Salvo Greats, past and present
The Salvation Army in the Shellharbour/Kiama area has produced its fair share of outstanding Salvationists and supporters.
An early supporter of The Salvation Army in Kiama, Mr Robert Booth, is credited with giving the Salvos in Kiama a significant amount of money towards its first hall which was opened in 1888.
Present-day heroes include Graeme Packer (pictured), considered “Mr Salvation Army” in Kiama after moving there to retire more than 15 years ago. A lifelong Salvationist of 70-plus years, Graeme heads up The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal collection in Kiama. In addition, Graeme organises the Shellharbour Salvation Army band to play at Anzac Day marches and dawn services each year, and community-run Christmas carol programs at Kiama and nearby Jamberoo. He also organises Salvation Army social and welfare workers to address various service clubs in Kiama to ensure they get the message about the Army’s work. In a place where there is no official Salvation Army presence, Graeme brings The Salvation Army to town.
