The traditional beginning of the Anzac Day dawn or commemoration service
On 25 April, 110 years ago, the name 'Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' (ANZAC) was immortalised at Gallipoli. The ANZACs established an imperishable tradition of selfless service, devotion to duty, and of fighting for all that is worthy in human relationships ...
Let us therefore dedicate ourselves to taking up the burdens of the fallen. With the same courage and steadfastness with which they went into conflict, may we set our hands to the tasks they left unfinished. Let us dedicate ourselves to the service of the ideals for which they died. And let us, with God’s help, give our utmost to make the world the place that they would have wished it to be – a better and happier place for all people, through whatever means are open to us.
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.
Hope in the darkness
As Anzac Day approaches, wars and conflicts, hate and violence continue to rage around the world. Globally today, there are over 120 armed conflicts, involving over 60 states and 120 non-state armed groups (International Committee of the Red Cross).
The suffering and heartbreak of war, particularly on those most vulnerable, impacts millions of people globally.
In Australia, Anzac Day is a time to reflect, to commemorate and to remember those who have died in wars for our nation and those who serve today. We also think of the many who have returned and who face numerous challenges, both in and out of service.
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Founders: William and Catherine Booth
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Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn
Buckingham
Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas
Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Colonel Rodney Walters
Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker
Editor: Simone Worthing
Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison
Cover: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au
All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58
Press date: 28 March 2025
Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
In this edition, we feature a reflection and prayer from Major Brett Gallagher, who writes about his memories from Anzac Days gone by and the life lessons they have taught him. Brett also focuses on the very real needs of those directly impacted by their service.
Captain Ali McKeand continues this focus, sharing what the Salvos are doing in response to the growing crisis of veteran homelessness.
Lest we forget.
Simone Worthing Editor
Anzac Day reflections
A reminder of what really counts
by Brett Gallagher
Possibly my earliest memory of Anzac Day was going with my father and the Hurstville Salvation Army band to the local sub-branch’s dawn service. We would march from the front of the sub-branch across a bridge over the railway and down the main street of Hurstville. The RSL members, friends, family, scouts and other community groups would march behind the band. It was eerie, as once we turned the corner from the street in front of the RSL club there were no streetlights and depending on the phase of the moon it was often quite dark, until we reached part of the main street near the cenotaph where there were streetlights again. For most of the march there were few, if any, people on the side of the road to witness the march, and often only a handful of people awaiting the arrival of the march at the cenotaph.
As I reflect this year once again on Anzac Day,
I have been drawn to this memory. I think it stands out to me for several reasons.
Turning up
Firstly, the simple act of turning up each year for many years built a strong sense of commitment in remembering the sacrifice of others on my behalf. It is still not something I take for granted. In the ensuing years, as numbers began to decline at Anzac Day commemorations, this sense of continuing to turn up grew even stronger in me and my soul rejoiced as a new generation embraced Anzac Day. It is only a simple thing, but for me, turning up to the dawn service each year is a way that I can continue to acknowledge the greatest thing anyone can give someone else – the laying down of their life.
Hope in the darkness
Secondly, in the darkness you can always find hope. When I started playing with the band I tried to remember a significant section of the marches
we would play, as without streetlights I was unable to read my music. There were times when I was hoping for just a shred of light from one of the shopfronts, or that I would remember enough so that I would make it to the next streetlight. One of the things about going through tough dark times is, it is those that can hold on to hope that seem to be able to make it through. Each year, as different accounts of the Anzacs were read, this was one of the things that struck me.
Important to reflect
And finally, the most important thing I learnt from this childhood experience is that it is important to spend time reflecting, not just celebrating. For some, silence and reflection are uncomfortable. It is difficult to be alone with our thoughts. As someone who enjoys being around people, silence and reflection are not natural for me. But as I stand quietly with many
Major Brett Gallagher, left, commemorating 125 years of The Savation Army's Red Shield Defence Services at the Australian War Memorial last year.
The eternal flame at the Australian War Memorial.
others there is a deep sense of connectedness and appreciation, a sense that in spending this time reflecting, some of the futility of wars and conflicts is diminished.
As I think more about this, I see the same things in the Christian message. There is someone, Jesus, who laid down his life for me. That because of Jesus, in times of great
darkness and sorrow, I can still have hope. And that we need to make sure we don’t rush through life but spend time reflecting and appreciating these truths.
May your Anzac Day be one that reminds you of the things that are important to you.
Major Brett Gallagher is Chief
Commissioner
of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services
Turning up to the dawn service each year is a way that I can continue to acknowledge the greatest thing anyone can give someone else – the laying down of their life.
PHOTOS COURTESY GARY TINKER
A different type of understanding
Responding to veteran homelessness
by Simone Worthing
Veteran homelessness is an urgent issue in Australia, affecting thousands of former servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to defending the nation. The Salvation Army has been taking significant steps to address this crisis for many years, and that work continues today. Guided by the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the Salvos are implementing targeted initiatives to support veterans in need, and to train those who support them.
Captain Ali McKeand, Defence
Veterans Ministries Coordinator for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services, and a Royal Australian Air Force chaplain, emphasises that their work is driven by the Royal Commission’s recommendations. “The recommendations are out, funding has been made available, and we are aligning them with who we are as an organisation,” she says.
For veterans transitioning out of the military, the challenges of homelessness, mental health and financial instability can be overwhelming. Many also face struggles with alcohol and drug dependency and the difficulty of reintegrating into civilian life. “The defence community has served our country and at the end of the day, they need our help,” says Ali. “It’s not easy to seek help. We want our veterans to know they are not alone.”
Strategic support
To enhance its impact, The Salvation Army is fostering partnerships with
other Salvos departments as well as government agencies, veteran affairs groups and other organisations. Ali’s role involves strengthening these connections to maximise resources and provide comprehensive support to veterans. “This is happening organically, and we share the same vision with those we’re trying to partner with,” she says.
Chaplaincy training
The Salvos are also working to improve the training of their chaplains who interact with veterans. Understanding the unique challenges that former military personnel face is crucial to providing effective assistance. “It takes a different type of understanding,” Ali explains. “This is what we want the training to do – ensure chaplains understand veteran differences and can properly support them and their families.”
Homelessness
Homelessness among veterans is particularly concerning, with statistics showing that 5.3 per cent of veterans experience homelessness compared to
1.9 per cent of the general population (Australian Housing Institute). The transition from military to civilian life can be extremely difficult, particularly for those discharged for medical reasons. Many young veterans who leave the service unexpectedly struggle to find stable housing and employment, compounding their vulnerability.
“These young veterans have their whole lives ahead of them,” Ali explains. “They are struggling with their identity, and many suffer in silence. Tragically, the suicide statistics are not going down. This can be hard for the Australian public to understand, especially as ‘veterans’ are often associated with older servicemen and women who have seen years of wartime service. Many from that cohort, who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East, are also still struggling.”
Salvation Army programs such as Moneycare and Employment Plus are being adapted to meet the specific needs of veterans. The Salvos are also exploring opportunities to expand their work specifically in veteran homelessness beyond Queensland, recognising that it is a nationwide issue.
A Call to Action
Ali encourages individuals to get involved at the local level. “Look at your local area – see if there are veterans connected to your community or church. If there is a need, start something. It could be a playgroup for defence families or another community initiative. We’ll give you the training and support you need,” she explains.
Ali has been serving with the Salvos in defence for eight years. “I live and breathe defence and love what I do,”
Salvation Army Captain Ali McKeand with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, at the recent Avalon International Airshow, Victoria.
she shares. “Part of why I do this is to show my children that sharing the love of Jesus and making a difference can be hard, but it does bring change.
“The veterans have trusted us in defence, will they trust us out of it?”
The courage to seek help
Doorways is the emergency relief and holistic case management service for those who seek assistance from The Salvation Army.
In 2022, the Salvos introduced a national model to enhance the provision of services and support across the country. As part of the evaluation of the national model’s implementation, a research team visited 22 Salvo sites across Australia to gain insights from those who have experienced these services firsthand.
“We spoke with Doorways workers, corps officers (pastors), volunteers and community members,” said Belinda Hendrickson, Research Analyst with the Salvos. “Where there is effective collaboration between Doorways and corps (Salvos churches), we can see phenomenal holistic support provided.
“We saw improvements in community members’ life circumstances and in their wellbeing. People told us they felt more confident about managing challenges in the future. They also told us that opportunities to connect
with others reduced their sense of loneliness.”
Personal feedback
Many participants shared that the simple act of seeking food or financial support can be daunting, with feelings of shame and fear of judgment. Many also expressed a desire to get involved in programs and activities that teach life skills and promote independence.
The process also highlighted that connecting with others enhances a sense of belonging and wellbeing, while also offering
opportunities to share information about additional resources.
“One thing we’ve learnt through the lived experience consultations is that some people feel shame when asking for assistance,” explained Belinda. “That really gave me insight into how much courage it takes to seek help. We can share this information with workers and corps, using it as a tool to consider how we can keep this understanding at the forefront of our messaging and how we serve people each day.”
– Anthony Castle
The Caloundra team. From left: Lieutenant Tim Clark, Ben Brewer, Belinda Hendrickson, Lieutenant Karen Clark, Rene Ashford and Stefano Verrelli.
Colac Centre comes clean on community connection
The provision of new washing machines and dryers for the Colac Salvos Community Centre (Vic) has fostered greater community engagement and strengthened connections among local residents from all walks of life.
“It has been a lifeline,” says Josiah Van Niekerk, Colac Salvos leader.
“More people can now come through our laundry. It has more than doubled our capability in that space, and it is great to have people in washing their clothes.
“What we really want them to do is also eat the cakes and drink the coffee that we make and sit down with the team and have a chat. We have a lunch on Monday, brekky on Wednesday and food all day Friday, and we want people to come in and spend their time here and make this space as a second home.”
Local
engagement
A key component for the Salvos team has been reshaping their mindset
Salvos Leader
about the individuals in need who use the laundry. It’s not exclusively the homeless or those facing financial hardships who utilise the facility. It serves the entire community and has attracted a variety of diverse people.
The four new washing machines and four dryers donated by the Rotary Club of Colac West are getting a good workout for five hours each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The space can easily accommodate about 8-10 households each session. Additionally, the new vented dryers allow people to dry items such as sleeping bags, blankets, dressing gowns and a larger volume of clothes.
“It has been an amazing opportunity to work with the Rotary Club to give generously to the community,” says Josiah. – Lerisse Smith
Colac Salvos volunteers test the new laundry white goods donated by The Rotary Club of Colac West.
Colac
Josiah Van Niekerk says the new machines have enabled greater community engagement.
Building a better world
A commemoration prayer for Anzac Day
by Brett Gallagher
Loving God,
We gather to remember the sacrifices made by the original ANZACs and countless others in times of peace and conflict. We recognise the courage, determination and commitment of those who have fought for our country seeking justice, freedom and peace for all.
We pray for those who have survived conflict –those who carry the scars of their service in their souls, minds and bodies. Be with them. Strengthen and encourage them. Let them know that there are people committed to standing alongside them to support them in their struggles.
We remember those, mainly women and children, who suffered and continue to suffer, just because they happened to be in a conflict zone. May they know you are with them and experience the peace of mind that comes with your presence.
Be with the broken
Be with the heartbroken – the spouses, parents, families, and friends –who endure the grief of knowing their loved ones will never return. Bring them comfort, hope and peace, we pray.
We grieve for those who, after their devastating experiences in service of their country, have ended their lives. We cannot understand the deep pain that they carried. Be with those who loved them –those left behind – who continue to be impacted by their death. May they, through your Holy Spirit, know your grace, comfort and peace.
We also pray for those who struggle with their service, be that in the past or the present. Be with them today. Help them to find the things that bring healing and peace. Strengthen us to walk alongside those who are struggling. May we offer
them reassurance and hope in our actions and words.
A transformed world
May we, in our families and communities, strive to practise reconciliation, understanding and peace each day to bring about the transformation of our world. May we continue to build a nation where our differences are embraced as strengths, where our communities are free from harassment, discrimination and hostility, and where we resolve to seek the wellbeing of all peoples who call this land their home.
May your grace enable us this day to dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom, hope and peace; and give us the wisdom, strength and grace to build a better world.
We pray this in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The journey from an upside-down world
by Brad*
Veteran Brad builds a new life with support from the Salvos someone to talk to.
My name is Brad and I’m a veteran. More than one year ago, my world turned upside down. My ex-wife wanted separation - that knocked me for six.
I attempted suicide. I was rushed to a hospital near where I was living in Central Queensland for treatment and the doctors there sent me to the Keith Payne Unit (KPU), a mental health service that specialises in the treatment of ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Whilst there, the demons of the past from my military service and the collapse of my marriage and loss of my family basically destroyed me. But with the assistance of the medical staff at KPU, I was on a road to recovery – a long road.
I was a long-term patient and by the end of that, I found out how unprepared I was to tackle the world on my own. I didn’t even have the skills
to operate the computer or my iPhone. Everything was done for me in my marriage – my ex-wife took care of the bills just like the Army did for me.
A new start
The psychologists and doctors knew I wouldn’t land on my feet successfully without assistance. Through The Salvation Army’s Veteran Support Team I received very strong support, which assisted me to transition from an upside-down world to one of purpose and direction.
What the doctors and those involved in my care got right for me was having the services and support organised before my discharge from hospital. This meant there was no stress for me. There were several organisations at my disposal which were vital for giving me some sort of routine throughout the week, including having
A most important asset was The Salvation Army’s Veteran Support Team. The worker that I had was relentless in assisting me finding more than a home, but a community that I could easily interact with and be a part of.
This involved one-on-one online support to draw up profiles to find somewhere to live and then inspect accommodation for myself. I couldn’t do it without the assistance of The Salvation Army as I had no rental background and no knowledge of using the system.
It’s been life-changing! The services offered to me were vital to my initial survival. Emotionally and psychologically, they were able to carry the burden of stress for me.
They also gave me time to develop the strength – emotionally and psychologically – to
think for myself and to implement the tools that I was given to help me with my journey.
Land to sea
I come from living on a farm and now live near a beach. From running a farm and supporting a family, I am now in the unique position of being time-rich, and okay financially.
From owning my own home to renting a studio was a big change, but it has given me new dreams
and goals that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve previously. The hard work of The Salvation Army in finding a place where I would be happy has lifted me and given me new direction and purpose.
Living almost opposite the beach has enabled me to find peace. The sounds of the ocean, waves crashing and sea spray on my face has been a natural healing process for me that I could not find in a hospital or in a city apartment. I
understand the role of medication, but the true medication is watching and hearing the waves and tasting the salt of the ocean.
During this journey, I have learnt two universal languages – one is music, the other, art. With the combination of both, and with the lifestyle I am starting to create for myself, my journey has just begun.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Nature has helped many returning veterans to heal from a range of traumatic life experiences (stock image).
�� Caramel Anzac slice
Ingredients
300g Anzac biscuits, ½ cup plain flour, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 100g butter, 1/3 cup golden syrup, 395g can condensed milk, 200g dark chocolate
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Crush biscuits in a bowl. Add flour, oats, 80g butter, 2tbls of golden syrup.
Mix until combined and press into greased slice pan. Bake for 20 mins until lightly golden.
Set aside to cool.
Mix condensed milk, remaining butter and golden syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat for 8 mins until it thickens and is golden.
Pour over biscuit base. Set aside for 30 minutes to cool.
Melt chocolate (in microwave in short stages at low temperature) and spread over caramel.
Refrigerate for 30 mins. Cut into pieces and enjoy with a cuppa!
☺ Believe in Good: Tips
23 April – World Book Day
Reading is important, because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything. – Tomie dePaola
Encourage those around you to read a good book.
1. What is the circumference of Earth at the equator?
2. Which European city is sinking into the sea?
3. What is the world’s longest river?
4. What is the name given to the imaginary line at latitude zero?
5. Which word describes the bend of a river?
6. What is the word for land that has fallen down a slope?
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
❓ What am I?
I am a sacred place, best viewed at sunrise and sunset when my colours are most vibrant.
I am a monolith, weathered over time.
I am in the southern part of the Northern Territory.
�� Sudoku
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
Have a laugh
Why did the leaf go to the doctor?
I am: Uluru Tum-Tum: is hiding behind Ali on page 7.
Answers Quiz: 1. 40,000 km 2. Venice, Italy 3. The Nile 4. The equator 5. Meander 6. A landslide
How do you cut a wave in half?
What did the ground say to the earthquake?
Use a sea saw. You crack me up.
Why are recycle bins optimistic? It was feeling green.
Because they’re full of cans.
�� Bible byte
“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.”
