“You don’t have to save the world to be a hero – sometimes, it’s enough to be there for someone who needs you.”
– Unknown
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.
Everyday heroes
Most of us would love to cure cancer, bring an end to all wars, ensure nobody goes to bed hungry, and see equal rights become a global reality. This list could go on.
While many of us can do something to help bring these dreams about –whether it’s directly or through volunteering, donating, advocacy or raising awareness – many of us cannot.
Most of us can, though, in some way, make a positive difference in the life of another person, or our community, through small, everyday actions that can have a big impact.
Scan here to connect with The Salvation Army services
Founders: William and Catherine Booth
Scan here to subscribe to Salvos Magazine
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: 12 June 2026
Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
It could be as simple as sending kind words or texts to someone going through a hard time, dropping off food to a sick neighbour, offering a listening ear to someone who needs a chat, or picking up rubbish at a children’s playground.
The Bible encourages us to be “kind to each other” (Ephesians chapter 4, verse 32) – good advice anytime, particularly in our troubled world today. It’s these everyday kindnesses that make our families, our communities – and our own lives – a kinder, gentler and richer place to be.
Simone Worthing Editor
Who is your hero and why?
My mum, because she puts a roof over my head, packs my lunchbox every day, and loves me. Without her I wouldn’t have been born.
– Nate, 10
My Grandma (Maire) and Nana (Mavis) would be two of my heroes. My Grandma and Nana have always loved, prayed for and encouraged me. Their example has taught me how to love God, value family, and show kindness and care to others. They are patient, hardworking and kind – all attributes I want to have too!
– Jacqueline
My hero is William Wilberforce, who worked to abolish the slave trade. This is because he was very practical in how he served God. He chose to concentrate on a few injustices rather than trying to fix them all. I also admire Wilberforce’s willingness to stand up for his beliefs which caused him to stand out in society.
– Matt
A hero of mine would have to be the primatologist and anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall. Jane was inspiring because she revolutionised our scientific understanding of animal behaviour and humanity’s place within nature. Her research was groundbreaking in many ways, and I grew up wanting to follow in her footsteps, so I became a wildlife researcher myself working in primate conservation. Jane showed me that every one of us can, in fact, make a difference when it comes to protecting nature. She was an incredible woman, and her legacy now lives on in others.
– Brooke
My hero is Sur Ronster. He is an E-bike rider who makes a living from testing E-bikes to help people wanting to buy one.
– Travis, 13
My dad, because he takes care of me, loves me and feeds me.
– Olivia, 8
Some of my heroes are women mystics and spiritual giants: Mary Ward, Julian of Norwich, Etty Hillesum, and Dorothy Day. What inspires me is not merely their achievements, but how they navigated ordinary human struggles in extraordinary circumstances.
Julian of Norwich lived through plague and turmoil yet proclaimed, “All shall be well”, trusting in the boundless love of God. Etty Hillesum wrote from one of the darkest chapters of human history. Amid Nazi persecution and the concentration camps that would eventually claim her life, she believed that God dwells within us and that our task is to safeguard that sacred space. In a world increasingly shaped by tribalism, fear and division, her words feel remarkably relevant.
Dorothy Day showed that holiness is not an escape from the world’s pain but a willingness to find Christ among the poor and marginalised.
– Jose
My hero of faith is Rick Warren (Christian pastor and author). His love for God and passion for everyday people to find their place in God’s family and purpose for living has inspired me since I met him years ago.
– Dean
My hero will always be my mum, Ivy Hazel West. She never told me she loved me, but showed me in her own way; that did not stop me from loving her. Mum was promoted to heaven when I was 20. She left her legacy that education is the key to [addressing] poverty. She was active in her Christian faith, a survivor of domestic violence and went without to make sure we had what we needed. She was a survivor and I got my passion for Christ, my strength and resilience from her.
– Sue
Lionel Messi, because he is the best soccer player in the world and I want to be as good as him one day and win the World Cup.
– Benson, 8
My mum, because she does the best Physie (physical culture) and I want to be like her one day.
– Calli, 6
One of my heroes is my first boss, Ross Langmead. Ross was a friendly and caring manager – passionate about justice – who supported me through some challenging political situations that I found myself in. He was also a ‘muso’ and songwriter, and inspired me with the way he lived out his faith both in thought and practice.
– Joseph
Love in every cup of coffee
For several years now, the Parramatta Salvos in Sydney have run a weekly market day, where people from the local community can choose groceries for themselves and their families.
“Market day grew really rapidly, with lots of people coming in and lots of food to distribute, so we needed to enlist some additional helpers,” said corps officer (pastor) and team leader, Major Kylie Collinson. “Some of our community members who were coming here purely to find community, friendships and just support, have stepped up into volunteering roles, which is fantastic.
“There is usually a whole team of volunteers who will jump in to unload the van, and volunteers who help just to make sure that everybody is safe and being well cared for.”
Lilly
Volunteer Lilly retired in 2020 from her work as a nurse.
“Being somebody that worked with people all my life, this was like a blessing,” said Lilly. “It’s a commitment. There are things to do … no one day is the same as the one before, or the week before.”
Ray
Volunteer barista Ray has been making and serving coffee for around three and a half years and says he hasn’t looked back. “I try to put a little bit of love in each cup of coffee,” he said..
“Making coffee is like getting to read a person. And in reading that person and getting the coffee right for them, that to me is like gold.
Lilly loves the variety that volunteering brings.
Ray takes pride in making a perfect coffee for every person.
“In a way it is gratifying because they’re finding a purpose or a respite in [this] space, and I get to contribute to that.”
Kylie recognises that the market day volunteers are indispensable to the work and mission of the Salvos. “Honestly, we would be lost without them,” she said.
“We love to see people flourish, so because of that, we do what we can to help meet those needs in our community.” Scan here to watch the Market Day video.
Sue: One woman, many missions
From helping vulnerable older Australians, to running playgroups, to volunteering in the kitchen, Sue is always ready to assist where needed.
Suzanne Wynne is one of those people who always seems ready to help. Based in Launceston, Tasmania, Sue balances two very different roles with the Salvos, supporting people at opposite ends of life’s journey. Three days a week she works as a Care Finder case manager, helping vulnerable older Australians access the aged-care services they need. On the other two days, she supports young parents and their children through the Doorways to Parenting program.
In her Care Finder role, Sue visits older people in their homes, helping them navigate complex support systems, ensuring they don’t face challenges alone, and working to prevent the vulnerable from becoming homeless. “Sometimes that support is practical – helping them move house, buying them white goods,” Sue shares. “Other times it’s simply spending time taking them for coffee for companionship and encouragement.
“Every day is different,” says Sue. “You are meeting amazing people … with such resilience. So many of them were
children during the war, and the stories they have [are fascinating]. It’s just an incredible cohort of people!”
Young families
When she swaps roles, Sue focuses on supporting parents and carers of young children. Through playgroups, parent education programs and individual casework, she provides a safe space where families can connect, seek advice and access additional support when needed. The program also assists mothers experiencing postnatal depression or recovering from traumatic births.
Although the work is very different, Sue sees a common thread: helping people through important life transitions.
Beyond her paid roles, Sue volunteers wherever she is needed, whether representing the Salvos with the Launceston Benevolent Society or simply serving coffee at the corps (church).
“For a lot of people, we are the only person they have meaningful contact with,” she says. “I’m just really passionate about supporting people.”
– Lauren Martin
Aged care centre celebrates new grant
The Salvation Army’s Montrose Aged Care Centre in Balmain, Sydney, has been awarded an Australian Government grant for refurbishment works.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) grants, and the one awarded to Montrose, are intended to build, extend, or upgrade aged care services or to build staff accommodation where older Australians have limited or no access to aged care services. The program aims to maintain or increase access in ‘thin market’ settings where residents may have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, such as those residing at Montrose.
The centre, a 44-bed all-male nursing home, is a living expression of The Salvation Army’s mission, vision and values.
“Montrose is not just an aged care home,” said Chief Secretary Colonel John Chamness during an event at the centre to recognise the award. “It is a place of intentional refuge and restoration.
“At the heart of everything we do as The Salvation Army, there is a clear vision of caring for the whole person,” John continued.
“Our work in aged care gives us the opportunity to see that vision influence a community of people. It is where belief meets action and where values are lived out every day through care, presence and advocacy.”
John acknowledged that this work succeeds through strong partnerships,
Salvation Army and Aged Care leaders at an event to celebrate the grant.
The Montrose Aged Care Centre in Balmain, Sydney.
such as those The Salvation Army has with government, the community and service providers and, in the context of The Salvation Army Aged Care, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The grant-related works commenced at Montrose in 2025, with a completion date of 2027, and consist of upgrades to rooms, bathrooms and kitchenette areas; replacement and upgrades of IT equipment and furniture; and external works upgrades, including to walkways, painting, and the pergola.
For full story, go to tinyurl.com/yryddcce
Partnerships with doctors brings hope
Street Side Medics’ first service in the NSW Hunter region in March, where it partners with Newcastle Salvation Army.
Street Side Medics, a GP-led, mobile medical service delivering free, compassionate healthcare to people experiencing homelessness, has launched its first service in the NSW Hunter region, working alongside Newcastle Salvos.
Earlier this year, Street Side Medics began operating on Fridays from the carpark at Newcastle Salvos during the lunchtime hot-meal service, which The Salvation Army provides to around 80 people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, loneliness, isolation, financial stress and other needs.
Also on-site on Fridays is Orange Sky Australia, which provides free laundry facilities.
Street Side Medics Clinic Coordinator Anna Finter said ever since meeting corps officer (pastor) Major Leanne Bennett and the team last year, The Salvation Army has been incredible to work alongside.
“They have a wonderful reputation in the community … and we are really happy to be partnering with them,” she said.
Street Side Medics always chooses a site where it can park its mobile medical van alongside a community meal, and where there is also preferably another partner organisation offering a service at the same time. Those criteria made Newcastle Salvation Army’s busy Friday ministry day a perfect location.
The official launch of the new service took place in early March with community partners, Street Side Medics volunteers, supporters, local elected members and community members who attend Newcastle Salvos.
The Salvos’ Holy Grounds mobile coffee van and the Orange Sky Australia mobile laundry van provided free services throughout the day.
“It really highlighted the strength of the model and the way the service is designed to succeed,” said Anna. “Through community, collaboration and local support.”
– Lauren Martin
We could be heroes
Superman’s cape or a heart of compassion?
by Mal Davies
I think the first superhero I admired was Mighty Mouse. Yes, I’m that old.
Created in 1942, the character was a homage to (or parody of) the popular ‘Superman’ character, created in 1938. Mighty Mouse lived somewhere up in the stars and would speed to Earth whenever danger threatened. I can hear the theme song now: ‘Here I come to save the day!’
In the late 1960s, Mighty Mouse cartoons were screened on a Saturday morning and I loved them. What’s not to love about a mouse so strong he can pick up an elephant!
After Mighty Mouse came Prince Planet, Gigantor, Batfink (and Karate!) and, of course, the Super Friends – made up of Superman, Batman and Robin, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and a few sidekicks.
The late ‘70s saw my world turn Marvel, and a whole new batch of superheroes were adored: The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Captain America, the Black Panther, Thor, Sub-Mariner, Iron Man, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Captain Marvel and many others.
I read the comics; I watched the cartoons; I role-played each character with my friends at school (‘It’s clobberin’ time!). Great days.
Being human
Oddly – despite all the adulation and mimicry of these heroes – I was more drawn to those who didn’t have superpowers but just relied on, well, being human. People like Robin Hood, Tarzan, the Lone Ranger, Zorro, the Three Musketeers – and I always preferred Batman over Superman.
With these people there was the chance – as minimal and unbelievable and nearimpossible as it seemed – that I could be them. There was no way I could fly or turn invisible or have x-ray vision or catch bullets in my hands – but I could learn archery or sword fighting or horse riding or even how to use a utility belt full of Bat-gadgets.
I couldn’t be Superman but I could be Batman. It was within the realm of possibility.
As I moved into adulthood, my notion of what a ‘hero’ is changed. I leant
more towards people who impacted communities, like police officers and firefighters and teachers and medical personnel and church leaders.
Sure, the Incredible Hulk was strong and fearless, but he was also make-believe; he didn’t exist. Whereas firefighters were running into fires when other people ran out, and doctors were literally saving lives. Heroes!
This led me to my next stage of progression. I couldn’t be Superman and, to be honest, I couldn’t be Batman (or even a musketeer) but I could be someone who changed my community or had a positive impact on others.
Serving others
I planned on becoming a teacher and then fell into social work and then became a minister of religion, and while I’m certainly not going to brand myself a hero in in any way, shape or form, I’m hopeful that I’ve helped a few people along the way and had some sort of positive impact on society.
In the Bible it says, “Never tire of doing what is good” (2 Thessalonians chapter 3, verse 13) and that Jesus came ‘not to be served but to serve’ (Mark chapter 10, verse 45).
Jesus’ idea of a hero was someone who served others and valued others and loved others. You don’t need a cape to do that, just a heart full of compassion.
So, who are your heroes? Is it still SpiderMan or is it more the volunteers for the local footy club who get up early every cold Saturday morning to cut oranges and buy bread for the sausage sizzle?
David Bowie sang, “We can be heroes, just for one day”, but I don’t think that’s quite right – you can be a hero to someone every day.
Major Mal Davies oversees The Salvation Army in Victoria
If you’d like to volunteer with the Salvos, go to salvationarmy.org.au/get-involved/ volunteer-with-us
Building a family
For
Sebastian, volunteering is more than just working
in a store
With 400+ stores across Australia, Salvos Stores actively divert goods from landfill and raise funds for vital Salvation Army programs. And they couldn’t operate without their wonderful volunteers – more than 13,000 of them across Australia.
Sebastian has volunteered at a NSW Salvos Store since he officially retired from his professional work in September 2021.
“Why I like to volunteer,” said Sebastian, “is because I want to give back to society. I volunteer almost every day of the week.”
Store Manager Rizwana explains that theirs is a big store with more than 30 volunteers.
“I have such wonderful volunteers in my store. They’re the best,” she says.
“We couldn’t do anything without them, from the cash register to the loading dock, preparing clothes, production, everything.”
Sebastian loves being part of a community family.
All-rounder
When Sebastian started volunteering, he was asked to look after the book section. Since then, his duties have widely diversified. “I faithfully do what they ask me to do,” he says. “Basically, I’m an all-rounder. I do everything.”
Rizwana shared that Sebastian is an “amazing worker … he is the best”.
“She trusts me and we get along well,” said Sebastian … I’m willing to learn. I say, ’You tell me what I need to do - I do’.
“I enjoy the environment. I enjoy the management. I enjoy the people here. I learn skills even in the charity environment. And I learn soft skills also, how to relate to people on a different level.
“I enjoy meeting people. At the receiving bay, I will greet the donors who come in. Sometimes I strike up a conversation with them.
“We are not only the store. We are family for the community.”
Sebastian’s advice to others thinking of volunteering is simple. “Give it a try. It may start with a simple one day or a few hours, it may end up with a lifetime because you enjoy it as a volunteer.”
Scan here to watch Sebastian’s story.
Compassion in motion
Captain Sal – “a quirky way around a real problem”
‘Captain Sal’ offers locals a safe and warm place to be, as well as information and referrals.
‘Captain Sal’ - a former city bus that was converted for use in Salvos outreach programs in Portland, Victoria, provides a safe and welcoming space to people in need, as well as delivering items of clothing, food and emergency relief to those who need them.
“We’re bringing Salvos right here where the need is highest,” said Portland Community Engagement Worker Lysette de Groot.
“We found that there was a real need at the courts as well. The courthouse is an old bluestone building. There’s no internal space for people to wait.”
Kerrie, case worker for the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, said that Captain Sal is an amazing asset to the court. “Just having the space where people can go into the bus, they can grab a coffee, they can have some shelter from the weather.”
Additionally, Kerrie says it’s also helpful that people can talk to the Salvos in the bus and find out what supports are available.
To also help people with the stress of attending court, Portland District Therapy Dogs provide dogs with whom the people can interact. “I’ve had the head magistrate speak to me telling me that since the dogs have been coming, they haven’t had to call in the police for any altercations between parties,” said Sherree from Therapy Dogs.
Dignity
The Salvos focus on going to where the needs are and bringing safety and dignity to people.
“I think this initiative really embodies everything that the Salvos stand for. Not only does it bring Salvos to where the real need is, it brings a lot of safety and dignity to people,” said Lysette. “It helps where it’s really needed most.”
“I find Captain Sal is a really good initiative. It has found sort of a quirky way around a real problem.”
In a large frypan, heat oil and cook onion and garlic until translucent. Remove from pan.
Cook mushrooms until soft, then add onion.
In a separate pan, cook mince until brown.
Place onion, mushrooms and green beans into mince, mix through tomato paste, mustard and beef stock.
Simmer until liquid thickens.
Turn off the heat and stir through sour cream.
Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes. Garnish if desired.
☺ Believe in Good: Tips
“Wise people are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.”
Proverbs Chapter 18 verse 15, The Message version
This week, find something new to learn about.
1. Who is the most famous video game character of all time?
2. Who is the elven, sword-wielding hero in green, from the Legend of Zelda?
3. Which video game character is known as the ‘Blue Blur’?
4. What was the first home video game console?
5. Which company produces Sonic the Hedgehog?
��On this day
9 July 1877
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London hosts the first Wimbledon Championship. 22 men competed, with Spencer Gore winning.
9 July 1981
Nintendo releases Donkey Kong. Nintendo’s now famous character Mario debuted as Jumpman in this popular arcade game.
Have a laugh
What type of dough does a gamer use?
Why did the gamer play so many video games after his breakup?
Nintendough! He needed to console himself.
I broke up with my video game console; now it’s my ex-box.
Nothing personal, it was just time for a switch.
I left my PC on all night and in the morning, it was freezing.
Why doesn’t Mike Tyson play PlayStation?
Turns out, I left the Windows open. He’s an ex-boxer.
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
Answers
Quiz: 1. Mario 2. Link 3. Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Odyssey, 1972 5. Sega Tum-Tum: is hiding in the background behind a frame on page 11.
�� Word search
Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Action Arcade
Bible byte
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Matthew chapter 5, verse 9
New Living Translation
EVA BURROWS AUSTRALIAN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP for women
The 2026 scholarship will be awarded to a female who has undertaken substantial paid or unpaid work in the delivery of the mission of The Salvation Army in the previous two years and is seeking support to develop their leadership capabilities.
A scholarship of up to $25,000 AUD, for study at Eva Burrows College or another institution, will be granted to a female who exhibits General Eva Burrows’ values of leadership and commitment to serving on the frontline.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community.
Applications close 7 August 2026.
To find out more log on to: evaburrowscollege.edu.au/students/scholarships/ australian-leadership-scholarship-for-women
