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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-09-26 Daily Xml
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Salvation Army Emergency Services

Mr FULBROOK (Playford) (15:23): Last sitting week, I rose to speak about the Salvos Sleepout, which was held in the community I represent in Parafield Gardens. While I am pleased to report that our collective efforts attracted over $20,000 in donations, on a personal note sleeping rough on bitumen was not easy and it did take a few nights of sleep to catch up on what was lost.

There are still many things I could say about homelessness, but today I want to talk about Major Reno Elms from the Salvation Army Emergency Services in South Australia and the work he and his legion of volunteers provide during crises. I had not met Major Elms prior to the event and was very grateful for the delightful dinner and breakfast he and his exceptional team cooked for us over the weekend. This was done from a well-resourced and rather large portable kitchen, much akin to a stretched food truck, the big difference being nobody sought any payment, with this whole operation running on the goodness of people's hearts.

Each year, the Salvation Army Emergency Services team are there on standby to support South Australians in their time of need. While the Salvos are often associated with providing support and helping with food, warmth and shelter, they are also on the frontline whenever natural disasters strike. We are all well aware that we see our fair share of both bushfire and flooding activity in South Australia. Whenever they are needed, the Salvation Army Emergency Services team is there to provide food and refreshment to emergency service volunteers and communities hit by trauma.

If we look back to recent events such as bushfires on Kangaroo Island and in Cherry Gardens, or the most recent floods affecting the Murray River communities, this team has been there making a massive difference. In fact, I understand a formal arrangement has been in place with the CFS to support their volunteers since 1983. With the predicted forecast of a severe summer ahead of us and the threat of bushfires, it is highly likely this will be a busy summer for all who dare to care.

Major Elms approached me to make a call on his behalf that he needs to build a bigger pool of volunteers for the community—as he put it, reinforcements for a Salvation Army Reserve. His team is keen to meet, train and orientate those who may desire to volunteer and support the Salvos' efforts at a time of crisis. The call is: if ever you have wanted to make a contribution to the community during a natural disaster but for various reasons could not commit to the CFS or SES, then perhaps the Salvos is for you.

No matter where you live in South Australia, your services will be put to good use. You do not need to be religious to be involved; all you need is a desire to help others in their time of need. If this sounds like something that would interest you, please contact Major Elms by calling him on 0488 672 794 or via email: reno.elms@salvationarmy.org.au.

Supporting the volunteers who support the volunteers are a number of great selfless local businesses. I know they do not seek anything in return, other than the good feeling you get when you make a difference in someone's life, but I am going to give a quick shout-out to a few that Major Elms is particularly grateful for: Nigel Hassall from Unley Meat Wholesalers, my friend Andrew Kemp from Tailors of Distinction, and Mark Trumble from Photographyroom.

A special shout-out also goes to Woolworths for the new supply van and food such as bread and vegetables. It is well worth mentioning that if you own a business and would like to also help out, I am sure your support would also be deeply appreciated by Major Elms. In making this appeal, I hope members can spread the message far and wide. The Salvation Army Emergency Services team has made a huge difference supporting communities and volunteers. With a warm summer ahead, now more than ever they need our help.

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