volume 7 number 39 24 October 2026
salvosonline.org.au print post approved PP100001474
Employment Plus A pathway to independence, stability and belonging
9 Moneycare tips
10 Let’s talk about death
12 The beauty of remembering
Financial red flags to watch out for
The Christian hope beyond Halloween
A colourful tradition points to love and life
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”
– Laura Ingalls Wilder
24 October 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.
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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 Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58 Press date: 2 October 2026 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
Breaking down barriers Most of us have faced some sort of barriers in life that slow us down or prevent us from getting to where we’d like to be in life. These could include financial, health, educational, or social barriers, just to name a few. Some of these barriers can be broken down, usually with assistance – others cannot. We can only work within them to minimise their impact and possibly change or adjust our plans along the way. The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus is doing just that – working with a range of people facing multiple barriers to help them train for and find work and build a more secure future. These include young people, those coming out of prison, and, as we feature this week, migrants and asylum seekers. Through the Eplus Local program, migrants and asylum seekers can find assistance to help them attain paid work, assimilate into our wider society and rebuild their lives. We all face challenges. Let’s do what we can to help each other out and make our world a kinder, gentler place. For these stories and more, go to salvosonline.org.au Simone Worthing Editor 3
Salvos Magazine
Employment Plus
A pathway to economic independence, stability and belonging by Lerisse Smith
In her ongoing series on The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus (EPlus) agency, LERISSE SMITH spoke with Paul Green (left), Salvos General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships, about why creating positive, inclusive employment pathways is changing lives for those often unseen and unheard in the community. There’s one moment Paul Green never tires of seeing. It’s the moment an asylum seeker or refugee has money in their pocket earned through their own ‘blood, sweat and tears’, achieving economic independence along with a renewed sense of pride and self-esteem. “The smile and the independence that you see on people’s faces is what gives me an enormous amount of joy,” reflects Paul. Born out of the Auburn Corps (Salvos church) in Sydney in 2018, the EPlus Local program began after the corps recognised that many people from migrant backgrounds, classified as refugees or asylum seekers, were struggling to survive because they were ineligible for government programs or benefits and needed some form of income. The local corps invested in part-time support and engaged with the Salvos’ Employment Plus to get the program off the ground. 4
Today, that small beginning has grown into a thriving program supporting communities in NSW and Victoria. It operates across Parramatta and Merrylands in Sydney, as well as Dandenong, Epping and Craigieburn in Melbourne, with the program’s objective to support refugees and asylum seekers on the pathway to employment. Overcoming barriers Yet finding employment is only one part of the journey – first, many barriers must be overcome. Some of the major barriers are around language, specifically English proficiency. EPlus Local staff will connect clients with English language courses and other relevant services to help build their confidence and communication skills. The program’s bespoke approach, tailoring support to each individual’s
24 October 2026
circumstances, also includes help with housing, transport, and connections to other community services where needed. “There is a huge need out there,” Paul says. “Many of our referrals come from Salvation Army services, or some other services … and we might then refer them to other services.” Employment opportunities created through the program are varied, including landscaping, gardening, home cleaning services, administration, reception, sales, marketing and aged care. For some participants, delivery work provides an important first step. “Most don’t do that long term,” Paul explains. “They just really need money, and that gets them started … In the meantime, we’re looking for something more permanent and more akin with their skills.” For many, the pathway forward also means overcoming the challenge of having overseas qualifications – sometimes highly advanced qualifications – and experience that are not recognised in Australia. Formal qualifications can be costly to have accepted in Australia.
A diverse range of employers across a range of industries have employed EPlus Local clients, from National Aluminium and Garden Plastics to Mainland Receptions, DoorDash, Vivo Energy and aged care provider, Mecwacare. Connections A key factor in connecting people with the right employment opportunity is placing people in their own communities. “If they’re from Vietnam, for example, and they speak Vietnamese, then we try to connect them into that community, and we generally find you’ll get employment support,” he says. “It’s often what we do to leverage connection with communities that help with language and getting them started,” Paul says. “We’re trying to expand in any way, shape or form. And that’s a challenge – trying to find funds to expand, because it’s a program that’s not funded by government. The program is funded by The Salvation Army, and the resources are not infinite. We’re trying to find philanthropic funds. But that’s the dream – to expand the program and offer more services across the country.” 5
Feature
Salvos Magazine
A pathway back to work Ben, a highly skilled welder with over 40 years of experience, has secured employment in Merrylands, Sydney, after facing years of unemployment and multiple challenges. Since migrating to Australia eight years ago, Ben has struggled to find work because of his age, limited English proficiency, and the difficulty of navigating local recruitment processes, despite holding internationally recognised qualifications. Employers often sought candidates with recent Australian experience, leaving him at a disadvantage. Financial hardship added to his burden, with very limited access to food and transport. Support from Employment Plus Local transformed Ben’s prospects. Employment consultant Noora provided personalised, intensive assistance, including Korean language support through professional interpreters to ensure clear communication. Together, they developed an Australian-style resume that effectively showcased his welding skills and experience. Ben was also referred to immediate employment opportunities and received ongoing coaching and motivation. Layered support The Salvation Army’s support services addressed his urgent needs with emergency food relief and community meals. Chaplain Jisook Wunderlich offered cultural guidance and connected him with Korean-speaking employers and networks, easing his adjustment and helping him complete online employment inductions despite language and technology barriers. 6
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BURNS ON UNSPLASH
Volunteering with CASS Care Ltd gave Ben valuable local workplace experience and confidence, while Jesuit Refugee Service Food Bank ensured continued access to essential food during his job search. On 20 June 2026, Ben began his new role as a welder, marking a new chapter in his life. Post-placement support from Employment Plus continues, helping him settle into his job and maintain progress. Salvos’ General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships, Paul Green, says this success story highlights how a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach, combining one-on-one employment support, emergency relief, community connections and ongoing follow-up, can overcome layered barriers and enable mature-age skilled migrants to re-enter the workforce and regain financial stability. – Lerisse Smith
Feature
24 October 2026
Rebuilding after war son were still overseas when he arrived in Australia. After illness, job loss and accommodation problems led to a decline in his mental health and hospitalisation, EPlus Local supported his recovery, helping him return to his former job, secure accommodation and access a vehicle. Today, the client is happier and more positive about the possibility of having his wife and son in Australia.
PHOTO BY KAMPUS PRODUCTION ON PEXELS
Rebuilding lives However, many refugees and asylum seekers continue to face challenges and misconceptions. They are often misunderstood, struggle to assimilate – and are not made to feel welcome.
For refugees and asylum seekers, employment is often just one piece of rebuilding a life. Many people arriving from Afghanistan and other war-torn countries have experienced significant trauma.
That is where The Salvation Army comes in, says Paul, offering a place where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed, supported and given the chance to start again.
“That’s one of the things that has to be addressed up front because ultimately someone with that level of trauma is very difficult to place and, in many respects, struggling and suffering,” says Paul Green, the Salvos’ General Manager of Strategy and Partnerships.
Looking to the future, the ambition is simple: to reach more people with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The EPlus Local program works alongside other social services, including Salvos Doorways, and focuses on their community where they have supports. The difference EPlus Local makes is often best seen in the stories of the people it supports. One client from Myanmar illustrates EPlus Local’s tailored approach. His wife and
“Through practical assistance, community connection and employment pathways, The Salvation Army is helping turn those stories into new beginnings. And for refugees and asylum seekers seeking a fresh start in Australia, that can change everything,” says Paul. Scan here for the full story and more information about Employment Plus. 7
News
Salvos Magazine
More than just youth housing Six self-contained apartments from The Salvation Army’s youth housing stock in East Brisbane have been refurbished and transformed into contemporary homes for young women aged 17-22 who are building pathways towards stability, education and independence. The six self-contained apartments and a shared youth hub, reopened last month, will offer more than just a singlebedroom unit to their tenants. Through the provision of safe housing, trauma-informed support, case management, life skills development, community connection, and pathways to education, training and employment, young women will be supported by the Queensland Youth Services team to build the confidence, resilience and skills they need to thrive. “The architecture and interiors of the properties are thoughtfully designed and organised to ensure trauma and psychologically informed spaces that foster health and wellbeing,” said Rob Ellis, Queensland State Manager for Youth Services. “These design features include easy access to natural light and air quality, an abundance of plant life and an edible garden, opportunities for onsite exercise and physical activity, and communal spaces designed to enhance social connectedness among residents and Youth Services support staff. Ongoing support “The program provides a safe, supportive accommodation option while facilitating 8
The official reopening of the refurbished apartments.
active engagement and participation in education and training until successful completion,” Rob continued. “All participants are provided with living skills to successfully transition into and maintain independent housing within the community.” This work is made possible through a partnership between The Salvation Army, the Viertel Foundation and the Property Industry Foundation, giving young women experiencing or at risk of homelessness the opportunity to build a bright new future.
24 October 2026
Feature
Moneycare: red flags to watch out for
The Salvation Army’s Moneycare is a free and confidential financial counselling and capability service, available to support anyone who would like to improve their financial situation or is looking for help with managing their money.
If you would like to make an appointment to see a member of the financial counselling and capability team, chat online or download some of our resources, scan the QR code below.
If you are struggling with debt, have been impacted by a natural disaster or other financial crisis, or would just like some tips on navigating the rising costs of living, we are here for you.
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Making emotional or quick financial decisions.
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Scan here to access Moneycare services and resources.
Red Flags •
Comparing your financial journey to someone else’s.
Spending to impress others instead of investing in yourself.
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Harmful debts like payday loans and rent-to-buy.
Ignoring your bank account, bills or budget.
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If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 9
Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
Let’s talk about death Halloween may make death look cute, scary or just commercial, but Christian hope points to the promise of eternal life. by Kirralee Nicolle
Death is everywhere. In a commercial sense, at the very least. We’re in the time of year when houses, supermarkets, novelty stores, craft shops and many other buildings are decked out in spiders’ webs, skeletons and fake blood. Halloween is typically a time of revelling in visuals of decay, gore and horror. It isn’t fun or enjoyable, though, for everyone. And, of course, for many Christians, the day feels unnecessarily dark in a world where Jesus has overcome the power of death. My family recently lost a loved one. Our household, which includes young children, has had to reckon with the finality and grief that accompany death. We’ve had conversations about what death means, what happens to our bodies when we die, and have tried to begin the process of talking about what life after death looks like from a Christian perspective. In all of this, I’ve been reminded of just how palpable the human fear of endings can be. We don’t want things to stop, because that would mean the end of what we definitively know to be true, possible and available to us. While the status quo continues, we can also keep 10
disappointing ourselves and others in the small ways we fall short each day, with less guilt or remorse than if we knew exactly when all of this might come to its conclusion. Not to mention, we love the thought and feeling of vitality. To be young and fully alive is the societal ideal we all strive toward and grieve when it feels lost.
Faith Talk
24 October 2026
Eternal hope As Christians, we know this state in which death is a solemn reality to be a temporary one. As the Bible book of Revelation, chapter 21 verse 4 states, Jesus will, one day, “wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Our hope is complete in knowing, in an eternal sense, that death will one day be no more. I encourage you to consider how the idea of death sits in your spirit. What comes to mind when you think about death? Is it elements of your belief system, anxieties about your readiness and those you might leave behind, or something else? Has this changed over time for you?
Death and decay are the antithesis of our world’s sense of hope – they undermine our sense of being able to maintain control and stay at the top of our game. With all this in mind, I understand the draw of Halloween. It offers a hopeful subversion. If we can befriend death and turn it into a marketable product, perhaps it can be less frightening; warmer, cutesier.
It’s not often a casual conversation topic in Australian culture, but I would encourage you to bring it up where you can. Talking about death, especially sharing our experiences and fears, brings it out of the abstract and the frightening into a realm where it can be held, touched and considered. We may find ourselves less inclined to run from the topic and more inclined to befriend death in a way that doesn’t simply line the pockets of corporations marketing Halloween decorations. Because true peace cannot be bought. It has already been given to us, at no cost, by the Giver of Life himself – Jesus. 11
My Story
Salvos Magazine
The beauty of
remembering
Behind the colourful traditions of Día de los Muertos is a profound message about love, loss, reflection and life beyond death by Cheshire
As Halloween approaches, so too does the inevitable mention of the traditional Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). While grim-sounding and commonly associated with cemeteries and sugar skulls, this day is a far more beautiful tradition than it may seem. The day is observed on 2 November – close to Halloween’s 31 October – which often leads to the two being linked. Day of remembrance However, it’s not a macabre holiday at all! Ultimately, it’s a day of remembrance that honours loved ones who have passed, while also enabling those left behind to come to terms with death as a part of life instead of fearing it. The main belief of Día de los Muertos that dominates outsider knowledge of the holiday is that, on this night each year, the souls of the deceased can return to Earth to visit loved ones. This belief is emphasised by the main tradition of building altars called ’Ofrendas’ (offerings) that contain food and some of the deceased’s personal items, and are built either within the family home or beside the graves of the 12 12
people they’re made for. The items left on the Ofrendas are meant to guide the deceased home, then back again. But that’s not the altars’ main purpose. They are made for friends and family to gather around and tell stories about their loved ones while eating together and taking care of these final resting places. The main point of the tradition, and the holiday, is still about remembrance. Nothing encompasses the feeling of the holiday better than the song Remember Me from the movie Coco, which uses the Day of the Dead as its central plot device. The song is written by a father for his daughter. As she nears her own passing, her memories of her father begin to fade, and he starts to disappear within the afterlife. But once she hears his song again, she remembers him and he is able to remain alive in the afterlife to wait for her to join him once again. Life beyond As Christians, we also believe in an afterlife, but our eternal afterlife exists through the love of Jesus. We read about this love, and this eternal life, in the Bible. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who
My Story
believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John Chapter 11, verses 25-26). It is a joy to know that we will have eternal life, but Día de los Muertos is also a wonderful reminder that a different kind of eternal life can be had simply through remembrance and the reminder
24 October 2026
that you are loved, even once you have passed. So, the next time you hear mention of The Day of the Dead, don’t jump to thinking only about cemeteries and sugar skulls but instead, consider the beautiful traditions of remembrance they represent and perhaps ponder how you might want to remember those you love. 13 13
Taste of Life
🍳
Broccoli salad
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Salvos Magazine
Quiz
1. What is the name of Shrek’s animal companion in Shrek? 2. Which animal did Kuzco turn into in the film, The Emperor’s New Groove? 3. What channel did The Powerpuff Girls air on? 4. Who voiced the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin? 5. What was Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt a retelling of?
Ingredients ¼ cup sugar; 1 tbsp vinegar; ½ cup mayonnaise; 225g bacon, fried and chopped; 1 cup grated cheese; 2 small broccoli heads, cut to bite size; 1 onion, chopped. Method In a small bowl combine sugar, vinegar and mayonnaise. Mix well. In a large bowl combine bacon, cheese, broccoli and onion. Pour over mayonnaise mixture and mix well. Refrigerate before serving.
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Believe in Good: Tips
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Unknown 14
🥸
Who am I?
Created by Dorothy Wall in 1933, I am an Australian icon. I first appeared in books in the 1930s-1940s, and then on TV in 1980s. I was in film and TV in the 1990s. My name is also the nickname of the light at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In 1985, Dorothy and I appeared on a postage stamp. I am recognised internationally and regarded as a children’s classic.
Take Five
😆
Have a laugh
Why was the cinema always cold? Too many fans. I tried to watch a silent film. But it left me speechless. Why are westerns dusty? No cleaning budget. Why was the outlaw a hit? He stole the show. How are sequels like leftovers?
They’re sometimes tasty, mostly stale.
Why did the actor bring a pen?
To draw attention.
🔍
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
Tum-Tum: hiding being the piggy bank on page 9.
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Answers
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24 October 2026
Word search
C F H C O R P M A R I N A R A X T Z U J O R I A N I S L K P A N B O Z S A U A S S WV I F D S O F O R U I L S V O T D Z E G G O K E L T C L A C I T A N V N A D F T P O E C L S O O T Y E O R L E Z O A G L H I A U L O G C L E T I M M R N L I H G S I E C I S T U D H A M E I N D N T T H C H U WB P D T I S N I Y A A I S W C M D B E Y O G E I G L B V P M C J V O M S J E I X I I L J E N I S A U C E T A S A M A E WN J N N M A C A R O N I N N S Z N G E L I N G U I N I I P A Y H E L N C A R B O N A R A C F N M K X Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Bolognese Carbonara Couscous Fettuccine Fusilli Garlic Gnocchi Italian
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Lasagna Linguini Macaroni Marinara Noodles Parmigiana Pasta Penne
Pesto Ravioli Vegetables Risotto Sauce Tomatoes Tortellini Zucchini
Bible byte
“He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.” Revelation chapter 21, verse 4 Contemporary English Version 15
I am: Blinky Bill Quiz: 1. Donkey 2. Llama 3. Cartoon Network 4. Robin Williams 5. The story of Moses
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