What’s happening?
The Salvation Army in Central Queensland is calling on the Rockhampton community to support the 61st Red Shield Appeal. Running throughout May and culminating in the Red Shield Weekend on 24 and 25 May 2025, this appeal raises funds to help locals facing severe hardship.
Why it matters?
Many in Central Queensland are grappling with unaffordable living costs, housing stress, and financial insecurity. Local fundraising efforts will directly support Rockhampton residents most in need.
Local Impact
“The last few years have been incredibly tough for the hardest hit in our community… but we cannot do this without the ongoing and loyal support of the community,” said Rendle Williams of The Salvation Army.
He added, “There is no better way to support your community than by donating or volunteering to the Red Shield Appeal this year… We can’t do our work in the community without you.”
By the Numbers:
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76.8% of Queenslanders say housing affordability and homelessness are their top concerns (Salvos’ Social Justice Stocktake 2024).
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60.6% identified financial hardship and exclusion as the second biggest issue in the state.
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Nationally, the Salvos helped one person every 17 seconds last year through 2,000 services and 400 centres.
Zoom In
Locals can get involved in many ways—volunteering at shopping centres, collecting donations at workplaces or schools, organising events, door knocking, or starting an online fundraiser. The money raised in Rockhampton will stay in Rockhampton.
Zoom Out
This is part of The Salvation Army’s national target to raise $38 million during Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal. Across the country, the Salvos delivered over 1.76 million care sessions, provided over 1.1 million bed nights, and served more than 1.5 million meals last year.
What to look for next?
Expect to see local fundraising events and volunteer drives ramp up throughout May in the lead-up to Red Shield Weekend on 24 and 25 May. Visit salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal or call 13 SALVOS to donate or get involved.
