Throughout the history of The Salvation Army Australia, we have been committed to making a difference in women's lives, in particular those who live in poverty and despair within Australia and in developing countries around the world.

Recognising there is a great need here in Australia, this year our fundraising drive ‘Making It Happen’ is focussing on supporting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women through two important initiatives: the Waterhole and national programs supporting women who have been impacted by incarceration, such as Kairos Outside for Women.

The Waterhole is a unique corps-based social program in Alice Springs that supports the local indigenous community. It provides a community day centre, clean drinking water, showers and laundry facilities to community members. It also includes an art program and art sales opportunities.

Aboriginal women are considered to be the most disadvantaged group in Australia and most Aboriginal women in prison are in for non-violent offences that are related to homelessness and poverty. They are further impacted by the high incarceration rates of their people with 29 per cent of Australia’s prison population and 48 per cent of juveniles in custody being Aboriginal[1].

As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience unparalleled injustices in their community, The Salvation Army sees this as an area that demands attention.

In the past ten years Making It Happen has been a way to meet the needs of women and children who are experiencing disadvantage in developing countries. Now a national fundraising initiative, the Adults Ministry stream has taken over responsibility for its success.

To date, Making It Happen has contributed considerable funds to five specific international projects that have sought to protect women from exploitation, abuse and discrimination. With a focus this year on addressing the injustices experienced by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women, it is hoped this initiative will now have a meaningful impact on home soil.

Making it Happen is sponsored by Janine Donaldson, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and supported by Major Graeme Craig, Territorial Adults Secretary and Shirli Congoo, General Manager, Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Ministry.

[1] Source: Aboriginal prison rates - Creative Spirits, retrieved from https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/law/aboriginal-prison-rates