Brunswick Stories gives voice to diversity

The Brunswick Salvation Army in innercity Melbourne recently celebrated the diversity of the area with a book of personal stories and poetry.

Publishing Brunswick Stories was part of the fulfilment of a goal of Salvo corps officer (pastor) lieutenant Alison Templar to capture the resilience, strength and creativity of the Brunswick Salvos community.

The book, launched on 8 May, was the brainchild of Eva Milman, church volunteer and Diploma of Community Services student placement worker, who saw the potential for recording stories after meeting participants in Sunday services and weekly programs.

Alison says most of the pieces were collected orally to account for those who did not speak English as a first language or had low levels of literacy.

“It was mainly just sitting, listening and letting people share their stories and holding them and crafting them until they were happy with them being included in the book,” she says.

The book also features original poems by members of the Brunswick Salvos.

An Inclusive Space

Captain Kris Halliday, who led the Brunswick Salvos until a recent transfer, says the book also demonstrates the safe, inclusive space that has been built at the centre, adding that the initiative had given those who contributed to the book a deeper sense of belonging and ownership.

Alison says while the church has a small number of members, participants in the programs and services are ethnically and culturally diverse, with some also belonging to the Muslim and Jewish communities.

Kris and Alison hope copies of the book will soon be available at the Brunswick library, neighbouring cafes, neighbourhood houses and council chambers. – Kirralee Nicolle

To read Alison’s story from the book, go to page 12.

To download the book, go to salvationarmy.org.au/brunswick/ brunswick-stories

Christmas in July

Christmas in July is often thought of as an opportunity to enjoy a traditional British hot roast dinner and fun celebration in the middle of an Australian winter. It’s also another reason to get together with friends and family and dust off the Christmas tree and decorations for another airing.

Salvos in different parts of Australia are celebrating Christmas in July for all kinds of reasons. Check out a few of them below.

Community Connections

A Christmas in July quiz night, complete with a silent auction, trading table and Father Christmas giving out fun gifts, is one of the many fundraisers the Riverland (SA) Salvos will host this year to continue operating their community outreach programs.

“Funds raised include assisting seasonal workers with food and other necessities when they are between jobs, community meals, Christmas toys and hampers for around 400 families, back-to-school programs, and a ready supply of food on hand in case of emergencies,” says Helen Adamczyk, Riverland Salvos officer (pastor).

In response to the rising cost of living and the impact of recent floods, the Salvos are seeing an increase in the number of people coming through their doors. Helen says that her team is looking to open the church in the evenings to provide toasties and hot drinks, as well as fruit, bread and other essentials, for those who can’t make it during the day.

“Our main driver is to connect with the community, see what needs are out there and build relationships,” Helen says.

“Faith is an amazing thing. Something always turns up.”

Cultural Insights

Christmas in July is the theme for an upcoming multicultural event at Calamvale Salvos, south of Brisbane.

“The church hosts two multicultural nights each year to validate people from our community and church from that culture, to show them how valued they are, and to celebrate and learn about their culture,” says Major Di Gluyas, Calamvale Salvos officer (pastor).

At the Christmas in July event, guests will be greeted with a glass of the uniquely flavoured dandelion and burdock soft drink. The food will also be English – roast turkey or beef, yorkshire puddings, vegetables and gravy, with plum pudding and custard for dessert.

“Family and friends are invited to join in the celebrations,” says Di. “The hall will be done up like an English home at Christmas, our British friend will dress up like King Charles and do the Christmas speech, there will be charades, a quiz and we’ll learn a dance.” Church the next morning will be a Salvos Christmas service.”

Last year, the church hosted an Indian and a Tongan night, complete with food, decorations, national dress, games and music. An African cultural celebration is to be held later this year, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander event is planned for 2024.

The Calamvale area is home to people from around the world, including Africa, China, Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines and Taiwan.

A Community Party

The Sunraysia Salvos in north-west Victoria run community lunches and dinners all year round in both Mildura and nearby Red Cliffs, but the Christmas in July meals are extra special.

“It’s about celebrating our people and an excuse for a party,” says Major Debbie Serojales, Sunraysia Salvos officer (pastor).

“We celebrate Christmas with our growing and diverse communities that include seasonal workers from Vanuatu, locals, and people who just want to share a meal with others.

“We have one older couple who usually eat dinner on their own at home. They come down and enjoy eating with people who’ve become their friends. It’s about relation ships. We’ve even had a men’s group and a craft group form out of the community meals.”

Christmas decorations will be put up, music played, bon bons pulled and hats worn for the occasion. local businesses donate cooked meat, to which the usual trimmings will be added.

“There might even be a little gift,” says Debbie. “We’re celebrating Christmas over food, with friends, which encourages conversation.

Our main driver is to connect with the community, see what needs are out there ...

“Salvos volunteers will be spread across doing and serving and listening and being, so they can join in conversations as well. We also have volunteers from the Red Cliffs Church of Christ.

“Any excuse to celebrate together!” says Debbie.

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