By Hollie Harris
It was at the ripe old age of nine years, while living in Gympie, that I first really became aware of an organisation known as the Salvation Army.
Prior to this I had on occasion heard my father and some of his old Digger mates, veterans of the New Guinea campaign, refer to them in passing.
But then to me it was just a name.
However in the early hours of 18 October 1947 an incident occurred that made me stop listen and learn.
The incident was the Tamaree Rail Disaster.
At the small railroad siding of Tamaree, some 11 kilometres north of Gympie, two trains had collided head on leaving eight people dead and 20 badly injured.
With Gympie being the closest town, the response for assistance was immediate; doctors, ambos, town people, local farmers – and also amongst the volunteers, members of the Salvation Army.
Their contribution to the rescue effort became legendary throughout our small community.
Then in the early 1960s, my knowledge became more personal when a family member was stricken with a then relatively unknown virus, now known as multiple sclerosis.
The time and support given by the Salvos to our strict Irish family, imbedded in me the utmost respect.
So it is that I take the opportunity to help bring to those who may not be fully aware of the outstanding contribution that this Army makes, some facts figures and incidents.
Regarding fund-raising, an appeals committee under Chairman John Madill, has continued a foundation that results show is second to none.
The Surf Club at Noosa first became involved when club manager Anton Mogg, following discussions with Rob Pertot, threw the doors open and hosted a Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal breakfast in 2011.
Since then Lakes Convention Centre and Peppers have also shown great community support, by in turn hosting similar functions.
Add to this the response of the Noosa Business Community and you indeed have a winning combination.
Figures released show that support for these functions is on the increase. Starting in 2012, $9582 was raised; 2013 – $13,213, 2014 – $16,770, 2015 – $19,921, 2016 – $34,197 and now in 2017 – $36,243, with further donations still to be received.
When we look at some of the breakdowns, it is easy to see the necessity for these appeals; but most importantly, it shows just where your money goes. A sum of $10,000 can provide over 2000 meals to people during natural disasters; $15,000 will help fund 75 sessions of youth homelessness awareness workshops in schools.
To help a family out of poverty, through professional financial counselling for a year, $1000 and $3000 will provide six months of case management and support for four families in crisis situations.
Then the amount required to fund the placement of one person in a 46 week residential program, to recover from drug and alcohol addiction, $37,000.
To those who may think that these are just words on a piece of paper, please take the opportunity to attend next year’s Salvos fund-raising breakfast.
You may get the opportunity to sit, and personally hear from someone who has walked the streets of domestic violence or fought their way back from the dark world of drugs and depression; you won’t be disappointed for it is these people who speak from the heart.
On Friday 26 May at Peppers, some 200-plus people did just that.
After a warm welcome from Chairman John who bid us ‘The top of the morning’, an honest and heart-wrenching speech, delivered by a lady who has experienced the above, made us who have never been there, appreciate our good fortune.
Following this lady was guest speaker Libby Trickett, Olympic Gold medallist and world swimming champion.
Libby grabbed everyone’s attention by taking us away from the water and the glamour of the Olympic Games.
Instead she let us into the after-world that many of our elite athletes encounter, when as they say, the cheering stops and they face the realities of everyday life.
This is the start of a new life; new friends, having to plan their own day, no coach to turn to for help and advice and they are out of the limelight.
This then of course for some, leads into various stages of depression; and this is when those who dedicate their life to helping others are needed.
The honesty of both ladies really emphasised the need for helpers such as the Salvos – always there, always ready to help.
In his message of thanks to all communities contained in the 2016 Impact Report for Australia Eastern Territory, Chief Secretary-in-Charge, Colonel Mark Campbell said in part, “Because of you we can continue to walk shoulder to shoulder with people in crisis.”
From within the boundaries of our Noosa community, there have, over many years, been people and organisations, whose contribution has been outstanding.
They have passed our way and to these people we are – and always will be – eternally greatful.
At present the Appeal Committee consists of John Madill (Chairman), Rob Pertot, Steve McPharlin, Chris Murfin and Adam Madill.
There can be no doubt that these names are but a drop in the ocean of the many that have preceded them; and by acknowledgment of the present, we also acknowledge the past.
This we must do for they are, one and all – OUR PEOPLE.
