Lynn Cartledge has served the Derwent Valley community through volunteering with The Salvation Army for more than 20 years. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE A long-term Salvation Army volunteer has been recognised with nominations for two awards in the upcoming Tasmanian Volunteering Awards. Lynn Cartledge has been volunteering for the Derwent Valley Salvation Army for 21 years, during which she has served in the former Thrift Store, the New Norfolk Salvos Store and the Corps’ Doorways program. Her commitment has been honoured with nominations for the Volunteer Impact Award (Individual) and the Lifetime Commitment Award. Site coordinator Luke Clarke described Lynn as a “great listener, and a very non-judgmental, humble lady”. He said he began working with Lynn six months ago and was struck by her kind nature and how she welcomed people into the space. For more information on the awards, click here “I’ve seen people who are a bit turned off by the approach that they get and that can be really damaging for community members who are already feeling vulnerable,” he said. Lynn said she was prompted to volunteer for The Salvation Army when, in 2004, she sought counselling for help dealing with a difficult family situation, which was affecting her sleep. “After a couple of sessions, [the counsellor] advised me to do some voluntary work,” she said. “So, I went straight to the thrift shop in High Street, which was only a small store back then. “I’ve just enjoyed it so much. I really look forward to going to the Salvo centre now.” But even though Lynn has now served across Derwent Valley Salvation Army’s programs, it wasn’t easy in the beginning. She said that while you get the occasional grumpy person, she’s learned it’s just part of the job. She said she had come to look forward to seeing the customer who were always appreciative. “I was very shy, didn’t have much confidence, couldn’t talk a lot to people,” she said. “It has helped me by knowing I’m helping other people. And most people are really, really nice. “I’ve worked with some lovely, lovely people at The Salvation Army.” Lynn wanted to encourage others who felt they needed something they could look forward to in their week. “It’s hard times for a lot of people, very, very hard times,” she said. “People get very lonely, and volunteering is very rewarding.” As well as Doorways and the church programs, Derwent Valley Corps also runs a Community Connect program, a Drop-in Space and Free Soup program from 10am to 1pm Mondays and Fridays.

Jacob (left) and Grace are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of other young people. Young leaders across the Australia Territory are positively influencing people of all ages through their work, volunteering, and overall approach to life. In this Salvos Online feature, we shine a spotlight on two young individuals – Grace Murray and Jacob Browning – who are both making a positive impact for God’s Kingdom.  Grace Murray is more than just an Administration Assistant at Divisional Headquarters in Brisbane. Motivated by her faith and a desire to make a difference in various communities, she enjoys volunteering for the Salvos, mainly at youth events and through social justice initiatives. To read Grace’s story click here Jacob Browning is a Youth Worker at Menai Corps in Sydney’s south. He enjoys witnessing positive changes in young people and often their families when they find support and a sense of belonging. Salvos Online asked Jacob about his role and how God is using him. To read Jacob’s story click here For more information on Youth and Young Adults Ministry, click here To view the Youth devotionals series, click here

Each week throughout 2025, Salvationists worldwide are uniting in prayer for a specific 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 (28 July-3 August) we are praying for the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory.   Commissioners Henrik and Lisbeth Andersen lead the territory.   The Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory has 322 officers (123 active, 199 retired); cadets 6; employees 2079; corps 57; outposts 3; senior soldiers 1966; adherents 1446; junior soldiers 186.   Praise Points We praise God for our social institutions, which offer services that are appreciated by the population and the authorities.   We praise God for young people who show interest in working in the church.   We praise God for the blessing of balanced finances.   Prayer requests Switzerland Please pray that God's Kingdom will come in our lives: that we may be obedient to the Spirit and become beacons of hope.   Pray that our families may show how human relations are different when you are loved by the Father, forgiven through Jesus and renewed by the Spirit.   Pray that people looking for meaning and hope may find their place in The Salvation Army.   Pray that God's Kingdom will come in our social work: that our clients may feel that they are valued by the employees of The Salvation Army and be touched by the grace of God.   Austria Please pray for God's guidance as we optimise our management structure.   Hungary Please pray for a smooth transition process as new regional officers arrive from the USA. Pray that everything will work out with the travel and the work permits.   To go to the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory website, click here . To download the 2025 International Prayer Focus schedule, click here .   To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, click here .

Whether it’s worshipping the creator, working as an admin assistant or preaching the Good News, Grace says her goal is to encourage others in their faith. Grace Murray is more than just an Administration Assistant at Divisional Headquarters in Brisbane. Motivated by her faith and a desire to make a difference in various communities, she enjoys volunteering for the Salvos, mainly at youth events and through social justice initiatives. BY GRACE MURRAY Throughout my life, God has provided. I’ve been blessed with faithful examples of trusting him and following the Holy Spirit’s leading. In 2020, I felt called to move to Brisbane alone. I trusted God, and he provided. Since July 2021, I’ve worked full-time at Queensland Divisional Headquarters in administration while volunteering in various ministry opportunities locally, divisionally and internationally. Locally, I serve on my corps’ worship team and prayer team, I’m part of the Exploring Soldiership ministry, and I sometimes preach. I also volunteer at our Community Christmas Celebration and Lavish (Christmas Welfare Distribution). Recently, I became a Justice of the Peace to serve my community further. Divisionally, I’ve been part of Core Leadership Teams for Week Youth Camp (North & South Qld), Riverfest, and Young Adults Retreat as the Spiritual Framework Coordinator and a Worship Team member. I also assist in running Youth United Nights. Internationally, I joined the ISJG (International Social Justice Girls Group) as a ‘Girl Advocate’, gaining insight into global challenges and sharing Australia’s perspective on justice and equality. I believe my work positively impacts communities I am a part of – whether it has been to be an ear to listen while wrapping someone’s Christmas gifts for their child, signing documents as a JP, planning spiritual content for events, or attending midnight meetings on gender equality around the world and Australia’s part to play. I do these things as a result of my faith. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-10, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The book of James echoes that faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone. My prayer is that I listen to God and am obedient to his call and direction in my life. Every step that I take myself and encourage others to take, I pray will lead to the Kingdom of God and nothing else.

Jacob Browning says he loves his role at Menai Salvos in Sydney. Jacob Browning is a Youth Worker at Menai Corps in Sydney’s south. He enjoys witnessing positive changes in young people and often their families when they find support and a sense of belonging. Salvos Online asked Jacob about his role and how God is using him. So, Jacob, what do you do to help your community? I’m passionate about giving back and supporting my local community in every way I can. As a youth pastor, I have the privilege of making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. My role allows me to engage with local high schools, helping students who are struggling to find their place, and to run programs that foster both community and faith. Being part of the Salvos has deepened my understanding of the importance of healthy, supportive communities. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation that happens when young people find a space where they feel valued, important, and truly belong. What impact your work and/or other actions have on people/community? I’ve been fortunate to witness the incredible impact of my team’s efforts and the programs we’ve run over the past few years. Not only have we been able to invest in and connect with young people, but we’ve also had the opportunity to support their entire families. This has allowed us to extend our reach, fostering deeper connections and making a lasting difference in our local community. Our support goes beyond mentorship – it includes financial assistance, holistic care, and spiritual guidance. Whether it’s helping families navigate the loss of a loved one or providing aid during difficult times, we are committed to walking alongside them and ensuring they feel supported in every way possible.   Why you do this? I love my job because it is incredibly rewarding and allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community. Every day, I have the opportunity to give back by being intentional with young people – walking alongside them, supporting them, and helping them navigate life’s challenges. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is witnessing real transformation in people’s lives, seeing them grow in confidence, find their purpose, and build strong connections. Being part of that journey is both a privilege and a constant reminder of why I’m so passionate about what I do. Where you see your work/actions/community going in the future? Our vision for the future is to create more spaces across the Sutherland Shire where young people feel a true sense of belonging and acceptance. We want every Salvation Army building to be a safe, welcoming environment where young people can experience God’s love first-hand. While our programs already do this well, we believe there is always room to grow and expand our impact. Moving forward, we aim to be even more open in fostering faith-based programs, giving young people more opportunities to explore and deepen their faith. Additionally, we want to create spaces where they can give back to their community, empowering them to make a difference in the lives of others just as they have been supported themselves. Jacob (left) on a Cultural Mission Immersion Experience to the Northern Territory with a Salvation Army team in 2023.

The Salvation Army’s Cassie Shaw (left) and Sally Courtney (right) with Riani Morgan from Australia Bay Seafoods. A partnership between the Salvos and a local seafood supplier in Darwin is helping residents at two Salvation Army hostels maintain a healthy, protein-rich diet.               Australia Bay Seafoods, which has been operating out of Darwin since 1987, donates fresh fish weekly to the Army’s hostels in Darwin (Red Shield House 49) and Berrimah (Sunrise House).   “Australia Bay Seafoods have supported The Salvation Army Hostels for over three years now, 52 weeks of the year,” said Sally Courtney, former Public Relations Manager for the Northern Territory.   “It is a tremendously generous commitment from the company, as they not only provide fresh fish weekly but also deliver the fish to both hostels in the city and at Berrimah.   “Most people love to receive and eat fresh fish. A lot of people are not in the position to go fishing, a majority of people only get to eat fresh fish if they buy it from a shop, and fish is expensive.”   Sally said numerous sizeable ‘saddle tail snappers’ are a welcome addition to both hostels’ residents, not to mention also “a healthy addition of protein to their diet”.   Both hostels run Positive Lifestyle Programs for their residents, and Sally said the regular supply of fish has given staff and residents the opportunity to teach others how to fillet their own fish. The fish delivery also extends to people experiencing homelessness in and around the Darwin area.   Michael O’Brien, General Manager of Australia Bay Seafoods, said, “Our whole company structure is interlaid with the Darwin community. They support us by buying our fish, and we support local by buying and refitting our vessels locally. Supporting those less fortunate is part of our community structure.”

Salvos Online  continues a new weekly column – Three Books. Today’s guest bookworm is  Major Donna Todd , who is the Faith Communities Development Secretary in Queensland. We asked Donna three book-related questions:   Besides the gospels and Psalms, which is your favourite book in the Bible and why? It’s most definitely the book of Acts . I love the story of how the early church was birthed, its challenges, structure, effectiveness, obstacles and, most importantly, the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The boldness of the early Christians is so challenging. They were sold out to the message and prepared to give everything to follow Jesus. They were led by the Holy Spirit and saw incredible things happen. They hadn’t planned to start churches the way we experience church today. Rather, they sought to live radically counter-cultural lives and so began a movement, which allowed the exciting and life-changing message of Jesus to spread.   Besides the Bible, what is a Christian book that has strongly influenced your faith? Recently, it would be The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, which challenged me to consider my priorities and the speed at which I sometimes approach life. Although I aim to have some good spiritual rhythms in my life, this book really encouraged me to look at these more. I backed this book up by then reading Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson, which is all about listening and following the Holy Spirit and moving out of what’s comfortable and predictable. So good, and I believe these books tie together well.   What is a secular book that has revealed to you a Christian message or theme? I’ve just been sitting on this question and wracking my brain, and I have to admit I’m struggling to come up with an answer. I haven’t read many of the greats who write novels with Christian messages or themes. When I read for leisure, I read for pleasure. It’s pure escapism. Recently, I read a fabulous series called The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. It’s an epic series with eight books that traces the lives and histories of seven adopted sisters and their much-loved father. The author sadly passed away as she was writing the final book, and her son finished it for her. Each book tells the life of one of the sisters and explores the background story of her family history and what led her to be adopted. Absolutely captivating and sensational. You’ll need a few months to read through this series, but so worth it.

Major Gaina Vali accepts the government donation from Minister Jason Peter. For the first time, The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea has received a government donation for the work it carries out through its network of social programs.   Jason Peter, the PNG Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, presented the Army’s Major Gaina Vali with one million Kina (AUD$368,000 approximately) and expressed his gratitude for the Army’s “serving in the frontlines and giving hope to the hopeless”.   The Salvation Army’s social programs include those in health, education, literacy, community services, restorative justice and victim support and counselling.

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Margaret, and her service record, click here

Major Harold Hosier being greeted by Salvation Army leadership and staff on his return to Australia after World War Two. BY LINDSAY COX Salvation Army officer Major Harold Hosier was 48 years old when he landed in Greece in March 1941 as a Red Shield Representative attached to the 6th Division, Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Less than a month later, he would become a prisoner of war for nearly four years. Born at Kingaroy (Qld) in 1892, Harold became a member of The Salvation Army in his teens and entered Officer Training College in Melbourne in 1914. He was commissioned in 1915 and had four corps appointments in Victoria until receiving social appointments in New South Wales and Queensland. Just seven weeks after World War Two was declared, Harold was accepted as a Red Shield Representative (Welfare Officer) and was one of the first three Salvation Army officers to accompany the 2nd AIF overseas. Harold Hosier (centre) served in North Africa and Greece during World War Two. He arrived in Palestine with the 6th Division in February 1940, where he immediately experienced difficulties as his supplies had been pilfered during unloading from the ship. Also, he did not have a vehicle allocated to him, causing him to depend on unit transport to visit the troops. The 6th Division was ordered to Libya to confront the Italian army. Every motor vehicle of the division was accounted for, leaving no possibility of transport for Harold, who was desperate to accompany the men of the battalion he was responsible for. The only alternative was to purchase a vehicle from a Cairo used car dealer. A station wagon was obtained and suitably camouflaged by the military. As the AIF prepared to attack the coastal town of Bardia, the 2/1st Battalion history records state: “At dusk, the Battalion commenced its long march to the assembly area ... Padre Hosier, from The Salvation Army, was dispensing cups of coffee and telling those who took it he would be praying for them.” On 5 January 1941, Harold’s camouflaged mobile canteen entered Bardia in the dust clouds of the leading AIF units, and he was handing out hot coffee to weary soldiers within seven minutes of the entry of the AIF into the captured Italian stronghold. Harold Hosier (right) with the mobile Salvation Army vehicle, in Bardia, North Africa. The nearby town of Tobruk was captured from the Italians on 22 January 1941, and Harold entered the township before the firing had finished, driving around handing out very welcome drinks and cake, and giving a cheery word to the men of the 6th Division. Greece From Tobruk, Harold and his mobile canteen, along with the 6th Division, were ferried to Greece, where the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was to halt the German invasion. As a point of interest, this was to be the first time Australian and New Zealand troops (Anzacs) would fight together since Gallipoli in World War One.   By late March 1941, Harold had established a refreshment post outside Athens, where he provided coffee to Australian troops moving north. Then, blitzkrieg! The German army thundered into Greece, swiping aside all resistance and racing for the southern coast in order to cut off the Allied forces retreating in panic and disarray. As one of the great debacles of World War Two unravelled, Harold maintained his refreshment point at Athens and then used his mobile canteen as an ambulance until its destruction was ordered. Prisoner of War The last of the rescue flotilla left Greece on 28 April 1941. Harold was one of the thousands of AIF soldiers left behind to become prisoners of war of the Germans. Red Shield Commissioner Ralph Satchell reported: “Major Edgar of the 2/2nd Battalion offered Harold Hosier a seat on the last plane out of Greece. Hosier refused to leave the 30 soldiers he was with and was last seen down on his knees helping a wounded digger.” Major Harold Hosier’s Prisoner of War identification card. Harold Hosier was interned in a prisoner of war camp at Corinth along with 7000 Allied POWs. He was later transported to Stalag VIII-B, a large prisoner of war camp at Lamsdorf in Silesia. From there, he wrote to his wife: “When in a prisoners’ camp in Greece, a Y.M.C.A. man and myself had some wonderful services, over 2000 men attending, we had a choir of 50 men, and special classes with spiritual results. In the prison camp here in Germany, we have two services on Sunday, a Bible reading and discussion groups, and prayers every evening.” The German commandant made Harold the prisoner’s chaplain and afforded him the military rank of captain (hauptmann), and, until he was repatriated back to Australia in November 1944, he helped look after the spiritual and physical needs of his fellow prisoners.  Upon his return, Harold was appointed to The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Social Department. During this time, he helped start the Prison Aid Society in Brisbane and was its first president. Brigadier Harold Hosier retired in 1957 but continued active involvement with the Prison Aid Society for a further 12 years. Harold was promoted to glory in 1987 after a life of spiritual and temporal ministry. Many men who had been deprived of their freedom, judicially or as prisoners of war, would attest to his exemplification of ‘Heart to God, hand to man’. * Lindsay Cox is manager of The Salvation Army Australia Museum (Melbourne) Lindsay Cox books Salvos Publishing has two books by Lindsay Cox on sale now – Cuppa Tea Digger? and Still Serving . Cuppa Tea Digger? relates the history of The Salvation Army’s service in World War Two.  Still Serving , the prequel to Cuppa Tea Digger? , tells the story of the early days of The Salvation Army’s philanthropic attachment to the military. The book was launched at the Red Shield Defence Services 125th anniversary dinner at the Australian War Memorial on 7 November 2024. Both books are available for purchase from the Salvos Publishing  website. Cuppa Tea Digger? , click here   Still Serving , click here

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it?   My current appointment is Corps Officer at Ringwood (Vic.). I took up the appointment in January 2024. Being appointed here is a blessing as I describe myself as an ‘Eastern Suburbs Boy’, having lived the bulk of my life in the shadow of Mount Dandenong. I have a feeling of belonging here in Ringwood. I find it immensely satisfying and a privilege to try and shape culture in line with the Great Commission. In our context at Ringwood, we promote an inviting culture that prioritises the formation of Christ’s character in us. This is something I can easily give my life to. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   Running. I am what a friend described as an ‘Adult-Onset Runner’, only taking it up at 47, and have been running consistently for the past 15 years, the highlight being my participation in the 2019 London Marathon. I recently ran my 500th parkrun, which shows it has become a significant part of my life. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   In recent years, I have been influenced and blessed by Brian and Jenn Johnson’s song, ‘For the One’ . For me, it’s a musically beautiful song that simply expresses my desire to embody God’s love and extend it to others. I am constantly challenged by the line in it that says, Oh, let all my life tell of who You are. 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? There are many unnamed characters in the Bible. One I would like to talk to is the father of the boy Jesus healed in Mark 9:14-29, who said, in response to Jesus’ words, “Everything is possible for the one who believes. I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” I would like to thank him for his honesty in admitting that right alongside belief can be unbelief, as I find this in myself at times. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Rather than recommending officership, I would just share my story – for me, I felt a definite calling to offer myself for officership. My recommendation would be, if you sense a calling, you ought to follow through on it, as this is where you will find satisfaction and purpose. Officership has afforded me many opportunities for which I am grateful.

In recognition of The Salvation Army’s 160th anniversary on Founders’ Day (2 July) this year, IHQ has created eight short videos chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years, with one video released each week, beginning 5 June.   This week’s video – 160 Years of Women in Leadership – concludes the series. Commissioner Janine Donaldson, Territorial Commander of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, introduces the video.   For 160 years, The Salvation Army has envisioned women who are empowered by the gospel, enriched by local and global connections, equipped to fulfil their potential, and engaged in positively impacting the world.   To learn more about how Salvation Army women use their voices to make a difference in the world, click on the video below.   To view all the videos in the 160th anniversary series, click here .