By Casey Neill
The Salvation Army in Doveton and Dandenong is now more mobile thanks to the donation of a tech-equipped caravan.
Work for the Dole agency Envision Employment Services has been working on refitting caravans to support Salvation Army work across the area.
Dandenong corps officer Captain Stuart McGifford received the van at the Doveton Salvos site on Friday 23 September.
It’s complete with computers and a barbecue.
“It will be an ideal tool for engaging with and supporting our community and referrals to the many services in our area,” Capt McGifford said.
“The Salvos are at their best when they hit the streets and this will be a great way to do just that.
“We also see the van as great tool to build community, draw people together, celebrate and have fun.
“We look forward to working with councils and stakeholders to imagine new ways the Salvation Army can be of service.”
Capt McGifford thanked Envision Employment’s Stephen Murphy, his staff and Work for the Dole participants.
“This is a great outcome for us and the community and the skills acquired by the participants will be invaluable,” he said.
The Journal reported in August that Envision donated a refitted van to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association in Dandenong.
The refurbishment took six months and was completed with funding from the Salvation Army Employment Plus through the Federal Department of Employment.
In July, Envision donated six arcade game units to Dandenong’s Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).
The Federal Department of Employment funded the project through SkillsPlus.
Initially set up in 2002 as Envision Australia, Envision Employment Services is a not-for-profit organisation that directly supports other community providers and more disadvantaged jobseekers through work experience placement and training.
Capt McGifford recently learned he would be moving to the Salvation Army’s Alice Springs headquarters.
The Journal will bring readers an interview with him about his time in Greater Dandenong in coming weeks.
