General News
10 January, 2025
Stobie’s begin next chapter
After five years as captains at the Maryborough Salvation Army, pastors Ronald and Amy Stobie ended their roles on Wednesday.
Following their many successful projects throughout Maryborough, the Salvation Army has repositioned them to different roles in their hometown of Melbourne.
The pair began their work in Maryborough in 2020 after achieving their rank of captaincy in Perth.
“We didn’t really know where Maryborough was, it’s not somewhere I had ever been before,” Mr Stobie said.
But they had already begun providing community support as the pandemic started.
“Our main onsite programs like welfare and support had to be flipped upside down in 24 hours,” Mr Stobie said.
“We had five weeks of church and everything shut down. We didn’t know anyone, but we have come through the other end and seen lots of growth.”
In 2021, the Maryborough Salvation Army installed their playground as a public space for families during the pandemic.
“It’s been four years now, it’s great just having a safe space for people to be outside and connect,” Ms Stobie said.
The couple have also enjoyed seeing the wider community get involved in their support projects, including flood relief in 2022.
“In the times where we have set up relief centres for floods, we saw how the community came around to support that space,” Mr Stobie said.
They also expanded youth programs and have seen more families join.
“In our time here, we have seen new people coming to faith, people finding friendship and have seen our operations increase,” Mr Stobie said.
“Starting Pancake Church has been a fun part of what we do every month, seeing kids that we started with growing, those moments have been very memorable.”
During their 2024 Red Shield Appeal, they raised more funds than in the history of the project in Maryborough.
Later that year, they held their biggest Christmas Carols service.
“Our recent carols on Christmas Eve was our biggest one that we have ever had, so our last Christmas here was really memorable,” Ms Stobie said.
“But seeing people’s lives change has been our biggest moment.”
“We have been pretty happy with the five years that we have been able to spend here, it’s a great community.”
After their change of appointment on January 8, Mr Stobie will be working a position based in the Salvation Army Territorial Head Quarters in Blackburn. Ms Stobie will begin a role as chaplain at James Barker House, an aged care home in Melbourne run by the Salvation Army.
Ms Stobie said that while they are looking forward to returning to Melbourne, Maryborough will always be special.
“Maryborough is the longest I’ve ever lived in one space my whole life, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts, we have seen so much happen,” Ms Stobie said.
It’s a sentiment Mr Stobie shares.
“We have really enjoyed our time here, we think this is a very special community, and we will continue to pray that the community grows stronger in itself, it’s quite a nice place to be,” he said.