General News
23 December, 2025
Salvos lend a hand long after the holidays
AS Christmas approaches, the Salvation Army in Stawell is preparing to support local families doing it tough, and for leader Jacky Targett, the season has prompted some heartfelt reflection on what the organisation’s work really means. “I was actually thinking about, of all things, Santa,” she said. “You go into the shops and everything’s about Santa, and there’s no Christ or anything in a lot of places. “We give out toys, and the parents say to the kids, ‘Christmas gift from Santa.’”
Ms Targett emotionally paused here during the conversation, emphasising how strongly she felt about what came next.
“I’d really love those parents to acknowledge that they got those gifts from the Salvos, if that’s where they came from, because it says to that child someone’s there if you need them,” she said.
“If a child grows up knowing they can go to the Salvos for help, they realise we’re not just here for Christmas, Santa comes once a year but we’re here all year.
“We want to build relationships so that you’re in a better place next Christmas.”
Despite rising cost-of-living pressures, Ms Targett said Stawell’s generosity remains strong, with locals continue donating to the thrift shop and contributing to seasonal appeals.
This Christmas also marks a major turning point for the Salvos’ local operations.
After nearly 140 years in their original church building — “since 1884… it’s extraordinary,” Ms Targett noted — the organisation sold the site earlier this year.
The move has enabled a shift toward a broader, more practical community focus at a new property on 35 Cooper Street, due to open in mid-January after renovations.
“We’ve outgrown the old building,” Ms Targett explained, “We want to do more interaction with the community, rather than just spiritual stuff.”
“This new place has more scope to be community-minded and involved.”
The Cooper Street hub will feature flexible rooms for visiting service providers, it will also include a spacious garden for social gatherings, as well as essential supports for people facing hardship.
“There is a shower and a washing machine for people who are homeless,” she said, “And if someone hasn’t eaten today and just wants a toasty sandwich for lunch, we can organise that.”
Plans for the new space include a weekday community meal, art groups, “home church,” and a grandparents-raising-grandchildren support group.
Ms Targett hopes the Salvos will soon expand their small local team to help deliver the growing range of services.
The centre will officially launch with three days of opening events from January 16 to 18, with a business and service provider tour, a family-friendly community day, and a dedication service.
Despite disruptions as they prepare their new facility, The Salvos are still providing Christmas hampers and presents for families who need them, and anyone seeking support can leave their name and number with staff at the thrift shop.