Others Magazine

Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan (left) lent a hand at The Salvation Army Melbourne’s Project 614 last week, cooking up meals and chatting to guests with Major Sandra Nottle. And it was all paws on deck for The Salvation Army in Tasmania as they ramped up collecting at the Common Ground Cup golf fundraiser.

By Others writers

The Salvation Army’s Project 614 is known for cooking up generosity in Melbourne’s city centre, but the quality coming out of its kitchen went to another level when Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan stopped by to lend a helping hand to raise funds for the Red Shield Appeal.

Accompanied by corps leader Major Sandra Nottle, Gary chatted with staff, volunteers and community members about the vital work being done to support those in need in the heart of Melbourne. And, of course, he also had to get into the kitchen to put the finishing touches on some of the meals going out that day.

The Melbourne launch of the Red Shield Appeal took place down the road, where Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett presented the Myer Community Fund with the Others Award. The award recognises businesses or an organisation that exemplifies an extraordinary spirit of service to others through the support of The Salvation Army and the broader community.

Kelvin thanked Martin Barr, General Manager of Corporate Affairs for Myer, for Myer’s generosity over almost 30 years, totalling more than  $10 million. Kelvin also attended Red Shield Appeal launches in Bendigo and Wyndham, highlighting local stories and services.⁣

Last week, we reported that North East Salvos Captain Aaron Stobie would shave his red locks if he raised $6000. We are happy to say he has reached his quota, and the hair is going – but he’s not the only Salvo giving up their curls for the cause!

In Seymour, just south of Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, Captain Heather Stamp and Major Michelle Myles have promised to shave their heads if they collect $2000. Given that the corps is hosting a trivia evening in early June, it looks like they will be purchasing beanies for the winter months as they edge closer to their goal.

Kids across Victoria are also stepping up to help people doing it tough over winter. In Shepparton, St Mel’s Kindergarten is running their second ‘Sock Drive’. Started by Meghan Dodd in 2021, they donated 225 pairs of socks to the local Salvos, giving people’s toes some much-needed warmth as rural Victoria goes into winter.

Kids on the Mornington Peninsula are also using their skills to make a difference in this Red Shield Appeal. Corps Officer Aux-Lieutenant Debra Taylor and the team have asked them to use Lego and build something that represents their community. The creations will be displayed for the public at the corps on 28-29 May.

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Community focus at Top End launch

Members of Parliament, community leaders, a diverse mix of business people, non-government organisations, defence personnel and school leaders attended the Northern Territory launch of the Red Shield Appeal in Darwin.

Guest speakers shared information and stories about family and domestic violence, historical partnerships between the Australian Defence Forces and The Salvation Army and the range of services the Salvos provide throughout the Northern Territory. These services are centred in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and surrounding areas.

“It was such a great opportunity for The Salvation Army officers to mix with the business community and vice versa,” said Major Kaye Viney, Area Officer, Northern Territory.

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Swinging success in Tasmania and South Australia

Parafield Gardens Corps Officer Lieutenant Aaron Coombes with costume winner Lindsay Curtain.

The annual Common Ground Cup golf fundraiser was a swinging success this weekend in Tasmania, where cricket legend David Boon once again headlined the competition to raise funds for The Salvation Army Housing Common Ground service. Participants competed over 18 holes at Ratho Farm, sharing conversation and competition.

Meanwhile, at Launceston Corps, new soldier Karrolleanne was enrolled by Aux-Lieutenant Roderick Brown and Cadet-in-Appointment David Bruford. And in Huonville, Cygnet Primary School hosted a Red Day. Principal Williams spoke about the Red Shield Appeal and supporting others, while students celebrated by dressing in red and giving a thumbs up.

Parafield Gardens Corps also held a Red Day to coincide with the Red Shield Appeal launch. It was filled with red cupcakes, fellowship and fun galore. Corps Officers Lieutenants Aaron and Keryn Coombes came dressed to the nines, but congregant Lindsay Curtain took home gold in their costume competition. Just take a look at that hat!