2019: Local Mission

Maia Hadley — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 13:10:00 +1000

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2019: Local Mission

Hi everyone,

Julie and I are grateful to God for the different seasons we enjoy in Australia - Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the new life in our trees and gardens.

As we head into the last three months of this year, which will no doubt continue to be a busy time for all of us, we were reminded in chapel at Blackburn last week of William Booth's Cab Horse Charter in the 19th century.

Booth's charter made two salient points: when a horse is down, it is helped up, and while alive, it is given food, shelter and work.

This charter became the founding principles of The Salvation Army - when people are down, help them up: everyone has the right to food, shelter and work.

More than 139 years later, Booth's words still come through in our vision:

Wherever there is hardship or injustice,

Salvos will live, love and fight,

alongside others,

to transform Australia one life at a time

with the love of Jesus.

Our vision is expressed through our mission of caring for people, creating faith pathways, building healthy communities and working for justice.

But none of this can happen without all of us working together as one movement. I often like to think of The Salvation Army as a body with different parts (heart, lungs, mind) working together to fulfill its mission. Every part of the body has a role to play and without the other, the body cannot function.

As you go about your day, you may be providing a food hamper, listening ear, finding a bed, serving a meal, preparing a sermon, leading a Bible Study, delivering a specific project, updating an IT system, answering a help desk call, processing salaries or payments, supporting HR processes, developing marketing or fundraising campaigns, advocating to government, or ensuring we comply with legislation to mitigate the risks to the organisation.

Regardless, we are all playing our role in fulfilling our vision and mission.

No matter where you are or what your role is, we are all contributing to God's mission; in different ways.

We often talk about Mission Delivery or our Mission Expressions, the areas of the organisation that deliver the support and services to those who need it most.

Just as important as the work they do, are the people behind the scenes - the Mission Enablers. These supporting and enabling functions form part of the backbone of the Movement. They can be transactional in delivering repeatable tasks, business partnering by working closely with the frontline to understand and support Local Mission Delivery, governance and oversight or setting national strategies and priorities. They are just as essential in delivering our mission to those in need.

Without everyone fulfilling their role, we as Salvos won't be able to transform Australia, one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

Over the coming months you will hear this term Mission Enabler used more and more. And most of all, you'll hear about the guiding principles that go with being a Mission Enabler, including:

Mission focused: Delivering the right services in the best possible way to maximise our frontline impact for the people and communities we serve.

Solution Focused: Always seek to enable, not disable, and search for pragmatic solutions.

Collaborative Partnerships: Seek to understand and build relationships to make informed decisions and drive the right outcomes for all who are impacted.

Honest and Accountable: Communicate with respect, honesty and clarity, and take accountability for our actions and decisions to build trust.

Effective and Efficient: Invest in the right things to drive the right missional outcomes and seek to continuously improve to do things the best possible way to enable a sustainable Army.

In Julie and my recent travels we have seen a great example in the Queensland Division with the success of the Local Mission Delivery model there. It's by no means perfect but a great example of how, in all functions, Mission Delivery and Mission Enablers work together under one divisional banner. That happens regardless of change in direct reporting lines, as part of being one national territory.

We are all part of the same team, part of the same body, just with different roles to play:

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:4-6

As always, I welcome any feedback or queries you may have. Please feel free to send me an email at AskTheChief@aus.salvationarmy.org

God's richest blessings,

Mark

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 5 September

Maia Hadley — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 15:07:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 5 September

Thursday 5 September, 2019

Rebuilding lives, homes in North QLD

Salvo Studios have revisited The Salvation Army's work in Townsville with people who are rebuilding their lives after the floods. Housing, homeless and related health issues remain pressing issues. Some 1,400 of the 3,300 north Queensland homes damaged by floodwaters have been repaired.

The Salvation Army invites your prayers and your financial support. Salvos Studios' video on the floods in February 2019.

Change in officer appointments

Salvation Army officers' "general change" in appointments across Australia was announced this morning. You can see the full list here.

The Salvation Army Australia territory wishes a safe and successful transition to everyone impacted by the change process.

Action required: NEW TERRITORIAL POLICIES

New Territorial policy packages will start rolling out from tomorrow, 6 September. For an easy guide on how to access these policies, you can watch this short video.

All policies will be published through the Policy Application. You will need to login to the application to see the policies. Please use the following instructions on how to access the Application.

Each new policy will have a change summary available that will outline: what has changed, why it has changed and the impact of the change for you.

New Territorial policies to be published from Friday 6 September:

Active Officer Service Conditions and Uniform Policy
Code of Conduct Policy
Enterprise Risk Management Policy
Gender Equality Policy
Whistleblower Protections Policy
Work Health and Safety Policy
Policy Management Policy (update of existing policy)
Governance Policy

If you have any questions, please contact please contact the Territorial Policy Team via policy@salvationarmy.org.au

When Luke's life collapsed

When his world collapsed, Luke found himself rummaging through food-waste bins of nearby animal farms, looking for edible veggies to feed his wife and five kids. Things had reached a breaking point and Luke, in despair, called the Salvos. Through the generosity of its donors, The Salvation Army was able to help him. Read Luke's story.

Luke's plight represents The Salvation Army's August component of the Red Shield The Salvos have declared that "no parent in Australia today should face impossible choices such as whether to feed their family, pay the bills or keep a roof over their head". We have asked our donors to support the appeal by Thursday, 19 September, so the Salvos can give groceries, counselling and practical care to families in crisis.

You can also donate to the social work of The Salvation Army. Gifts of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

RUOK?

The Salvation Army believes in providing hope in all circumstances, and supports the annual RUOK? Day on 12 September. It follows World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

The Black Dog Institute reports that one in five Australians (from 16-85) will suffer from a mental illness annually. Every day, at least six Australians die from suicide, and 30 Australians will attempt to take their own lives.

If you see someone who seems to be struggling, you are encouraged to ask them, RUOK?

Disability services transferred in NSW

The Salvation Army has handed over ownership and full operational management of our disability services in New South Wales and Queensland to like-minded, caring organisations. Current residents and participants continue to be supported in their communities, while the Salvos focus on areas where we can make the greatest impact.

Westhaven, based in Dubbo, took on operational management of The Salvation Army Independent Lifestyle Support Service (SAILSS) Broken Hill program (which will be known by a different name) on 31 August, with a positive story featured in the local paper, the Barrier Daily Truth.

Aruma, another not-for-profit organisation, will take over operations of the SAILSS Darling Downs (Toowoomba) and SAILSS Brisbane programs, in Queensland (again into the future these programs will be known by different names). The Aruma team has met with staff, participants and their families; the handover of operations will be completed by 14 October. Both specialist organisations share similar values with The Salvation Army and are committed to supporting people living with a disability.

The Salvation Army is incredibly proud of the SAILSS programs and all staff involved in ensuring its success, including the Social Program Review project team who worked hard to ensure a seamless transition.

While the decision to transfer services to another provider came after much thought and consideration, we are confident in Westhaven and Aruma's capability to not only continue, but enhance these programs into the future. Post the transition of these programs to new service providers, we will continue to provide and maintain our missional connections with participants and residents in Broken Hill, Toowoomba and Brisbane, through chaplaincy and local corps support and services.

Salvos' albums help teach local kids' music

To help fund their respective Just Brass programs, Ringwood and South Barwon Corps' brass bands have released CDs.

The Ringwood album, Great Is Thy Faithfulness - The Music of Noel Jones, features the compositions of Retired Bandmaster Noel Jones OF(Order of the Founder). Ringwood is putting all proceeds towards the corps' Just Brass free music tuition to local schoolchildren. Great is Thy Faithfulness costs $20 plus $5 postage and handling. They sold 50 copies following the CD's launch at their annual Concert for Cancer, on Saturday, 31 August. (The concert was attended by a capacity audience and raised $4,700 for the cancer Council of Victoria). You can order CDs to support Ringwood Corps' Just Brass program by emailing RingwoodSalvationArmyBand@gmail.com

Proceeds from the South Barwon album, Lead Kindly Light, will go to both the corps band and the Just Brass program. You can read about the album at Others. It costs $20 and at cost postage, or copies can be obtained from South Barwon Corps. Contact britteny.ling@salvationarmy.org.au

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Commissioner Sue Swanson Joins African Women Leaders in Prayer and Praise

AUE mySalvos — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:30:00 +1000

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Commissioner Sue Swanson Joins African Women Leaders in Prayer and Praise

Commissioner Sue Swanson in African dress with (left) Commissioner Rosemary Makina (Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries) and (right) Commissioner Vinece Chigariro (Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women's Ministries, Zimbabwe Territory)

Forty-eight delegates from the 13 territories, three commands and one region of The Salvation Army's Africa Zone gathered with special guest Commissioner Sue Swanson (World President of Women's Ministries) to pray, learn and share fellowship at the fifth All Africa Women Leaders' Conference. The theme of the conference - held in Harare, Zimbabwe - was 'Reproducing Generations of Leaders'.

In her Bible message at the opening meeting, Commissioner Swanson referred to the story of Elisha and the widow. 'God makes the oil,' she said. 'Pray that we may pour ourselves out for the Lord and for each other - then there will be more and more oil.'

The commissioner stated in her keynote address that 'God wants to tabernacle with us. Our role as women is to obey the command of the Lord. God never asks us to give anything except what he has given us. Will you give your gifts?'

Throughout the conference the international Women's Ministries theme for 2012, 'Come and See', was strongly featured as delegates urged each other to 'Come and see what the Lord has done', singing this chorus in their local languages.

The women leaders learned about each others' cultures, role models for the next generation, social justice, qualities of a spiritual leader, delegation and transparency in leadership. Early in the week a fellowship evening allowed the delegates to express themselves freely by dressing in African attire, singing, dancing and presenting humorous yet meaningful short dramas.

Commissioner Swanson shared happenings in women's ministries around the world and spoke of serious issues affecting women and girls.

Leading devotions on the last morning of the conference, Colonel Angelique Lukau (Territorial President of Women's Ministries, Congo Brazzaville) requested prayers for Congo. Describing the events of Sunday 4 March when explosions rocked Brazzaville, she said: 'It was the day of the cadets' welcome. In faith we went ahead with the meeting and praised God! Whole families perished that day and I wept in front of the television.'

In a sketch, Commissioner Rosemary Makina (Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries, International Headquarters) passed on her mantle to the 'future Zonal Secretary for Africa', played by Captain Nokuthula Mahlobo (Southern Africa Territory).

The commissioner, who - with her husband Commissioner Amos Makina (International Secretary for Africa) - retires at the end of the year, was warmly saluted by her 'daughters' from all around the continent, receiving gifts in true African tradition.

As delegates met for closing worship, news was received of a military coup in Mali. Prayer was offered for regional leaders Majors Kapela and Rose-Nicole Ntoya and the people of Mali.

In the final moments of the conference Commissioner Swanson challenged the women: 'Pick up your tambourine as Miriam did and say: "Look what the Lord has done!"'

Delegates knelt in dedication to God and signed a covenant.

Report by Commissioner Dorita Wainwright
Territorial President of Women's Ministries
Kenya East Territory

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 22 August

Maia Hadley — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 10:54:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 22 August

Thursday 22 August, 2019

Results are in - RSA raises $78 million

The 2019 Red Shield Appeal results were announced by Chief Secretary Colonel Mark Campbell earlier this week. Nearly $78 million was raised, including $4.7m through the Community Doorknock campaign between 13 May and 2 June.

As announced at the Still Others conference last year, The Red Shield Appeal initiative will now come into effect and 80% of the money raised during the Community Doorknock campaign will go back to the corps and ministry expressions to fund corps community engagement. Up to $3.7 million is expected to be released directly to the corps and local mission expressions over the coming months.

For more information about The Red Shield Appeal initiative, please talk to your State Public Relations Office.

Kids are "Making a Difference"

" With the help of Captain Peter Hobbs from Bellarine Peninsula Corps, students from Clifton Springs Primary School are "Making a Difference" by feeding their peers through a breakfast club, and working to develop a learning app for kids aged from 10-16.  

The MAD kids recently served 190 pieces of toast on one morning to their fellow students. This is the seventh year the corps has run MAD, and many current and former students are active members of the corps' community. See the MAD kids in action on their Facebook page.

 Golf day raises funds, lands award

 Salvation Army Housing (TAS) recently won an Australasian Housing Industry award for "leading innovation in a social housing program". 

The award recognised an innovative fundraiser - the Salvos' golf day with cricket legend David Boon at Ratho Gold Course. The day raised $11,000 with proceeds going towards The Salvation Army's Common Ground sites in Hobart. Read more here.

Salvos Submission on Newstart and Related Payments

Next month The Salvation Army will make a submission to the Senate inquiry into Newstart and related payments. If you have evidence, case studies or thoughts, please email General Manager of Policy and Advocacy Jennifer Kirkaldy: jennifer.kirkaldy@salvationarmy.org

To support the submission we have also created a survey for people with experience of Newstart, Youth Allowance and other payments. If you interact with people who have experience with these payments, please promote this survey: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/get-involved/advocacy/newstart-inquiry-2019/

Outlook migration update

The O365 Project is progressing well and on track to have all Lotus Notes accounts migrated to Outlook by the end of October.

General Manager for Digital and Applications, Jason Guiffre said over 5,000 accounts have already been migrated to date.

"On behalf of the project team, I would like to thank the almost 300 O365 Champions for their assistance. Without their support the migrations would not have gone so smoothly.

"I would also like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we deliver Outlook, which will set the foundations for new and exciting ways of working."

Employment Plus and Aged Care's teams are next to move to Outlook and will be contacted to confirm migration dates soon.

If you're not part of Employment Plus or Aged Care, haven't been migrated or advised of your migration date, and have a Salvation Army email address, please contact the O365 Project team at O365Project@salvationarmy.org.au with your name, department name and manager's name.

Once your mailbox has migrated to Outlook, please ensure you shut down your machine at night. This will ensure IT updates, like virus protection, can be installed to contribute to keeping data safe.

Salvos Workday update

Salvos Workday is launching soon. Find some useful information over the next few weeks through a series of videos.

The first one shows you how Salvos Workday will make the "people stuff" easier, to better achieve our mission. It shows how Salvos Workday will enable us to connect and contact each other simply and accurately, replacing old systems such as the Dispensation of Forces. The video describes the new system as "our single source of truth for all our people information". You can view it here.

Cybersecurity awareness campaign to kick off soon

The Salvation Army is about to commence a cybersecurity awareness campaign across the organisation. More information will be circulated via email next week.

The campaign will include "simulated phishing emails", which will look just like real phishing emails and will give you tips on determining whether an email is suspicious or not. For more information please contact me at lachlan.mcgill@salvationarmy.org.au

NOTE: In future, IT outage and Cybersecurity information will be sent to all employees and officers as separate emails. All other news relevant to all employees and officers will be circulated through this newsletter.

Policy update

The Territorial Policy and Policy Project teams have been working with policy owners to provide a single set of policies and procedures for the Australia Territory. The project is developing 57 new Policy Packages that will replace 600 former AUS and AUE policies. Find out more about policies and procedures at The Salvation Army.

Eighteen new Territorial policy packages will be rolled out from September and will be available through the new Policy Application (http://policy.salvos.net).

Volunteers will also have access to the Policy Application. Please follow the below instructions on how to access the Application.

Existing policies are in the process of being rescinded and will be replaced by new Territorial policies. In the meantime, continue to use the existing policies in your state where there is no new Territorial policy.

International Leader reflects on his first year

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, Chief of the Staff, have recorded a short video in which they talk about their first 12 months in office and reflect on their experiences leading the worldwide Salvation Army.

Read more and watch the video here. You can also find the General on Facebook.

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 8 August

Maia Hadley — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 10:22:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 8 August

Thursday 8 August, 2019

Putting an end to rough sleeping 

This week is Homelessness Week and as The Salvation Army we believe one person sleeping rough is one too many. Livia Carusi, General Manager of Homelessness talks about how it is well within our capacity as a nation to end it. You can also view The Salvation Army video for Homelessness Week here.

Teaching WA kids about homelessness  

The Salvo Schools Program in WA engages with more than 15,000 students annually, from Busselton to Geraldton, educating them and helping them empathise with homeless Australians. Read more about the program here.  

Preparing for One Way  

As part of The Salvation Army's 'One Way' program, the way that we manage our 'people processes' like recruitment, role changes, leave, payslips, etc. is being transformed.

Many of those changes will occur over the next few months with the introduction of Salvos Workday, which will replace the 26 disparate, disconnected systems that are in currently in use across the organisation. You can learn more about Salvos Workday here.

Resources, detailing key changes, impacts and benefits, specifically designed for Employees, Managers and Officers, will be distributed over the coming weeks.  For more information, speak to your HR Business Partner or Officer Personnel Secretary.

Prayer room update 

The August 2019 prayer room resources for Thursday prayers are now available, subjects include the Army's work in central Queensland, north-east country Victoria, the northern-metropolitan area of Perth, and the Northern Territory. The Prayer Room is published on the Bulletin Board.  

Be part of the innovation 

The Salvation Army has a strong legacy of being pioneers and bringing hope where it is needed most.

Innovation starts with great ideas and from late September, you will be able to submit yours through an new platform called "Salvos:IDEAS".

The new platform will be accessible to everyone, giving you an opportunity to take a great idea from ideation right through to implementation. Ideas that we hope will support the achievement of our mission, ideas that will ultimately help shape the future of The Salvation Army. Read more about the current innovation grants.

Email innovation manager Greigory Whittaker at greigory.whittaker@salvationarmy.org.au for more information.

Connecting with the past 

The Salvation Army Territorial Museum in Melbourne opened its doors for the Open House Melbourne event hosted at the end of July.

Over 500 people visited the Limelight Studio, Australia's first registered Film production company. Back in 1900, The Salvation Army produced the first moving picture in Australia, "Soldiers of the Cross" and our professional film studio continues to provide new ways of bringing God's message to the people of Australia.

Museum Manager Lindsay Cox said the visitors were 'introduced to the Army in a way they never expected', the magic of the movies and drama, 'and they learnt something of our God-given mission.'

The Salvation Army has two museums. Melbourne Museum is located at 69 Burke Street and is open Mon- Fri 9.30-3.30pm and first Saturday of every month.

The Sydney Museum is located at 32a Barnsbury Grove, Bexley North and is open Mon-Sat 9am-2pm.

Help people live life to the fullest 

The Salvation Army's annual Australasian exploration of theology, the Thought Matters Conference, is occurring from 23-25 August at Eva Burrows College at 100 Maidstone Street, Ringwood, Vic. (registrations close on Friday, 16 August).  

Salvationists from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa will share papers on the concepts of 'vocation, calling, identity and faith', as they relate to people flourishing. Click here for more information and to register.
 

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2019: Mission Expressions

Maia Hadley — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 19:34:00 +1000

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2019: Mission Expressions

Hi everyone,

It's been said that The Salvation Army was 'raised on a diet of faith-filled risk and outrageous innovation'. We have a strong legacy of being pioneers in bringing hope and the love of Jesus to people most in need through new and innovative ways.

Transforming lives through the delivery of holistic and integrated mission is one of our key strategic initiatives and the creation of the local mission delivery model is one of the biggest innovations for the Australia Territory.

Last week I had the privilege to visit some mission expressions in Tasmania with the Board. This included Doorways, Doorways to Parenting, the Corps at Hobart as well as the aged care complex at Harrington.

God is doing some incredible things in these places and I was struck with the deep desire to work collaboratively to see transformation take place. Captains Nicole and Johnmark Snead are the Corps Officers at Hobart Corps and spoke about the desire to see mission expressions co-located to be able to do more for the city of Hobart. This is our Local Mission Delivery in action!

Another story that stood out to me recently was the Freedom Chapel at the Palm Beach/Elanora Corps on the Gold Coast which is a supportive and encouraging gathering for people on a journey through the hurts and hassles of life.

May God continue to do His work in us - throughout the entire nation.

There are some really great additional resources and stories available around Local Mission Delivery, including this short video.

Red Shield Appeal 2019

It is with great excitement that I share with you the final result for the 2019 Red Shield Appeal. Nearly $78 million was raised, including $4.7m through the Community Doorknock campaign between 13 May and 2 June.

We anticipate up to about $3.7 million to be released directly to the corps and local mission expressions over the coming months.

What a fantastic effort everyone! I want to thank each and every person who contributed in any way shape or form, it's because of your efforts we can continue to transform Australia, one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

For more information about The Red Shield Appeal initiative, please talk to your State Public Relations Office.

National budget

I would like to express my thanks to everyone for the hard work in delivering our first national budget, which was approved by the Board at the August meeting.

This is a significant step forward on our national agenda and provides us with clear direction to sustainably deliver our mission in the future.

We have come a long way over the past 12 months in systems and processes and I would especially like to recognise all those in Finance who have helped us on this journey.

New technologies

We continue on our journey to roll out Outlook to the entire organisation. This is a huge task and I want to sincerely thank the O365 Project team and all of our Champions for their continued effort and support. From what I understand, the migrations have been going very smoothly.

We have now migrated just over 4,800 accounts and by October, everyone in the Australia Territory will be using Outlook. I, myself, made the move about a month ago and have not looked back! I find it really intuitive and easy to use, and I think you will too.

Over the next few months we will see the launch Salvos:IDEAS, a new hub for innovation and Salvos Workday, a new system for managing people information. More detail on this was published in last week's Transforming Australia newsletter. Updates on these systems will be shared through the newsletter going forward.

National Policies

Over the past few months the Policy Project has been working hard to provide us with a single set of policies and procedures to guide our work as one Australia Territory. The project is developing 57 new Policy Packages that will replace 600, yes 600 legacy former AUS and AUE policies.

Eighteen new Territorial policy packages will be rolled out shortly. Keep an eye out for further communications about the new policies and how they affect your work over the next few months.

I would like to leave you with one of Paul's prayers, a prayer we pray for you.

"I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19.

Julie and I want to thank you all for your commitment and perseverance, we pray the Lord will continue to bless in refreshing ways.

As always, I welcome any feedback or queries you may have. Please feel free to send me an email at AskTheChief@aus.salvationarmy.org

God's richest blessings,

Mark

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 25 July

Maia Hadley — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 10:44:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 25 July

Thursday 25 July 2019

Transforming Australia will be available online here until all employees and officers have migrated to Outlook. Please bear with us during this change. To provide feedback or contribute an item, please email us at TransformingAustralia@aus.salvationarmy.org

WIN!

Transforming Australia, our fortnightly newsletter across the Australia Territory, is changing its name! Email your suggestions to internalcommunications@aus.salvationarmy.org

Along with naming the newsletter, the winning entry will receive a double movie voucher, a 12 month subscription to Others Magazine, Warcry and Kidzone as well as a collection of five books: Insane: The Stories of Crazy Salvos Who Changed the World, Will and Kate: The Story of William and Catherine Booth, Famous Last Words: Thoughts from Salvos in their latter stages of life, The People's General: Coffee table book on General Eva Burrows and Hallmarks of The Salvation Army: TSA at its heart.

New territorial leaders put mission at the helm 

The Salvation Army Australia's new territorial leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson, were welcomed and installed on Sunday, 14 July in Melbourne. If you missed it, you can see a short clip here or read the full article on the Others Magazine website.

Project 9 Tasmania

The Salvation Army Housing in Tasmania is building nine new affordable housing homes for people on the social housing waiting list. The project will have a significant impact on people who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in Tasmania. Watch the video on Project 9 here.

Construction to start on new aged care centre 

The Salvation Army Aged Care will soon begin work on the Kubirri Aged Care Centre in Mossman, in far-northern Queensland. National Director, Richard de Haast, said the milestone marked the beginning of a long-awaited start to this community project. Kubirri is scheduled to open in late 2020. Read the full story.

Don't take the bait

One of the many tasks of the IT Services Department is to ensure our internet-connected systems - including hardware, software and data - are protected from cyber-attacks. As we increasingly use online systems to manage our data and information, the security awareness of all our employees and officers across TSA is crucial. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our critical information.

One of the easiest ways hackers gain access to an organisation's systems is through phishing emails. Here are some tips when determining if an email is a phishing email:

GREED: Phishing emails often dangle a financial reward of some kind if you click a link or enter your login information. If an email offers you something that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
CURIOSITY: People are naturally curious, and phishers take advantage of this by sending emails that promise to show us something exciting or forbidden.
FEAR: Scaring recipients is a common tactic in phishing emails. Emails that threaten you with negative consequences or punishment should be treated with suspicion.
URGENCY: If an email provides a strict deadline for performing an action - be suspicious. Phishing emails will try to fluster recipients by creating a sense of urgency.

Single financial system for TSA on track

Our transformation within the new national structure continues and in August the Finance team in the former AUE territory will transition the cloud-based TechOne system and a new Chart of Accounts.

The project and Finance teams have been hard at work preparing for transition to the new system. Ian Shinkfield, Chief Financial Officer, thanked everyone involved in the work so far. "I would like to pass on my thanks and appreciation to all staff who has been involved with User Acceptance Testing and Volume Testing. Your feedback has been invaluable in ensuring that TechOne performs as expected."

Some staff in the former AUS territory has been involved in the volume testing, but the project will have minimal impact on the system and Chart of Accounts in the former AUS territory.

This project provides a significant step forward for the movement and is integral to being able to deliver much needed improvements to many other systems and processes.

If you have any questions about the project please contact the Project Change Manager, Louise Potter: louise.potter@aue.salvationarmy.org

Scholarships are now open

Eva Burrows Australian Scholarship for Women 

The Eva Burrows Australian Scholarship for Women is awarded to a woman who has undertaken substantial paid or unpaid work for The Salvation Army in the previous two years and is seeking support to develop her leadership capabilities. A scholarship of up to $25,000, for study at Eva Burrows College or another institution, will be granted to a woman who exhibits General Burrows' values of leadership and commitment to serving on the frontline. Apply here.  

Transurban Financial Counselling Scholarship  

Five scholarships are available for existing Salvation Army officers and employees, to undertake the (CHC51115) Diploma of Financial Counselling at Eva Burrows College Vocational Training. Transurban, operator of the Linkt toll roads in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, generously donated the cost of the five diplomas to support the financial counselling sector. Apply here.

'Virtual' Bible study in Pyjamas 

The Busy Mums' Virtual Bible Study, run by the Carindale Corps in Brisbane, is a new initiative giving busy mums of faith the opportunity to meet online once they've put their children to bed.

The program has been so successful that they're looking at establishing a second group. Read the full story.

Self-Denial funds can now make the change 

The Salvation Army 2019 Self Denial Appeal has raised $3,341,140 that will be used for both Salvation Army community development and mission support projects across the world. 'Be the Change' was the theme for the 2019 appeal, based on 2 Corinthians 9:11.  Read the full story.

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Transforming Australia - Friday 11 July

Maia Hadley — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:30:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Friday 11 July

Friday 11 July 2019

Bringing joy to the local community

101 year old Peggy has been a Salvo for decades, but recently she hasn't been able to make it to her local Salvos corps. So some of The Salvation Army Carindale band brought the music to Peggy! See the full story.

Let go and let God

Mitch Stamper is a support worker at Fairhaven, The Salvation Army Gold Coast Recovery Services centre. Mitch tragically lost his father to brain cancer at the age of five and became heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol in his teens, spiralling out of control with a drug habit that exceeded $350 per day. Spending a $50,000 inheritance from his grandmother within three months was rock bottom for him. Read Mitch's full story of recovery on page forty six in the July edition of Others magazine.

Meet the new Australia Territory leaders

Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson commenced their roles as Territorial leaders for the Australia Territory on 1 July. Most recently, the Commissioners were serving at IHQ as International Secretary for Accountability and Governance and Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries in South Pacific and East Asia. Janine was also the editor of the Army's international women's magazine, Revive.

Commissioners Donaldson have extensive experience of The Salvation Army in this part of the world, as New Zealanders and also previously serving as leaders for the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. They also spent ten years serving in Africa. Get to know the new leaders in a three-part video interview series available on the Others website or read the edited version of the interview in the July edition of Others magazine.

The new Commissioners were welcomed with Chapel services in THQ Blackburn and Redfern and their formal Welcome and Installation will take place this coming Sunday, 14 July at 3pm AEST at Alexander Theatre-Monash Academy of performing Arts. The event will be live streamed from the Others website.

REMINDER: Accessing your End Of Year Income Statements for 2018/2019

End-of-year income statements for employees and active officers are now available on-line via the myGov website. TSA Payroll will no longer issue Payment Summaries. Last year the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) introduced Single Touch Payroll (STP) - a reporting system where payroll reports everyone's salary and wages to them on a fortnightly basis. If you use a registered tax agent to lodge your income tax return, the ATO will send your income statement information to them directly.

You can download your income statement from: https://my.gov.au - if you don't have a myGov account, cannot create account, or don't use a registered agent, you can call them on 13 28 61.

Voice, Treaty, Truth - NAIDOC Week 2019

Each July, NAIDOC week is celebrated across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme is Voice, Treaty, Truth , elements from the Uluru Statement from the heart. Watch the video on celebrating NAIDOC week.

Indigenous Engagement Officer at The Salvation Army Northern Hub in Townsville, Shirli Congo, sees the week as a reminder to all Salvos of the need for a culturally capable workforce and culturally appropriate and safe locations.

"We want Salvos to have genuine relationships with local Indigenous people; we can take the time to know each other, share meals and have courageous conversations to help flip the narrative and address negative stereotypes."

The Salvation Army is exploring online training options to encourage sensitivity and build skill sets; all officer cadets have done cultural training and had cultural immersion last year and will do so again in 2019.

Salvos Legal Humanitarian to be funded directly by TSA

Salvos Legal is a unique social enterprise law firm that was established almost ten years ago for the purpose of funding Salvos Legal Humanitarian, which provides free legal advice to people who do not qualify for any government or community justice centre funded advice or representation.

TSA has decided to fund Salvos Legal Humanitarian directly. This decision means Salvos Legal Humanitarian will have even greater focus and funding certainty and also means that Salvos Legal will close by 31 December 2019.

TSA is immensely proud of the extraordinary success of Salvos Legal and what has been achieved. The lawyers and staff who work at Salvos Legal have worked tirelessly to build a business that produced profits sufficient to enable Salvos Legal Humanitarian to annually handle approximately 3,000 cases representing people in dire situations and, to manage and train a large volunteer workforce.

TSA thanks everyone associated with Salvos Legal, all the clients, staff, interns, volunteers and community organisations, for their support and hard work in laying the foundations for Salvos Legal Humanitarian now being brought into the heart of our Social Mission funding program.

All affected staff has been informed of this decision and Salvos Legal staff are being offered support and access to relevant redeployment opportunities.The team is working to ensure that all current and any new matters are completed by 31 December 2019. Any matters not finalised by then will be briefed and transferred to other law firms.

Further information: contact Stephen Macliver, National Director, Salvos Legal, ph. (02) 8202 1555, email: stephen.macliver@salvoslegal.com.au

Read more about Salvos Legal Humanitarian here:
https://www.salvoslegal.com.au/expertise/humanitarian-free-legal-service/

New service provider for TSA's Algate House in Broken Hill (NSW)

Major Jenny Begent has announced The Salvation Army Individual Lifestyle Support Service (SAILSS) Algate House in Broken Hill will have a new service provider, Westhaven, from 31 August 2019.

Westhaven is a not-for-profit, non-government community-based organisation, which has been based in Dubbo, NSW, for over 50 years. It has a long history of supporting people with disabilities and delivering disability services in its rural community.

The selection of Westhaven comes after much consideration and a lengthy review and due diligence period. The values and mission of Westhaven are well aligned with those of The Salvation Army, and the process has shown a complementary service experience between the two organisations.

New appointments

Lieut.-Colonels Laurie and Simone Robertson will be taking up additional appointments as Executive Officers at THQ Redfern from 15 July.

Laurie is also the Head of Editorial, Publishing and Broadcasting, and Simone is the Director of Salvation Army International Development (SAID).

Chris Karagiannis has been appointed as the new CEO of Salvation Army Housing, starting on Monday, 29 July. He will be based at the Glen Waverley (VIC).

Mr Karagiannas comes to TSA from Benetas (Anglican Aged Care Services Group), where he currently holds the position of General Manager, Strategy, Infrastructure and Housing.

Originally coming from a property and project management background, over the last 10 years Chris has undertaken executive responsibility for strategy and corporate development, program and operations management and mergers and acquisitions. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management, an MBA (Dist) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Carol Phillips has been appointed Executive Manager for Safeguarding Policy and Performance; starting early July.

Ms Phillips has implemented the Safeguarding Consultants Team in the Divisions and led the Safeguarding Consultants in the management of complex safeguarding cases. She has previously led large safeguarding and child protection teams in government and national community service organisations, and brings both strong child safeguarding expertise and also practical implementation of safeguards in a range of different local environments.

Recruitment for the Executive Manager Safeguarding Operations (Ms Phillip's current role) has begun; Carol will remain in this role until the new person has been recruited and an appropriate hand-over has occurred, ensuring the current safeguarding risks continue to be managed appropriately.

Alison Cesaro has been appointed Executive Manager Project Benefits Realisation. Ms Cesaro has experience in similar roles across major corporations, at one stage running one of very few companies focussed just on the issue of how best to extract value from investment in business change projects.

Ms Cesaro fills the last vacant management role in the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) and in the first instance will focus on establishing the foundational elements of good project delivery in the EPMO's first year of operation.

Financial Systems Consolidation Project

The Financial Systems Consolidation Project focuses on the data migration required to consolidate the existing two TSA finance systems into the one TechOne Cloud application (to be known as T1 AU), as well as the creation of one set of consolidated accounts.

Workshops will be held in July to provide teams with the opportunity to preview the T1 AU Cloud based application, discuss the cut-over schedule and become familiar with the new chart of accounts. You will be provided with a chart conversion table so that you can readily match old Cost Centre and account codes with new codes. Dates and venues for the workshops will be finalised with your manager shortly. If you haven't heard from the Change Team by 3 July, 2019, please email Louise Potter: louise.potter@aue.salvationarmy.org

T1 AU will go live in August, in the 2019/20 financial year.

Happy Founders' Day

Founders' Day is an international day recognised annually to celebrate the birth of The Salvation Army in 1865, when William and Catherine Booth formed the movement out of The Christian Mission. Watch this new entertaining take on Founders' Day from the Others.

For the Diary

Welcome and Installation of the new Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

3.00pm, Sunday 14 July

Alexander Theatre, Monash Academy of Performing Arts, Monash University Clayton Campus, 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton Victoria 3000

Live stream across Australia at: others.org.au/livestream

Leave a comment

2019: Transformation

Maia Hadley — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 11:22:00 +1000

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2019: Transformation

Hi everyone,

As we embark on a new financial year, I would like to pause for a moment and reflect on the year that was. Earlier in the year, I talked about the incredible journey we have embarked on to bring the former AUE and AUS territories together to create one Australia Territory.

We have come a long way, and although we have now officially been one territory for the past seven months, there is still a long way to go. I want to thank you for being part of this journey and bearing with us through the many changes. It's been exciting, albeit frustrating at times. We are grateful for your perseverance, patience and commitment. All of this goes towards helping us improve our processes and systems to get closer to making our national vision a reality: transforming one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.

We're helping to transform lives like that of 78-year-old Mr Han who was living in a garage and had nothing but the clothes on his back. Hurstville Salvos rallied around Mr Han, supporting him with temporary accommodation until he was given government housing. They then helped him source furniture, groceries and financial counselling service. Mr Han told those Salvos that his life had been transformed.

"I used to think that no one that lived around me cared about anything that was going on with me but now I know that there are brothers and sisters that care and will provide help when life becomes difficult. And I know that from the love of God."

Welcome to Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

On 16 June, we formally farewelled Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd during a service at Project 614 in Melbourne. It was an honour to be part of this service and if you missed out, you can watch the highlights video and read Commissioner Floyd's final farewell message at Others magazine.

On 1 July, Julie and I had the great pleasure of welcoming our new Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson to their new appointment. The Donaldsons will be travelling around the country over the next few months and you can get to know them a bit more through a three-part video interview series which was launched by Others last week. An edited version of the interview is also available in the July edition of Others magazine.

The Welcome and Installation for Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson will take place this Sunday 14 July at 3pm AEST at the Alexander Theatre-Monash Academy of Performing Arts. The event will also be live streamed across Australia. We are looking forward to the leadership of our new leaders so if you are in Melbourne, please come and give them a great Aussie welcome. Please continue to pray for our leaders as they lead us to achieve God's mission.

National Budgets update

We are still working very hard on finalising this year's national budget, with a focus on accountability, improved stewardship and sustainability. This will take a collective effort right across the movement to achieve this outcome.

It is taking a little bit longer than what we anticipated as we determine the best way to leverage a single movement, reduce duplication and streamline systems. We're doing this in order to redirect resources to the frontline to achieve our mission in a greater way.

We want to ensure that we can embed better collaboration around the nation, working together across our mission expressions, including mission enterprises, to transform the lives of Australians in need.

Aged Care - a new national agenda

Our mission expression through aged care was recently highlighted as they set a new national agenda that will see a renewed focus on serving the most vulnerable people in our society - ageing Australians that find themselves homeless or financially vulnerable.

The change in emphasis brings aged care very firmly into the heart of the Army and our work of transforming lives.

Some of you may know that The Salvation Army already runs two specialised residential aged care centres for the former homeless and in home services for the vulnerable in Tasmania and Victoria.

Under the new agenda, we aspire to open at least four more residential aged care centres for the homeless, expand the number of low cost rental accommodation for the elderly and, expand the delivery of in home care services to the vulnerable around the country.

We wish the team well as they aim to bring this new national aged care agenda to life. I will keep you updated on the progress.

Julie and I are committed to continue praying for you as we would ask you to pray for us in return. Our prayer for you is from Colossians 1:9-12.

"For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light."

As always, I welcome any feedback or queries you may have. Please feel free to send me an email at AskTheChief@aus.salvationarmy.org

God bless you.

Mark

Leave a comment

Transforming Australia - Friday 28 June

Maia Hadley — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 20:58:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Friday 28 June

Friday 28 June 2019

Finding Hope Amidst the Heartache

Refugee Week was held on 16-22 June 2019. Read Morris and Teddy Mukasa's story of fleeing persecution in Uganda and the love and support they received from Salvos Legal, Employment Plus and Auburn Corps in the June issue of Others magazine

Farewell for Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd

On 16 June 2019, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd were formally farewelled at a service at Melbourne Project 614. Watch the highlights video and read Commissioner Floyd's farewell message at Others magazine - https://others.org.au/features/a-transformational-journey-well-never-forget/

Access End Of Year Income Statements for 2018/2019 year end

End-of-year income statements for employees and active officers will be available on-line via the myGov website from 14 July 2019. Payroll will no longer issue Payment Summaries.

In July 2018 the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) introduced Single Touch Payroll (STP) - a reporting system where payroll reports everyone's salary and wages to them on a fortnightly basis.

If you use a registered tax agent to lodge your income tax return, the ATO will send your income statement information to them directly.

What you need to do

Download your income statement from the myGov website. If you don't have a myGov account, cannot create account or don't use a registered agent, please telephone them directly on 13 28 61.

Refer the attached ATO Factsheet for further information ATO_Factsheet_End_of_Year_Income_Statements

THQ Office Accommodation update

Plans for refurbishment at THQ Redfern and minor refit at THQ Blackburn to ensure that resources are used efficiently, are underway with works due to commence in September. The project team will be working in consultation with respective departments over the coming months to understand processes and requirements for the organisation.

New Australia Territorial Letterhead Available

The Salvation Army Australia Territory letterhead has been updated to incorporate the incoming Territorial Commander, Commissioner Robert Donaldson. It can be accessed via TSA Branding Guide icon on the intranet intranet.salvos.net (If you do not have a log in, please follow the instructions on the intranet to set one up).

Our People Count - Reminder for Mission Expressions with volunteers

Our People Count is a new territorial requirement for the way data about our volunteer workforce is being collected and centrally recorded in NSW, ACT and Queensland. It will help to meet our legal obligations and prepare for Salvos Workday - the new national HR system that will hold everyone's records.

Our People Count - Phase 1 is focussed on collecting volunteer data from mission expressions in Community Engagement, Social Mission and any non-corps. While work is well underway with many mission expressions having already provided their volunteer records, data must be submitted before 31 July 2019. The Volunteer Resources team can assist to find solutions to get records up to date, irrespective of the current status of record keeping.

Further information

Email the Volunteer Resources Team at volsystem@aue.salvationarmy.org or phone them on (02) 9466 3181

Go to Our People Count

HR makes the finals for an Australian HR Award

The Salvation Army HR Department is a finalist for a 2019 Australian HR Award. The HR Awards recognise excellence and best practice HR across all organisations in Australia.

"It has been a challenging time for us as we transition to the Australia Territory and the support and professionalism that HR provided has been invaluable for us to deliver mission and work towards realising our vision of transforming Australia, one life at time, with the love of Jesus.

"Congratulations to everyone in the HR team for their expertise and commitment and for becoming a finalist in a very competitive environment," Cabinet Secretary for Personnel, Lt Colonel Kelvin Merrett said.

About the Award

The Salvation Army Human Resources team is a finalist in the 'Australian HR Team of the Year for an organisation with more than 1,000 employees.' It's based on the way that the HR Department:

made a meaningful contributed to key decisions and objectives

addressed issues while balancing internal and external challenges

delivered high standards of advice, support and information

Winners will be announced on Friday, 5 September 2019 at the award ceremony in Sydney.

Redesign your thinking around Money with Moneycare's You're the Boss

Stop letting money be the boss of you and be the one who's in control. Join us online over 3 weeks with daily resources to achieve financial confidence.

Starting on 1 July 2019, there will be with new daily content including short videos and action plans.

Further information

Go to salvationarmy.org.au/youretheboss - there's no cost or need to register

Read the FAQs here

Email youretheboss@aue.salvationarmy.org for any further questions or concerns

Introducing the 'Prayer Room'

From 1 July 2019, The Salvation Army Australia Prayer Diary will be known as the Prayer Room. This is a resource to address our strategic imperative to 'foster Christian spirituality' and prayer for the mission of The Salvation Army across Australia.

Each week prayers will focus on all our mission expressions in a geographical area, as well as those serving in a Divisional, Territorial and International capacity. Throughout the year there will be prayers for every area in the territory.

Major Angela Eyles is the content curator with support from the Mission Resource team.

Further information

The Prayer Room will be published monthly and available electronically via a PDF that can be read on a PC or mobile device (i.e. telephone, tablet). It can also be printed, if that's people's only available option.

It will be available via both the AUS and AUE bulletin boards and emailed to all retired officers.

For the Diary

Chapel to introduce and welcome our new leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

Thursday 4 July 2019, Blackburn THQ
Thursday 11 July 2019, Redfern THQ

Welcome and Installation of the new Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

3.00pm, Sunday 14 July 2019
Alexander Theatre, Monash Academy of Performing Arts, Monash University Clayton Campus, 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton Victoria 3000
Live stream across Australia at: others.org.au/livestream

Leave a comment

Transforming Australia - Thursday 16 May

Maia Hadley — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:01:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 16 May

Thursday 16 May 2019

Welcome to Transforming Australia - our fortnightly update of key activities throughout the
Australia Territory. To provide feedback or contribute an item, email us at TransformingAustralia@aus.salvationarmy.org

Things to Know

Maxwells to take up new international appointments

Colonels Wayne and Robyn Maxwell, officers of the Australia Territory, have been appointed to leadership roles in The Salvation Army South Pacific and East Asia (SPEA) Zone. Wayne will serve as International Secretary and Robyn as Secretary for Women's Ministries for the zone. Both roles will be based at International Headquarters in London.

Further information

Read more about the Maxwells in Others magazine
Learn more about The Salvation Army International and leaders on their website

Things to Do

Red Shield Appeal 2019 in full flight

The Red Shield Appeal continues to gain momentum with thousands of people attending launches in capital and regional cities throughout Australia.

In addition to raising important funds to support delivering our mission throughout Australia, the Red Shield Appeal helps people from all walks of life, understand ways that we are working towards our national vision of 'Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight, alongside others, to transform Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.'

The Red Shield Appeal culminates at the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock on 25-26 May, where 80 per cent of funds raised will be allocated back to local corps. It's a key way that corps will be able to rally their communities and deliver local outcomes.

Further information

Learn more about the Red Shield Appeal and volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock on 25-26 May 2019 here
Read Others magazine to learn about key launches events and other inspiring Red Shield stories

National Reconciliation Week, 27 May-3 June 2019

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May - 3 June 2019 and this year's theme is Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage

The Salvation Army is committed to the journey of reconciliation and encourages all mission expressions to contribute to the reconciliation movement by adopting practical actions to engage with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and build strong and respectful relationships. As a movement, we want to foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions.

The Mission Support Team is developing resources linked to this year's theme which will be sent to the frontline. Stay tuned.

Further information

Contact Shirli Congoo, General Manager, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Ministry shirli.congoo@aue.salvationarmy.org
Go to National Reconciliation Week website to learn more

Celebrate National Volunteer Week, 20-16 May 2019

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an opportunity to celebrate our Army of volunteers with the theme of 'Making a world of difference' which encapsulates the time, commitment and compassion that our dedicated volunteers bring to help deliver our mission.

In Commissioner Floyd and Tracey Tidd's NVW Letter of Thanks, they write 'As we enter National Volunteer Week and take the time to reflect on this year's theme 'Making a world of difference', it has become increasingly evident that we could not do, what we do, without volunteers, without you.' Download and share the letter with volunteers in your mission expressions.

While we believe it's important to thank our volunteers every day, National Volunteer Week is especially dedicated to them! We say thanks for all they bring to The Salvation Army, for what they do to help transform lives and for the way they live our values.

Further information

National Volunteer Week runs from 20 - 26 May 2019 and the Volunteer Resources team have developed a number of resources to help you thank, recognise and celebrate our volunteers available here.

Transformational Leadership Intensive available

A two week intensive course on transformational leadership will run from 11-21 June 2019 and explore the biblical model of leadership and an intentional strategy for personal growth.

The lecturer is Major Dr Grant Sandercock-Brown, a published author with a wealth of knowledge and experience about ways to bring a new depth to leadership.

Transformational leadership is about leaders being authentic, credible leaders who have a genuine desire to serve a cause bigger than themselves; who by their being and presence energise and inspire others to do more than they thought possible. Major Dr Grant Sandercock-Brown.

Further information

Go to the Eva Burrows College website for more details
Information about other intensive courses can be accessed here

Access the How-To Guide via a Bookmark

The How-To Guide provides key information on navigating the Australia Territory and the best way to always ensure easy access is to 'bookmark' it. This means the link is saved on your pc and you don't need to rely on the Lotus Notes' Bulletin Board. It's easy to do and only takes a minute - refer to these helpful instructions for both Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.

Information about the Australia One program

Now that the Australia One program has closed and information that had previously been accessed via the Australia One website, such as the History of the Program, can be accessed via MySalvos.

For the Diary

Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd will lead the following chapel services: Thursday 23 May 2019 at Glen Waverley THQ; Thursday 13 June 2019 at Blackburn THQ; and Friday 14 June at Redfern THQ
Farewell and Salute Reception for Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, Sunday 16 June 2019, 614 Corps, 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Welcome and Installation of the new Territorial Leaders - Sunday 14 July 2019
Further details for all of these events will be advised

Leave a comment

Transforming Australia - Thursday 13 June

Maia Hadley — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 23:33:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 13 June

Thursday 13 June 2019

Things to Know

New Head of Internal Communications

Annemarie Watt has commenced as Head of Internal Communications, a newly created function within the Communications portfolio. She will report to Lt Colonel Neil Venables, Secretary for Communications and be responsible for developing an internal communication approach and strategy so that everyone knows what's happening across the entire organisation.

New National 'Dispo' is Now Available

The 2019 Disposition of Forces (known as the Dispo) is The Salvation Army's official contact directory for the Australia Territory and is now available.

The 2019 Dispo been published in a searchable PDF format and has been designed to be accessed electronically. It can be downloaded to a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone and the Officer Personnel team will update it regularly.

NB: Information in the Dispo is intended for internal Salvation Army use only and should not be shared externally.

Further information

Download the Dispo here
Email officer.personnel@salvationarmy.org.au for an address for specific quarters
Email any updates to dispo@aus.salvationarmy.org (Please do not email individual members of the Personnel team)

Outlook is coming

In the coming months, everyone across the Australia Territory will migrate from Lotus Notes to Microsoft Outlook for their email, calendar, contacts and tasks. This will help us to better collaborate as a single national organisation with more modern tools.

Migration schedule and support available

People will be migrated to Outlook in stages and by divisions or departments, between July and October 2019.

More information will be coming - Prior to migration, individuals will receive an email from the O365 Project team, notifying them of their migration date, steps they need to take and support available.

New national email addresses

The move to Outlook will also give everyone a consistent and national email address - firstname.lastname@salvationarmy.org.au

NB: Any emails sent to an old email address (@aus.salvationarmy.org, @aue.salvationarmy.org, @aep.salvationarmy.org) will automatically be redirected to the new email address.

Further information

The Office 365 Training and Support Hub has more support information, including FAQs and demonstration videos.
Email the O365 Project with any queries at O365project@salvationarmy.org.au

Things to Do

Watch Local Mission Delivery and New Ways of Working Video

Local Mission Delivery is the way that The Salvation Army delivers integrated and holistic mission across Australia. Watch this short video to understand this new way of working and the way it helps transform Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.

Book a Salvation Army Holiday House

Looking for a nice getaway? The Salvation Army has holiday homes available in perfect locations throughout Australia for both employees and officers (retired and active) to access for a short term stay.

Properties can be viewed and booked via this link http://holiday.salvos.net/ NB This is a new system for people in the former AUS Territory. Western Australia properties will be added shortly.

Further information

Contact Kelly Bradshaw - Sales and Leading Administration Supervisor via email at Kelly.bradshaw@aue.salvationarmy.org or telephone (02) 9466 3594
View the attached for instructions to make an online booking

For the Diary

Farewell and Salute Reception for
Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd
Sunday 16 June 2019
614 Corps, 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne
3.00pm for an informal reception with light refreshments and featuring Salvos Big Band, Waverley Timbrels, Just Brass ensemble and soloist Luke Inglis
4.00pm for Farewell Salute to formally express the Territory's thanksgiving to God and appreciation for their leadership
All invited and no need to rsvp

Chapel to introduce and welcome our new leaders,
Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

Thursday 4 July 2019, Blackburn THQ

Thursday 11 July 2019, Redfern THQ

Welcome and Installation of the new Territorial Leaders,
Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson
Sunday 14 July 2019 (Further details to come)

Leave a comment

Transforming Australia - Thursday 30 May

Maia Hadley — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:42:00 +1000

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Transforming Australia - Thursday 30 May

Thursday 30 May 2019

Things to Know

The Tidds reflect on their time in Australia as they prepare to go back home

Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd spoke at length with Assistant Editor-in-Chief Scott Simpson about the highs and lows of their experience in Australia and the ways that it has strengthened their faith. Sit back and enjoy this 30 minute video.

Eva Burrows College's new video

Eva Burrows College is The Salvation Army's education and learning centre in Australia. They bring decades of frontline experience in social work, community and people services, ministry and mission, and integrate it with the Army's expertise in education. Watch their new video featuring Major Deborah Robinson, Head of College, to find out more.

Red Shield Appeal Update

The Red Shield Appeal Weekend Tally peaked at $4.33m and volunteers will continue collecting to reach the target of $8m grassroots campaign. This amount contributes to our national overall goal of $79m.

"We had 50,000 volunteers actively campaigning for us and I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Red Shield Appeal. Despite our challenges over the last 12 months, it's so encouraging and reaffirming to be in touch with our supporters and hear stories of transformation," Lt Colonel Neil Venables, Secretary for Communications said.

Major Bruce Harmer, Public Relations Secretary for Victoria was collecting at an intersection in Melbourne on Sunday when he was approached by a woman who had completed the residential Bridge Program three years ago, when Major Harmer was manager of the service in Sydney.

"You probably don't remember me," she said to him and talked about the role the Salvos had played in her recovery. She expressed her appreciation and deep gratitude for The Salvation Army who had helped to turn her life around. "She proudly introduced her young son and husband to me and it was clear that her life had been transformed."

"It's stories like these that keep us motivated to fundraise because the money continues to help more people like her," said Major Harmer.

The Red Shield Appeal received substantial media coverage, including being featured on Today Extra, Sunrise, Alan Jones, The Morning Show and ABC news. Watch the video from Studio 10's interview with Majors Beth and David Twivey here.

After the Election

For the first time, The Salvation Army actively campaigned in the lead up to the recent Federal Election to bring about greater equality and fight injustice by highlighting issues of poverty, homelessness, family violence, alcohol and other drugs and employment with the Make Your Vote Count campaign website. Thank you to everyone who took part in the campaign - the website was visited over 5,500 times and a number of our key issues became important discussion points in the election.

Now that the government and new Cabinet are settling, The Salvation Army is working to deliver on our strategic imperative of Strengthen the Army's Voice on National Issues, by making immediate connections with Ministers, their staff and Departments. Through these connections The Salvation Army will continue to work collaboratively with government to address hardship and injustice.

Accessing Printing - THQ Blackburn

The print room formerly at THQ Blackburn has closed and will not reopen.
The Procurement Team is currently looking at preferred suppliers for all printing requirements nationally and more information will be provided. Until that time, people are encouraged to use existing external suppliers.

Things to Do

Prayers available for National Reconciliation Week, 27 May - 3 June 2019

As part of The Salvation Army commitment to the process of reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, Divisional and Territorial Leaders have written prayers for each of the eight days.
The prayers are available on MySalvos Toolkit for all corps and other mission expressions and can be shared on social media.

Further information

Watch this one minute animation to learn more about spiritual and social justice underpinnings of National Reconciliation Week
Contact Shirli Congoo, GM Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministry, email shirli.congoo@aue.salvationarmy.org

Our People Count - Territorial Requirement for Volunteer Records

As announced by Chief Secretary, Colonel Mark Campbell Our People Count is a new territorial requirement which will be facilitated and supported by the Volunteer Resources team. This initiative is focussed on collecting and centrally storing information on our ongoing volunteer workforce in NSW, ACT & Queensland.

Managers of volunteers in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia will be required to continue current practices.

Reasons for Our People Count

The main reasons for Our People Count are to

Inform Managers of Volunteers of their key legal responsibilities and assist them to meet these requirements
Smooth the transition to Salvos Workday, the national system where all TSA workforce records will be managed from 2020

Other key benefits are to

Connect directly with Managers of Volunteers to understand their objectives and to provide direct ongoing support
Create an understanding of volunteer involvement across TSA for planning, reporting and funding applications

Volunteers not in scope for Our People Count

The following volunteers are not in scope for Our People Count

Red Shield Appeal volunteers
Short-term/event volunteers
Salvos Stores volunteers
Aged Care Plus volunteers
Salvos Legal volunteers

Implementation Approach

The Volunteer Resources team will facilitate and support Our People Count. It will be implemented in in two phases:

Phase 1 - May - July 2019 - Community engagement, social mission and non-corps mission expressions
Phase 2 - July - September 2019 - Corps-based expressions

What Managers of Volunteers need to do

Managers of volunteers in Community Engagement, Social Mission and non-corps mission expressions should have received the Volunteer Registration Record spreadsheet. If not, they should contact the Volunteer Resources team.

It doesn't matter what level of records are currently maintained - complete volunteer records or no records, the Volunteer Resources team will actively support Managers of Volunteers to fulfil the requirement of Our People Count.

Further Information

Read the Our People Count Fact Sheet
Email queries to the Our People Count team at volsystem@aue.salvationarmy.org or phone (02) 9466 3181

For the Calendar

Chapel services for Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd

Thursday 13 June 2019, Blackburn THQ
Friday 14 June 2019, Redfern THQ

Farewell and Salute Reception for Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd

Sunday 16 June 2019
614 Corps, 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne

3.00pm for an informal reception with light refreshments and featuring Salvos Big Band, Waverley Timbrels, Just Brass ensemble and soloist Luke Inglis

4.00pm for Farewell Salute to formally express the Territory's thanksgiving to God and appreciation for their leadership

All invited and no need to rsvp

Chapel to introduce and welcome our new leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

Thursday 4 July 2019, Blackburn THQ
Thursday 11 July 2019, Redfern THQ

Welcome and Installation of the new Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

Sunday 14 July 2019 (Further details to come)

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2019: Time for reconciliation

Maia Hadley — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:03:00 +1000

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2019: Time for reconciliation

Hi everyone,

Thank you to those who volunteered, participated or contributed during the Red Shield Appeal. The many hours of preparation, steps walked, money collected and stories shared, will help our many mission expressions to bring hope where it's needed most.

Blackburn, Redfern and Glen Waverley THQs were abuzz with everything red, including scarves, socks, ties, and food, at a morning tea to raise awareness and funds. It was also a joy to share the experience with both Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd as well as our incoming Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson, who were in Australia as part of a two week orientation, which included spending time in both Melbourne and Sydney. The Donaldsons were warmly received and enjoyed hearing more about our journey, as they prepare to move to Australia in a few weeks' time.

The time for Commissioners Floyd and Tracey to return to Canada is fast approaching, and we want to acknowledge and express our appreciation for their visionary and courageous leadership. If you are in Melbourne, please join us at Melbourne 614, 69 Bourke Street Melbourne on Sunday 16 June from 3-5pm. Light refreshments will be served and Salvos Big Band, Luke Inglis, Waverley Timbrels and a Just Brass Ensemble will provide music between 3:00-4:00pm.

Our national commitment to reconciliation

In May, we celebrated National Reconciliation Week, and Julie and I, along with Commissioners Floyd and Tracey and Divisional Leaders, prepared daily prayers. They're available on the MySalvos Toolkit and I invite you to use them and reflect on their messages of hope, understanding and harmony.

Reconciliation starts with acknowledging the painful history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and a commitment to equality and equity. As a Christian movement, we take seriously the 'God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.' (2 Corinthians 5:18) Our approach to reconciliation also includes a strategic initiative to actively journey and partner in respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-indigenous peoples for our mutual flourishing. We've established an Advisory Council, who will provide independent advice to the Executive Mission Council and a dedicated ministry team whose role is to help us to better engage and build stronger relationships with indigenous communities.

I'm very proud of our many and very active mission expressions that are already serving communities throughout Australia. This year, we're also embarking on our first national Reconciliation Action Plan, known as a RAP, which will provide a national framework on how the Army will contribute to reconciliation. It's a fantastic example of the impact that we can have as a single and united territory to transform Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.

Next month, from 7-14 July 2019, we'll celebrate NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week and I would like to encourage you to start thinking about ways to initiate local celebrations. '10 Ideas to Celebrate NAIDOC Week' is a great starting point and can be downloaded from the MySalvos Toolkit.

Continuing to embed Local Mission Delivery

Delivering holistic mission is a key part of our national strategy and a fundamental change to the way that we now operate as the Australia Territory. All mission expressions are developing Local Mission Plans and are now collaborating to provide a holistic and integrated approach to see transformation in their communities - and Australia. Everyone has a role to play and doing well depends on everyone understanding the key roles, including accountability for operational and missional outcomes.

The Mission Support team has developed some fantastic resources to explain Local Mission Delivery, including this new short video that discusses the new ways of working that bring the model to life. I'd encourage everyone, especially Corps Officers and other mission expression leaders to show it to corps or teams and then discuss ways to work alongside others in your area. We want every Salvo to understand and participate in this new way of achieving our mission.

Although Local Mission Delivery is a new way of working, there are many examples of where it's already happening. I was moved by Monica's story (not her real name) who lost her teaching job after developing a medical condition that caused her eyesight to deteriorate. She struggled to support herself on Newstart Allowance and became homeless in 6 months. Fortunately she was then housed at Still Waters Women's Crisis Accommodation Service in Queensland and her life began to be transformed. Six months later she was offered permanent public housing which meant that Vision Australia was able to provide vision aids and Salvos Stores furnished her home; Still Waters continued to offer her support as she transitioned into her new community. She is also now connected and supported by the Gold Coast Temple Corps. Monica says, "I am very grateful for all the fantastic help, encouragement and guidance that you all have given me… Thank you God for all the blessings in my life."

Renew Culture Conversations

As everyone would already know, across the movement we are undertaking a series of facilitated Culture Conversations to help us all understand the values and behaviors that reflect The Salvation Army.

It's making a difference for many teams and in particular, Graeme White, National Director of Employment Plus, one of our mission enterprises that had experienced a degree of change and uncertainty. They're half-way through running the first conversation with all staff in their 93 sites. "EPlus has needed this for some time and the team is hungry for the change to a positive culture. During the sessions, people are fully engaged in the discussion and appreciate how a positive culture will affect staff health and well-being, as well as organisational performance," he said.

Julie, an EPlus participant said, "Having been with EPlus since 2016, I found the session flowed with the spiritual overtones that I always imagined and prayed for, to be embraced in our organisation. The structure of the vision, mission and values exemplify the love of Jesus, and a reality of choices we make moving forward as staff."

Materials for the first two conversations, including slides and videos to support the conversations, is available on the former AUE's intranet at https://intranet.salvos.net Please register for an account if you have not accessed this previously.

National Budgets

June heralds the end of our financial year and we're currently working on the final touches for next financial year's national budget. Our focus has been driven by ways to leverage a single movement, reduce duplication and streamline systems so we can redirect resources to the frontline to achieve our mission in a greater way. Although we won't be able to realise all of the benefits in our first year, we are making some good progress. I acknowledge that there are still frustrations as the budgets are finalised and systems reviewed and replaced. We are grateful for your perseverance, patience and commitment.

Pentecost

Finally this past weekend we've just celebrated Pentecost, when Jesus' disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the mission of Jesus. Acts 2:42 -47 reminds us of how the world was transformed by the disciples' courage and determination to share the love of Jesus.

They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the Apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily, those who were being saved.

I pray the power of God will help us to continue to live, love and fight together to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

As always, I welcome any feedback or queries you may have. Please feel free to send me an email at AskTheChief@aus.salvationarmy.org

God bless you.

Mark

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2019: Feeling grateful

Admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:43:00 +1000

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2019: Feeling grateful

Hi everyone,

Following on from Mother's Day, I hope you found time to celebrate your mother or the women who have been a great influence in your life. I want to honour and thank all the women for their service and impact within The Salvation Army and our community.

As always, it's been a busy month and I'm pleased to share what's on my mind.

Melbourne Staff Songsters Tour to Myanmar and Singapore

With so much crisis and disruption across the globe, I've been reflecting on what brings happiness and true meaning. Over Easter, Julie and I were very honoured to travel to Myanmar and Singapore to accompany the Melbourne Staff Songsters (MSS). You can learn more about the MSS by following them on Facebook. I thank the group for using their musical talents to bless, encourage and teach others about the love of Jesus.

Music has always been so important to the way we worship, bringing people together to experience joy and the love of Jesus. Playing in the band was a big part of my teenage years at Wollongong Corps and we are also seeing the transformation and acceptance that music can help bring through the Just Brass Program.

In Mynamar, a group of 80 young adults came to a music camp for bible studies, tutoring and performance. It was so uplifting to see the delight on the faces of the young adults as they played and learnt new musical instruments, drama, craft and songs. It was a fantastic experience in so many ways and the highlight for me was at the end of the Sunday services both in Singapore for Easter and Myanmar where 3 to 4 people stood or knelt at the place of prayer. The spontaneity of their commitment was inspiring - genuine and from the heart. It struck me that they see the world as full of possibilities and start by asking 'why wouldn't we respond?' rather than asking 'why would we?' I shared a prayer from Paul the Apostle, who thanked God for his people and prayed for their wisdom and knowledge and that they would be full of hope and be able to live in peace and unity.

Feeling blessed

We also travelled to a small rural village with only 300 homes, near the border of Bangladesh, and renovated the local Salvation Army church hall. For 3 days we worked in 40 degree plus heat with up to at times 80 per cent humidity, alongside local men and women. While we were pleased to help and our efforts were appreciated by the local salvos, the experience was more of a gift to us. The local corps officer does an amazing job in her community. She is a single officer, who also cares for her 85 year old bed ridden mother. They live in a very humble and basic house, without running water and have access to a small amount of electricity generated by solar panels. She accomplishes so much for God with so little, yet with so much joy and contentment.

Despite living with so much wealth and prosperity, it is easy to become discouraged by small things in our lives. And yet we can gain so much happiness, inspiration and contentment from where we least expect it. 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.' Colossians 3:15

Innovation

Encouraging Innovation is one of our 12 strategic imperatives because we want to constantly think about new and inspiring ways to deliver mission, especially given that The Salvation Army was founded as a pioneering movement. We are laying the foundations for greater innovation and the recent Innovation Fund grants were a big step to help us achieve this with 73 innovation grants totalling $1.2 million awarded. Congratulations to all of the mission expressions involved and I look forward to hearing your success stories.

Using innovative approaches to realise our vision to transform Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus, can often start with simple and low cost ideas. I recently heard a fantastic story about a community partnership in Delacombe, a suburb of Ballarat in regional Victoria. The corps have a partnership with a local primary school and organise a 'walking bus,' where volunteers and sometimes teachers walk about 20 local kids to school, arriving in time for the kids to access the school's breakfast program. The program builds meaningful connections with the kids many of whom then participate in the corps' kids club and community meals program. It's a relatively simple solution for a complex social problem by giving kids whose parents may not be able to organise to take them to school, the opportunity to fully participate in their education and reach their potential. Well done to everyone involved.

Red Shield

May is a busy month for the Army with preparations for our major fundraiser The Red Shield Appeal in full swing. I'm really enjoying reading about local activities on social media. A key objective of creating the Australia Territory was to be able to redirect savings to front line mission and for the first time this year, 80 per cent of funds raised locally will go back to the local corps for them to spend on their own community programs. There are a lot of corps and national activities planned for the campaign, designed to raise money and equally importantly, spread the word about our mission. Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to share the love of Jesus through the appeal.

If you have any queries or feedback about anything in this message, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at AskTheChief@aus.salvationarmy.org

God bless you.

Mark

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2019: Time for us to embed!

Admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:43:00 +1000

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2019: Time for us to embed!

Friends,

During this lent period. I have been reminded again of Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension for all people. May we each reflect, celebrate and experience His grace and transforming work leading up to the Easter celebrations.

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16

For the last two years, we have been hard at work to bring together the best of the former AUS and AUE territories to create a unified Australia Territory. Thank you for being part of this incredible and sometimes frustrating journey. Although we acknowledge we still have a long way to go, we are united in vision, mission, and values and alongside our national strategy, have the roadmap for the years' ahead.

Understanding who we are as God's people, our efforts as always, are fixed firmly and deeply on putting our commitments into action. This means for 2019 and beyond, we will continue to improve our processes and systems to get closer to making our national vision a reality; transforming Australia one life at time, with the love of Jesus.

Local Mission Delivery

Transforming lives by delivering holistic and integrated mission is one of our key strategic initiatives, and the creation of the local mission delivery model is one of the biggest innovations for the Australia Territory. We're very excited to have now rolled out local mission delivery nationally and have Area Officers actively serving in every part of Australia. Although we are still early in our journey, we're definitely heading in the right direction.

The foundation of local mission delivery is about having mission expressions - corps, mission enterprises, chaplains, social and community managers - collaborate as part of an Area Leadership Team so that everyone is working together to best serve their local communities. I'm so proud of the many fantastic stories that have already been told and continue to be shared - you can see more at MySalvos.org.au or salvationarmy.org.au/lmd/news.

Culture Conversations

Establishing a new Australia Territory also brings with it an opportunity to renew our culture, focussing on how our values inform how we work together to best deliver on our Mission.

Our values - Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity and Collaboration - provide a wonderful foundation, and to help bring them further to life, we're running a series of leader-led workshops. Before the end of the year, each leader will have facilitated four Culture Conversations with their teams, helping to bring the values to life.

I have run the two sessions with the Cabinet members and Divisional Leaders, who make up the Executive Mission Leadership Team (EMLT) and Executive Mission Council. Of course, many of us have been part of the Army for most of our lives, yet it was an enlightening experience to hear how we understand the same events differently, and looking forward to what we need to do to align ourselves. We all agree on our movement's values and it was extremely worthwhile to articulate them in the same way.

If you are yet to hear from your people leader about the plan for Culture Conversations, please reach out to them directly or send an email to: culture@salvationarmy.org.

Welcome to Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

We are truly honoured that Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson have been appointed as our new Territorial Leaders from 1 July 2019. They understand Australia and in many ways have been on the journey with us in their current appointments at IHQ. I have full confidence that there will be 'no surprises' and they will continue to lead us through the next stage.

Of course it will be difficult to say farewell to our good friends Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd; we are grateful for their visionary leadership. Julie and I wish them well for their yet to be announced appointment.

Self-denial Appeal

Every year during the period of lent in the lead up to Easter, Salvationists around Australia give sacrificially to the self-denial appeal. Many contribute one week's salary to support international corps, centres and projects. In doing so, we're all demonstrating God's love and in our sacrifice can inspire change and positively impact people's lives.

This year is our first as the Australia Territory and the theme is Be the Change.

'You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.' (2 Corinthians 9:11)

In the history of the appeal, there have been so many incredible stories of hope as people's lives are transformed through practical ways that demonstrate the love and power of Jesus Christ.

If you haven't seen the stories of hope, I'd encourage you to take a few minutes to watch these short videos at selfdenial.info/au.

In a few days' time, we will reflect on the love, sacrifice and death of Jesus and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus that continues to give life in all its fullness.

Julie and I pray that you will know God's peace, love and grace in abundance this Easter.

I look forward to sharing more news and reflections next month. In the meantime, if you have any queries or feedback, please email me at askthechief@aus.salvationarmy.org

God bless you.

Mark

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Celebration Rally

Melanie Cotton — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 12:28:00 +1100

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Celebration Rally

You are invited to a Celebration Rally with The General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.

Please join us for the great celebration with our International Leaders!

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Christmas events

Melanie Cotton — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 12:26:00 +1100

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Christmas events

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Doorknock raises $6.17 million

Lauren Martin — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 14:01:00 +1100

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Doorknock raises $6.17 million

Thousands of Salvationists and community volunteers across the country have helped make this year's Red Shield Appeal a success - with $6.17 million raised nationally across the annual doorknock weekend.

Whilst the result is down slightly (by 5.93 percent) on last year's doorknock weekend result, Salvation Army spokesperson Major Bruce Harmer says there are still many regions where results are not yet finalised, "and there will still be official volunteer collectors out, and static collection points happening, during the week ahead."

After days of torrential rain across the eastern states, the doorknock weekend in Sydney dawned bright with sunshine. "God is good! Sunshine - woo hoo!" said Caringbah Zone Coordinator, Major Carolyn Harmer.

On the NSW north coast support for the appeal was overwhelming: "Even through threatening weather & low collector numbers, Salvo Red Shield volunteers went above & beyond to make sure the Nambucca Valley community had an opportunity to help those in need," said Nambucca corps officer, Captain John Viles.

The Salvation Army has thanked the 100,000 volunteer collectors who knocked on doors or manned static collection points around the country.

From 100-year-old Ruth in Port Macquarie in north NSW, to baby Baylie in central Sydney, the enthusiasm and hard work of collectors was inspiring.

"Bonnells Bay Salvos YOU ROCK!!!" Corps Officer Captain Tim Gittins posted on Facebook on the Saturday of the doorknock weekend. "Half way(ish) to last year's full weekend Red Shield Appeal total - and tomorrow's our "Big" day!!, with less than half as many Vols as last year!! Go team - You guys rock!!" (Later in the weekend he revealed the corps had exceeded its 2012 doorknock total.)

A record amount was also collected at Newington in Sydney's Marrickville/Dulwich Hill Zone. At Parramatta, corps officer Captain Deborah Robinson posted a thank-you note on Facebook on Sunday for the support of her local corps and community:

"550+ collectors, 140+ drivers, 9 district coordinators, static points all over the place, dynamic counting house team, fantastic caterers, child care, and clear skies. Surely a good result at Parramatta today. Grateful to God for an amazing team!"

The Salvation Army has also thanked the hundreds of Westpac volunteers who volunteered to open branches over the weekend for donations to be counted and banked.

"Westpac is a huge supporter of The Salvation Army," says Major Harmer. "For staff members to give up their weekends to open branches for us is a huge help every year."

The Red Shield Appeal collection runs until the end of June. Donations can still be made by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), visiting salvationarmy.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch, or by posting a cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.

Check out these snaps of Salvos from around the Territory.

Commissioner James Condon collecting at Eastgardens Westfield in Sydney's east. "This guy leads by example - servant leadership!" said Matthew Gluyas. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Gluyas)

Certificates of appreciation at Nambucca Valley Corps. "Red Shield volunteers went above and beyond," said corps officer Captain John Viles. (Photo courtesy of John Viles)

Was this Sydney Congress Hall's youngest collector? Little Baylie Sellers all dressed up to collect with mum, Brooke and dad, Ash. (Photo courtesy of Brooke Sellers)

Four-year-old volunteer collector Annie Martin hands a receipt to a generous supporter. (Photo: Lauren Martin)

Marrickville/Dulwich Hill Zone Chairman Aris Dendrinos, Lieutenant Tara McGuigan & Newington College Head of Service Learning Mick Madden (holding bags) are joined at Newington by Lieut-Colonel Peter Laws & Colonel Richard Munn. (Photo courtesy of Peter McGuigan)

Retired Major Hilton Harmer holds the post at a static collection point in Caringbah, Sydney's south. (Photo: Lauren Martin)

Elyse and Luke Nowell outside the Weekend Sunrise studios to promote doorknock weekend. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Harmer)

A family affair - retired Majors Hilton and Joyce Harmer with son Bruce collect in Caringbah, south Sydney. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Harmer)

Majors Hilton and Joyce Harmer. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Harmer)

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Drought relief for NSW farmers

AUE mySalvos — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:47:00 +1100

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Drought relief for NSW farmers

Salvation Army Rural Chaplains Majors Maree & Trevor Strong with farmer Gordon. (Photo by Hayley Ferris)

Farmers across drought-affected rural New South Wales are seeing some relief, with strong community support through several appeals.

The Salvation Army is distributing donations received through a range of appeals, supporting the farmers and rural communities struggling to survive the devastating drought.

Major Peter Ridley, who serves as Salvation Army Rural Chaplain Northern NSW, together with wife Major Jean Ridley, says after years of drought, floods and low commodity prices, many farmers and small businesses in rural communities are at breaking point.

"We are three years away from the breaking of the 'millennium drought' that devastated much of the country. It was 10 years of dry weather patterns that crippled the agriculture sector," says Major Ridley.

"Normally farmers would get two or three really good seasons between droughts and that would pull them through financially and mentally. Many farmers and businesses people who rely on farming haven't had that at all, so financially they are struggling - and emotionally they are doing it really tough."

In mid-February, Woolworths launched its 'Rural Drought Assistance Program'. This kicked off with an initial corporate donation of $250,000 in gift cards distributed throughout rural Queensland and New South Wales by The Salvation Army. Woolworths will match any donations in their NSW and Qld stores, dollar for dollar, until 5 March. So far $200,000 has been donated, with Woolworths matching this sum.

The NSW Farmers Association has also asked Salvation Army rural chaplains to help to distribute an initial $16,000 worth of IGA cards on their behalf. The Commonwealth Bank, Sydney's Daily Telegraph and 2GB radio's joint 'We're for the Bush' appeal is also partnering with The Salvation Army to distribute funds raised. The community is able to donate at Commonwealth Bank branches and online. The funds are going towards buying IGA food vouchers, CRT rural

merchandise vouchers and in certain isolated cases, cash grants. More than one million dollars has already been raised through the appeal.

The Ridleys recently participated in a 'fodder drop' at Walgett as part of the 'We're for the Bush' appeal, and although Peter says so much more is needed, he believes it was very significant emotionally, because it tells them that others care.

"The amount of hope that it gives people, even in the midst of desperation, is unbelievable!" he says.

Dubbo-based Salvation Army Rural Chaplain Major Maree Strong also sees many in farming and rural business communities who are burnt out and exhausted.

"On the whole, many of the farmers that we visit are folk who hadn't recovered from the big droughts, then experienced more floods, and now drought. The fallout from the accumulated disasters is not just financial, it's also emotional," says Major Strong. She, along with husband Major Trevor Strong, has already started distributing food cards.

"To put some food on the table is helpful because it means it's one thing they don't have to worry about. Many are already maxed out on their credit cards just for food and fuel," says Major Strong.

"Generally, they are so appreciative of the fact that someone cares."

Channel 7's Weekend Sunrise has also launched a month long 'Dollar4Drought' appeal, offering vouchers and some cash grants for isolated farmers. There is also a range of appeals and fundraising drives running at the moment by service clubs, media outlets and Salvation Army corps and churches.

Naomi Singlehurst and Nathalia Rickwood