General News
3 March, 2026
New chapter for the Salvos
THE Salvation Army has increased its commitment to the Stawell community with the recent opening of a new Holistic Centre. Around 30 people attended the official opening of the Salvo’s Holistic Centre at 35 Cooper Street on Saturday the 28th of February.
Divisional Commander Major Mal Davies said the new centre will help the Salvos continue their work and commitment to the Stawell community.
“This is a fantastic place. As I walked through before, I couldn’t help but think about the opportunities that will occur here, the different sorts of rooms, the larger rooms, the kitchen space, the fantastic outdoor area, there is so much activity that can occur here,” he said.
“The Salvation Army has operated here (in Stawell) for over 140 years and has always had a presence in this town. I’ve been in the Salvos all of my life and I remember coming to Stawell donkeys years ago so it’s lovely to see there is an ongoing ministry here with the Salvation Army,” he said.
The new centre has been established in response to the needs of Stawell and surrounding communities.
The Salvos say the Holistic Centre is intended to be a place where people can drop in, feel heard and supported, emotionally, physically and spiritually, in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“More than simply a building, the centre represents a renewed commitment to serving the district with dignity, care and purpose,” Major Jacky Targett said.
Major Mal Davies said the Holistic Centre is a new way for the Salvos to meet the needs of the local community.
“When I grew up in the Salvos, they looked pretty much the same. You could go to a Salvo place in Thornbury or Stawell or in Warrnambool or Bendigo and they all looked pretty much the same. As soon as you walked in, you thought I have no idea about what is different here, I don’t know if I’m in the middle of Box Hill or Wodonga, because they all looked fairly similar.
“But in recent years, there has been a real awareness for the Salvation Army to be relevant in their context, they need to be relevant to their local community, they need to provide a place and a program that works in with folks around it. It means that Salvation Army officers like Jacky have been able to be much more creative and innovative as to what sort of Salvation Army we want in Stawell,” he said.
“I pray that you will all continue to support Jacky in her leadership here and that you will continue to pray too for the ministry that will happen here in this place,” Major Davies said.
Cr Jenny Greenberger attended Saturday’s opening and praised the Salvation Army for their vision for Stawell.
“This space was designed to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive, qualities that are especially important in a small town like ours. When people feel connected, supported and cared for, our entire community becomes stronger for it.
“What makes this centre so special is the breadth of programs and the spirit behind them. From community meals and men’s breakfasts, to men’s and women’s groups, cooking classes, art groups, care for a cuppa, Lunch and Munch, bible study, home church, prayer groups, pastoral care, and Cuppa and Yarn, this centre recognises that wellbeing is not one‑size‑fits‑all,” Cr Greenberger said.
“What is being created here is something truly valuable for Stawell and it is a credit to everyone who has had a hand in bringing it to life.”
“Congratulations on this wonderful new chapter and thank you for the care and hope you bring to the Stawell community,” she said.
Read More: Stawell