IN BRIEF (28 Oct) - Snapshots from around the territory
IN BRIEF (28 Oct) - Snapshots from around the territory
28 October 2022
Creativity is on the menu at the weekly Aboriginal Women’s Art Group at Bentley Corps in Western Australia.
Aboriginal women’s art group celebrates first birthday
The Aboriginal Women’s Art Group at Bentley Corps in Perth’s southern suburbs recently celebrated its first birthday. The group meets every Thursday to yarn, share a meal, support one another, create through art and spend time together.
The has grown to a regular attendance of 10, exploring different art and craft styles, candle-making, painting, tye-dying, and Aboriginal art styles.
The group was formed after securing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous funding and meets at the Bentley Corps, where Major Sharon Watson is the corps officer.
“We have had two guest artists come along, otherwise the women just love to create whatever they feel like on the day,” a spokesperson for the group said. “It’s great just having some relaxing time out and connecting.”
Women’s event relaunches in Western Australia
Dianne Jarvey, Mission Support Coordinator, welcomes women to the Divisional Women’s Conference in Perth.
Nearly 120 women gathered at this year’s Divisional Women’s Conference in Western Australia on Saturday 15 October. Held at a function centre at Perth Zoo, the event was a special time for sharing and relationship-building after the isolation of COVID-19.
“After COVID, there is a real desire for people to gather in relaxed and uncomplicated ways,” said Dianne Jarvey, Mission Support Coordinator in WA. “The venue was in the Japanese Gardens at the zoo where the women were able to enjoy the Perth sunshine while sharing in food and some fun games.”
The event hosted a quiz and a burger lunch, and attendees heard from guest speaker Penny Webb, co-author of the book She’s Not Your Competition.
“The day would not have happened if many women hadn’t given of their gifts and time – it was a team event,” said Dianne. “Some women stepped out of their comfort zone to give of themselves to others. I also feel that the months of prayer and planning before the event created a culture of freedom and acceptance, there was a real desire amongst the women to be open and present with others on this day, which saw barriers broken and respect deepen.”
Morning tea is served at the WA Divisional Women’s Conference in Perth.
Two women who have experienced The Salvation Army in different ways shared parts of their story and how they are connected to the Salvos.
“Rhiannon Reynolds, who is a young adult who has grown up in The Salvation Army, shared that it was a deep sense of community that has kept her engaged in her corps,” Dianne said. “She has cherished the input of many older women throughout her life and grown in her faith alongside what are now lifelong friendships.
“Mary Yarran, who is the divisional ATSI coordinator and is new to The Salvation Army, shared that she sees her role as an extension of her personal faith and that partnering with The Salvation Army allows her to do kingdom business every day. She feels The Salvation Army’s greatest strength is its kinship, acceptance of all, and how God is moving in his people.
“Everyone who was there was so encouraged by these two women and hearing how God is working through their lives and within our organisation.”
Fun Day builds long-lasting connection
Singing, dancing, crafting and laughing – families from Victoria’s north had a wonderful time at Billabong Ranch earlier this month.
Pony rides, mini golf and a pinch of love – the Victoria family fun day at Billabong Ranch was a treat for all ages earlier this month. About 140 people from corps in the state’s north travelled for up to two hours to attend the fun-filled event. And it wasn’t just kids who had a great time – grandparents and seniors were welcome to attend too. After all, family ministry crosses generations!
“These events create opportunities for the more remote corps to bring people in, spend the time and get to know them and follow them up afterwards. We give corps officers coffee cards to give to new families so they can catch up afterwards. We can do events all the time, but if we don’t bring them back to corps, the relationship won’t continue,” shares Naty Keung, Children’s Secretary for Victoria.
Each child was sent home with a show bag, including conversation cards, YouTube links to the Salvo Kid’s page, and a unique, hand-crafted teddy knitted by a senior. Allowing families, or busloads of people, to continue building long-term relationships.
Of note, Rochester Corps brought 41 people with Maryborough hot on their heels. Many were newcomers at the previous family fun day; however, once returning home, Rochester began a much-needed playgroup. It has blossomed to become a growing community for the corps.
“It reinforces the fact that these days do have value. Some regional corps need something like this to engage and bring families in,” said Naty.
The final Victorian family fun Day for 2022 is at Gumbuya World, 2705 Princes Hwy, Tynong North, on Saturday 26 November from 1-5pm. Tickets are $10. Register here: https://salvationarmy.typeform.com/gumbuya2022.
Oasis Sydney undergoes a makeover
One of the refurbished rooms at the Oasis centre in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Oasis Youth Support accommodation in Surry Hills, Sydney, is getting a makeover of 12 bedrooms with new flooring, painted walls, lighting and contemporary furniture. The renovations are being made thanks to a combination of funding from the government and the Oasis Property Maintenance Reserve.
Young people visiting the inner-city Oasis centre are now starting to have access to a new king single bed, new bedding, an updated wardrobe, a two-seater lounge, and a desk and chair. Importantly, creating a private space for them to be themselves.
“Oasis is taking a stand and leading the way for how young people in crisis homelessness services are cared for,” said Oasis Team Leader Omar Bensaidi. “This inevitably encourages young people to care for themselves and their own space in their journey to independence. It is so heart-warming to see how excited the young residents are to take care of their new bedrooms and how much value that gives to them.”
The recreation room at Oasis Surry Hills also has new flooring, newly painted walls, and new window blinds. The staff breakout room has a new vanity and mirror in the bathroom and refurbished shelving. The project has included three bedrooms being renovated due to nine young people still being accommodated onsite during the works.
Bands in the Round series rolls on
The fourth event of the Worship Arts Australia Bands in the Round series is happening at Geelong Salvation Army on Saturday 5 November, commencing at 2pm. Bands from Geelong, South Barwon, Preston, and Melbourne Red Shield Band will all be performing at this spectacular event.
Special features throughout the afternoon include gourmet food, drinks and Trade displays, with proceeds from the day supporting Music Ministries in Papua New Guinea. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for those under 15.
The fifth and final Bands in the Round series will be held at Stafford Salvation Army on Saturday 12 November at 3pm. The event will highlight performances from Brisbane City Temple Band, Brisbane Fellowship Band, Bundamba, Carindale, Gold Coast Temple, and the Melbourne Staff Band.
The first three Bands in the Round events were held at Waverley Temple (21 May), Parramatta (18 June) and City Salvos Adelaide (13 August).
Streetlevel Brisbane enrols new adherents
Team Leader Paul Maunder with the three new adherents.
Chapel at Brisbane Streetlevel celebrated the enrolment of three new adherents on 20 October.
Eddie, Lisa and Russell were enrolled as adherents and committed to upholding the values of The Salvation Army through their lives and the work of the community.
They are committed to the mission expressed out of Streetlevel Chapel.
“God is working through Streetlevel as people come through our doors,” said Brisbane Streetlevel Team Leader Paul Maunder. “We continue to be Jesus-centred and community-focused.”
Make-up donation more than skin deep
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Through the contact of a major donor in Perth, a large quantity of make-up has been donated to benefit women who are clients at the Graceville Domestic Violence Centre, the Doorways Emergency Relief and Balga Community Centre.
Over 500 items of make-up, including foundation, mascara, concealer and powder, were donated by an employee of ‘Savvy Minerals by Young Living’. This company is a leader in the clean beauty revolution by not only banning questionable ingredients in make-up but also taking a deeper look at what should be put on our skin.
The delight on the faces of managers, staff and clients alike was wonderful to see as they thought up ways to how this wonderful donation could best be used to benefit their clients.
The wholesale price of this generous donation exceeds $25,000. For many ladies at these centres, the purchase of make-up is not considered or certainly last on the list when shopping for everyday essentials.
Equip Kids Camp in Qld gets kids on the case
Some of the rock art that campers created st Equip.
Children from around South East Queensland gathered for Equip Kids Camp in the September school holidays.
Eighty campers and leaders arrived at Camp Warrawee in Joyner to get ‘on the case’ and become detectives to dig into a few of Jesus’ parables to solve the mysteries of how to grow their faith, how to care for, serve, and love others.
Campers got to work solving a series of mission tasks to help build their skills and knowledge.
The rotations involved a ‘cracking the code’ adventure hunt, spy-training bootcamp, and a creative space to make gifts of random kindness and encouragement. The campers were also challenged to build a raft and race it across the pool.
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