SATURDAY, September 5, marks 140 years since The Salvation Army Australia was founded.<\/p>\n
The Salvation Army Australia’s head of public relations Bruce Harmer said the anniversary was a chance to recognise those who have served the organisation.<\/p>\n
“We want to acknowledge our amazing volunteers who have given an incredible amount of their time over the years,” he said.<\/p>\n
“A rough estimate over the years suggests that there have been well over a staggering 5 million volunteers who have supported The Salvos throughout our 140-year history.”<\/p>\n
Few of these volunteers would have been more dedicated than Peter Hobbs, who leads The Salvation Army Bellarine Peninsula along with his wife Diane.<\/p>\n
Mr Hobbs has been part of The Salvation Army his entire life and involved with the Bellarine sub-branch since 2010.<\/p>\n
He said he has derived great satisfaction from his work in the Bellarine.<\/p>\n
“Just connecting with the people here has been the real highlight for me; getting to know the people of the Bellarine and empowering them to help make them the people they were made to be.”<\/p>\n
The Salvation Army has had to adapt to stay relevant over its long history, and Mr Hobbs believes the Bellarine sub-branch is an indication of how the organisation may further evolve.<\/p>\n
“It’s a new expression of The Salvation Army really, and it’s probably pioneering the way for how The Salvation Army internationally will operate,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Slowly we’re moving away from transactional programs to empowered relationships.”<\/p>\n
Mr Hobbs said The Salvation Army is shaped by its supporters.<\/p>\n
“It’s an organisation that’s proven itself over 140-years, but it would be nothing without the community’s support, so we’re really grateful; to everyone who partners with us and shares with us in the ministry of The Salvation Army.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SATURDAY, September 5, marks 140 years since The Salvation Army Australia was founded. The Salvation Army Australia’s head of public relations Bruce Harmer said the anniversary was a chance to recognise those who have served the organisation. “We want to acknowledge our amazing volunteers who have given an incredible amount of their time over the […]<\/p>\n