Cultures unite as Richmond Corps hosts heartfelt ‘house-warming’
BY LERISSE SMITH
It was a joyous housewarming celebration with a meaningful twist.
When Melbourne’s Richmond Corps completed essential renovations to better serve the needs of its local community, top of the agenda was hosting a welcoming and inclusive Open Day – Many Cultures, One Hope – infused with the warmth of a housewarming spirit.
And when the event kicked off, it was a huge success.
More than 300 people gathered for a full day of fun, fellowship and friendship on 16 November 2024.
“I think the striking thing for me was that we had so many different people coming from so many different walks of life,” said Major Craig Farrell, Corps Officer – Team Leader at Richmond Corps, as he reflected on the memorable occasion.
“We had families, but we also had people who are homeless and experiencing addiction and the realities of that, alongside performers and locals who live in the neighbourhood. We all just sort of mixed together and looked out for each other. People thanked each other and greeted each other, and it was just a really lovely, lovely picture and seen throughout the day.”
The event also ticked a few boxes.
The corps wanted to showcase its renovations, including upgraded shower and intersex toilet facilities for local residents, highlight the church’s work in the community, and remind people of its presence in the heart of Richmond.
The renovations have been crucial in a highly transient area.
“We have agencies who remarked, ‘Oh, thank goodness, that is going to be a real help’,” Craig explained.
“We have already had people referring agencies and referring people to us for a shower. We take for granted the use of a shower every day. But it is greatly needed given the high homeless population in our neighbourhood. To have access to a shower can be an incredible asset. Our corps can provide respite for people from the mayhem and for them to feel good again and refreshed.”
The corps also revamped its food relief pantry and created a walkway to the old quarters next door, which can now be used for group activities and new community initiatives.
Craig said the event was a great opportunity to let the neighbourhood know the corps existed and was open to serve the local residents.
The corps invited local agencies and community groups, including a health service that plays a critical role in the area, and the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association. The focus on cultural diversity also aligned with the housewarming theme.
Additionally, the event was a chance to unite many support agencies who worked independently in the Richmond area and to benefit from collaborating.
Various cultural entertainment groups participated, including a colourful Chinese fan dance group and an Indian performance group. A local primary school and brass band added excitement to the occasion.
“It was great to celebrate the diversity of the community and provide a welcoming space,” Craig reflected.
“We had people who might come for our emergency relief normally, who came just to listen and watch the cultural performances, which was something a little different. It showed that we are not just about providing food support but building community and space for people. So, that was really good.
“We had a prayer space where people were invited to participate in sharing a need they had or a concern. And we had Rosy Keane (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) for that, which was brilliant.”
Craig further added there was a lot of isolation and loneliness in the Richmond community, and people needed spaces where they could trust others and share what was on their hearts.
“Providing those spaces of trust and care is really crucial,” he added. “People need spaces where they can trust and share what is on their hearts and then actually know that they are being listened to and being cared for in a genuine way.”
The local Salvos emergency service team provided a sausage sizzle, and catering from a local service specialising in multicultural food provided tasty treats on the day, including an array of Vietnamese rolls and the popular Greek dessert baklava.
Children’s activities ranged from face painting and badge-making to giant games. A visit from Cousin Koala was also a highlight for the community members who attended the fun day out.
Craig said the event’s greatest impact was raising awareness of the corps’ work in the community.
“People were really encouraged about the work we do and appreciative, thankful. We did receive some extra donations, which was nice too,” he said. “We are always trying to bring people along to participate, whether that is through volunteering or other ways. People seem to be surprised by the amount of work we do with a small team. It was a great eye-opener for the community to see what the Salvos do.”
Bridging communities
Nuria Gonsalves, CALD Community Engagement National Lead with the Salvos Intercultural & Disability Inclusion Team, said Many Cultures, One Hope was a pivotal opportunity for Salvos to foster genuine connections among diverse groups.
“The event was more than a celebration; it was a cornerstone for building trust and bridging communities that may otherwise remain isolated,” she commented.
“When people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate each other’s heritage, share meals and engage in conversation, it strengthens our unity and reflects the core mission of The Salvation Army to embody compassion and inclusivity. In diversity, we find strength, emphasising that such events help our movement grow as a place where all people feel valued and welcomed.
“When we celebrate together, we break down barriers. I personally feel by bringing people together from different backgrounds, we are living out our commitment to welcome all as Jesus would. Our hope is that by celebrating cultural diversity, we pave the way for ongoing relationships and meaningful mission work in communities that represent the full spectrum of backgrounds, traditions, and experiences.”
Leanne Wong, Salvos Relationship Manager of Multicultural Community, said the open day represented Richmond Corps, Salvos Mission Support and Community Fundraising working together to reach out to people from different backgrounds in the community to let them know more about the Salvos.
She said community fundraising was happy to support the event by engaging cultural groups and local businesses to participate in the occasion.
Focusing on the future, Richmond Corps plans to use the Salvos Positive Lifestyle Program to create new groups focused on both physical and spiritual support.
The main aim is to provide a reflective, quieter space in the often-noisy environment of Melbourne.
“There’s always sirens. There’s always people yelling up the street,” Craig said.
“And what we found was that providing some of these quieter spaces for people is like gold. It’s just a place to reset, reflect on life, and maybe encounter something of the Divine even for five minutes and provide a space for that to happen for people.
“Silence can be quite confronting. So, part of our focus is how we can help people and their noise. We really work hard at trying to be good neighbours. ‘Love God, Love Neighbour’ is our catchphrase a bit – and we have worked really hard on how we welcome people and how people feel welcome in our space. We are still working on it, and it will be a forever project – that really has been our focus.”
Click through the slideshow below for more photos:
