Chief encourages mission expressions in Adelaide visit
Chief encourages mission expressions in Adelaide visit
23 November 2022
Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth MP and South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Commander Major Lance Jeffrey at the opening of Bramwell House in Adelaide.
Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett visited Salvation Army mission expressions across Adelaide in early November and participated in the dedication of the new Bramwell House.
The Chief spoke with the South Australia/Northern Territory Divisional Headquarters team about the importance of their work and visited Army corps and centres in the heart of the city, including Adelaide Congress Hall, the Sobering Up Unit, and Salvos Stores on Whitmore Square.
She officiated at the dedication of Bramwell House, a Domestic Violence Crisis Accommodation Service that reopened after a significant redevelopment. Bramwell House provides supported crisis accommodation for single women and women with children escaping domestic violence.
“Today, we gather to dedicate the new Bramwell House where women and children can find secure accommodation, professional support and the opportunity for peace and renewal,” the Chief Secretary shared. “This service enables them to leave dangerous relationships behind and build stable futures free from abuse and intimidation, where hope, once again, becomes a reality.”
Colonel Winsome Merrett with Captains Aaron and Lauren Stobie at Paradise Primary School. The corps is deeply embedded in this school and local community, heavily involved in school choirs and a Just Brass Program, among other ministries.
The Chief and Divisional Commander Major Lance Jeffrey also visited corps across the Adelaide area. Visits included Norwood Salvos, led by Major Simon and Aux-Lieutenant Renee Pickens, North East Salvos, led by Captains Aaron and Lauren Stobie and Major Quentin Castle, and Semaphore Corps, led by Majors Tim and Claire Watson.
Last year, The Salvation Army provided support and care to people experiencing or at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence more than 63,000 times, more than seven people every hour. Bramwell House assists women with immediate needs, a safe place to stay, Centrelink contact, and help to establish an income, assistance with food, counselling and support.
“This wonderful new facility has been dreamed of for a very long time,” Lance said. “On arrival, all our clients receive new linen, kitchen and laundry welcome packs and cleaning items. The children, of course, may come with none of their toys, and we are able to provide new ones for them. Every day we are inspired by their courage, and we will continue to offer the highest quality service we can.”
Colonel Winsome Merrett caught up with Majors Tim and Claire Watson as they explore the beginnings of a new mission expression in the Semaphore and Port Adelaide area.
Also present for the dedication was Alexandra Miller, Senior National Specialist for the Family Violence Stream.
“These beautiful homes are accessible for people with mobility difficulties and were designed with larger families in mind with generous outdoor playgrounds, private courtyards in every home, and family violence specialists providing trauma and violence-informed support and case management on site,” explained Alexandra.
Bramwell House’s new facilities wouldn’t have been possible without the government’s Safe Places investment. The team was pleased to share the dedication with Minister Katrine Hildyard, Minister Amanda Rishworth and Catherine Hutchesson MP.
“Family violence is hidden but deadly,” explained the Chief Secretary. “Family violence impacts individuals, families and communities, resulting in enormous health, welfare and social costs. The Salvation Army is proud to be numbered among those fighting for change. Our goal is to offer resources, programs and services that first work to prevent abuse while also supporting those experiencing it.”
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