Media Call: Red Sheild Appeal Launch

Please support the Red Shield Appeal today, so nobody struggles alone

The Salvation Army in the Hunter is urging the community to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal, with funds raised locally staying local to support community services and programs in the area. 

In the Hunter, the Salvos are aiming to raise $200,000.00 at the Red Shield Appeal Launch this Tuesday, 02 May 2023 to support the local community doing it tough.

Guest Speaker for the Hunter Red Shield Appeal Launch is Mr Matt Anderson PSM the Director of the Australian War Memorial. Over 300 business leaders of the Hunter will be in attendance to support the local work of the Salvos. 

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the time. Grab your friends, your workmates, or make it a family outing or a group activity for your club – just get involved. The community needs your support more than ever” says Major Mark Everitt.

While all Australians are feeling the pinch of the cost of living pressures, it’s more extreme for some. The Salvos are seeing more and more people living below the breadline – skipping meals, going without prescribed medications, struggling to keep the lights on. 

“We don’t want anybody in the Hunter Region to struggle alone – times are tough, but we can get through it together, with your support” says Major Mark Everitt.

The Red Shield Appeal weekend is set for May 20 and 21, however there are a number of volunteer opportunities available throughout May – any time you can give is appreciated. Get in touch with your local Salvos by visiting salvationarmy.org.au.

“The Hunter is known for being a generous and supportive Region – and we know this year will be no different. The Hunter will do their bit to help their neighbour, and their community.”

Now in its 59th year, the annual Red Shield Appeal funds vital community programs, including financial assistance, homelessness, family and domestic violence, and drug and alcohol services.

Each year, through The Salvation Army’s nationwide network of services, the Salvos provide: * 

• Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
• More than 1.86 million sessions of care to people in need
• Over 1 million bed nights to those in need of accommodation
• More than 1.52 million meals to people who accessed our homelessness services

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Media Call 

Date:                            Tuesday, 2nd May 2023

Time:                           12 noon  

Venue:                         Newcastle Convention & Exhibition Centre (NEX), 309 King St, Newcastle West

To organise an interview or photo opportunity, please contact:

Lyn Thurnham, Thurnham Teece

0418 490 989, lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au 

GUEST SPEAKER: 

Matt Anderson PSM 

Director of the Australian War Memorial 

Mr Matt Anderson PSM commenced as Director of the Australian War Memorial in April 2020. 

Mr Anderson PSM joined Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as a graduate in 1995. He was most recently the Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2016-20).

He is also a former Ambassador to Afghanistan (2015-16) and High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands (2011-13) as well as Samoa (2007-11). He has also had postings to South Africa, Papua New Guinea and served as the Chief Negotiator of the Peace Monitoring group on Bougainville (2001-02). 

He has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Deakin University, and a Master’s Degree in Foreign Affairs and Trade from Monash University. 

Mr Anderson PSM was awarded the Public Service Medal for his role in leading the humanitarian and consular response to the 2009 Pacific tsunami. In 2018, he was made a Fellow of Monash University. 

He is also a Graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon (1988). He served with the Royal Australian Engineers as a Troop Commander, and also undertook instructional and staff appointments. 

Mr Anderson PSM is married to Lou, a currently serving DFAT Officer, and has three children.