By Pam Kiriakidis
Captain Michael Nally entered the Salvation Army solving IT problems, but decided to close his computer and take action by committing to ministry training.
Nine years later, Mr Nally has resigned as a Salvation Army corps officer in Broadford, fulfilling his mission to serve others through the lens of Christianity.
“We had a vision of transforming the community, transforming lives to provide hope [and] to share love,” he said.
On September 25, Mr Nally shared a final farewell with other long-serving members, participating in a last service and meal.
“It was a beautiful time to reflect on the work that’s happened for the community through the Salvation Army, at least in my time for the last nine years,” Mr Nally said.
Area officer Kelly Walker who worked alongside Mr Nally this year said the service on Sunday was an opportunity for members to share their thoughts with those committed to the organisation.
“There was a huge amount of effort put in to say goodbye to them and to be able to thank them for everything that he’s been able to do,” Ms Kelly said.
Mr Nally described his service to the community in three parts – material aid, worship, and through a thrift shop where locals can recycle their belongings.
He said watching people receive a glimmer of hope after visiting the Salvation Army was a highlight, as their experiences matched his own intention to transform people’s lives.
“I was looking after the Doorways program – everything from interviews through to ordering through to volunteer management,” he said.
“I’ve certainly seen people walk through our doors in a crisis and walk away having a bit more hope, I think that’s probably the greatest.
“Seeing people who weren’t really aware of what sort of support we provided, and then going ‘wow we’ve actually got somewhere to go from here’.”
The times were tough, but Mr Nally managed to serve his community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said it was a challenge to deliver services between lockdowns, however, through a group effort, Mr Nally carried out his mission to encourage others to bond.
“It actually did get busier, but the way we had to handle it was different. It was all contactless deliveries, a various material of aid, and a lot of phone calls, a lot of zoom meetings,” he said.
“Even though it was social distancing, we were going to play a part in making sure people remained connected and that no one was left out.”
Although Ms Kelly was unable to watch Captain Nally in action during the pandemic, she saw enough this year to understand his passion for the community.
“We saw him continue to stick up for the little guy, to just want to see the Broadford community flourish and do really well. He’s got a real heart for the community; he loves living in Broadford,” she said.
“He’s an easygoing guy and just continues to really support those who don’t always feel like they get support.”
Ms Kelly said the future of the Salvation Army in Broadford was yet to be confirmed, but that the organisation wanted to maintain a presence in Mitchell Shire.
“We’re looking at how things can work in a new way for the whole state for each community that is represented in that space,” she said.
“It means it’s going to be a broader picture than the community of Broadford. The Broadford community is going to be included in that, but it’s not just the community, it’s across the Mitchell Shire.”
