New national Salvation Army leaders visit the Salvos Project

The Salvation Army’s new national leaders are New Zealanders with special links to Melbourne.

Mr Nottle walked from Melbourne to Canberra in 2017 to raise awareness of homelessness. Picture: Tony Gough

The Salvation Army’s new national leaders are based in Melbourne.

Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson visited the Salvos Project 614 centre in Bourke St to meet locals who have helped the religious charity with its work.

The New Zealand couple have two sons living in Melbourne, with Mr Donaldson saying “this is a special place for us as a family”.

Maj Brendan Nottle (left) with new Salvos national leader Commissioner Robert Donaldson, David Emerson from Collingwood Football Club, Commissioner Janine Donaldson and Maj Sandra Nottle.

Mr Donaldson paid tribute to the work of Project 614 leaders Brendan and Sandra Nottle in overseeing the care and support of the homeless and vulnerable.

“The Salvation Army can only do what it does through the support of people in its work,” he said.

“It’s an incredible support base that means people like Brendan and Sandra can lead what they lead here.”

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Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood praised the Salvos for their long-term commitment to the city’s vulnerable.

“The Salvos have not just been doing this for a day, not just doing this for a week...they’ve literally been doing this for years and years,” he said.

The Donaldsons were presented with Collingwood football jumpers as the club is a key sponsor of Project 614 and Magpies Nest services.

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