Chaplains all smiles at Royal Easter Show
Neville Russell, who started the Easter Sunday Royal Agricultural Society Church Service in 1997, with Salvation Army Rural Chaplains Majors Maree & Trevor Strong. (Photo by Glenys Page)
This year marks the 190th year of one of Australia’s largest annual events, the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Over the two weeks the show runs, around 900,000 people will pass through its gates, experiencing everything from agricultural displays to rides and show bags. The Salvation Army has the privilege of offering its chaplaincy services to the thousands of people attending the show each day.
PJ Hopkins has been a Salvation Army Chaplain at the Royal Easter show for three years, and enjoys the positive response the chaplains’ presence receives from the public.
“It’s not just that you’re a chaplain; it’s someone in a Salvation Army uniform. The Salvation Army is known for being helpful, regardless of a person’s beliefs.”
The chaplains roam the showgrounds, connecting with stall holders, vendors and food dispensers, recognising that their needs are often forgotten at this time. They also make the effort to visit some of the 4,000 people who live each night at the showgrounds caring for their animals.
Aside from connecting with workers, they are also on call with emergency services to attend to incidents, or to offer support if someone is distressed.
“It reminds people that Christianity involves being of service. It’s not just about trying to get converts. It’s about helping anybody who needs help and being obvious in doing that. It’s the social welfare side of The Salvation Army,” says Mr Hopkins.
The Salvation Army also helps with the show’s Easter Sunday service, which is held each year.
“I enjoy when people greet you, thank you, and make very favourable comments about what The Salvation Army is doing. Judging by the smiles, it’s an appreciated service,” says Mr Hopkins.
The show is now running at Sydney Olympic Park, and will continue until 3 April.
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