Salvos use Beef Australia 2015 to raise awareness of support services
Beef Australia 2015, Australia’s national beef exposition, has provided a platform for The Salvation Army to raise awareness of its rural services and accept donations for the national Salvos Rural Appeal.
A trade fair, conference, seminars, tour and cooking demonstrations were part of the triennial exposition, held in Rockhampton from 4-9 May.
The Salvation Army ran a stand at the exposition, featuring information on services including rural chaplaincy and it Outback Flying Service. Two Salvation Army-produced DVDs, Braver, Stronger, Wiser, which focuses on helping rural people in particular recognise and work through depression, and Still Standing, that assists people affected by crisis or disaster get back on their feet, were also available.
The Army's flying padre Lieutenant Simon Steele, Lieutenants John and Karen Jackson, rural chaplains and Longreach Corps Officers, and Majors Cheralynne and Kelvin Pethybridge, the Army's Central and North Queensland divisional leaders, were among those serving on the stand throughout the week.
“Everyone and everything related to the beef industry are at the exposition so it’s a great opportunity for us to let people know that we are here to help,” said Jan Maxwell, regional fundraising co-ordinator for the Central and North Queensland Division. “So many people are in real trouble with the drought; they are losing properties and there’s an increasing suicide rate, so we want them to know how we can assist.”
Lieut John Jackson said that the focus of the stand was to let people know that “all manner” of support is available to people through The Salvation Army, especially practical assistance.
“We’re trying to let people on the land know that they are not out there on their own,” he said. “We are here for them and relevant, meaningful support is available.”
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