Australia Territory farewells national leaders
Australia Territory farewells national leaders
15 December 2022
Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson respond to messages given during the official thank-you and farewell webinar this afternoon.
“The incredible passion and compassion that Salvos have – that is still the thing that grabs me – whether we’re visiting a specialist professional social service environment or whether we’re visiting a corps that’s very engaged in worship and community ministry – here is compassion and here is absolute passion for the people of Australia,” said Commissioner Robert Donaldson, Territorial Commander.
Photos, slides and messages from around the country were part of the webinar.
The commissioner was speaking at the official farewell webinar for both Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson, earlier this afternoon.
The Chief Secretary, Colonel Winsome Merrett, facilitated the webinar, introducing guest speakers who each thanked the Donaldsons for their work and contributions to the Australia Territory over the past three and a half years.
Shirli Congoo, Territorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team General Manager, opened the webinar with an Acknowledgement of Country. This was followed by an opening prayer from Anthony Eden, an Under 35 Governance Board Participant Program representative. He thanked the commissioners and, on behalf of the territory’s youth, thanked them for how they had invested in and engaged with younger members of the movement.
The Donaldsons commended Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas as the incoming Territorial Commander.
Major Beth Twivey, Caloundra Corps Officer, represented area officers and corps officers across the nation. She thanked “our Kiwi cousins” for their genuine presence, for listening to officers, praying with and for them, and for their commitment in challenging times.
Judi Agnew, Relationship Manager – Philanthropy, represented soldiers and employees. She acknowledged the joy the Donaldsons expressed and gave when they visited corps and services around the country, their love of family and community, the Jesus-centred focus and their spiritual leadership.
Commissioner Janine responded, saying it had “never been difficult to love you all”. She expressed “our incredibly grateful thanks” for the “privilege and honour” of serving in Australia, as well as acknowledging the pain and loss that had been felt by so many across the Australia One journey.
Colonel Winsome Merrett presented an Aboriginal painting to the Donaldsons as a farewell gift.
“And, of course, we have a granddaughter who was born here – half Aussie, half Kiwi – and it really doesn’t get any better than that!” she said. “You will always have a piece of our hearts.”
Commissioner Robert reiterated his theme of Salvos’ passion and compassion through the Australia One journey, bushfires, floods, droughts and COVID-19. He encouraged people to continue pushing the Local Mission Delivery model and focus on their spiritual journey to serve others wholistically.
He then commended Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, who will become Territorial Commander of the Australia Territory with the rank of Commissioner on 1 February 2023.
Colonel Winsome presented the Donaldsons with an Aboriginal painting created by Sharon Butcher Napanangka before concluding the webinar with a benediction.
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