A NEW look home for The Salvation Army in Wonthaggi has been warmly welcomed by Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead and councillors from Bass Coast Shire.
“Congratulations Salvation Army Wonthaggi on the opening of your newly renovated home,” said Mayor Cr Halstead.
According to Mayor Halstead, the redevelopment marks a milestone for The Salvation Army and will make a real difference for services provided on the Bass Coast.
“The redeveloped space will be a hub for connection, community activities and vital services such as food relief, emergency support and referral pathways.
“Through their support for projects like the Orange Sky mobile laundry, the Salvos continue to ensure some of our most vulnerable community members are treated with dignity and respect,” said Cr Halstead.
Captain Amanda Hart, Corps Officer, South Coast Gippsland Salvos, said the redeveloped space was far more than bricks and mortar, it represented hope, connection, and opportunity for our community.
“This will be the home of Salvos Community Connect,” said Captain Hart.
“A space where people can find a listening ear, enjoy a simple cheese toastie and a cuppa, and share in friendship and connection.
“It’s a place where food relief will be available for those doing it tough, and where practical help meets compassion.”
Through Doorways Case Management, Captain Hart said the South Coast Gippsland Salvos would walk alongside people who need support, offering not only immediate help but also longer-term pathways towards stability and hope.
“This building will also be a shared space,” she said.
“A place where other social services, including homelessness support, family violence services, and youth programs will be able to provide case management and care.
“By working together under one roof, we can ensure that people don’t just find help, but the right help, at the right time.
“We’re also committed to listening closely to our community.”
Over the coming months, the Salvos will engage in conversations to understand the real needs of Wonthaggi and to explore how The Salvation Army can respond together with the community.
“This building is not just for us,” said Captain Hart.
“It’s for our community and we want it to be shaped by the voices of those who call Wonthaggi home.”
The redeveloped site will also be a place of worship, a place where faith can be explored, where questions are welcomed, and where the Salvos will be seeking new and creative expressions of what it means to be the church today.
“Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us today.”
The Salvation Army can be found at 149 McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi and The Salvation Army Thrift Shop at 2/20 Inverloch Road, Wonthaggi.
