The Salvation Army’s National Multicultural Launch Event
The Salvation Army’s National Multicultural Launch event, held as part of the annual Red Shield Appeal, took place on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at NSW Parliament House.
The event was formally launched by distinguished leaders from government and business, including Dr. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney; Hon. Warren Kirby MP, NSW Parliament; and Marek Ristwej, Chair of Marque Capital and LBW Trust.
The event brought together business, community, and media leaders from over 20 community groups, raising awareness and supporting the work of The Salvation Army across Australia.
Now in its 62nd year, the Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s flagship fundraising appeal and Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal. This year, The Salvation Army aims to raise $41 million nationally to fund vital work across the country in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth support, financial hardship, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, as well as key initiatives within multicultural communities.
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army, said:
“The Salvation Army has been committed to standing alongside and supporting those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities for over 140 years, and we continue to provide services and programs that have a lasting impact.”
“The Salvation Army Multicultural Launch provides The Salvos with an incredible opportunity to connect with multicultural community leaders who are passionate about supporting people within these communities. We are also extremely grateful to Multiconnexions, who have supported The Salvation Army for over 20 years.”
Warren Kirby MP, NSW Parliament, said:
“The Red Shield Appeal is one of Australia’s most powerful expressions of collective compassion, uniting communities to restore dignity, resilience, and hope for those facing hardship. I deeply commend The Salvation Army for leading this enduring national effort, and Multiconnexions for strengthening its impact through meaningful community engagement.”
Sheba Nandkeolyar, CEO of Multiconnexions and recipient of The Salvation Army’s Eva Burrows Award, said:
“We are proud to continue hosting The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal Multicultural Launch for over two decades. ‘Be Hope’ beautifully reflects the essence of multicultural Australia, where generosity transcends cultures, and giving becomes a shared responsibility that brings deeper meaning to our lives.”
Impact Across Australia
Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services, the Salvos provided:
- Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
- More than 1.74 million sessions of care to over 228,000 people in need
- Over 1 million nights of safe accommodation
- More than 1.4 million meals for those accessing homelessness services
To Be Hope by donating to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.
