The Salvation Army wishes to advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following content may contain content, language and images of deceased persons.

The Salvation Army acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Australia that we now share.

We acknowledge their unique cultural and spiritual connections to the lands and waters, honouring their wisdom, strength and resilience as the world's oldest living cultures.

We pay respects to the Elders who play a vital role in fostering a fair and just society for all Australians.

The Salvation Army has called Australia home for over 144 years. We acknowledge that parts of our history have contributed to the profound grief and loss experienced by First Nations peoples.

We are committed to working alongside First Nations peoples to pursue justice, reconciliation and mutual flourishing.

We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to the lands of Australia and its peoples, seeking reconciliation, unity and equity.

Empowering partnerships

At the heart of all Salvation Army programs and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities is a deep commitment to reconciliation, justice and respect. As part of this ongoing commitment, in 2025, The Salvation Army launched our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). In the wake of the 2023 referendum outcome, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to a ‘Yes’ future. We believe reconciliation is essential to healing, understanding, and equity within our society. We remain steadfast in our resolve to walk alongside First Nations communities, working to ensure that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not only heard, but amplified.

Learn more

Our programs and partnerships aim to learn about, support, empower and encourage community leaders of the future, as well as help ‘close the gap’, working collaboratively towards greater equality in terms of life expectancy, health, housing, education and employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.

Programs range from early intervention, school engagement, youth education programs, youth leadership, youth justice, men’s and women's programs, to housing programs and services, sports programs, recovery and wellness programs, traditional arts and crafts programs, faith expressions, visits by Salvation Army rural and flying chaplains and much more.

Having a conversation with indigenous people

The Salvation Army has a wide range of programs across Australia, tailored to community needs.

Leadership and resilience

The Salvation Army’s Leadership and Resilience Program in Townsville, Queensland — as one of four key areas of focus — encourages young Indigenous men aged 14 to 15 years to connect more deeply with their culture. Running annually, the program also works to build leadership and resilience in the areas of health and wellbeing, relationships, education and employability.

Homelessness and housing

In Port Augusta, South Australia (SA), a range of programs and services, including the Generic Homelessness Service and Common Ground Port Augusta seek to address housing needs primarily for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are facing or at risk of homelessness.

The service provides support and case management to those who have lived in both urban and remote community settings, and who have moved in order to access health support, broader services, or to connect with family. Consideration is given to specific cultural needs, recognising the importance of kinship and family relationships.

salvos team member supporting a homeless indigenous youth

Women and children

Making it Happen – a decade-long Salvos Women’s Ministry Project – provides opportunities for individual Salvos and corps (churches) to help meet the needs of women and children experiencing disadvantage. Making it Happen is currently focussed on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through The Waterhole (Alice Springs, NT) and through national programs supporting women who have been impacted by incarceration.

Building cultural competency and capability

Through the Territorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency and Capability (CCC) Framework, The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring programs, mission expressions and resources are culturally safe, appropriate and accessible. Strategic support is provided through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team who guide, advise, and collaborate, to ensure policies, programs and services address the diverse and unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Learn more about National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week

Visit our National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week pages via the links below to learn more about how you can celebrate these events, as well as The Salvation Army's stories and connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Reconciliation Week NAIDOC Week