The Salvation Army’s 2026 Red Shield Appeal Brisbane Launch

The 25^th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and 24^th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; The Salvation Army, Board Chair Commissioner Miriam Gluyas; Chief Secretary, Colonel John Chamness and Officers, Major Fran Everitt and Major Mark Everitt; Chair of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, Mr Stephen Conry AM; sponsors and corporate partners; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, Refiti Tovi for your warm welcome to country. I also wish to acknowledge the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here.

Good morning and thank you for such a warm welcome.  

As Patron of the Salvation Army’s Queensland Division, I am humbled to be among this impressive gathering of dedicated supporters and generous donors for today’s launch of the 2026 Red Shield Appeal.  

Each year, this Appeal not only reminds us of the vital work of the Salvation Army, but it also emphasises our collective responsibility to ensure those Queenslanders who are doing it tough are neither forgotten nor left behind.

People experiencing hardship, injustice and social isolation have come to rely on the Salvation Army and its trusted programs and services.  

Year-on-year however, demand for assistance across almost every one of its frontline programs has continued to grow. Queenslanders who have never used the Salvos' services before are now reaching out for help.

For this lifesaving organisation to operate effectively and meet this rising demand, vital funds are needed.

The annual Red Shield Appeal is central to the Salvo’s ability to deliver its wide range of practical social welfare and community programs to help vulnerable Queenslanders to get their lives back on track and – ultimately – create a better future for themselves and their families.

It is heartening to see the yearly uptake of fundraising tasks in our community, among people of all ages and all walks of life.  

Just last week, I was delighted to once again receive students from Brisbane Boys College for their annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock at Government House.

To the many supporters of the Red Shield Appeal – the individual donors, charitable trusts, foundations, sponsors, corporate partners and community groups – thank you for your enormous generosity which has helped create a vital safety net for thousands of vulnerable Queenslanders, helping them to reshape their lives towards brighter, more stable futures.  

Thank you for being part of a community that helps shape lives and gives hope by lifting others up. I also acknowledge and thank the Salvos’ dedicated leadership team and staff who, along with thousands of extraordinary volunteers, give of their time, energy and goodwill to ensure the success of this annual Appeal.

I am sure all of you here this morning join with me in wishing the Salvation Army enormous success with this year’s Red Shield Appeal.

Thank you.