Colonels John and Lani Chamness join the Australian team as key executive leaders, with John stepping in as Chief Secretary and Lani as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries.
The pair now drives the daily operations of The Salvation Army across the country, ensuring the organisation’s mission reaches every corner of Australia, including the organisation’s extensive social services, community programs and emergency relief efforts. Their appointment comes after years of service in multiple countries, giving them broad perspective on both mission work and community support operations.
A Lifetime of Service on the Frontline
Colonel John Chamness has led teams across several international regions, while Colonel Lani Chamness has spent her career building community programs that truly make a difference. Together, they have worked in diverse neighbourhoods to tackle the heart of hardship, from homelessness and addiction to family violence.
Their time overseas includes leading emergency relief and long-term support projects in areas where the Salvos provide a vital safety net. This global experience translates directly to the Aussie frontline, empowering our local teams to deliver practical care where it’s needed most.
Backing Australia’s Largest Support Network
The Salvation Army operates hundreds of centres across Australia, providing emergency accommodation, meal programs, financial counseling, addiction recovery services and disaster relief. In these roles, they manage the national strategy and allocate the resources that keep our local programs running smoothly.
The Sydney-based territorial headquarters coordinates responses to natural disasters, manages funding for social programs and develops policies that guide how local Salvation Army centres respond to community needs. John and Lani now guide this vast network, keeping the Salvos firmly focused on backing Australia’s most vulnerable people through every hardship.
Their leadership begins as the Salvation Army continues addressing increased demand for emergency relief, housing support and family services across Australian communities. The organisation operates major facilities in areas including Redfern, Surry Hills and surrounding inner-city suburbs where homelessness and social disadvantage remain persistent challenges.
Published 9-February-2026.
