Annual Report 2011 (NSW, QLD, ACT)

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2011

perseverance

THE SALVOS THANK GOD FOR YOU salvos.org.au

2011

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

2011 Contents Introduction 3 Message from the Territorial Commander 4-5 Social and community services overview 6-7 Financial summary 8-9 Highlights of the year in review 10-31 Historical overview 32-33 Getting involved 34 Contact details 35

salvos.org.au

perseverance Time and again The Salvation Army has witnessed the resilience of the Australian people, a people who are the embodiment of perseverance.

Introduction “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 This past year has once again borne witness to the enormous power of nature and the vulnerability of humankind trapped in its way. Our New Zealand neighbours suffered greatly as their country shook. And our brothers and sisters in Japan stood helpless as a seemingly unprecedented tsunami swept all that lay before it.

Australia, too, suffered. Floods in Queensland and Victoria were the worst in living memory and followed on from all too recent cyclones and firestorms. The fallout from these events, and many others, is ongoing. Many people have been left with nothing and their suffering continues.

Australians also watched in horror as a group of people intent on a better life suffered a tragic and ironic fate as they, along with their hopes and dreams of a new life in a new land, were shattered upon the shores of Christmas Island – their tragic end adding further fuel to a raging political and social debate on Australia’s refugee and asylum seeker policy.

These events shape a nation. Ever-present challenges that make us act; make us question, and make us decide what type of people we want to be. In short, they determine what it means to be Australian.

The harshness of Australia and the struggles faced by early settlers gave rise to a culture of mateship: of helping a neighbour, a friend, or a stranger in the street. The Salvation Army has embodied the spirit of mateship throughout recent events and throughout its 131 year history; being there in times of trouble to lend a hand, to have a chat, to give a hand-up, and, when needed, a hand-out.

Time and again The Salvation Army has witnessed the resilience of the Australian people, a people who are the embodiment of perseverance. We saw it in the

Queensland floods. We saw it during the Victorian bushfires. We have seen it time and again in our rural communities.

We see it every night on the streets of our cities. And we see it in the homes of all Australians.

Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

There are many in our country persevering through the toughest times; there are many also who are reaching the end of what perseverance they have.

We at The Salvation Army feel privileged to be part of God’s plan in providing love, hope, and comfort to those who are weighed down. We thank you for your ongoing support that makes it possible.

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strength and hope Message from the Territorial Commander Looking back over the past 12 months, we see, yet again, another year that has devastated the lives of many people. Lives of certainty and security have crumbled; and lives already burdened are buckling under a weight that only ever increases.

The theme of this year’s annual report is perseverance. It is a fitting theme that will resonate with many Australians.

Those in rural communities especially, who over recent years have suffered drought, cyclones, floods and a very insecure global economic climate, will understand this theme and the depths of emotional endurance.

But obviously, it is not just the weather and economic climates that affect us.

Today’s world is vastly different from the 19th century world of Salvation Army founder William Booth. Yet the same issues that motivated him to create an army of change – drug and alcohol abuse, problem gambling, domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty – continue more than a century later.

And so do many other social issues that need The Salvation Army’s services and programs.

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The release of the Perceptions of Poverty report confirmed many worrying trends, one of which is that poverty, in this country of abundant wealth, is on the rise. The report showed that a new social class is emerging – the ‘working poor’ – those who are unable to meet the cost of living, despite having paid employment.

Something we saw with 80,000 Australians seeking assistance from The Salvation Army for the first time last year.

We see also the alarming figure that 70 per cent of Australian children classified as coming from poor families, are actually coming from families where both parents are without work. For other OECD countries, this figure is 30 per cent. And we see that poverty is something all too readily passed from generation to generation; that the poverty cycle is just not being broken.

None of us wish to undergo difficult and testing times, but the irony is that we usually come through them better people if we persevere. And when we trust in God, even though our faith is tested through suffering and trials, He is there to supply our needs and encourage us to move forward.

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2011

In Romans 5: 3–5 we read – “… we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

God’s love for us through the sacrifice of His Son has given us enormous hope and the strength to persevere. I am reminded of the story of a young man determined to leave a life of drug abuse. Time after time he began treatment only to fall victim to the power of his addiction. But he persevered, and with the help of the Salvos, completed a drug treatment program on his eighth attempt. He lives a drug-free life today. Perseverance.

Character. Hope.

Perseverance takes courage and determination. It also takes help.

Whatever the hardship, whatever the burden, The Salvation Army will be right beside you.

James Condon Commissioner The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

None of us wish to undergo difficult and testing times, but the irony is that we usually come through them better people if we persevere.

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social services

Commissioner’s report and strategic overview For 131 years The Salvation Army has been offering caring support for Australians at every stage of life. Today, The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of social services, material aid, crisis support, and disaster relief in our nation. Just as at the beginning, The Salvation Army sees its mission to be a combination of Christian witness and social ministry.

Crisis and supported accommodation

Our services are as wide-ranging and diverse as the needs in our community.

Through unique and effective partnerships with the Australian public, business community and government, we help to address many of Australia’s greatest social problems.

Youth support

The Salvation Army helps over one million Australians every year.

• Case management and counselling

Here is a snapshot of the social and community services provided by The Salvation Army in NSW, ACT and Qld. Community support services • O ver 120 community welfare centres provide practical emergency relief in the form of material and financial aid for families and individuals facing financial crisis. Budget Helper and other life-skills courses are offered from many welfare centres.

• H omework and breakfast clubs offered by some local Salvation Army corps (churches)

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• R efuges for women in crisis and their children – survivors of domestic violence and family breakdown • C risis and medium-term accommodation for homeless women, men and youth • T ransitional Supported Accommodation

• P reventative programs and assistance for homeless young people • Recreation and leisure centres • R econnect Project, helping keep families together • Street work and drop-in centres • E mergency and long-term accommodation • Employment and training • Alternative Education programs Recovery services • L ong term residential recovery programs for people with addictions to alcohol, other drugs and gambling • W ork therapy – industrial and rural centres • Outpatient services • Detoxification units • T reatment for people brain damaged through addiction

Employment services

Chaplaincies

• E mployment Plus job placement service operates nation-wide

• P rovision of support and comfort to people in crisis and to victims of disaster, emergency and crime, and to the support personnel who serve at such times

• P rograms for those at risk of leaving school early • M ature Workers Program for unemployed people over 40 • V ocational training and access to job seeking facilities

• C haplains to police, fire brigades, rural fire services, ambulance services, hospitals, airports and others

Emergency services

Rural and outback support

• P rovision of catering support during emergencies and disasters for those affected and official workers

• R ural chaplains assisting farmers and families • O utback Flying Service, supporting people in remote and outback Queensland

For 131 years The Salvation Army has sought to reach out to those in need in our community, offering practical care and hope.

Court and prison chaplains

Financial counselling

Community care ministries

Suicide support

• S upport for offenders, victims and their families in courts and prisons

• M oneycare service provides assistance and suggests options for people facing financial difficulties

• V olunteers visit hospitals, nursing homes, and people unable to leave their own homes

• B ereaved by Suicide services, including support groups

Telephone counselling

People with disabilities

• T rained counsellors at Salvo Care Line – many of them volunteers – offer a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for people experiencing a crisis or difficulties

• I n-home, community-based lifestyle support program for adults with intellectual disabilities in Brisbane

• S upport for correctional and justice services staff and jurors • Positive Lifestyle Program for offenders Red Shield Defence Services • P ractical support with Christian influence to hundreds of Australian Defence Forces members and families each day Family Tracing service • W orks nationally, and internationally, to successfully re-unite families who have been separated

Professional counselling service • P rovides guidance, counsel or support in personal issues, marriage and family relationships

• A ccommodation facility with community and centre-based, living-skills support programs for adults with intellectual disabilities in Toowoomba

• H ope for Life provides online and face-to-face training in suicide prevention and bereavement support English speaking classes • M any local Salvation Army corps (churches) provide English speaking classes as a service to people from non-English speaking backgrounds

• C ommunity Access and Day Care Centre at Broken Hill

Aged care • A ccommodation and quality care for older Australians, including hostels, nursing homes, self-care units and respite care

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financial summary

Commissioner’s report and strategic overview The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory has been operating in Australia since 1880. We continue to provide successful service in NSW, Qld and ACT with high standards of governance, to meet human needs in Jesus Christ’s name without discrimination.

Our mission in this territory is to “save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.” Our values flow from this: Compassion, Transformation and Integrity.

The primary services that we provide to the community include the following: • Aged care • C haplaincies (including hospital, court and prison, defence forces) • Counselling services • Crisis support • D rug, alcohol and gambling addiction rehabilitation • Emergency/disaster services • Family support services • Sale of donated goods • Y outh, employment and training programs

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The Salvation Army Social Work’s operating surplus before transfers to reserves was $33.6 million (2010: $23.76 million). There was a net transfer of $30.05 million (2010: $15.8 million) to various reserves representing money spent on property projects and money set aside for later use for specific purposes in accordance with the wishes of the donors and The Salvation Army’s policies.

The Social Work’s revenue and expenses are summarised in the graphs.

The total revenue for the year was $334.58 million. The total expenses for the year were $300.98 million.

This financial summary may not contain sufficient information to allow a full understanding of the financial affairs of The Salvation Army Social Work. Copies of the annual report and the full financial statements, which are audited by KPMG, can be obtained from:

Where the money came from 150

120

90

60

30

0 Government Red Shield funding Appeal

Social Donated Legacies services goods and client donations contributions

Where the money was spent 120

Secretary for Business Administration The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territorial Headquarters PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 1235

100

A copy of The Salvation Army (Australia) Self Denial Fund for Overseas Aid can be obtained from the above contact upon request.

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THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2011

2010 2011

$’m

2010 2011

$’m

80 60 40

0 Social Aged programs care

Employment Red Shield and youth Appeal training

Dividends, Other interest and distributions

Recycling operations

Our mission in this territory is to “save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.� Our values flow from this: Compassion, Transformation and Integrity.

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thank you and thank God In another year when so many have struggled to make ends meet, The Salvation Army has been humbled by the overwhelming generosity of the Australian people. Their compassion and sacrifice, whether through volunteering or through financial support, has been a most welcome partnership as together we have sought to help those most in need in our community. We thank God for the blessings we see every day as lives are restored and transformed throughout our nation. And we thank you for your generous support.

Red Shield Appeal Thanks to the generosity of the Australian public and business community, The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal raised a total of $35.78 million over 12 months in NSW, Qld and ACT. The Red Shield Appeal raised an additional $31.17million (including $3.13 million from The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory Red Shield Appeal) thanks to the generosity of donors responding to the floods appeal. An initial $10.38 million was distributed to flood victims by 30 June 2011.

The remaining balance will cover ongoing flood relief efforts, through The Salvation Army’s three new major centres of operation in Queensland. The centres will provide ongoing support and services to those most impacted by the disasters. The Salvation Army will provide regular public statements about the expenditure of these donations.

Each year a highlight of the Red Shield Appeal is the Doorknock, held at the end of May, when Australians are asked to “Dig deep for the Salvos”. As usual, people did just that and the Doorknock raised just over $5.51 million.

The Salvation Army thanks the Australian community for its support and assures the millions of people who give so generously that their trust in The Salvation Army is well placed. Without this support, we would not be able to continue assisting those who are disadvantaged and marginalised in our community. Annually, expenditure for

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The Salvation Army’s wide array of community and welfare services is around $225,783,967 in NSW, Qld and ACT. Special thanks go to the thousands of volunteers who assisted with the Doorknock. School students and staff, Rotary and Lions Club members once again provided significant support.

Without their help in some areas the Doorknock simply would not happen.

Thank you to Westpac for its ongoing support of The Salvation Army for over 38 years. Employees and Senior Staff joined together to volunteer much needed support to the Red Shield Appeal, emphasising a depth of support and empathy.

McDonalds, Triple M, and The Mushroom Group also supported the Red Shield Appeal, while advertising support was provided by Westpac, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson Pacific, QANTAS, Myer and Village Roadshow.

Army community services centres, corps (churches) and children’s programs.

This support brought joy and hope to many children and families who may otherwise have faced a bleak and cheerless Christmas.

Wills and Bequests By including a bequest to The Salvation Army in your Will, you offer a lasting gift of hope to future generations of Australians.

In the last year, The Salvation Army was the grateful beneficiary of gifts made by those who had chosen to continue their support beyond their lifetime through a bequest in their Will. We thank these supporters, their families and friends for this extraordinary act of generosity.

We are truly grateful that each year people continue to make the choice to leave a lasting legacy, through a bequest, by remembering The Salvation Army in their Will.

The Salvation Army provided food hampers, toys, greeting cards, care, and support to many people who spent Christmas alone in 2010.

We acknowledge that for many of our supporters this decision is private and we therefore don’t always have the opportunity to thank them personally.

So to all who have chosen to support us in this very special way, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you.

Myer donated profits from the sale of the Spirit of Christmas CD and Kmart held the annual Wishing Tree Appeal, collecting gifts for children and adults.

These were distributed through Salvation

Thank you also to the members of the legal community who continue to support The Salvation Army in various ways such as our Wills Day events and by advocating philanthropy to their clients.

Christmas

Salvos Stores Salvos Stores has again completed another successful year serving the mission of The Salvation Army. “We continue to engage and serve the community at every level,” said Neville Barrett, General Manager of Salvos Stores.

“Each day in our 106 stores throughout the Australia Eastern Territory, Salvos Stores staff and volunteers have contact with approximately 12,820 customers. We visit approximately 4000 homes each week to pick up preloved furniture and other recycled goods. Each week Salvos Stores helps approximately 70 people who have been referred from Divisional Community Service Centres, with furniture, clothing and other essential items. As the cost of living escalates, people from a diverse range of socio-economic areas now shop at Salvos Stores. All proceeds go towards running vital Salvation Army programs. By shopping at and donating to Salvos Stores, people are also helping the environment by reducing landfill,” Barrett said.

Workplace Giving Workplace Giving provides an opportunity for people to give directly from their pay to the work of The Salvation Army. It is easy, efficient and also provides tax advantages. The Salvation Army recognises and thanks all staff who donate regularly in this way.

Australia’s homeless youth initiative – education and outreach The Caledonia Foundation has continued its support of The Salvation Army – Oasis Youth Support Network, with the creation of The Oasis Homeless Short Film Competition.

The competition, which was launched by patron Cate Blanchett in April, encourages secondary school students to make a film about youth homelessness, a heartbreaking issue that has seen the number of Australian youth living on the streets double over the past 20 years. Over 200 entries were received.

“The arts, including film and theatre, have an exceptional capacity to tell stories that raise awareness about important social issues and create change in our community,” Ms Blanchett said. “The Oasis Homeless Short Film Competition is important because it actively engages school students in understanding and highlighting the issues of youth homelessness, encouraging them to

focus on young people less fortunate than themselves.”

Ms Blanchett will announce the winners in December 2011 at the Sydney Theatre Company and the $25,000 prize money will be donated to the schools of the 15 finalists.

Also announced in April was The Oasis Schools Curriculum Resource, a crosscurricula linked to the National Curriculum in each State and Territory.

Just recently a partnership was announced with The English Teachers Association (NSW) to develop professional development modules for English teachers across Australia. The modules, called Teaching English through Social Issues: Youth Homelessness, will assist teachers with lesson plans and activities for students.

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thank you and thank God Corporate and Government recognition

• E xclusive Tyre Distributors

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory has been blessed by the support of a wide range of Australian companies and businesses. We are grateful to our corporate partners who stood with us through this challenging year of financial uncertainty, global instability and natural disasters.

• Gloria McKerrow Foundation

Corporate support

• NRMA/Insurance Australia Group (IAG)

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory would like to recognise the support of:

• Integral Energy

• ABC Tissue Products

• KPMG

• ActewAGL • AGL Energy Limited • Brazil Family Foundation • A ustralian Chinese Buddhist Society Inc • T he Australian Chinese Charity Foundation • BlueScope Steel Limited • BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance • B ’nai B’rith Sydney Chapter Charitable Trust • Brambles Limited • Chubb & Son • Colibri Pty Ltd • Dick Smith Investment Pty Ltd • E J Hart Group Pty Ltd • Emorgo Foundation • Eureka Benevolent Foundation

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• Flannery Foundation • G oldman Sachs & Partners Australia Foundation • Haggarty Foundation • Hillsong Church • Hungry Jacks Pty Ltd • IGA • Independence Studios Pty Ltd

• Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd • Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Ltd • Liangrove Group Pty Ltd • Macquarie Group • Mallesons Stephen Jacques • Nokia Finland • North Lakes Pty Ltd • Optus • Parmalat Australia Ltd • Philip Usher Constructions Pty Ltd • PricewaterhouseCoopers • P rotrust Pty Ltd ATF Profield Foundation Pty Ltd • Property Industry Foundation • Shorebrook Pty Ltd • Sony Foundation Australia • State Street • The Caledonia Foundation • The Dunn Family Trust

We are grateful to our corporate partners who stood with us through this challenging year of financial uncertainty, global instability and natural disaster.

• The East Chinese Restaurant

Government support

New South Wales

Queensland

• The Ernest Heine Family Foundation

We acknowledge that we receive partnership funding and subsidies from many government departments. Their contributions are greatly appreciated.

• Attorney General’s Department

• Department of Communities –

• The Goldburg Foundation • The H K Fiduciary Company Limited

• Department of Human Services NSW –

• Community Services

• Ageing, Disability and Home Care

• Disability and Community Care

• Community Services

• Housing and Homelessness Services

• The Lady Proud Foundation Limited

Australian Government

• Housing NSW

• Department of Community Safety –

• The Lewis Foundation

• A ustralian Agency for International Development (AusAID)

• Juvenile Justice

• Corrective Services

• D epartment of Education, Science and Training

• Department of Corrective Services

• Probation and Parole

• Department of Education and Training

• Department of Education and Training

• I ndustry and Investment NSW – Minerals and Energy

• Department

of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

• D epartment of Environment, Climate Change and Water

• Department of Premier and Cabinet

• The Helpful Foundation

• The Philip Bushell Foundation • T he Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation • The Thyne Reid Charitable Trusts • Trust Company Of Australia Ltd • Turnbull Foundation • UPS Foundation • Westpac • Woolworths Limited • Xstrata

• D epartment of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations • D epartment of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs • Department of Health and Ageing Australian Capital Territory • ACT Health • Chief Minister’s Department

• Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

• NSW Fair Trading

• Queensland Health

• NSW Fire Brigades

• State Emergency Service

• NSW Health • NSW Rural Fire Service • State Emergency Service

• D epartment of Disability, Housing and Community Services • D epartment of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2011

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perseverance in the community Packing a Punch – A boxing program for young people in Queensland has been a big hit “In the last 10 months, attitudes, values and lives have been transformed before our eyes,” said Simeon Hoffmann, Youth Ministry Development worker at the North Ipswich Indigenous Ministries, about the boxing program that is really packing a punch.

“We now have 80 young people registered as trainees or boxers from the Ipswich area and about 60 teens and young adults come for training each week,” he said.

Leusila Vaotu’ua (Leu), who comes from a long line of boxers, is the boxing coach.

Leu started boxing at home with a boxing bag three years ago. “A few young guys wanted to come along and box with me and I found I could really relate to them,” Leu said.

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Soon afterwards Leu’s wife, Ashika, the corps administrative assistant, introduced him to Simeon and, with the approval and support of Envoy Judith McAvoy, he started the first boxing session. The group began with around 10 young people. More local Aboriginal people soon brought their children and it grew from there.

“Our passion is to reach out to indigenous youths, get to know them, and meet their deepest needs through pastoral care,” said Dr Wong, Indigenous Services Coordinator. “The majority come from families lacking in emotional stability, most did not grow up with a father, and many have survived on the streets.”

“It’s not conventional,” Simeon says, “but the kids are responding. Their parents, teachers and chaplains have all commented on how they are growing in mind, body and spirit.”

Leu is surprised by how quickly the initiative has grown. “It usually takes two or three years for a club to get up and established to this level and it’s taken us seven months. All the kids can really relate to this ministry, to the fitness and to developing skills,” he said.

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2011

2010 Brisbane Father of the Year

One stop shop for Gunnedah

For Brisbane’s David Howell, receiving the 2010 Father of the Year award was a little bit odd. “It’s funny to get a pat on the back for something you should just do,” the 61-year-old Bracken Ridge resident said.

A new building for The Salvation Army in Gunnedah will give the local community a one-stop-shop for Salvo services.

Five of David’s nine children nominated him for father of the year after seeing how he cared for his wife Pamela Ann during her battle with cancer and how he helps people throughout the community.

In her nomination, daughter Esther, 12, said: “(Dad) looked after his wife and our mother for eight years with an ongoing battle with cancer. Sadly she lost her battle … and Dad was there to help us and comfort us in the toughest of times.”

David is a volunteer worker at the Pine Rivers Salvation Army. “It is nice to be there for someone, to look someone in the eye, to say there is hope, to give them a hug or a hamburger, whatever they need,” he said. “I have been in that boat and I know it is hard.”

David’s parenting philosophy is about time and about men taking on the responsibility of being fathers. “I always take the time to speak to the kids individually, regarding issues they might have and how they might feel about mum passing,” he said. “The whole thing is about fatherhood. A lot of kids need dads, men to stand up and be dads.”

The new building will expand on the current Family Store and include an office complex, car park and loading dock. The offices will provide a base for a Moneyare financial counselling service three days a week and two rural chaplains.

Two chaplains based in Narrabri, Lloyd and Vicki Graham, will now have a base in Gunnedah, from where they can lend a caring hand to farmers and provide personal and practical support to families in the region.

The Family Store will continue to offer secondhand furniture, clothing and bric-a-brac but in a more spacious facility that will make shopping more enjoyable for customers and working a lot easier for the 18 volunteers.

Having all the services housed in the one location comes at an opportune time for the community. The current store is lacking in room and there is a great demand for extra services.

“It is nice to be there for someone, to look someone in the eye, to say there is hope, to give them a hug or a hamburger, whatever they need,”

“With the electricity prices going up, there are going to be a lot of people on Centrelink benefits that are going to be challenged,” Gunnedah Salvation Army Minister Joy Wilson said. “Not only those relying on Centrelink, but working class people who are struggling as well.”

The project has been made possible by a bequest left to The Salvation Army.

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perseverance in the community Commissioner’s report and strategic overview Brisbane floods ‘open’ stateof-the-art Aged Care centre The Salvation Army’s new 126-bed Aged Care ‘Cairns’ Centre at Chapel Hill in Brisbane became an evacuation centre in early January before it ever opened the door to its own residents.

High care residents from The Salvation Army’s Riverview Gardens Aged Care Plus in Ipswich – one of Australia’s largest aged care centres – were moved to the still vacant Chapel Hill centre during floods, soon followed by ground floor residents from The Salvation Army’s Warrina Village Aged Care Plus from Chelmer.

The new Chapel Hill centre then itself became isolated by floodwaters and power was cut, forcing the use of generators. Unable to get home, staff worked a 24-hour on-off roster.

“The dedication of staff was just amazing,” says Luke Grieve, Aged Care Plus Operations Manager. Their care and dedication to residents was so strong that “when the flooding was over and residents were back home, many commented on what a wonderful group holiday they’d had,” he laughs.

Now home to its own residents, the Chapel Hill ‘Cairns’ Centre (named after former Salvation Army Commissioner William Cairns OA and his brother Commissioner Alistair Cairns and built on the site of The Salvation Army’s former Alkira complex),

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operates a range of residential aged care services including high care (nursing) and low care (hostel), plus a Memory Support Unit to support residents with extra needs.

The centre also features a chapel, single and twin rooms with ensuites, large balconies, library, kitchen areas, garden, aviary and a hobby farm.

When opening the new centre, Salvation Army international Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson quoted a Bible verse: Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”

“These words are for all mankind, for every individual, and come with the promise of rest,” he said. “The people coming here will find rest and peace in their concluding years and families and future generations will be blessed.”

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Aged Care Plus Workcover On 1 September 2010, the head of Workcover NSW witnessed The Salvation Army becoming one of the first aged care providers to adopt the National Occupational Health and Safety policy in line with the Federal Government’s National Harmonisation legislation – a year ahead of the Federal Government’s deadline.

The ‘zero tolerance to an unsafe workplace’ policy will be rolled out to all Salvation Army Aged Care Plus centres in NSW, ACT and Qld and will ensure safer procedures including: • E quipping staff to handle challenging behaviour in dementia care • R educing the risk of slips and sprains amongst staff and residents • Helping staff to manage stress

“This policy will place The Salvation Army’s Aged Care Plus at the forefront of safe and healthy aged care provision in this country,” said Chief Executive Sharon Callister.

Staff were trained in the new practices and techniques and to reinforce the message that Aged Care Plus has a zero-tolerance to unsafe workplaces.

The national policy will replace the current state-by-state legislation and allow for better reporting of incidents and the comparison of the safety of different centres in different states.

Back from the brink Gary Raymond’s mother had lost all hope. Exhausted by poverty, often unable to feed her children, and living with a hard drinking and hard gambling husband, it was time to end the pain. But not just her own: she was also planning to end the lives of her five sons.

The night before her scheduled plan, Gary’s mother was watching her five boys singing and performing on stage at the local Salvation Army Sunday School anniversary concert. Only she knew what would happen the following day. Or so she thought.

But that night, a Salvation Army Officer had a message just for her. “I feel in my heart God is telling me that there is an adult here that needs Jesus to forgive your sin and heal your hurts,” Brigadier Spillet said. “God has told me that this decision will not wait until tomorrow, it has to be tonight!”

“My mother stood up and walked quickly forward, bursting into uncontrollable tears,” Gary Raymond said of that night, the night that turned the Raymond’s lives around.

Gary grew up and joined the police force but after seeing endless pain and misery he became a hard man to deal with. His own marriage broke down and he himself came close to suicide. But like his mother, Gary’s life was set for change.

Gary recalled his earlier Sunday School lessons, especially a lesson about Jesus’ death and resurrection that meant the wrongdoings in Gary’s life were forgiven.

Gary now works in ‘retirement’ in a range of volunteer roles including chaplain to the NSW Police Post Trauma Support Groups. He carries out around 80 speaking engagements each year, and, through The Salvation Army, runs free training and workshops in suicide prevention, suicide crisis negotiation, and support for those bereaved by suicide.

Gary also had a simple message for those he has helped bring back from the brink of suicide. “As I negotiated, I was able to tell them that God loved them and had a plan for their life. Often, this was enough to cause people to come back from the edge and give their life another go.”

Gary took this message on board and turned to a new life. By the end of his career, Gary had been awarded the Australian Police Medal, National Medal with clasp, New South Wales Police Service Medal, Police Commissioner’s Certificate of Merit, Local Area Commander’s Commendation, New South Wales Volunteer Rescue Association Medallion and the Police Commissioner’s Olympic Citation. In 2007, Gary was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community in critical incident stress management and suicide prevention.

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persevering with social challenges Making rehab palatable A year ago Adam McGough was so sick his mother had to carry him around the house.

Food was little more than fuel to drag his drug-addicted body from one hit to the next.

“I could barely finish a cheeseburger without vomiting. I could go days without eating anything,” he said.

Today, the now-strapping 24-year-old is well on the way to recovery and eats plenty.

Adam is a resident of The Salvation Army’s Moonyah centre in Red Hill, where recovering addicts are learning the joys of cooking and sharing food under the tutelage of Brisbane cook Sally Lynch.

“It’s all very casual. We set up in the garden with gas burners,” Ms Lynch said.

“I just take them through some simple dishes to show them that for the price of a cheap takeaway meal they could easily make something tasty and nutritious.”

The cooking program was conceived by Moonyah life skills worker Patrick Booth.

“My job is to assist with the practical stuff.

The idea of cooking classes was to take the pressure off when they go home,” he said. “Things that seem so normal to other people like budgeting and shopping and cooking, can cause deep anxiety for them. I wanted it to be both something enjoyable and to inspire confidence.”

Adam, who is at the tail end of 12 months in rehab, was just 14 when he started his descent into drugs and alcohol. “I hit rock bottom at 19. Unfortunately I just kept bouncing,” he said ruefully.

Adam has just finished one of Lynch’s classes and is eager for more. “It was great,” he said. “Sally taught us how to take normal ingredients and turn it into something spectacular. I’ve been institutionalised for the past year and I’ve had someone doing something for me for so long that I’ve lost confidence,” he said. “But this made me realise I’m no different to anyone else.”

More hell than home – the Perceptions of Poverty report The Salvation Army’s Perceptions of Poverty report, released in 2010, identifies several key areas of concern but also challenges us to consider the causes of poverty in a wealthy country like Australia, where statistics show the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

“The Perceptions of Poverty report is alarming. It highlights that poverty is a major issue for our community, and that the issues are entrenched,” said the then Territorial Consultant, Community and Support Services, Major Marina Randall.

“We are seeing families where there is inter-generational poverty. The cycle just isn’t being broken,” she said.

The effect of poverty on children is always of great concern. An alarming revelation from the report is that 70 per cent of children living in ‘poor’ families – approximately half a million children – actually live in jobless families. The average across other OECD countries is 30 per cent.

Additionally, 12 per cent of all children aged 0–17 live in relative poverty and the report reveals that many single parent families are experiencing poverty with 57 per cent saying they could not pay utility bills in the 12 months prior to the study and 12 per cent went without meals.

The ‘working poor’, low-income households struggling with cash-flow problems, is also on the rise. The

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Salvation Army is also seeing this trend with 80,000 Australians needing their assistance for the first time last year.

“People living in poverty struggle every day to make ends meet. They deal daily with misinformed negative attitudes. It’s obvious that the absence of positive relationships and social connectedness can increase the stigma and sense of exclusion people feel when they are facing poverty,” said report author Wilma Gallet.

“This report was commissioned so we could have a much closer look at the factors that are causing poverty and the impact of poverty on people and their families,” said Major Randall. “This report shows there’s so much to do. We need action. We need a much bigger focus on tackling this issue,” she said.

A fair trade for all The Salvation Army has taken a stand against injustice and introduced fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate across its churches and centres.

“As Salvationists we’re passionate about justice for all people – whether locally or internationally,” said Major Peter Sutcliffe from The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory Headquarters. “Our decision to only buy fair trade represents our belief that the most vulnerable people in our world deserve a fair and just reward for their labour.”

The Salvation Army works in 124 countries around the world – many of which are

developing nations where extreme poverty hinders people’s abilities to lead a full and fruitful life. Hundreds of Salvation Army centres across NSW, Qld and the ACT will support fair trade companies that strive to alleviate poverty by paying workers in these developing nations appropriate wages.

“It might seem like a small move,” Major Sutcliffe said, “but when you consider that all Salvation Army centres across three states are switching to fair trade products, you realise what a huge difference it will make in the lives of so many people who are literally struggling to survive.”

Alcohol awareness week The 2010 Salvation Army’s Alcohol Awareness campaign looked specifically at why people drink alcohol. The campaign also sought to determine whether people had tried to reduce the amount they drink and if they’ve been unsuccessful in that effort, why?

“Alcohol is so ingrained in society. It’s just everywhere. A key part of this initiative is to get people to stop and ask themselves if they need to have alcohol all the time when they celebrate or when they have a meal or wind down. We’re asking people to stop for a moment and ask themselves more questions about their lifestyle choices,” The Salvation Army’s Major Peter Sutcliffe said.

New web site for Salvo Care Line The Salvo Care Line, 24-hour-a-day/365-daya-year telephone counselling service (NSW), has launched a new website designed to offer encouragement and information to those who are in need of a listening ear and access to a wide range of specialist services.

The new website also offers training details for those considering joining the team of dedicated and professional Salvos Care Line volunteer counsellors.

For more information, visit salvos.org.au/salvocareline/

Roy Morgan Research released by The Salvation Army in September 2010, concluded that the consumption and misuse of alcohol remain major elements of the Australian way of life. It revealed that 12 per cent of people sometimes drink simply because they want to get drunk (2.1 million people). The research also estimated that more than seven per cent of people often or sometimes drink alcohol “in order to feel normal” (approximately 1.3 million people).

“It’s surprising to see more than 1.3 million people are sometimes or often drinking alcohol in order ‘to feel normal’.

This obviously has to raise wider questions about what is really happening in our community,” Major Sutcliffe said.

Gerard Byrne, The Salvation Army’s Recovery Services Clinical Director agreed.

“We see the impact of alcohol abuse every day. The research shows alcohol consumption remains very high. We continue to be concerned about the simple fact that there are huge issues that need to be addressed in the community,” he said.

“To some degree drinking alcohol is still treated as if it is quintessentially Australian.

It’s vital we have more debate about alcohol – why we are drinking and how we can reduce the real impact of what’s happening.

This major new research underlines there’s still much to be concerned about,” he said.

However, the research also showed encouraging trends. In the past year approximately 4.8 million people deliberately

cut down on the amount of alcohol they drank at the one time and approximately 5 million people deliberately went without alcohol for a week with approximately 2.9 million people deliberately changing their drinking habits so that at least one day a week was alcohol free.

Major Peter Sutcliffe: “The fact that many people have now said they are taking action to cut down at some level is clearly encouraging. It is good to see close to three million people appear to have deliberately changed their drinking patterns so that one day a week is alcohol free.

“There are definitely lots of people out there who want to get out of our current alcohol culture. A lot of people want to change their habits.”

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persevering with the vulnerable really been given the opportunity to develop or express what they could do,” she said.

The SAILSS service recently moved to its own building in Toowong, Queensland.

The building was purchased with the help of bequest funding.

According to Ed Henderson, the service is seeing some clients move to incredible levels of independence. “We have some clients that have branched out and live totally by themselves now. One of our clients who was orphaned and in institutions for years wasn’t even able to make herself a cup of tea. Now that young lady lives in a unit by herself, and goes to a range of community activities.

She’s totally independent.”

… the sense of community and the connections that people have together makes [services like Streetlevel] strong.

Anti-bullying success

Supporting independence The Salvation Army Independent Lifestyle Support Service, or SAILSS, supports people with disabilities, allowing them to live in their own homes and become part of their own community with their own network of family and friends.

“Our clients are among the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Salvation Army Captain Ed Henderson. “We believe they need to have real choice in their lives.”

Seventy-three-year-old Audrey is a casein-point. A recent trip took her from Brisbane to Los Angeles with another friend

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Christine (also supported by the SAILSS service) and then on to New York to stay with an old friend. She loved every sight, sound and experience. But throughout most of her life, such experiences would have seemed impossible.

Audrey has a moderate disability and has lived in institutions since she was just five years old. She was fed, cleaned and dressed to a regimented routine her whole life. Then, six years ago, for the first time in her adult life, and with government support, Audrey moved into her own home, supported by SAILSS.

“We have 33 clients who have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, as well as a range of other physical disabilities. The aim of the service is to support and enable them to live successfully in their own homes and function successfully as part of their local communities,” Captain Henderson said.

The staff encourage, support and teach in areas such as cooking, budgeting, public transport skills, cleaning, grooming, dealing with the supermarket. “We are ‘lifestyle workers’, not carers,” Lifestyle worker Cheryl Watson said. “Many of the clients are very capable, but many have never

An anti-bullying program targeting both victims and offenders has been dubbed a huge success at Bundaberg High School, according to the Bundaberg News Mail newspaper.

The five-week course run by The Salvation Army Tom Quinn Centre delved into the minds of nine identified bullies to see what made them tick. The offenders spent just over a month learning what made them a bully, why they did it, how they thought their victims felt, and how to stop their bad behaviour.

Youth coordinator and program designer Nellie Josey says she is proud of the group’s progress, especially when some

Safe house to combat human trafficking The Salvation Army is continuing its effort to end modern-day slavery as it expands the services of its safe house in Sydney and raises awareness of the issue globally.

According to the United Nations, US$31.6 billion of profit is extracted from 12.3 million people in forced labour every year.

Approximately two million of these people are the victims of human trafficking, with 80 per cent of them being women and children.

The UN reports that people are trafficked from 127 countries and are exploited in 137 nations around the world, including Australia.

of the students had never perceived themselves as the bad guys.

“I had one boy who never knew he was a bully,” Nellie says. “He just thought he was standing up for himself and it made a big impact for him to find out he was perceived as a bully. He didn’t realise how horrible he had been to himself and to others.”

Nellie says she hopes the program can eventually be expanded to other schools in the region and beyond.

(Courtesy of Bundaberg News Mail)

People are trafficked here for the purpose of forced labour, slavery, and sexual servitude. Many are in debt bondage – forced to pay off debts their employers say they owe. These types of abuses can occur in workplaces, in private homes and through marriage.

The Salvation Army is a key international player in the global movement against slavery as it cares for victims, advocates for policy reform and raises awareness of how local communities can join the effort.

In Sydney, The Salvation Army’s Safe House for Trafficked Women opened its doors at the beginning of 2008 as a 10-bed refuge where victims could receive the support and services they needed to pursue their human rights. Since then, the

A lonely Christmas Through a series of events, Monty found himself all alone and homeless in Brisbane.

He had been drinking heavily and had lost his job. Monty was at a low point in his life.

“It was Christmas and I was homeless and Pindari (Salvos homeless shelter Brisbane) gave me somewhere to stay.

I was really lonely. I didn’t know anyone in Brisbane,” he said.

The staff at Pindari suggested he visit The Salvation Army’s Streetlevel mission/ drop in centre, which he did. “Everyone

service has expanded to include a growing number of non-residential clients – men, women and young people who are supported as they rebuild their lives.

services, sex services, forced and slavelike marriages are just some of the contexts where serious exploitation has been uncovered.

According to Jenny Stanger, the supervisor of the safe house, slavery in Australia is more common than most people realise and is something that can happen to anyone who is vulnerable.

The Salvation Army Safe House is almost entirely funded by the Red Shield Appeal and also receives critical donations and assistance from individuals and community groups.

“We should be taking the broadest view possible so that our response catches people who would otherwise fall through the cracks,” she said. “It’s about reducing people’s vulnerabilities and ensuring their basic human rights are protected.”

“It’s really about the community stepping up and taking action to help,” Jenny said.

“Practically speaking, our clients are all super-motivated to work. If you own a business and employ people, contact us and see if we have someone who would meet your needs. They just want what we all want: an opportunity to take care of their families.”

Agriculture, construction, hospitality, mining, maritime services, manufacturing, health care, restaurants, domestic

was friendly, just like family, and the people were nice. They gave me a little present (a small hamper). It was amazing.

That first night I re-dedicated my life to Jesus. It’s a great place to be,” he said.

Major Bryce Davies, manager of Streetlevel: “At our Streetlevel community we share meals, invite people to sit down to family style roast meals. There might be 16 at our table and then you have to do the washing up too, because this is like a family home and you’re expected to get in and help. It’s a small service only – but the sense of community and the

connections that people have together makes it strong.”

Since that first night, Monty has truly found a new ‘family’ and turned his life around.

He has not touched alcohol and volunteers at every opportunity to help others, including going out on the streets as a volunteer on the Streetlevel coffee van.

The small hampers and gifts given to people like Monty would not be possible without the generous donations through The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, the K-Mart Wishing Tree, motorcycle club toy drives and local community generosity.

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persevering through hardship Standing together for the long haul – Queensland disaster report

THE SALVATION ARMY TERRITORY AUSTRALIA EASTERN REPORT 2011 QUEENSLAND DISASTER

ER STANDING TOGETH 6 MONTHS ON

The floods and cyclones that hit Queensland from December 2010 to February 2011 were of a magnitude that stunned the nation. And while the immediate emergency is over, the tragedy continues for many as they pick up the pieces of shattered homes, lives lost, and livelihoods ruined.

Australians gave generously to the Salvation Army Queensland Flood and Cyclone Relief Appeal, and hundreds gave up their time to help during the crisis while others donated much-needed quality goods to help so many get back on their feet.

In his introduction to The Salvation Army’s six-month disaster report, Standing Together, Commissioner James Condon recounts a story of the selflessness of the disaster victims themselves. He writes: “One Salvation Army officer...tells me that as soon as she arrived anywhere with her Salvation Army uniform on, people would straight away reach for their wallets to give a donation. These were flood victims, many

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DEAN SAFFRON

The Salvation Army was on the frontline throughout these disasters – staff and volunteers serving thousands of meals, and supporting victims at evacuation centres, roadblocks and in the water-filled streets.

THE SALVOS THANK GOD FOR YOU salvos.org.au

4/8/11 4:29:17 PM

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of whom had lost everything. It took the officer some time to convince them that it was their turn to receive rather than give.”

More than 200,000 meals and refreshments were served by Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers at 25 different disaster zones across Queensland including, Rockhampton, Theodore, Emerald, Bundaberg, Brisbane, Strathpine, Ipswich, Gympie, Toowoomba, Warwick, Maryborough and Grantham.

The Salvation Army also assisted individuals and families in North Queensland affected by Cyclone Yasi, feeding around 1,000 people a day.

But The Salvation Army did more than serve meals. They gave out personal hygiene supplies and set up clothing

supply areas at a number of evacuation centres; the centres themselves becoming a refuge where victims received physical nourishment, emotional support and vital information about the emergency support options available to them.

More than 1,000 volunteers were involved in the crisis response, with Salvation Army teams flown in from NSW and ACT to assist. Many volunteers spent weeks on the road moving from one disaster zone to the next.

As the emergency operations came to an end, The Salvation Army established ‘Disaster Relief Assistance Centres’ and mobile outreach teams throughout Queensland. Assistance included one-off grants for immediate needs and

assessment for further assistance to replace goods not covered by insurance.

As at 30 June, more than 12,200 Queenslanders had been assessed and received financial assistance from The Salvation Army. Twelve full-time disaster case-workers have been employed, and additional trauma counsellors and financial counsellors have been employed.

“The Salvation Army has been overwhelmed by the needs we have encountered in Queensland communities impacted by flooding and Cyclone Yasi earlier this year,” said Major Paul Moulds, who is heading up the flood response effort. “We are so grateful to Australians who have trusted us with the resources to respond to these needs. We will not let you down.”

Small gifts, big impact After years of drought, Lyn and her family decided to cancel Christmas. With little left financially or emotionally, Christmas, according to Lyn, was simply “not on the agenda” on the 880,000 acre cattle property situated 450km west of Townsville.

But the Salvos had other ideas. With some gifts and food parcels on board, Salvo Flying Padre Simon Steele decided to fly in unannounced to the dry and remote property he was flying over, where he guessed locals were facing some tough times.

“I have always been reluctant to accept help, as there is always someone else worse off than yourself,” Lyn said, but this time she had no say.

“Boxes were coming out of the chopper, and our eyes were just about popping out of our heads. We couldn’t believe that this was happening,” she said. “Also boxes and gifts for the neighbours’ kids, and to see the smile on their faces when they arrived to pick them up was overwhelming.

What a surprise!”

But more meaningful than any gifts, according to Lyn, was the sense that someone cared. “You go out to the paddock and see your income, your livelihood dying before your eyes and no rain in sight. It is not a good feeling. Words cannot explain how humbled you feel when someone else gives to you,” she said.

But more meaningful than any gifts, was the sense that someone cared.

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persevering through hardship

Christchurch earthquake As citizens of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and surrounds were still rebuilding after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in September 2010, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck on 22 February 2011. The February earthquake caused widespread damage and total destruction of a wide range of buildings, as well as tragic loss of life.

Despite suffering significant damage to its own buildings, within hours of the second devastating earthquake, The Salvation Army immediately mobilised people and resources to assist those in greatest need.

On the day of the earthquake, volunteers served 1,500 meals to those unable to go back to their homes (and many thousands

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of meals daily thereafter) plus offered welfare and psychological support (at times in conjunction with partner agencies such as World Vision) at a range of welfare centres. Salvation Army representatives were also on hand to comfort bereaved family members who attended police briefings on the missing and confirmed dead.

In the days that followed, a fresh influx of Salvos workers and volunteers from around New Zealand and internationally (including Australian Salvation Army personnel) meant that over 60 workers and volunteers were able to join ‘Suburban Squads’ in devastated areas (teams of 10 that included engineers and representatives of Christchurch City Council) and ‘Flying Squads’ (whose

members were brought in whenever there is a need for an intensive psychosocial response).

“You just cannot imagine the enormity of this (quake) compared to the first one,” said Major Rex Cross, emergency services coordinator for The Salvation Army in Christchurch.

Salvation Army spokesman LieutenantColonel Lyndon Buckingham said, “Our experience from the September quake was that the emotional shock and aftereffects can be great, long-lasting and are often downplayed by those affected.”

… within hours of the second devastating earthquake, The Salvation Army immediately mobilised people and resources to assist those in greatest need.

Minh – life out of Vietnam “I’m not a drunk, I’m not an addict, I’m not crazy. I’m not what people think when they see a homeless person,” said Minh, a man whose life has been a constant struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable hardship.

Minh’s is a heartbreaking story of continual loss and abandonment. He was orphaned at birth; suffered polio as a child and still walks with a limp; at age nine he was on one of the first Hercules evacuation flights out of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. He was fostered by a couple from western New South Wales but sent back to the orphanage four years later when the couple fell pregnant with their third child. His foster sister and he remained close but time and distance took their toll and they lost contact. He later found she had committed suicide.

In 1990, Minh secured a job at the Attorney General’s Department – a position he held for 19 years. With a secure job and a side business as a DJ in the Sydney nightclub scene, Minh decided to invest in property with a friend in 2008.

A year later, his friend pulled out of the deal leaving Minh with a choice: borrow extra to keep the investment, or sell out and lose money. Minh borrowed extra.

In 2009 the global financial crisis hit.

Minh’s DJ business suffered and he was struggling financially. Whatever money came in was taken directly out to pay his creditors. Despite holding down a wellpaid job, Minh became homeless.

But Minh had 24-hour access to his workplace and took the risky decision to sleep there. His life became a clandestine game of avoiding cleaners or the suspicions of co-workers. But late one night Minh accidentally responded to a colleague’s email. He knew the time he sent the email would be spotted and questioned so he confessed the next day.

A 12-month internal investigation followed that allowed Minh to continue in his position, but he was effectively homeless. By day Minh worked in the Central Local Court, by night he was sharing homeless hostels with many who recognised him as a court worker. “At one place they had to isolate me because a group of guys recognised me for refusing their release,” Minh said. On many nights he simply slept rough or hid on an overnight train to Lithgow or Newcastle that would return him to Sydney by morning.

In January this year, Minh was informed that if he didn’t resign he would be sacked. He became suicidal and tried to throw himself in front of a train but because of his limp, was not quick enough and a woman managed to grab him and pull him back, saving his life.

I’m not what people think when they see a homeless person.

Minh spent time at St Vincent’s Hospital psychiatric unit and was then referred to The Salvation Army’s Streetlevel Mission – a community centre that provides a variety of programs and services that bring hope, healing and restoration to some of the poorest, disadvantaged and marginalised people of Sydney.

With the help of a Salvation Army caseworker, Minh has secured long-term accommodation, is working with an agency to retrain and find work, and is also receiving counselling.

“Sometimes I still can’t believe how my life has turned out,” Minh said. “At one time I was a professional and had everything: money, a job, everything. All of a sudden, because of one bad decision, everything was taken away from me.”

Minh is the embodiment of perseverance but he remains positive. “For me it’s a reality check … it’s made me become a different person, a better person,” he said.

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helping us persevere Beating the spiral of family homelessness In the first twelve months of the Commonwealth Government-funded Emergency Relief (ER) Housing Service program*, The Salvation Army helped prevent almost 1,000 families from becoming homeless.

The Salvation Army helped with utilities expenses and provided a hamper and presents for Christmas. But it was the emotional support that touched Nina-Ann the most.

Due to tragic and varying circumstances such as illness, mental health issues, and changing work situations, many families struggle to keep up with their rental and housing payments. The program supports families at imminent risk of becoming homeless and uses a range of measures including advocacy with landlords and banks, and referrals to financial counsellors and financial help.

“We have been able to achieve a 98 per cent positive outcome and resolve the families’ housing issues. This program is saving families,” said The Salvation Army’s Wilma Gallet, author of Turning off the Tap, a new report that looks at the success of the scheme and the importance of early intervention to stop the homeless spiral.

The Salvation Army is one of a number of ER service providers around Australia and is working in ten regions across NSW and Qld. “I was so worried for my newborn baby and wife that we would become homeless; if it wasn’t for this program we definitely would have been,” one ER client said. *Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

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Most trusted charity 2011 The Salvation Army has once again been named Australia’s most trusted charity, according to corporate partnership broker Cavill & Co and Di Marzio Research who released their data in early February.

Other charities in the top eight included Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council, St Vincent de Paul, RSPCA, World Vision, Guide Dogs and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“It reminds us that we have a responsibility both as a church and a charity to continue to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to us and to ‘be Christ’ to those around us and to those we serve,” said The Salvation Army Eastern Territory’s spokesman, Major Peter Sutcliffe.

mother Nina-Ann McCurley who came to The Salvation Army’s Gosford Welfare Centre in despair just before Christmas.

After losing her mother to cancer several years ago, she found herself battling the same disease. She was also struggling to make ends meet after giving up her job after becoming too sick to continue working.

Gift of encouragement

“When you read about breast cancer in newspapers and magazines they’re always profiling a celebrity sufferer so

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever need help from the Salvos,” said single

they never tell you the reality of the situation,” Nina-Ann said. “There are so many medical expenses that just keep coming. It was a horrible time.”

The Salvation Army helped with utilities expenses and a hamper and presents for Christmas. But it was the emotional support that touched Nina-Ann the most.

“There was always a big smile, a big hug,” Nina-Ann remembers. “I could open up to Shirley [Moore, Manager, Salvation Army Welfare Centre, Gosford] in a way that I couldn’t with my friends and family. I told her that I was scared. Scared that I’m not working and scared of the breast cancer and scared because I don’t have any hair and I don’t look the same. They’re not the things you tell your friends because they get upset.”

Although back at work, Nina-Ann is not yet in the clear health-wise but is feeling positive about the future. She’s passionate about telling her story of the real costs of breast cancer to other women so that sufferers who are struggling financially will also reach out for help.

“I thought I had the perfect life. I could take the boys away for the weekend, take them out for dinner at the drop of a hat … holidays, all that kind of thing. When that changes and you don’t have anything and you struggle to even feed the family … that is very, very scary,” Nina-Anne said.

Facing the world with a smile!

Around four years ago, Liz Dawson, a community welfare worker with The Salvation Army, was approached by a Salvation Army client in her late 20s. “She needed a food voucher, but I also noticed she had only one tooth left on her entire upper jaw,” Liz said, “and that haunted me for weeks.”

Knowing that around 25 to 30 per cent of the people asking for food vouchers, emergency accommodation or clothing, also have serious dental problems, Liz developed a free local dental health service as a partnership between The Salvation Army, ACT Health, a number of dental health experts (who provide their services for free) and a range of community organisations.

Once treated, there is a massive growth in clients’ confidence – something that has seen the addition of free haircuts to dental patients. Participating hairdresser Sheldon Brown says: “You forget how much your hair and your appearance affects how you feel as a person and gives you the confidence to overcome challenges.”

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helping us persevere Year in brief During the past 12 months, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory (TSAAET) played a significant role in the welfare of thousands of Australians. The following represents a snapshot of the work carried out by The Salvation Army*: • A pproximately 300,000 people assisted in a significant way • 1 76 Corps, Outposts and plants (Churches) were active in a range of community activities • O ver 500 social services and programs and over 3,800 employees (excluding Salvos Stores and Employment Plus) served those in need • O ver 200,000 people assisted by Financial Crisis Relief Services. Over 3,500 food vouchers given to people in need every week and over 600 food parcels given to people in need every week. Thousands of blankets distributed throughout the year • A pprox 60,000 meals for the hungry every week

During the past 12 months, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory played a significant role in the welfare of thousands of Australians.

• O ver 4,000 people assisted with addiction issues (alcohol, drugs or gambling) • O ver 11,000 people assisted by Homelessness Services, by way of case management support • A pprox 4,000 young people assisted

by Youth Support Services • O ver 10,000 contacts with young people through street outreach and drop-in centres

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• A pprox 500 crisis beds used per night. Over 2,500 non-crisis beds (Transitional Housing, Long Term, resident-funded services) per night • O ver 1,000 women helped by Domestic Violence services • O ver 1,600 people assisted by Migrant & Refugee Services • O ver 4,000 people assisted by Financial Counsellors (Moneycare).

An additional 120 people were assisted by the No Interest Loan Scheme (started October 2010) • O ver 110,000 people assisted with hospitality, in-kind and personal assistance in disaster affected situations by our Emergency Services • O ver 5,000 people assisted daily by approximately 300 centres, that provide community services and social programs through networks of Salvation Army (Churches), Community Centres and Social Service Networks • O ver 50,000 contacts made by Prison & Court Chaplains • A pprox 200 families assisted in droughtaffected areas and approx $250,000 of direct assistance to drought affected communities in NSW and Qld • O ver 9,000 families assisted in flood / cyclone affected areas and approximately $8.5 million of direct assistance to flood / cyclone affected communities in NSW and Qld • O ver 600 people reconnected to their family by our Family Tracing Services. *Figures based on 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011

our people Reaching out in faith, compassion and care to others in need is the essence of The Salvation Army. Whether it’s Salvation Army officers who have given their lives over to service, corps (church) members putting their faith into action, dedicated employees or an army of tireless volunteers, our work is rarely glamorous, sometimes heartbreaking, but absolutely essential. It is often completely life changing for all involved!

Mission-focused employees During the past year across NSW, ACT and Qld, 526 Salvation Army officers, over 3,800 employees and tens of thousands of volunteers served their fellow Australians, whether directly or indirectly, through The Salvation Army. A further 404 retired officers, most of whom are far from “retired”, and 11,459 Salvation Army soldiers and adherents (church members) faithfully serve in The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army employs over 4,000 staff across NSW, ACT and Qld in a range of challenging and rewarding roles, from frontline ministries and social programs such as youth work, homelessness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and work within our courts and prisons, to administrative roles in finance, IT, human resources, communications, marketing, fundraising and management.

The great majority of Salvation Army staff report feeling personal accomplishment

from their work, enjoy the kind of work they do and feel they are making a contribution to its mission. The Salvation Army tries to provide friendly team environments for employees and volunteers. Across the network of Salvos Stores in NSW, ACT and Qld, Salvation Army chaplains are appointed to support staff and volunteers.

Excellent benefits are offered for eligible Salvation Army employees, including a comprehensive salary-packaging program, salary continuance insurance, discounted benefits from a range of approved providers, and confidential access to professional counselling. Access to training and development opportunities is also provided to help staff improve their skills and knowledge. The Salvation Army’s Booth College has a School for Leadership Training which offers accredited courses in management and leadership, as well as courses in ministry and theology.

The Salvation Army is an EEO employer and fosters diversity in the workplace.

Retention of employees in The Salvation Army is excellent, with 32 per cent of our employees (NSW, ACT, Qld) having been with us five years or more, and 13 per cent for more than 10 years. A Service Recognition Scheme acknowledges such employee commitment. As part of our recruitment and retention strategies, and to address skill shortages and a declining workforce, the Army has implemented a range of mature age initiatives.

Volunteers play a vital role in enabling The Salvation Army to continue its caring ministry in the community.

• P reparing and serving food in social service centres

Volunteers – the army behind the Army

• Research and marketing

Every year, tens of thousands of volunteers help run the Red Shield Appeal doorknock. But volunteers provide invaluable support across a whole range of other areas: • S taffing the 24-hour Salvo Care Line telephone counselling services • P roviding catering during emergencies and disasters with Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES)

• T yping, clerical, mailroom and reception work • W orking in Salvos Stores and Family Stores • Visiting aged care centres • A ccompanying aged care or other clients on excursions • Playing music • Bus driving • Mentoring and encouraging

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our people Salvos Stores carefully places volunteers in the area best suited to their skills and offers training to every volunteer.

The Salvation Army greatly values its volunteers and seeks to ensure each volunteer has the support and training needed to fulfil their role.

The Salvo Care Line 24-hour telephone counselling service depends on its team of dedicated volunteers, who have all completed an intensive training program.

Volunteers who pass ongoing selection criteria practice their skills initially under the guidance of experienced counsellors.

Debriefing and counselling support is given to all volunteers.

Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers complete a one-day SAES accreditation training course which provides the basic information required to assist in times of crisis.

Salvos Stores carefully places volunteers in the area best suited to their skills and offers training to every volunteer.

Salvation Army Red Shield doorknock volunteers are given special collector briefings prior to commencing the doorknock and rewarded with a McDonalds Big Mac voucher.

Serving the community – Doug and Ruby Smith Doug and Ruby Smith are true examples of what it means to be salt and light of the earth. At the age of 62 and 72 respectfully, Doug and Ruby felt called to work for the church. In January 2009 they began as Corps Leaders of the Temora and West Wyalong Corps.

The two churches are thriving, especially with the youth, where Doug and Ruby have started a school breakfast club, a drop-in centre, an Oasis Kids Club and Mini Musos.

“It is so beautiful to see that age is not a barrier for Doug and Ruby,” said Salvation Army Major Julie Alley. “The kids of these two communities just love them. They have made lasting connections with the children, youth and their families that have greatly impacted these kids’ lives.”

Doug and Ruby’s passion, drive and energy are endless. Apart from the normal activities of two rural corps they are also involved in Rotary, Quota, Open Minds Brighter Futures, the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, street and hotel ministries, welfare and the Salvation Army Family Store.

“It is a true privilege to be allowed into the lives of some of the most isolated and hurting in this community,” Doug said.

As Christmas 2011 approaches, Doug is mindful that times are getting tougher for

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Fire Service Medal Major Carol Anderson

many. “The cost of living seems to be becoming a far greater problem,” he said.

“The demand is also growing here because of the shortage of housing in Sydney and the bigger towns, so we are seeing at least two families a month moving to our areas and many have absolutely nothing when they arrive.”

Congratulations to Major Carol Anderson, who was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal on Australia Day, 2011. Major Anderson received the award in recognition for her work with the NSW Rural Fire Service as a Family Support Chaplain.

All this gives Doug and Ruby Smith more opportunity to serve the people of the West Wyalong and Temora region.

Salvation Army elects Australian leader as new world leader In February 2011 The Salvation Army announced that its new world leader and 19th General would be Canadian-born Commissioner Linda Bond.

Commissioner Bond was the incumbent Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern Territory (ACT, NSW and Qld), and was elected by The High Council of The Salvation Army, made up of senior leaders from around the world.

Commissioner Bond becomes the third woman and the fourth Canadian to hold the post of General of The Salvation Army since the international church and charity organisation was founded 146 years ago.

Major Carol Anderson was appointed the first NSW Rural Fire Service Family

Support Chaplain 13 years ago. She has since played an integral role providing counselling and support to members, volunteers and families through many bush fire emergencies including the tragic 2009 Victorian bush fires.

Major Anderson has a unique and caring nature and her dedication and commitment to family support has been outstanding.

Speaking just after her election, Commissioner Bond said, “I love the Lord Jesus Christ and pledge my utmost obedience to him. I am absolutely committed to a life of praise and thanksgiving to God. We, The Salvation Army, need to be an army of praise and thanksgiving to God and we must place our trust in God. We need his Holy Spirit to come mightily on The Salvation Army.”

Commissioner Linda Bond (64) succeeded General Shaw Clifton who retired in April.

The General of The Salvation Army is the head of more than one million Salvationists in 124 countries. The Salvation Army also has more than 100,000 employees who between them communicate in 175 different languages.

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historical overview From its inception, The Salvation Army has responded to a calling to bring light into the dark places of the world, and minister to those who are lost or trapped there.

William Booth

131 years of caring Milestones of Salvation Army service in Australia.

1900–1909 Birth of a nation • “ Cavalry Forts” take The Salvation Army’s message to rural Australia

1880–1899 Boom and Bust

• R escue Service provides assistance to residents in remote areas

• T he Salvation Army commences in Australia (1880)

• H omeless men’s shelter opens, Goulburn Street, Sydney

• P rison ministry including “Prison-Gate” ministry to ex-prisoners starts in Melbourne (1880)

• F irst Eventide Home for the Aged at Manly, Sydney

• F amily Tracing Service commences, aiming to reunite families • L abour Exchange Bureau opens in Melbourne to help people find work (1890) • People’s Palace opens in Sydney

• “ Soldiers of the Cross” film combines religious education with entertainment 1910–1919 The world at war • H ome for girls opens at Arncliffe, Sydney • Bethesda Hospital, Sydney, opens • W illiam Booth home for men opens, Sydney • Bexley Boys Home opens, Sydney • 8 00 Salvationists serve the troops in all theatres of World War I

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• T he Salvation Army provides around 500 rest centres for troops 1920–1929 Men, money and markets • T hree shiploads of Salvation Army sponsored migrants arrive • T he Salvation Army’s nursing services at work during world-wide flu epidemic • Sydney hostel for young women opens • C hildren’s holiday camps commence at Collaroy, Sydney • “ Motor forts” replace horse-drawn “Cavalry Forts”

1940–1949 The world at war • T he Salvation Army provides chaplaincy in all theatres of World War II • F lying Padre Service is launched, Northern Territory 1950–1959 The boom years • T he Snowy Mountains Project – assistance to thousands of new settlers • B ridge Program for drug addiction is launched, Sydney 1960–1969 New challenges

1930–1939 Hard times

• First national Red Shield Appeal

• T he Great Depression stretches The Salvation Army’s resources to the limit

• Flying Padre Service is launched, Qld

• G ill Memorial Home for Boys opens, Goulburn

• N ew addiction programs for alcohol, drugs and gambling • T he Haven rehabilitation centre opens, Brisbane

1970–1979 A decade of disaster • C haplaincy and emergency services for multiple disasters including Cyclone Tracy in Darwin and Granville train disaster in Sydney 1980–1989 Boom and bust • E mployment 2000 provides training and retraining for the jobless • S alvo Care Line offers 24-hour telephone counselling 1990–1999 New horizons • M oneycare provides financial counselling and practical advice • C ounselling services and family centres extended • Outreach programs for homeless youth • Rural chaplaincy commences • C haplaincy and emergency support at disasters including Port Arthur shooting tragedy and Thredbo landslide

The harshness of Australia and the struggles faced by early settlers gave rise to a culture of mateship.

• J oblink and Employment Plus provide new employment opportunities 2000–2009 Land of extremes

• New Indigenous ministries established

2010–2011 The present

• M assive emergency responses to devastating bushfires

• M ajor investment into aged care development (NSW, ACT, Qld)

• S alvation Army retail stores change names to Salvos Stores

• E xtensive disaster relief carried out in response to massive firestorms in Vic. and flooding in Qld and NSW in February 2009

• E xtensive disaster relief in response to floods in Pakistan; earthquakes in Haiti and NZ in 2010

• R ural chaplaincy expands amid prolonged drought crisis • R elief sent in aftermath of tragic southAsia tsunami, Boxing day 2004

• H ope Line supports and counsels those affected by or considering suicide • ‘ Salvos Legal’ launched – a legal service for the poor and marginalised in NSW, Qld and ACT

• L inda Bond elected 19th General of The Salvation Army • M assive relief effort to cyclone and flood-ravaged Qld • S alvation Army personnel mobilised to assist victims of Christchurch earthquake

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getting involved In response to the vital services outlined in this Annual Report I would like to make a donation My contact details

Corporate partnership

Title Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms / Dr / Other Given Name

he Salvation Army T continued expanding its Corporate Partnership Program during 2010/11.

Surname

Address Suburb Phone Home (

State )

Mobile

Work (

Postcode )

Email

My gift details My gift for the Red Shield Appeal is $

My gift is

My cheque/ money order is enclosed (payable to The Salvation Army) OR Please charge my credit card Visa Mastercard Diners Amex No Name on card Expiry /

Signature

Please be assured your details remain confidential. Donations are tax deductible.

Please return this coupon, together with your request to: The Salvation Army, GPO Box 9888, Your Capital City For credit card donations phone 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or visit our website salvos.org.au Please send me more information about Corporate partnerships Regular giving Wills and bequests to The Salvation Army Salvation Army church activities

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Personal

Business

or further information about F how your business can help The Salvation Army to be there for those in need, please call our Corporate and Major Gifts Director on (02) 9266 9826.

contact us The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

Sydney East and Illawarra Division

William Booth – Founder Linda Bond – General James Condon – Commissioner

Phone (02) 9336 3320 PO Box 740 Kingsgrove NSW 1480

ACT and South NSW Division Phone (02) 6273 2211 PO Box 4224 Kingston ACT 2604

Territorial Advisory Board, Sydney Chairman: Mr Roger Corbett AM

North NSW Division International Headquarters

The Greater West Division

101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom

Phone (02) 9635 7400 PO Box 66 Parramatta NSW 2124

Australia Eastern Territory Headquarters 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 1235 Most of The Salvation Army’s services are available at a wide range of locations throughout NSW, Qld and the ACT, both in the city and in country areas. For more information, look under ‘Salvation Army’ in the Telstra Whitepages Directory, visit our website salvos.org.au or contact the Army’s divisional headquarters closest to you.

Phone (02) 6771 1632 PO Box 1180 Armidale NSW 2350

City of Sydney Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Roger Massy-Green Brisbane Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Tim Fairfax AM

Aged Care Plus South Queensland Division Phone (07) 3222 6666 GPO Box 2210 Brisbane QLD 4001

Canberra Advisory Board Chairman: Mr John Mackay AM

Phone (02) 9779 9411 PO Box 1455 Meadowbank NSW 2114

Cairns Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Don Fry AO

Booth College Central and North Queensland Division Phone (07) 4999 1999 PO Box 5343 Red Hill Rockhampton QLD 4701

Newcastle and Central NSW Division Phone (02) 4926 3466 PO Box 684 The Junction NSW 2291

Wollongong and also specialist Advisory Boards for investment, property, media, direct marketing and Red Shield Appeal committees throughout the Australia Eastern Territory.

Central Coast Advisory Board Chairwoman: Ms Louise Duff

Phone (02) 9502 0400 PO Box 4063 Bexley North NSW 2207

Newcastle Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Geoffrey Leonard AM

The Salvation Army Advisory Boards

The Greater West Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Alan Zammit AM

The Salvation Army acknowledges the support and advice given by members of the Advisory Boards of Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Newcastle, The Greater West, Townsville and

Townsville Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Tony Ireland Wollongong Advisory Board Chairman: Mr Noel Cornish

Design: Stacey Carmudie • Editor: Matthew Smeal • Cover and feature photos: Shairon Paterson • Date printed December 2011 People featured in photographs are not necessarily clients of the services featured

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Produced by The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Communications and Public Relations Department 140 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9266 9530 For more information regarding The Salvation Army and its services, visit salvos.org.au

perseverance 2011