News

The Stretch RAP builds on the foundation of The Salvation Army Australia’s first national ‘Innovate’ RAP. With the completion of the three-year ‘Innovate’ stage in 2024, the new artwork symbolises the beginning of the next phase — the ‘Stretch’ stage — and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

The Salvation Army has committed to six key focus areas as part of its Stretch RAP:

• Truth telling
• Social justice and advocacy
• RAP database
• Cultural safety
• Reconciliation Allied Guuyung
• Sorry Business

Voice of the artists

An excerpt from a statement written by the artists, Sue Hodges, Glenn Westwood and James Algeo, explains the collaborative process behind the piece.

“This is our journey — blackfulla and whitefulla business. We have Gumbi (listened) and we Bianga (yarned), and now we go back to our Guuyungs (camps) and start this healing together. Creator God wants us to heal, reconcile and work together. As Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9, The Voice).”

To watch the animation exploring the creation and meaning behind the artwork, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWCQoQ11HyI

To learn more about The Salvation Army’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, please visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/commitment-to-reconciliation/