Salvos best on display at Canberra Show
Harry Cooper, from Tuggeranong corps, holds the winners ribbon at the Canberra Show. Harry first set up the Salvos Expo marquee eight years ago and has been involved ever since.
Face-painting, magic shows, fashion parades, Cousin Koala and more than 2000 scones were among the attractions at the award-winning Salvos Expo marquee at this year's Canberra Show.
The show ran from 27 February to 1 March at the Canberra Exhibition Park. Around 300 volunteers helped at the Salvos Expo marquee over the three days, which was named the Best Community/Non Profit Organisation Display for the second year in a row.
ACT and South NSW Divisional Secretary Major David Eyles said the marquee provided an opportunity to exhibit The Salvation Army’s services.
“It’s always good in a town to be seen by the community that supports us and to be doing something for free,” he said.
“We do all this because the love of Jesus compels us. We offer all the services and activities in the marquee for free. This is our way of showing the Canberra Community our appreciation, by serving them, for their generosity throughout the year.”
For the first time, rural chaplains Majors Colin and Bev Kingston arrived at the showgrounds four days prior to the show starting, staying on site until the Sunday when it finished. They were able to meet and minister to farmers as they arrived with their livestock for the show.
A dedicated pastoral team was available for the first time this year, with uniformed Salvationists mingling with people in the Salvos tent.
More than 3000 people were served at the café that was offering free devonshire teas. The Sallyman van kept everyone hydrated, handing out thousands of cups of free water throughout the weekend.
Display organiser Joanne Paull, who has helped run the stall for the past seven years, said it was always a weekend full of fun and a great opportunity to reach out to the community.
“The whole weekend is about connecting people to a corps and to our services,” said Joanne.
There were a variety of performances over the three days from the Salvos Country Band, the Tuggeranong brass ensemble, and the Canberra City and Tuggeranong Corps combined brass band.
Travelling performer Dallas Atkins, who attends the Tuggeranong Corps, presented his puppet and magic show at the Kidzone section. Cousin Koala paid a special visit, and face-painting was also available for the younger children.
Salvos Stores Salvonista ran fashion shows every day, showing off high-end items that were available in the pop-up shop on site for low-end prices.
A wide range of Salvation Army services were also on display providing information – these included Moneycare, No Interest Loan Scheme, Aged Care Plus, Seniors, Salvation Army International Development, rural chaplaincy, the Sallyman, Salvation Army Emergency Services and, for the first time, Hope for Life.
Commissioner James Condon, along with ACT and South NSW Divisional Commanders Majors
Howard and Robyn Smartt, attended the show on the Saturday to be a part of the outreach ministry.
“There was a great sense of community and bridge building. And I guess that sums up what the show is all about,” said Major David.
“I was just doing a wander and this guy came up to me and he said ‘Oh – Salvos! You’ve got the awesome tent. I want to get a cup of tea.’ I pointed out where it was and he said ‘Oh beauty. I’ll head there now!’ So it’s a bit of an icon.”
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