New beginnings for Glenorchy
New beginnings for Glenorchy
30 September 2019
Divisional leaders, Captains Steven and Kim Haworth (left) cut the ribbon with Glenorchy Corps Officers, Captains Jeffrey and Jacqueline Milkins, on the new corps building on the outskirts of Hobart.
A new corps buildings in the heart of a community on the outskirts of Hobart has been opened and dedicated to God by Australia Territory leader, Commissioner Robert Donaldson.
Aunty Janice Ross welcomed The Salvation Army to Nipaluna, the lands of the Muwinina people, as people gathered in light rain at the new Glenorchy City Corps, a relocation of the former Moonah Corps.
Commissioner Donaldson opened and dedicated the new building in the presence of a number of guests and members of the community. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Attorney General for Tasmania, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and the Mayor of Glenorchy City.
Glenorchy City Corps Officer, Captain Jacqueline Milkins, said the relocation from Moonah had been a long time coming. “Corps folk here have had about 20 years of building talk, so seeing this finally come to fruition is really exciting for everybody,” she said.
The new Glenorchy City Corps is located adjacent to the Glenorchy City Council offices and the Glenorchy Post Office, in the heart of the suburb. It’s within walking distance of the major bus interchange and between two major shopping centres.
Even though the corps has only been in the facility for a few weeks, and not running at full capacity due to building works being finalised, there’s been a buzz in the community about The Salvation Army moving to the centre of town.
“We have had those moments where you sit back and think, ‘it’s been worth it’,” said Captain Milkins. “Because you can actually see God at work in the conversations and the interactions between people ... People are dropping in and it’s a place where people can ‘be’. They don’t have to necessarily be buying anything like in a shopping centre, it’s a place where they can just ‘be’.”
The celebrations on opening day included the traditional elements of ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, as well as a short worship service where the Divisional Commander, Captain Kim Haworth, and the corps officers each spoke about the mission of the corps in Glenorchy.
Commissioner Donaldson then reminded corps members that their job is to love God and love each other so much that the world notices the difference; and love the community so much that they can’t help but see God.
He also reminded those that had journeyed with the corps during their relocation from the former Moonah Corps that they couldn’t bring their ‘Moonah baggage’ with them, but must be about God’s mission for the future.
Plans for the future include having lunch food available every day to encourage people to drop in, or for those who use the centre to stay and chat.
“We want to build community,” said Captain Milkins. “Especially between different generations. Northern suburbs people sort of ‘do their thing’ and then go back home again, rather than spend time in different spaces and connect with different people.
“Having a space for community connections to happen, we believe is really important.”
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