The Hurstville Salvos Band: Music in ministry

Early beginnings

In 1900, Sister Florrie Mulley rejoiced that “the drum has at last arrived!”, joining three existing instruments at Hurstville.

By 1920 the Hurstville Citadel Band was officially formed with Bandmaster Wilfred Graham and four bandsmen. Within two years there were 12 players and a full set of instruments.

Humour and camaraderie were part of the culture, captured in The H.S.A.C.B. Triumphonic Journal, a handwritten “publication” filled with wit from the bandsmen.

Growth after the World War II

The Band grew rapidly after WWII, touring country towns including Grenfell, Junee, Singleton, and Queanbeyan.

In 1953, Hurstville took part in a landmark Sydney Town Hall Congress where 200 bandsmen and 180 songsters performed together. The following year, the Band broadcast from Lithgow on Radio 2LT.

1960s–1970s: Local traditions and outreach

In 1960 the Band toured Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell, leading marches and filling town halls.

A new tradition began in 1966 with Carols on the Rooftop at Hurstville Railway Station. Crowds grew to over 1,000 by 1974, making it a much-loved Christmas highlight.

In 1970, the Band joined an open-air campaign with Paddington Corps in Kings Cross, bringing music and ministry into the streets.

Overseas tours begin

Papua New Guinea (1971)

The Band’s first international tour took them to PNG, where they donated instruments, joined Congress meetings, and even travelled by the first bus ever to reach Boregaina village.

Tonga and Fiji (1974 & 1976)

In 1974, at the invitation of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, the Band played to packed churches and joined Suva’s Hibiscus Festival parade. They returned in 1976, marching nearly 5km in the rain.

Indonesia and Singapore (1979)

The Band supported Salvation Army homes and projects, donating funds and performing concerts.

Philippines and Korea (1984)

A tour under Dr Ron Smart included a moving Seoul concert where their piece Faith Reborn resonated with audiences divided by the Korean conflict.

1990s: Missionary outreach to Africa

In 1995, the Band and Timbrels toured Africa, running a youth music camp in Harare, leading Easter worship, and visiting an AIDS hospital for children.

Celebrating 90 years

In 2010, the Band marked its 90th anniversary with concerts, a mission trip to Forster/Tuncurry, and a Celebration Weekend alongside Adelaide’s Ingle Farm Band.

Recent years

In 2022, Hurstville Band joined the Georges River Band and NSW Emergency Services Band for a community concert.

Today

For more than a century, the Hurstville Citadel Band has been central to the Corps’ ministry — leading worship, touring, and sharing God’s message through music. Faces and styles may change, but the mission remains the same: to witness and inspire through music.