Salvos there in all seasons
Summer is almost upon us, and across the country we are beginning to notice the temperature getting warmer, the days getting longer, and even the Christmas decorations starting to be put up at the shops.
However, summer also brings a higher risk to our weather in Australia, with the season responsible for some of the most damaging natural disasters that we see throughout the year, like extreme heat waves, bushfires, floods, cyclones, and drought.
The Salvation Army wants to remind Aussies to not be alarmed but be prepared for the potential risks that this season can bring.
A few simple, practical steps can get you, your family and your home ready for whatever this season will throw at you.
This could be preparing a ‘go bag’ with key personal documents, or having cash and three days of supplies spare in case a disaster affects ATM and EFTPOS machines.
Applying these tips will leave you in good stead as we enter this higher risk season.
We also encourage people to look out for one another, to check in with friends and neighbours to see if they are prepared or need support.
Natural disasters are a major source of stress and trauma for many who experience it, but knowing that there are people checking in on you can make a huge difference.
The Salvos have a long history with natural disasters.
For over 130 years, we have been there for the long haul helping those impacted by natural disasters around the country.
Right now, our Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams are stationed at locations across the country, ready to spring into action if a disaster strikes and to provide practical support (like meals and refreshments) and emotional support to anyone impacted.
Visit salvationarmy.org.au/emergency-services
Bindy Lupis, Salvation Army Emergency Services
Family violence crisis deepens
The Allan Labor government’s neglect of frontline family violence services is leaving victims without support.
Fresh data from the Crime Statistics Agency for the year ending June 2025 show family violence continues to climb across all six local government areas of the Euroa electorate, with Strathbogie Shire incidents up by 24.3 per cent - the highest of all six shires.
Family violence is tearing families apart, and instead of expanding support, Labor is cutting services and closing offices.
These figures are more than statistics - they represent women and children who no longer feel safe in their own homes, and who are being failed by a government that refuses to act.
Access to services across the region continues to decline - despite these figures - when these services are the first line of defence for people in danger.
Without them, victims are being left completely isolated.
Labor has slashed $50 million from the police budget and left thousands of jobs vacant.
Our communities deserve better than a government that looks the other way.
Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa
Advocacy and accountability to continue
We wish to publicly thank Senator Bridget McKenzie for her time, her respectful engagement with our advocacy group, and her well-articulated questions at Senate Estimates regarding the removal of the Frost Street pedestrian underpass from the Inland Rail project scope.
Her intervention has elevated this issue to the national stage, and we deeply appreciate her commitment to transparency and community voice.
As the Frost Street Pedestrian Underpass 883 Advocacy Group, we remain steadfast in our position: the underpass must be reinstated into the Inland Rail project.
If it is to serve as a safe, temporary pedestrian access for up to 12 months, it defies logic to decommission and close it thereafter.
We do not accept claims that reinstatement is unfeasible or that ongoing maintenance would impose an unreasonable cost burden on Strathbogie Shire Council.
This access has served the community for over 60 years and remains essential to inclusion, mobility, and civic participation.
We await the opportunity to work constructively with Minister King, ARTC, Inland Rail, and council to rectify this decision.
We call for an informed reconsideration and adjustment of the original position, in light of clear community sentiment and the broader impacts of removing this vital infrastructure.
The community deserves a solution that honours both legacy and future need.
We will continue our advocacy until reinstatement is achieved.
Vanessa Williams, Katie Williams, Neil Brown, and Coll Furlanetto
The Frost Street Pedestrian Underpass 883 Advocacy Group
It Doesn't Make Sense
I am happy to relate
that Frost Street's underpass' fate
is not in concrete set.
The lobby group's concerns were heard
by a committee (it's whispered
they'll get to keep it yet).
Backer, Senator McKenzie,
although never in a frenzy,
was adamant that all the facts be known
and inquisitioned, without fail,
the CEO of Inland Rail,
but always she maintained a civil tone.
When Inland Rail's Mike Zambelli
was asked some questions, you could tell he
was not, of certain matters, well apprised:
with something like a vacant look,
on notice he the questions took
and will come back with answers when advised.
The resident's are really hopin'
that the underpass stays open
after it's upgraded, for it's dense
to spend a lot of money,
then to close it; that seems funny,
and really doesn't make a lot of sense.
Craig Penny, Terip Terip
