In times of need

It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of “being there” in times of need.

In the early years of the 20th century, to deter would-be suicides, a large sign was erected at The Gap by an enterprising Salvation Army officer. Are you in trouble?, the sign read. If so...call and see The Salvation Army, 140 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Ask for the social secretary, 5th floor.

When war broke out in 1939 The Salvation Army opened the first Red Shield War Services Welfare “Hut” at the Long Bay Rifle Range Camp in Sydney. It was a large marquee at the Long Bay Rifle Range Camp for the 1st Battalion, City of Sydney Regiment, offering refreshments and support.

During major industrial disputes at Long Bay Jail in 1980, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Services teams assisted to provide meals to prisoners. In his book, With a Smile and a Cuppa, Garth R. Hentzschel reports that the major operations being at Long Bay and Parramatta Gaols where … in one goal 1700 prisoners were fed three times a day. One of these operations lasted for 34 days.