Following a period of personal reflection and prayer, General Linda Bond has decided that she should relinquish the Office of the General with effect from 13 June 2013. The General’s decision to step down comes after 44 years of ministry.
Last month the chief minister of the Northern Territory, Adam Giles, the first indigenous Australian to hold that office, stated that his government would, if necessary, remove neglected children from Aboriginal families and place them in adopted homes.
On 17 May, The Salvation Army officially opened Foley House in Footscray (Vic.). The facility provides a 24-hour home for 46 people who were previously homeless, as well as case management and support to the residents concerning life issues such as mental health, substance abuse and complex needs.