easter Reflection at the Tempe store in Sydney this week, around 50 people gathered, including staff, volunteers, and customers.   “There were people from different denominational expressions who wanted to engage with the Easter message. What’s great about Easter is that people can relate to different parts with their own traditions.”   Commissioner Julie Campbell shared the Salvos Stores Easter Reflection at Chester Hill in western Sydney. She says, “It was a pleasure to share about the Unshakeable Love of Jesus this morning with the team and customers … I thank God for this team of passionate workers,” she wrote on her Facebook page.   Click through the slideshow below for a selection of more Easter Reflections in Salvos Stores around the country:

God’s story has always been one of love – a love we see in the story of Jesus: his compassion, his teaching, and his healing for all people without discrimination. This Easter, we remember that Jesus’ greatest act of love was still to come. On the cross, he took our brokenness and sin, offering his life so we could be set free. His perfect sacrifice brings salvation, hope, and opens the door to an eternal relationship with God that can never spoil or fade.

Making ethical chocolate choices this Easter will make a difference to vulnerable children and families around the world. BY FAY FOSTER On average, Australians have been found to consume around 32 kilograms of chocolate each year. And at Easter, they spend around $62 on chocolate products. But how do we know whether the chocolate we are buying is ‘good’ or ‘bad’? Which chocolates are made with the most ethical processes? Seventy-five per cent of the world’s chocolate is made with cocoa produced in West Africa – especially Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana – where wages are low and children are often used as free labour. Chocolate-producing companies have been strongly encouraged to ensure that their production processes protect women and children, do not disadvantage workers and do not damage the environment. The scorecard In April 2025, the organisation Be Slavery Free published its sixth annual Chocolate Scorecard. Put together by researchers at Macquarie University, University of Wollongong and Open University UK, the scorecard ranks chocolate manufacturers according to a range of criteria. The questions asked of chocolate companies attempted to measure the traceability and transparency of acquisition processes (where the chocolate was made), levels of deforestation and climate impact, agroforestry (re-greening), use of harmful pesticides, disempowerment of women, the use of child labour, and ensuring a living income to those who work in the cocoa industry. A living income has been define d as “the net annual income required for a household in a particular place to afford a decent standard of living for all members of that household. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transport, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events.” Macquarie University’s Professor John Dumay has stated that “the fact that all the major cocoa companies are [now] working with advocacy groups like the Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade and Be Slavery Free shows that progress is being made.” He cites the example of Nestlé, which has increased its percentage of cocoa ethically sourced through its Nestlé Cocoa Plan from 30 per cent when Professor Dumay started researching the company, to 85 per cent in 2025 (Quoted by Andy Kollmorgen in Choice ) . The ‘good eggs’ So – who are the winners in this current scorecard? The top 10 companies (worldwide) for ethical chocolate production are: 1. Tony’s Chocolonely 2. HALBA 3. Cemoi 4. Ritter Sport 5. Nestlé (includes KitKat, Milky Bar, Aero, Smarties, Milo, Crunch, Rolo, Peppermint Crisp and Chokito) 6. Whittakers 7. Mars Wrigley (includes Mars Bar, Bounty, Maltesers, Snickers and Twix) 8. Hersheys 9. Lindt & Sprüngli 10. Ferrero (includes Nutella, Kinder and Ferrero Rocher) The first five of these companies are based in Europe (The Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany and Switzerland, respectively); Whittakers is based in New Zealand, Mars Wrigley and Hersheys in the USA, Lindt in Switzerland and Ferrero in Italy. Several of these companies also have factories in Australia. Some of the products might be hard to find, or available only online; but most can be easily found in our major and local supermarkets. When you’re looking for Easter surprises this year, you can buy from these companies knowing that they are leading the way in ethical production, helping to keep workers safe and able to meet their needs, and safeguarding our Earth as well. For more information on the Chocolate Scorecard, click here .

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Some of the SAES personnel assisting in the Top End. Image: WA SAES The Salvation Army has recently been providing food, refreshments and emotional support following the effects of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle and devastating flooding in the Northern Territory. The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) were active in several evacuation centres across the Northern Territory, including at Nightcliff and Foskey Pavilion in Darwin, and Katherine High School. While all these centres have now closed, The Salvation Army remains involved in the recovery phase. The team has served thousands of meals and refreshments in the region, with more than 800 people relying on the support of SAES personnel as they sought to begin recovery. “We currently have teams from across the country that have been deployed to support evacuees in Darwin and Katherine. The Salvos will continue to support these communities for the long haul, not just in the initial emergency response but throughout both short- and long-term recovery phases,” The Salvation Army’s External Communications Lead Peter Sampson said. Scenes from the Foskey Pavilion Evacuation Centre in Darwin, where residents had access to lots of fresh fruit as well as drinks, meals and emotional support. Images: Daryl Crowden “We are so grateful for the huge community effort that has taken place during this disaster so far. It is during these times of crisis that we see the Aussie spirit of generosity shine through, and we are certainly seeing that in the Northern Territory at the moment,” Peter said. Anyone who has been impacted by the floods in the Northern Territory and needs support is encouraged to monitor the Northern Territory Government website for weather warnings, evacuation updates and information on funding support. If you would like to support the efforts of The Salvation Army in the Northern Territory, you can donate by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/naturaldisasters . For more information, please contact The Salvation Army’s Media Relations Department on (02) 9466 3143.

Guild president Helen Schweiger puts the finishing touches to another beautiful egg creation, and (right) this Snow Queen is one such example of the exquisite work undertaken by the egg decorators, affectionately known as the Eggers! BY LERISSE SMITH They affectionately call themselves the Eggers – and thrive on the act of egging! And with Easter just around the corner, the Victorian Egg Decorators Guild is once again cracking open their imaginations, turning real eggshells into egg-citing masterpieces – with Salvos Stores helping bring their creations to life. “Eggs symbolise new beginnings and rebirth,” says Helen Schweiger, Guild President, who has loved her craft for the past 28 years. “This is fitting as we use many items found in Salvos Stores in our egg creations, such as jewellery, haberdashery, fabric and even candle holders as stands. We are great recyclers! “We find that when we go into The Salvation Army stores, there are just so many little bits and pieces that get put out that maybe no one has a purpose for except for us, and often they’re in small quantities, which is just fine for us. The only place you can pick them up is really second-hand – and it just gives your egg some originality.” So, how did this egg-straordinary group hatch? It was founded in 1991 and meets regularly in Ashburton, Melbourne. From humble beginnings with just four people eager to share ideas and skills, it now boasts over 50 members. The members work on the very smallest eggs, such as finch or budgie eggs, up to the largest ostrich eggs. Their colourful creations are often on full display at agricultural shows, including The Red Hill Show and The Whittlesea Show. And that’s just the beginning. Guild members also showcase their egg creations at libraries, craft shows and community talks. The response at these events is always overwhelmingly positive. People are fascinated – men, in particular, are drawn to the intricate cutting processes. Originality drives every design of the stunning egg designs. Crafting intricate goose, duck, emu, and ostrich eggs can take anywhere from a few hours to hundreds of hours. Originality drives every design. The unique craft is far from your average weekend project. Crafting intricate goose, duck, emu and ostrich eggs can take anywhere from a few hours to hundreds of hours. With precision craft drills in hand, members carve intricate lattice patterns, tiny doors, miniature drawers and more. Many eggs showcase rotating platforms, lights and moving parts. The only limit is imagination. “Jewel boxes, bells, chess sets, music boxes, cake toppers, clock surrounds ... the list goes on!” says Helen. “One member, Lorraine, has even made many wonders of the world, including the Sydney Opera House, out of eggshells! You can use eggs as a canvas for painting, ribbon embroidery and diamond dots. Our artists create carved and intricate cut eggs, hanging eggs, eggs in eggs and multiple-egg structures. There is no limit to the range of techniques for decorating eggs.” Egg decorating is a mental workout. From figuring out how to cut a shell without breaking it to fitting clocks, lights, or music boxes inside, each project is an artistic endeavour. No egg is too small or too large to inspire creativity. Egg decorating is also a mental workout. From figuring out how to cut a shell without breaking it to fitting clocks, lights or music boxes inside, each project is an artistic endeavour. Meetings with themed challenges, such as Hanging Eggs or Halloween, spark ideas and push members to try new techniques. No egg is too small or too large to inspire creativity. From tiny quail eggs to massive ostriches, every shell is a challenge. Members source their own eggs, which are farmed for this purpose, with the goose egg being the most commonly used by decorators. The guild has also made a lasting mark in publishing. In 1996, it published its first book,  Exquisite Eggs , followed by  More Exquisite Eggs . Written by members, the books are celebrated teaching aids and sources of inspiration for both new and seasoned decorators, selling across Australia, America and England. Believed to be Australia’s last guild of its kind, it has also sent delegations overseas and hosted international teachers. Egging weekends, held across the state, have become a regular fixture. The committee enjoys engaging with crafters of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Anyone from any craft background is welcome, with workshops and talks all part of the fun. Eggers in the process of making their works of art and (right) Guild President Helen Schweiger selling egg creations at a recent event. “A lot of the members in the guild are people prepared to have a go and are a bit of a jack of all trades,” says Helen. “They’re like, ‘Oh, you can do that. You can cut the top off that wine glass, and you can use that as a stand!’ You really admire what a lot of the other members can do.” So, what keeps the Guild President hooked on this one-of-a-kind craft? “Just creating something that looks beautiful,” she reflects. “I can imagine something in my head and then bring it to fruition. I just like to do things a little bit differently. A lot of my designs are very intricate. I tend to like antiques.” And no egg conversation is complete without a nod to the famous Fabergé eggs. “Many eggs are made in the style of Fabergé,” says Helen. “Only ours are real eggs with imitation jewels, whereas Fabergé’s eggs are imitation eggs with real jewels!” *For more details on the guild and egg decorating, visit their website:   www.victorianeggdecoratorsguild.com.au   or Instagram @ vic.egg.decorators.guild.inc Guild members showcase their eye-catching egg creations at libraries, craft shows, and community talks. The response at these events is always overwhelmingly positive.

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 ( 30 March - 5 April )   we pray for The Salvation Army in the Bangladesh Territory.   The Bangladesh Territory has 102 officers (94 active, 8 retired); 35 corps; 16 outposts; 1511 senior soldiers; 1099 adherents; 123 junior soldiers; 109 employees.   Lieut-Colonel Elizabeth Nelson leads the territory. The work of the region includes: Education Disaster preparedness Social enterprise Community development. The leaders of this territory have shared the following points to guide us as we pray: Praise:  We are thankful for God’s faithfulness and provision throughout the territory. We praise God for our seven new Cadets, (Proclaimers of Transformation Session), and for those who have responded to God’s call to full-time ministry as Officers. We thank God that the territory was able to complete the purchase of land for Jhimali Outpost. Prayer Requests: We thank God for the territorial theme for 2026, ‘Spirit Led Transformation: Together We Rise’. As we focus on this theme, we are praying for a powerful spiritual impact on our territory. Pray for spiritual revival and a renewed passion for God among all Salvationists in the territory. New initiatives have been introduced for Corps to participate in Alpha - an online Bible Study for youth, and Bible Studies for men’s ministry. Pray for financial sustainability of our Corps to continue their mission effectively. We are working together to develop income-generating initiatives that can provide needed support to our Corps. Pray for those involved in developing our Development Strategy for the territory. We have some effective development projects in the territory, and we want to strengthen and expand our work into areas of Bangladesh where we can have an impact and influence. Please pray for Territorial Leadership and the upcoming transition in leadership. Pray for God’s Spirit to guide and lead them with wisdom, vision and courage. May we hear and be obedient to what God is calling us to do to impact His Kingdom. To find out more about the Bangladesh Territory, click here . To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here . To download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here .

Chief Secretary Colonel John Chamness and Queensland Minister for Sciene and Innovation Andrew Powell officially open the Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility in Brisbane. BY SIMONE WORTHING “Innovation has always been a part of The Salvation Army,” said Colonel John Chamness, Chief Secretary, speaking at the official opening of the Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility in Carole Park, Brisbane – the first of its kind in Australia. “From developing the first matchstick factory that removed phosphorus from the production of matches in the 1800s in London, to the beginning of its collecting, sorting and recycling used clothing and fabric in the late 19th century, innovation is a part of who we are,” he continued. “The first Salvation Army recycling depots in Australia began in the 1880s, operating with the dual purpose of recycling used goods and providing equipment, supplies and support to those who need it most. That purpose and commitment to people and our planet continues through our 419 Salvo stores across the country today. “This site embodies that mission, caring for creation and strengthening communities.” Queensland Minister for Sciene and Innovation Andrew Powell addresses the gathering. Colonels John and Lani Chamness joined Salvation Army Queensland and Salvos Stores leaders for the opening, which was also attended by business and industry partners, academics, community stakeholders and government representatives, including Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation, and Acting Minister for Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell. In Australia, over 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions that protect the environment that the Textile Recovery Facility provides.   The facility will annually process and sell up to 5000 tonnes of textile waste, collected through Salvos Stores and from other business partners, enabling the decommissioned materials to stay in circulation, reduce landfill, protect the environment and generate additional revenue to fund the frontline work of The Salvation Army across the country. Rendle Williams (External Communications Manager - Qld), Matt Davis (former Salvos Stores National Director), Major David Collinson (Salvos Stores Executive Officer - Mission) and Albert Olley (Group Executive - Mission Enterprises) at the opening. Lasting impacts The process features innovative technology, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to sort and decontaminate textiles. This ‘feedstock’ can then be transformed into new products such as insulation, plastics, yarn, woven cloth and acoustic panels.   Nic Baldwin, Head of Salvos Stores, said, “This achievement is a proud moment for Salvos Stores and reflects our deep commitment to innovation and caring for the planet we all share. Every step forward helps us create lasting impact for both people and the environment.” Rendle Williams, External Communications Manager (Qld), explained what the success of that this facility represents: “The Salvation Army across the world is possibly the largest collector of secondhand clothing globally, and as the volume of unsellable clothing rises, this Queensland world-first facility is a direct commitment to being part of the solution.”   Government support The Queensland Government has invested $4.97 million in the project, supporting Salvos Stores to establish this cutting-edge circular economy textile hub in Brisbane.   “The Crisafulli Government has supported the delivery of this Australian-first facility that will turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s products,” Minister Powell said. “This facility will reduce the amount of textile waste going to landfill, but it will also unlock new economic opportunities and support Queensland’s transition to a sustainable economy. “We recognise the critical need for waste infrastructure in Queensland, and we are taking action to deliver it through this new nation-leading facility … at the end of the day, this wouldn't have happened without the Salvos so thank you so very much and congratulations for an outstanding achievement. Well done.” (Left) Nic Baldwin, Head of Stores, and Major David Collinson on site at the new Textile Recovery Facility. (Right) Colonel John Chamness addresses the official opening of the new facility. After the speeches, Colonel Chamness cut the ribbon to officially open the Textile Recovery Facility, before all those attending were given a guided tour to see the machinery and how it all works.   Major David Collinson, Executive Officer, Mission - Salvos Stores, shared that the opening was an exciting part of the facility’s journey that has been “a few years” in the making. “Some of our team went overseas to see similar facilities and brought the dream back to Australia,” he said. “To have a not-for-profit take it on was awesome.    “And the sponsorship from the Queensland Government shows the strength of The Salvation Army brand and the trust they have in us. It’s all about what it means for our work with those impacted by alcohol and other drugs, family and domestic violence, and homelessness. We hope we can continue to help more Australians.   “And we hope that many volunteers will find community or a home here, as they find them in our shops. For another cohort, we hope that this can be their new place and the home and community they find can transform their lives by being part of the team.   “The dream continues.”    Click through the slideshow for more photos from the official opening: