Salvos program honoured at Queensland Reconciliation Awards
BY SIMONE WORTHING
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer Program was recognised as Highly Commended in the Queensland Reconciliation Awards 2024 held in Cairns on 27 May.
The program, in partnership with Cherbourg Council, distributes toys and Christmas hampers to First Nation communities during the festive season.
Lucy Davis began the initiative in 2016 with the help of Uncle Lance Bligh. Lucy, the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Manager for The Salvation Army Australia, was then the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator for Queensland.
The distribution quickly expanded to include Murri Ministries in South East Queensland and “is now both a national RAP commitment and a national initiative giving relief to various First Nations communities and families across the country,” Lucy said.
“We have used this initiative to connect with mob and break down barriers so that our mob are aware of the social programs we deliver like our recovery centres, rehabs, homelessness services and emergency relief programs.”
Tahana Turner, now Divisional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Coordinator, leads the initiative in Queensland and works with more than 40 First Nations community control organisations, churches and services.
“The Christmas Cheer program means the recognition of six years of successful, long-lasting partnership between The Salvation Army and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities throughout Queensland,” Tahana said.
“The impact the program makes is that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities get to enjoy Christmas without the pressure of keeping up with bills and putting food on the table. Our families are so grateful for the assistance and helping hand during the Christmas period.
“I feel as though the award recognises each part of The Salvation Army that contributes and makes the Christmas Cheer program happen... and the support of my sister, Lucy Davis.”
Lucy expressed her thanks to those involved in the “many working parts” of the Christmas Cheer initiative, including the Public Relations and Corporate teams who run the warehouse each year, the corporate and community mob who volunteer annually, the Salvos community services team for the yearly funds, and to Kmart Australia and their donors to the Kmart Wishing Tree.
“I really hope you realise the relief that you give vulnerable families – your generosity is applauded,” said Lucy. “And a big shout out to my family who volunteer to help me in the warehouse, usually right up to Christmas Eve.
“As a First Nations woman, I want to mention The Salvation Army Australia for empowering First Nations peoples and our voices to the forefront of our business. This initiative is funded by the Salvos and through the generosity of donations.
“The Salvos have a long history with our mob, and one that is not all good, but by supporting initiatives like this, it has allowed us to go back into communities like Cherbourg and begin a journey of truth-telling. We have a long way to go, but we are committed.”
