Salvos fly the flag at the Birdsville Races
The Salvation Army tent in the main street of Birdsville during the recent races. (Provided by Christine Brooks & Ros Turner)
The Salvation Army rural chaplaincy four-wheel drive and trailer were among the thousands that rolled into Birdsville for the remote town’s famous horse races last month.
Almost 8,000 people converged on the central western Queensland town that is home to 120 people, a bush clinic, primary school, pub and two service stations.
Captain Mark Bulow, Rural Hub Leader with his wife, Captain Jo, who are based in Dalby, led the Salvation Army team across almost 1,500 kilometres to set up an information tent and raise awareness of the Army and its services at this iconic Australian event.
Included in the team were Moneycare financial counsellors Ros Turner from Dalby and Penelope Summersby from the Lockyer Valley; personal counsellor Jason Bewick; administration assistant and volunteer chaplain Christine Brooks; Dalby Corps volunteer Ann Kimber; and Christian entertainer Dallas Atkins.
After two days travelling, the team set up the Salvation Army stall along with all the others on the main street of Birdsville.
“The stall was to let people know that we’re still around, and what we can offer them, as the Army hasn’t been to Birdsville now for eight years,” says Captain Bulow.
Photos of the Flying Service, recent floods, rural ministry and other Salvation Army services attracted many visitors to the stall, as did the free cups of tea and coffee, and fresh donuts from the donut machine.
“We spoke to locals, staff from the bush clinic, fire crew, and many visitors,” says Captain Bulow. “People were happy to see the Salvos there and finding out about what we do.”
“We were busy all the time, except when the races were on! We had some great conversations and people made appointments with our team here.”
The team gave away 1,000 donuts in two days, and over $1,000 was donated.
“It was great to interact with everyone and represent The Salvation Army to people from all over Australia, and as far as Canada,” says Christine.
“It was a blessing to minister to the local community.”
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