The Bathurst Branch of the Salvation Army has welcomed a new officer to the regional city.
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Lieutenant Kate Cathcart has been working in far north Queensland for the past four years, but has now been moved on to support the Salvation Army in Bathurst.
She said it was a surprise to be sent to Bathurst, but it was already starting to feel like home.
While this is her first time living in Bathurst, she was born in Dubbo and has an understanding of the needs and lifestyles of people in regional communities.
Lt Cathcart said her primary role will be the minister for the Salvation Army church, but she will also be involved with the family store and assist with administration duties.
As she is still very new to the role, she will be taking some time in the coming weeks to settle in and figure out how she can best help the Salvation Army and Bathurst community moving forward.
“It will be a journey with the local Salvos,” Lt Cathcart said.
At 34 years old, she is set to bring youth and enthusiasm to her role, as well as experience.
“For a lot of officers who have come here,I have had the same experience as they have had, so in theory it shouldn’t be too different,” she said.
She also has some unique life experiences, which she can call upon to help people who may be struggling with a variety of things, including addiction.
“In Dubbo, I worked at a newsagent – which I loved – and spent a lot of my spare time drinking and smoking pot,” Lt Cathcart said.
“Now, it has been nine years and eight months since I last drank and 10 years since using any other substance and I have a newfound freedom.
“A part of my work as an officer in the Salvation Army is to help people who may be struggling with addiction to become free of it. There are many struggles that people face, and we are here to help.
“The vision for The Salvation Army is: Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight, alongside others, to transform Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.
“My hope is that The Salvation Army in Bathurst will continually grow in our ability to live out this vision.”