By Sarah Schwager
PAKENHAM’S Salvation Army Community Church has changed hands, with a young couple ready to make their way in Pakenham.
The Salvation Army captains Christopher and Catherine Garcia and son Spencer, 3, moved to Pakenham two weeks ago and have been blown away by the area’s community spirit.
“It’s such a lovely community. We are very excited to be a part of it,” Mr Garcia said.
He said they were surprised at the number of houses that had been built since they had last been in the area.
The couple has spent the last two years in New Norfolk in Tasmania, a small rural town.
Before moving to Tasmania they lived in Cranbourne for two years and Parkville for a year.
But they said they were glad to be back in Victoria.
“It’s such a great place for families,” Mrs Garcia said.
The pair takes over from Graeme and Alison Eastley, who ran the church for the last seven years.
Mr Garcia said they were looking forward to making friends and settling into the area. Mrs Garcia invited locals to come around and meet them and have a cup of tea.
The Pakenham Salvation Army Community Church is located at 51 Bald Hill Road.
The church also offers emergency relief.