Local Greats, past and present

The Salvation Army in the Eurobodalla and lower Shoalhaven has produced its fair share of outstanding Salvationists. 

Alice Althea Colefax (nee Gadde), (pictured) moved to Moruya with her husband William Colefax in 1899. They had been Salvation Army officers but found that William’s stipend wasn’t enough to live on, so they settled on a farm in Moruya and went on to have 10 children – five boys and five girls. A publication titled Sixteen Women of Early Eurobodalla, published by the Moruya and District Historical Society, told Alice’s story, ending with this description:

During her lifetime some people thought she took her philosophy of “turning the other cheek” and her tolerance for human frailty too far but she was sustained by a great inner strength which came form her unshakeable belief in the teachings and ethics of her religion, consolidated by her association with The Salvation Army. Her devotion and sincerity permeated everything she did and everything she said.

Present-day “Greats” include Broulee local Tony Palise. Every year for more than a decade he has been collecting in his local area over The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal Doorknock weekend. Tony initially started volunteering as part of the Bush Fire Brigade and has never looked back. It’s a family affair, he says. Over the years I’ve recruited my wife and children to help collect around the neighbourhood. Through his work with the Bush Fire Brigade and also spending time as a school counsellor, Tony says he has seen the work The Salvation Army do. The Salvos do a great job, he says.