volume 7 number 33 12 September 2026
salvosonline.org.au print post approved PP100001474
Breaking gambling’s grip Giving a voice and support to those most impacted
6 Gambling recovery
10 Childless not by choice
12 I hear thunder
Helping families reconnect after a crisis
A new identity, Plan B, and moving forward
Finding God in the storms of life
“Sometimes we all need a little shelter from the storm.” PHOTO BY NICK FEWINGS ON UNSPLASH
– Bob Dylan
12 September 2026
Editorial What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Vision Statement 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. Mission Statement The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities • Working for justice The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Scan here to connect with The Salvation Army services
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Founders: William and Catherine Booth Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Lieut-Colonel Paul Hateley Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker Editor: Simone Worthing Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison Cover: Photo by Mathieu Diaz on Unsplash Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58 Press date: 21 August 2026 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
A safe place Shelter from the Storm (see page 2) is one of Bob Dylan’s most famous songs. The quote on page 2 is slightly different from the line in the song, “Come in, I’ll give you shelter from the storm.” The meaning, though, of the need for a warm, safe and compassionate place to shelter from the pain, regrets and complexities of life, is the same. Regardless of what we are facing in life, or witnessing in those around us, most of us need that safe place, person or relationship we can turn to in times of loss, grief, sadness, struggle, fear or any number of circumstances. For some of us it’s a close family member or friend. For others it’s a group of people, a favourite location, music, reading, art, God, prayer or exercise. The list is endless. In Matthew chapter 11, verses 28-29, Jesus says: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and … you will find rest for your souls.” Rest for our weary souls might be a good place to start! Simone Worthing Editor 3
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Gambling recovery
Helping multicultural families reconnect after a crisis
Rebuilding multicultural family relationships after the effects of gambling can be tough. When gambling becomes a form of escape, it often brings family violence in its wake. and the damage runs far deeper than lost money. But there is hope. Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH spent a morning with the team from the Salvos Gambling Support Service and leaders from a diverse mix of Victoria’s multicultural organisations in a special workshop focused on rebuilding trust, restoring families and opening doors to support those impacted by gambling and family violence.
Hosted by The Salvation Army’s Gambling Support Service and the Multicultural Women’s Alliance Against Family Violence (MWAAFV), the ‘Rebuilding Family Relationships After Gambling Them Away’ workshop focused on practical strategies that have helped multicultural families reconnect after crisis. Additionally, it featured shared lived experiences from counsellors and those directly impacted by gambling harms and family violence. “A lot of family violence is happening as a result of gambling harms, unfortunately – and we see it everywhere,” said Michael Kheirallah, Manager of The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Gambling Support Service. “It is a massive problem, especially for the multicultural community. So, the aim of the workshop was to get the message out and educate those community leaders about gambling harms and to know where to go and who to approach to receive help.” Conversations focused on topics including the economic abuse associated with gambling, family violence and its link to gambling as a form of escape, and how counsellors address the coercive acts resulting from gambling following the criminalisation of coercive control in NSW and Queensland. Experts from The Salvation Army’s Gambling Support Service led the session. Jane’s story One powerful testimony was given by Jane*, a migrant, who shared her
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Feature
12 September 2026
Key players in Victoria’s multicultural communities, including service providers and advocates who attended the workshop.
story of gambling and family violence. She recalled meeting her “dream guy”. However, unbeknown to her, behind that charm was a gambler. The ensuing years were to be dominated by gambling and family violence. “Every dollar he touched vanished into casinos, pubs, clubs, horse racing and the TAB,” she recalled. “To feed his addiction, he lied, he borrowed, he stole ... When confronted, he always denied it. He was clever with words … Arguments became a constant occurrence … When I tried to leave him, that’s when the real battle started. Addiction left me mentally, emotionally and financially broken. I lived in fear.” Jane’s husband was eventually jailed for a period of time. It gave Jane space to “breathe and to become human”. Counselling and trauma therapy changed her life, too.
“I am no longer ashamed,” she emphasised to workshop participants. “Life today is full of love, happiness, empowerment and gratitude. I have learned to trust and respect myself. My journey taught me who I am. Life is beautiful. Remove toxic people from your life. Stand up for yourself, surround yourself with positive voices and most importantly, learn to say no.” Social isolation “A lot of people from multicultural backgrounds who come to Australia feel isolated,” reflected Michael. “There is no social connection, and that’s why they find gambling venues attractive, as they can be open for almost 18 hours a day. They are served free tea and coffee in a welcoming environment. Then they start bringing friends. Sometimes they bring their family and end up spending big, and that’s where they can experience a lot of issues, especially with mental health. Family violence, drugs and alcohol can lead to so many different issues, unfortunately.” 5
Feature Sarah’s story Few people understand the pull of gambling machines and venues better than Sarah*, a mother of three. Growing up in Melbourne, she started gambling in her late teens, at first just for fun. In her Lebanese culture, casual card games and betting were part of everyday life. But over time, the losses stacked up. Sarah lost more than $100,000. Her husband was also incarcerated, partly due to gambling. “It’s just the machines. It’s just a light. That’s all it is,” Sarah remarked. “We used to say if we were ever tired at Crown Casino, they must put something in the air because you don’t feel tired. I don’t know what it is, but once you walk into those places, you are fully awake. You just gravitate toward it. It just sucks you in.” Sarah’s turning point came when she finally reached out for help. Support from the Gambling Support Service became the foundation for rebuilding her relationships and reclaiming stability. But for many in multicultural communities, seeking help is far from easy. Stigma and fear of shame continue to be powerful barriers, Michael emphasised. “If you have been identified as a gambler, you know you’ll be isolated,” he said. “You will know that they will struggle within their own culture. So, that’s why it’s important to raise this awareness within multicultural communities, to know exactly how to seek help and to encourage family members of anyone they know who needs help, to encourage them to reach out for help. That was the 6
Salvos Magazine
whole aim of our workshop. We wanted to reach out to as many multicultural agencies as possible … so they can take the message back to the community or the people they work with … and we will see some more clients, who urgently need help, referred to our service.” To read our reports on childhood and teenage gambling, go to salvosonline. org.au *Names have been changed. The reforms we need:* Gambling harm prevention must be at the centre of gambling reform. Australia needs full implementation of the recommendations of the Murphy Report: •
A full ban on gambling advertising
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Prohibit gambling inducements
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National regulation
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Duty of care.
*Based on The Salvation Army’s submission to the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026. For more information, go to salvationarmy.org.au/gamblingsupport (see QR code below) Scan here for more information on The Salvation Army’s Gambling Support Service.
News
12 September 2026
Salvos advocate for gambling reform In August 2026, The Salvation Army Australia led a joint parliamentary advocacy campaign with Anglicare Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society and UnitingCare Australia, to raise awareness of the significant impacts of gambling harm and advocate for stronger protections for Australian communities. The campaign was undertaken in response to the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, which was being considered by Parliament. While The Salvation Army acknowledged that the proposed legislation represented a step towards reform, it remained concerned that it did not adequately address the scale of gambling harm being experienced nationally or deliver the level of protection from online gambling harm needed. Drawing on its extensive frontline service delivery, The Salvation Army sees firsthand the devastating impact gambling harm can have on individuals, families and communities. Gambling harm is more than financial loss and is a contributing factor in the lives of many people who engage with Salvos frontline services. Through services such as emergency relief, financial counselling, homelessness support, youth and community programs, the Salvos see severe financial hardship, relationship breakdown, mental ill-health and social isolation resulting from gambling-related harm. A key component of the campaign was a parliamentary engagement day held at Australian Parliament House on 12 August. Together with partner organisations, The Salvation Army invited
Salvation Army and partner organisation representatives advocating for reform.
Members of Parliament and Senators to meet directly with frontline workers and volunteers who support people and communities impacted by gambling harm. The Salvos and partner organisations attended 17 meetings on the day, with additional meetings with MPs, senators and their advisors both online and at Parliament House in the following weeks. These conversations provided decisionmakers with valuable insights into the lived realities of those experiencing gambling harm and the resulting demand being placed on community services. Through this collaborative advocacy effort, The Salvation Army worked to ensure that the experiences of the people and communities we serve were heard by decision-makers during a critical period of legislative reform. The campaign reinforced the Salvos’ commitment to evidence-based policy solutions that reduce gambling harm, strengthen community wellbeing and support positive outcomes that safeguard Australians from online gambling harm. – Emily Seiler, Policy and Advocacy Adviser, The Salvation Army Australia 7
News
Salvos Magazine
Salvos Stores picks up award Salvos Stores has won the Sustainability Excellence Award at this year’s Ragtrader Australian Fashion Industry Awards. The award recognised Salvos Stores’ nation-first Textile Recovery Facility in Queensland, an automated facility for sorting and decommissioning textiles that sorts wearable stock for stores and routes unwearable textiles into fibresorted alternative pathways. “We’d like to thank our amazing team for their work and contribution to the circular economy,” said Sarah Knop, General Manager – Customer and Strategy, Salvos Stores.
Sarah Furnell, (left) and Sarah Knop, Salvos Stores managers, accepting the award on behalf of Salvos Stores.
The Australian Fashion Industry Awards celebrate excellence in the apparel, footwear and accessories industries. Winners and finalists were celebrated at a recent luncheon in Melbourne.
Salvos Stores won the sustainability category in a strong field that included The Iconic, Decjuba, Bellroy, Kowtow Clothing, Nat’v Basics and The Sussan Group. – Lauren Martin
Buddy blankets: hope for rough sleepers The Salvation Army in Adelaide recently collaborated with Life FM radio station to create Buddy Blankets, an innovative source of warmth for those sleeping rough.
passed on to recipients. On the back of each blanket, workshop participants are encouraged to write messages of hope or Bible verses.
The blankets, made from repurposed chip packets and plastic wrap, were then distributed to various social service programs, including The Salvation Army’s Unley and Arndale corps (churches).
This year, the Salvos hosted a workshop and received more than 75 blankets, as well as other assistance items including foil blankets, gloves, beanies, socks and scarves to then pass on to community members. – Kirralee Nicolle
The blankets, created from collected and donated materials and pieced together in workshops across the region, are then distributed to faith-based services to be 8
For the full versions of these stories, go to salvosonline.org.au
12 September 2026
News
Making space for childlessness In Australia, 1 in 6 couples experience infertility: tinyurl.com/2ue8wv7s World Childless Week (14-20 September) is an annual awareness week that shines a light on the experiences of people who are childless, particularly those who are childless not by choice. It aims to raise awareness of the often-hidden grief, isolation and social challenges that can come with living without the children someone hoped or expected to have. (See story page 10.) What does it raise awareness of? • The grief of an unrealised dream. •
Childlessness in all its forms – including infertility, unsuccessful IVF or fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, medical or relationship circumstances, and other pathways to a childless life.
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The fact that childlessness isn’t always a choice.
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The impact of insensitive language and assumptions.
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The experiences of childless men and women – including the fact that men’s grief and experiences can be particularly overlooked.
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Finding connection and support.
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Life beyond the grief – recognising that someone can carry the grief of childlessness while also finding meaning, purpose, joy and a fulfilling life.
Importantly, World Childless Week isn’t about suggesting that everyone who is childless is grieving. It’s about creating understanding around the wide range of experiences and emotions that can exist and making space for people to talk about them without judgment.
Scan here for webinars, resources, stories and “everything else”.
Scan here for videos, newsletters, book reviews, support groups for men, and other resources. 9
My Story
Salvos Magazine
Childless: not our choice A new identity, Plan B, and moving forward Jo and Ben Popplestone moved to Australia from the UK in 2014, determined to start a new life and adventure after their journey to become parents came to an end.
Our story This story is based on a video produced by SBS (Special Broadcasting Service – How to move on when future plans don’t eventuate
Jo has been working for The Salvation Army Australia for 10 years and is currently the National Doorways Practice Manager. (Doorways provides emergency relief and holistic case management at Salvos community centres around the country.) Jo and her husband, Ben, are also passionate advocates for childlessness – not by choice – with a focus on raising awareness to promote inclusivity in workplaces and churches by caring for and engaging with each other.
Jo and Ben were both devastated when they knew they would not become parents.
“Childlessness is spoken about more often than it used to be, but probably still not as much as it should be,” Jo shares. “And I think because, both from an employee perspective, but also being someone of faith, this is relevant for The Salvation Army and all churches.”
“I was 23 when we got married. When we started considering having a baby and starting to try, we didn’t expect there to be any issues. After a few months of trying, we both just felt that there was something not right. IVF would be the only way we would be able to fall pregnant. We underwent four cycles of IVF.”
During World Childless Week (14-20 September), Jo and Ben will be presenting a webinar around their experience as a couple and also sharing a framework they’ve developed for people who have gone through infertility and are looking to move forward and find a new identity for themselves. Check out the website for details: worldchildlessweek.net. 10
When I got the news that I wasn’t going to be a father in the future, that’s when the heavy blow came,” Ben shares. “My initial feelings were an absolute numbness,” says Jo. “How am I going to get myself up? How am I going to go and face the world? “Ever since I was a little girl, I had a dream of getting married and having a family.
“Every cycle brings future hope and then disappointment,” says Ben. Jo said that it was a real shock when IVF was unsuccessful, and they knew their journey to become birth parents was finished. “That was a really hard time,” she shares. “We did have some dark times in our
My Story
12 September 2026
Ben and Jo have built a new life in Australia, despite the pain of childlessness not by choice.
relationship. We were at different stages of our grief, and it was important to give each other some space.”
“The grief will always be with us,” she adds. “It does become part of you, but you learn to not let that define you.”
New adventure Ben says he remembers Jo saying to him, “If I can’t have a family, I want to have adventure.”
“You also do experience sometimes those waves of grief coming when you were reminded of the journey you’ve been through,” shares Ben. “Maybe when you’re connecting with a family and you see the interaction between a father and his son.”
“We had always talked about living outside of the UK and Australia was one of the options that we looked at. “The first time that we came to Australia, on a one-way ticket and with a minimum number of possessions and two suitcases, I felt the freest I’ve felt in my life.” Jo shares that, in the UK, they had the identity of being an ‘infertile couple’, but coming to Australia “nobody knew us, so we had the ability to look at how to redefine ourselves.”
This can also be a “trigger point” for Jo. “When I’m engaging with children … if they’re shy or nervous or they want to just be with their mum, I can sometimes feel that as a real sense of rejection. But equally, it’s very healthy for me to engage with children and to have that love that I have to be able to share with the children.” “On the whole, Jo and I are really satisfied with our lives that we’ve built. Plan B can be plan best,” Ben emphasises. 11
Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
I hear thunder Finding God in the storms of life by Belinda Davis
I love thunderstorms! I enjoy watching the flashes and listening to the growling rumble that often brings with it some much-needed rain and a cooling breeze – especially on those warm and humid days! I become captivated watching the flashes of lightning and then waiting in anticipation for the inevitable thunderclap. I count the seconds between the flash and the thunder to estimate the distance of the approaching storm (3 seconds = 1 kilometre). I know that for some, this is the pinnacle of fearful experiences, but not for me. 12
It’s often the sound of people that frightens people. But thunder in itself has no power. Yes, it is very often loud, but it cannot hurt you. Lightning, on the other hand, has a diabolical and sometimes lethal power. Safety factor As much as I love thunderstorms, I love them from the safety of a building. I am not keen – in fact I am quite anxious – to be caught in one while I am driving or out in the open. I feel vulnerable and at risk. I have never been one to trivialise the occasion of a thunderstorm by sharing
Faith Talk
12 September 2026
the childhood myth that thunder is only the sound of God rearranging the furniture in heaven and lightning is God taking our photo. They are a powerful force and one best experienced and observed from a position of safety – preferably for me, snuggled up in bed with my window open so I can watch the light show.
the storm on display, and then afterwards too, as most thunderstorms bring rain.
In the biblical book of Psalms, I am reminded that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19 New International Version). This is the verse that pops into my consciousness when I am watching
I hope this gives you something to think about next time you see that flash of lightning and start counting for that crash.
What follows rain? A rainbow – another sign of God’s interaction with the world and his promises. If you would like to read more about this, check out the story of Noah in Genesis (the very first book of the Bible) chapter 9 and verses 12 to 17.
Major Belinda Davis is a Salvation Army officer. She blogs at a-blessed-life.com 13
Taste of Life
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Pumpkin microwave cake
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Salvos Magazine
Quiz
1. Who invented the light bulb? 2. Which kitchen appliance was discovered by accident? 3. How much did the world’s first computer weigh? 4. Which was invented first, the telephone or the light bulb? 5. What was the first animal to fly into space?
Ingredients 200g pumpkin, peeled, cubed; 250g butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 100g walnuts, chopped; 100g raisins; 2 cups self-raising flour. Method In a small dish place pumpkin and 2 tbsp water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Melt butter in a large bowl for 1 minute. Stir in brown sugar and eggs. Add in nuts, raisins and mashed pumpkin and mix into the flour. Pour mixture into lightly greased microwave container. Cook for 6 minutes.
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Believe in Good: Tips
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius 14
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Who am I?
A butcher by trade I am best known in sport, being inducted into the Queensland Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2011, I received a Queensland Greats Award. In 1987, I was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. I played in 31 State of Origin games from 1980 to 1991, and represented Australia in 33 international matches of rugby league. I was nicknamed ‘The King’ and ‘The Emperor of Lang Park’. I now stand proudly in bronze guarding Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium).
Take Five
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Have a laugh
What do engineers call coffee? Liquid fuel for creativity. Why was the bridge so confident? It had strong support. Why do engineers love Maths? Because it always adds up. Why do engineers make good partners? They are always building something strong. Why do engineers love Wi-Fi? Because connections matter.
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Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
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Answers
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12 September 2026
Word search
C M M S O Q WL P O U C H O Q Q F A K I P P B H H C L N R E B B S M V R L E O Y A O B I L B Y A A M K B H K C S L L I V B K F N G A A V U U R I S D E L N N O D K L N S WR A M E U F D WN F I N O G D O F R S C S M F N E F C L J A Y M X U O Z WA R U WS O R F R L B A A R WY N F S B P O J N O M A R S U P I A L K O R T D M O L T M U R WA M X P R I M M O N O T R E M E S V B E N N C O WC G B E C O L O G Y A E G H H E R B I V O R E U D O G T S W G D E E R WC A R N I V O R E P V T A S M A N I A N D E V I L Q Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Bilby Bandicoot Marsupial Burrow Kangaroo Koala Wombat Opossum
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Mammal Pouch Species Herbivore Carnivore Dog Bat Tasmanian Devil
Ecology Whale Monotremes Fur Milk Newborn Offspring Deer
Bible byte
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalm 23, verse 4a New Living Translation 15
Tum-Tum: is hiding on Sarah Knop’s shoulder on page 8. I am: Wally Lewis Quiz: 1. Thomas Edison 2. Microwave 3. 50,000kg, 1946 4. The telephone, 1876 5. A group of fruit flies, 1947