BY LAUREN MARTIN Registrations have opened for the NSW/ACT SHE Weekend – a purposefully designed retreat for women to “slow down and deeply connect with God, with yourself, and with a community of wonderful women”. The SHE retreat is being held from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Park, just south of Sydney. “The Tops provides a serene backdrop, perfect for spiritual renewal,” said organiser Major Louanne Mitchell. There will be time to hear God’s word, grow in faith with each other, explore nature and have fun. “Whether you are looking for profound spiritual insights, genuine fellowship, or simply a quiet place to rest and breathe, there is a space carefully prepared just for you,” said Louanne. To register, click here To view a PDF of the pricing, click here Click through the slideshow below for some photos from the 2025 SHE Weekend that included speakers Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane, Major Louanne Mitchell and Captain Amanda Pethybridge:

A Salvos volunteer serves up a hot cuppa to a winter night shelter guest in Bendigo. Image: Supplied BY LERISSE SMITH This year’s chilly Victorian winter has seen record numbers of people desperate for a safe roof over their heads turn to the Bendigo Winter Night Shelter (BWNS). At the heart of that growing need, the Salvos Bendigo Corps in regional Victoria has had about 30 people each night seeking a safe and warm place, with the shelter open from June through mid-September. “There are numerous people really struggling in life,” says Captain Ashir Morris, Bendigo Corps Officer. “I have seen people who are facing violence from their family. We had one guy who lost his mother, and his other family just kicked him out of the house. It was the worst case. Our chaplain helped with that case. It took us two days to sort everything out. There was violence involved, mental health and drug issues.” For The Salvation Army, the need is not new. The Salvos initiated the winter shelter many years ago after recognising the need to provide warmth and shelter during the winter months for people experiencing homelessness. Bendigo Winter Night Shelter is now a separate organisation, but the Bendigo Salvos still play a key part. Ashir takes some time out to enjoy a game of table tennis with a Bendigo Winter Night Shelter (BWNS) guest. Image: Supplied Ashir has been involved with the shelter for the past two years, and has seen the good that happens when organisations come together to help those in need. “I became involved in the winter shelter because Christ’s love inspires me to love others,” he reflects. “Especially those who society sees as less than.” During the coldest months, the BWNS provides crisis accommodation at a local Scout camp for men and women experiencing homelessness. It is a collaborative initiative involving the BWNS team, local churches, volunteers, community organisations, and supporters. There are 14 churches involved, along with a variety of volunteers.  The Scout Camp provides accommodation, meals, laundry, and bathroom facilities. Before guests settle in for the night, Bendigo Corps provides a welcoming space and pick-up point for those staying at the shelter. Corps volunteers and supervisors provide food, fellowship and a listening ear before guests are picked up to be taken to the Scout Camp. The corps doors open at 3pm, and guests arrive between 3pm and 5pm to be picked up at 5.30pm by the shelter bus. “People who enter our church foyer are going through a tough time,” Ashir explains. “We turn on the heaters. There are also games, coffee, and snacks. Lunch can also be provided. Our volunteers serve them, sit with them. We are also fortunate having chaplains on site, and our chaplains are also a part of supervising the space at times. There is availability of chaplains to guests and people with challenging behaviours. We also have a community engagement worker who has been able to support people finding their way back into community.” A local community member entertains the corps team at Bendigo Corps’ winter shelter pick-up point. Image: Supplied Behind many of those arrivals lies another struggle. Ashir says many people who come through the doors of the corps on their way to the shelter have mental health issues. “Our chaplains are doing an amazing job facilitating them,” he says. “If people can’t be part of the shelter, our chaplains can help connect them to other services.” Once guests reach the Scout Camp, Ashir said they are welcomed into a safe environment where warmth, respect and hospitality are prioritised. A typical evening includes arrival and sign-in, a shared evening meal, access to showers and facilities, and a safe, heated place to sleep. Before guests settle in for the night at a local Scout Camp, Bendigo Corps provides a welcoming space for people to relax and chat. Image: Supplied Keeping the night running smoothly, volunteers from various churches and organisations support the nightly routine and help maintain a calm, respectful environment. And the support extends beyond the shelter itself. The shelter also works with local service providers to help connect guests with housing support, health services, and other assistance where appropriate. Ashir said that each winter season, the shelter provided hundreds of safe overnight stays and thousands of volunteer hours. “This support helps people stay safe during winter and creates opportunities for connection with housing and support services,” he says. “The shelter exists because the community chooses to work together to support those experiencing homelessness.”

The official opening of the Rochester Salvation Army Hall in 1926. The doors opened, the floods came – but it survived. After 100 years of standing strong through a history marked by adversity, including major floods, the Rochester Salvation Army Hall is celebrating its centenary this year. The hall was officially opened on June 19, 1926, in the Victorian township of Rochester, originally located on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria streets. The premises served the local community and provided a base for Salvation Army events and programs. Then the floods came. On Easter Sunday 1939, the largest flood since 1916 hit the hall – and it would not be the last. Just eight years later, in 1947, another flood struck. However, in 1986, a new chapter began. The old hall was purchased by the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society after The Salvation Army ceased using it. It was then transported across the river to its current location on High Street. Today, the hall is located alongside the historical society’s main building, displaying and storing historical items. Through it all, The Salvation Army has continued to support the Rochester township over the years, including Sunday School lessons for children, Home League for ladies, Harvesttime, Young Peoples Corps Cadet Brigade, Vacation Bible School and Youth Group, Legion Leader, athletic and aquatic competitions, and Mainly Music. Many local community members have also played their part by helping to raise funds through collecting and shaking their tins. READ MORE: Resilient Rochester rises above flood catastrophe to rebuild hope

“People around town know where the Salvos are,” says Captain Andrea Wayman, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Dubbo (Central West NSW). Every Wednesday afternoon, primary and high school-aged kids come together for the Orana Kids and Youth program. They come from a variety of backgrounds – some through the church, others through the Salvo Connect program – many from difficult family backgrounds. With many needs within the community, the program focuses on creating stability, teaching leadership skills, and building genuine friendships through games, activities, and Bible sessions.

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 (7-14 September) we pray for The Canada and Bermuda Territory. This territory has 1376 officers (483 active, 893 retired); 4 Aux-Captains; 13 cadets; 259 corps; 13,348 senior soldiers; 24,040 adherents; 1362 junior soldiers; 9607 employees. Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves lead the territory. The work of the Canada and Bermuda Territory includes: · Homelessness services · Disaster response · Summer camps for young people · Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Serving others in need is a focus of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Prayer requests: · Pray that the territory will be Holy Spirit led as we give our focused attention to achieving our strategic objectives of ‘Jesus Centred – Others Focused’ in the advancement of the mission. · Pray that we would continue to realise the beautiful impact of the spring 2026 visit of our International Leaders, General & Commissioner Buckingham, as we celebrate the quiet revival that we thank the Lord, is underway. · We continue to pray for the harvest as souls are being saved, discipleship is taking place and members are being made. · Pray for response and availability in answering the call of God to fulltime ministry and service. · We pray for God’s leading in our prayer & preparation for the Global Holiness Event 14-16 May 2027. · Pray for decrement in choosing God’s representatives and influencers for the upcoming International Youth Congress in July 2027. To find out more about the Canada and Bermuda Territory, click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here. Famous for its ice hockey, The Salvation Army incorporates national culture into ministry.

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 (14-21 September) we pray for the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory. This territory has 325 officers (127 active, 198 retired); 4 cadets; 56 corps; 3 outposts; 1914 senior soldiers; 1431 adherents; 188 junior soldiers; 2155 employees. Commissioner Heidi Imboden leads the territory. Commissioner Daniel Imboden is Territorial Leader for International Relations. The work of the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory includes: Homelessness services Prison chaplaincy Support for older people Modern slavery and human trafficking response. Youth is also a focus area for the territory. Praise points and prayer requests for each country of the territory: Switzerland Praise: We give thanks for the three-day event with the General and Commissioner Buckingham in late June. The Word of God was proclaimed with power on the theme ‘Thy Kingdom Come.’ And for the visit by the Buckinghams and the territorial leaders to the President of the Swiss Confederation. They were very warmly received, and a very positive relationship was established. Prayer requests: Pray for the leadership transition in the territory, with new territorial leaders and new chief secretaries. May the new leaders receive wisdom and inspiration from the Holy Spirit for their new responsibilities. May the region be enriched by their leadership. Pray for the autumn and winter camps for children and youth all around the country. May the participants be touched by God's love and experience an inner transformation. Pray for a harmonious relationship between the government and the churches in Switzerland. Hungary Praise: We had a great summer with the summer mission team from the United States Central Territory. Thankful for their positive attitudes, willingness and commitment to serving this summer. We are thankful that two young adults from Hungary were able to join the team to help with translation and participate fully in all the various ministries of the team. We are thankful for our passionate officers and institution leaders. We are blessed by their support, care and commitment to Christ and those they serve. We are thankful for the growing influence in Roma communities. We give thanks for a family of six staying at Fény Háza who found permanent housing and a new start. A great answer to prayer! Recently ten apartments opened to transition individuals out of homelessness - six are already full. One person was able to move from our homeless shelter to their own apartment. We thank God for his provision. Not just his provision for The Salvation Army, but how he provides for others through the ministry of The Salvation Army. May we be faithful in all he has entrusted us. Prayer requests: Hungary has two cadets in their 2nd year of training. Pray for them and their children as they are discipled and trained to become officers. Pray for the youth work, for corps ministries to have an impact on young people and their families, and for salvation. City mission is becoming stronger. Bridging corps ministry with social institutions is a priority. Pray for our officers and institution leaders to have meaningful relationships with one another, and for vision and cooperation to embrace opportunities of ministry together. Pray for financial resources. Hungary is a supported country, and we are working to become more self-sustaining. Pray for wisdom and discernment. We see great opportunities ahead but need wisdom to understand how to navigate those opportunities. Austria Prayer requests: Help us to pray for our new children’s club, which will restart after the summer break. Please pray with us for a new youth worker on our team who will be on fire for Jesus and for the children and youth, so that the work commenced among the children can grow and become strong. Help us to pray for our singles event. We want to serve single people well and provide them with opportunities for growth with Jesus and in fellowship. This event stretches far beyond the limits of our corps. It seems to be a real need. Help us to pray for our street evangelism project. We have been donated a cargo bike, and we want to load it with food, tracts and Bibles and reach out to people in the squares and streets of our district. Vienna needs Jesus and lots of love, and we want to be where people are. To find out more about the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory click here. To find out more about The Salvation Army’s prayer focus, and to download the 2026 prayer schedule, click here.

To read Val’s Promoted to Glory notice, click here

Grace Hall, a member of North Brisbane Corps in Queensland, leading worship. Image: Supplied BY LAUREN MARTIN AND ROSY KEANE Grace Hall says she’s “not that important”, but the 26-year-old Queensland senior soldier and Salvation Army employee has this year taken up a unique position as the youngest member of The Salvation Army’s national Spiritual Life Committee (SLC). The Salvation Army’s Spiritual Life Committee is a leadership committee to improve the depth and breadth of the spiritual life of Australia and to guide the movement so it operates in accordance with its God-given mission – to “share the love of Jesus by caring for people, creating faith pathways, building healthy communities and working for justice”. Earlier this year, the committee held a number of ‘Divisional Listening Visits’ to gauge the spiritual heartbeat of the movement. These listening forums were established after observing the purpose and egalitarianism of Aboriginal First Nations yarning circles in gaining community voice. Grace, an executive assistant at Divisional Headquarters in Queensland and soldier at North Brisbane Corps, attended. “We were asked some really challenging questions about the spiritual life of the Army from our divisional perspective,” she said. Following the meeting, she was asked to join the national committee. “I was very honoured to be asked,” she said. “I’ve never been given a seat of responsibility like this before … I am a soldier, I am an employee and I am a young adult in The Salvation Army. I am trying to be a good voice for my generation, a good voice for soldiers, and employees as well.” The Committee meets regularly, receiving feedback from the Divisional Spiritual Life Forums (DSLF) that sit underneath it, and also giving feedback into The Salvation Army board on different things. Grace Hall. Image: Supplied “We are a church and we are a business, and so how does this cross over, how does this coincide because it doesn’t feel natural sometimes,” she said. “The SLC is a key component in helping us work together seamlessly, in making sure we keep Jesus in the focus in everything.” Fellow SLC member and Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane said she’s thrilled to sit beside Grace on the Committee. “Grace has been chosen to be on the Spiritual Life Committee not only as a young adult, but as a committed disciple of Jesus who brings a unique voice from her generation and helps us respond and listen,” she said. “I admire Grace greatly, and it’s a privilege to serve alongside her. I learn so much from her humility and spiritual authority.” Rosy said it’s important to have different voices represented on the committee, from young to old, and of all different diversities. Grace has been assisting Rosy to expand the divisional Spiritual Life Forums to include more voices from young people. “Gone are the days when we only listen to people in positions of ‘power’. We know it is an upside-down Kingdom, and the Holy Spirit speaks to all of us and we need to be listening to whomever God will speak through. That is the power of God at work in the Body of Christ. “Will The Salvation Army move because of the words of children? Will we respond to the gifts of the Spirit through people on the fringes of our movement? That’s what Jesus did, and that’s what we want to do. We are led by Jesus,” Rosy said. Now, Youth and Young Adults Spiritual Life Forums (YAYA SLF) are being established. The divisional forums quickly highlighted that younger adults, particularly those under 30, were often unable to attend because of work or study, and could sometimes feel the pressure of speaking for an entire generation. “For the last two years, we’ve been building the groundwork, praying, and developing the framework,” said Rosy. “Each division has been asked to identify around 12 young people who are faithful followers of Jesus, committed to their Salvation Army community, and willing to listen to other voices.” Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane. Image: File The forums, which will launch in September, will be a two-way conversation. Young people will pray and discern what God is saying to them, while also providing input and leadership ideas to the national Spiritual Life Committee. “We see this as a really exciting way of shifting the axis of agency for the movement back into the hands of youth and young adults, Rosy said. Reverse mentoring A key part of the initiative will be reverse mentoring, where young people intentionally mentor older or senior leaders. Young people will share their leadership experiences, perspectives and the ways they see God speaking, while senior leaders take a posture of listening and learning from them instead. The YAYA SLF will also contribute to a new 365-day devotional, bringing back the A Year of Prayer resources with a twist. Each Youth and Young Adult Spiritual Life Forum member will contribute at least one devotion, creating a resource written by young people for everyone. It will be available through the Bible App (YouVersion App), as well as in hard copy and and Year of Prayer cards. The planned release date is Pentecost Sunday, 2027. Grace Hall is contributing a special 17-day doxology to the devotional. “It’s really about mainstreaming the voice of this generation and saying, ‘You matter, we see you, and we listen to you,’” said Rosy. WATCH MORE: God-defining moment with Grace Hall

Ben and Jo Popplestone. Image: Supplied With World Childless Week upon us, Salvos Online today shares the story of a Salvation Army Australia employee who has dealt with the realisation that her life would never include children of her own, and her husband’s journey with this as well. This story contains details which might be confronting for some, especially those facing fertility struggles, so please read with caution. Jo and Ben Popplestone moved to Australia from the UK in 2014, determined to start a new life and adventure after their journey to become parents came to an end. Jo has been working for The Salvation Army Australia for 10 years, and is currently the National Doorways Practice Manager. (Doorways provides emergency relief and holistic case management at Salvos community centres around the country.) Jo and her husband, Ben, are also passionate advocates for childlessness – not by choice – with a focus on raising awareness to promote inclusivity in workplaces and churches by caring for and engaging with each other. “Childlessness is spoken about more often than it used to be, but probably still not as much as it should be,” Jo shares. “And I think because, both from an employee perspective, but also being someone of faith, this is relevant for The Salvation Army and all churches.” On Sunday 20 September, Jo and Ben will be presenting a webinar around their experience as a couple and also sharing a framework they’ve developed for people who have gone through infertility and are looking to move forward and find a new identity for themselves. Our story This story is based on a video produced by SBS – How to move on when future plans don’t eventuate Jo and Ben were both devastated when they knew they would not become parents. When I got the news that I wasn’t going to be a father in the future, that’s when the heavy blow came,” Ben shares. “My initial feelings were an absolute numbness,” says Jo. “How am I going to get myself up? How am I going to go and face the world? “Ever since I was a little girl, I had a dream of getting married and having a family. “I was 23 when we got married. When we started considering having a baby and starting to try, we didn’t expect there to be any issues. After a few months of trying, we both just felt that there was something not right. IVF would be the only way we would be able to fall pregnant. We underwent four cycles of IVF.” “Every cycle brings future hope and then disappointment,” says Ben. Jo said that it was a real shock when IVF was unsuccessful, and they knew their journey to become birth parents was finished. “That was a really hard time,” she shares. “We did have some dark times in our relationship. We were at different stages of our grief, and it was important to give each other some space.” New adventure Ben says he remembers Jo saying to him, “If I can’t have a family, I want to have adventure. We had always talked about living outside of the UK and Australia was one of the options that we looked at. “The first time that we came to Australia, on a one-way ticket and with a minimum number of possessions and two suitcases, I felt the freest I’ve felt in my life.” Jo shares that, in the UK, they had the identity of being an ‘infertile couple’, but coming to Australia “nobody knew us, so we had the ability to look at how to redefine ourselves”. “The grief will always be with us,” she adds. “It does become part of you, but you learn to not let that define you.” “You also do experience sometimes those waves of grief coming when you were reminded of the journey you’ve been through,” shares Ben. “Maybe when you’re connecting with a family and you see the interaction between a father and his son.” This can also be a ‘trigger point’ for Jo. “When I’m engaging with children … if they’re shy or nervous or they want to just be with their mum, I can sometimes feel that as a real sense of rejection. But equally, it’s very healthy for me to engage with children and to have that love that I have to be able to share with the children.” “On the whole, Jo and I are really satisfied with our lives that we’ve built. Plan B can be plan best,” Ben emphasises. WATCH MORE: Jo and Ben share their story. Click here

SAES WA Deputy Coordinator Christine Smith (back row, second from right) and Captain Mitchell Stevens (front row, second from left) at the awards event. Image: Supplied The Salvation Army in Western Australia was recently recognised by the City of Rockingham with an award for their contributions to the community. The City of Rockingham awarded the Mayor’s Recognition Award to The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) and the Centre of Hope in Rockingham who received the award on behalf of the teams who responded to the Warnbro bushfire in late December 2025. While some teams responded physically by attending the fire, others, such as the Rockingham Corps, managed donations to the fire response efforts. The awards were given at the Advisory and Emergency Services Volunteer Appreciation event on 22 July. Staff at the Rockingham Corps wrote on their Facebook page that they were deeply grateful for the courage, sacrifice and service of the region’s volunteers. “We also [are] so grateful to everyone who faithfully serve[s] our community in times of crisis, and every week - highlighting volunteers across our Emergency Services teams, Emergency Relief team, our Op Shop team who funds vital work in our Centre. “And to every volunteer and emergency services worker: thank you. Your willingness to serve others, often in times of crisis, makes an immeasurable difference. We are incredibly grateful for all that you do.” Captain Mitchell Stevens, Team Leader at Southwest Metro Salvos, said much of the work was done by Majors Darrell and Chelsea Wilson, who were previously Corps Officers at Rockingham until Mitchell took over the leadership seven months ago. “We can't all do everything, but we can do something to support the larger community effort in these situations. And working alongside Salvation Army Emergency Services and getting to grow that relationship is important for us,” he said. Images: Supplied

Helen Adamczyk and Nate Lines outside Waikerie Uniting Church. Image: Kirralee Nicolle BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Waikerie is a small town on the banks of the Murray River, in the Riverland region of South Australia. As a fruit-growing centre and the home of the Nippy’s juice factory, the town is predominantly made up of produce growers and seasonal workers. From a vantage point above the centre of town, you can see paddle steamers putting down the river and many varieties of native bird life darting between the water and the trees. It’s a place of great natural beauty. But, like much of regional Australia, it is also a place of pain and, for some, crisis. I was in town with Lillian Yau and Karl McAdam from Salvos Studios, who had come to film a community food day – a partnership between the Riverland Salvation Army Corps and Waikerie Uniting Church. Riverland Corps Ministry Team Leader Helen Adamczyk met Nate Lines from the Waikerie Uniting Church at a prayer breakfast event for pastors in the region. After chatting, the two discovered they shared aligning goals: to meet the practical needs of those doing it tough in the community in the short term, and longer-term, their spiritual needs. Now, the Uniting church carpark is the location for a fortnightly Bread and Produce Day on a Wednesday morning, with food items brought by Helen and the Riverland Salvos team. “We are looking at ways of not only caring for people and building community, we’re also interested in creating faith pathways,” Helen said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside another Kingdom of God community, because the reality is: The Salvation Army setting up here to offer spiritual assistance or worship services is not likely to happen. It’s great to know that there's a church base operating here that’s willing to connect with what we would see as our people and give them that space to explore faith options. “It’s a great partnership.” Previously, Helen’s team was setting up at the Waikerie Football Oval, but that was further out of town, and some regulars found it hard to get there each fortnight. Nate’s offer to host the event had fixed some logistical problems and was now leading to greater connection with community members. The view from the top of the hill in Waikerie, looking down on the Murray River. Images: Kirralee Nicolle “Bringing the operation back to this space here gives people a chance of being able to connect from both directions in town,” Helen said. “That’s how it all began.” Nate quoted first Corinthians chapter three verses six to nine, where Paul writes to the Christians in Corinth that he had planted, Apollos had watered, but God had given the growth. “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building,” the rest of the passage reads. “I think what transpired is Helen and I saw a unified common goal – building God’s kingdom,” Nate said. “Helen’s playing her role. She rolls in at the same time every fortnight with a Ute load of produce … by facilitating what she’s already doing and building those relationships; we’re actually networking together with a common goal. It’s not to build The Salvation Army, it’s not to build the Uniting church or build Helen or build Nate. It’s actually just to encourage people with wherever they’re at on their journey in coming to know God, and supporting them in their earthly needs with just community and food and whatever else. “That’s how I see it.” Besides food insecurity, Helen said those in the local area were also facing loneliness, mental ill health and drug addiction. “We want to see social transformation, but we also want to see spiritual transformation as well. And we can't do that unless we're willing to build community and follow the principle that people need to belong before they believe,” Helen said. The Waikerie Uniting Church team of volunteers, which also includes Nate’s wife Ashleigh, who has been involved in the events since they began, now offers tea, coffee and biscuits prior to the food’s arrival. According to Nate, though, the hope isn’t to see the Waikerie Uniting Church congregation growing on a Sunday, but to take the opportunity to get to know people in the local community so that the church can journey with them through the highs and lows of life. Locals getting free groceries at the Bread and Produce Day at Waikerie Uniting Church. Image: Kirralee Nicolle “The end goal is not church attendance,” he said. “I invited a few people this morning, but the end goal is just to care about them. And if that happens to change our congregation, then that would be fantastic. But I think the first thing that takes place is relationships develop, and it can be years down the track that you end up sharing in a tragedy or sharing in a triumph, and as your lives are entwined, then they end up becoming a part of the church community.” Referencing the first Corinthians passage again, Nate said planting and watering were “long-term projects”. “We have a relationship with Christ, and we're just inviting people into that because of what he's done,” Nate said. “We just let it be and let God do his thing.”

To read Merrilyn’s Promoted to Glory notice, click here