"Human need hasn't changed," he told the Daily Liberal.

"In modern times it just looks different to the way it did all those years ago in the east end of London."

The movement was started by pioneers William and Catherine Booth in 1865.

Ahead of their time, the Booths abandoned the conventional concept of a church and pulpit and demonstrated their faith by offering practical support to people in need on the streets.

The name Salvation Army was adopted by deed poll in 1880.

In the same year the Salvation Army began in Australia, when builder John Gore and railway worker Edward Saunders started preaching and offering meals on the back of a cart in Adelaide's botanic park.

"From humble beginnings the Salvation Army grew rapidly in Australia," Lieutenant Townsend said.

"The Salvos have always been there to lend a helping hand in everyday situations and times of trouble and disaster.

"Our organisation has garnered a fair bit of respect and support through front line involvement during wars, fires, flood, public disaster and also in times of private grief through personal tragedy."

Lieutenant Townsend is proud of the spirit and ministry displayed by Salvation Army personnel in Australia and internationally.

"There have been wonderful people like Fighting Mac (William McKenzie, one of the first chaplains ashore at Gallipoli)," he said.

"Mac joined soldiers on the front line and provided tea, coffee and comfort.

"Locally, I am inspired by Arthur McIlveen who went door-to-door in Dubbo offering help during the 1919 pneumonic influenza pandemic.

"Salvation Army officers like these prominent men continue to inspire us today as we do all we can to assist people in individual and community crisis."

Lieutenant Townsend was born in a town just outside Wagga Wagga and moved to Sydney at the age of 18 months.

He grew up in a Salvation Army family and after completing his schooling spent 20 years working in drug and alcohol and homelessness programs in inner city Sydney and Wollongong.

Called to become a Salvation Army officer, he attended training college in Sydney.

Dubbo is the first corps posting for Lieutenant Townsend and his wife Tamaryn. They have been here for 18 months.

Between 50 and 60 Salvation Army members attend services each Sunday.

A community centre in Gipps Street (located behind the church) assists people with material aid, case management and financial counselling.

The Salvos Family Store in Darling Street provides clothing, books and bric-a-brac at affordable prices.

The sale of goods generates money for local programs.

The Salvation Army emergency services trailer and trained personnel are ready to respond in times of fire, flood or disaster.

"We are always looking for more volunteers to help with everything we do," Lieutenant Townsend said.

"Volunteers don't have to be members of the Salvation Army."

The Salvation Army brass band plays for church services and also takes part in Christmas carolling and performances at nursing homes.

Lieutenant Townsend, a tuba player in the band, said the Salvation Army's work extended from court chaplaincy and youth programs to counselling and treatment services.

"We get inundated by people seeking assistance with gambling and drug and alcohol problems," he said.

"Salvation Army rehabilitation and treatment centres are nearly always full and have waiting lists."

Lieutenant Townsend said drug and alcohol addiction was a massive issue in Dubbo and surrounds and throughout the greater north-west region of NSW.

"The lack of drug and alcohol services is a major concern and I call on government and non-government agencies, including the Salvation Army, to work together to provide a better response," he said.

"Drug and alcohol use may not be greater (than other areas) but services are far less accessible.

"A lot of drug and alcohol services, particularly treatment and rehabilitation centres, are based in the coastal region of Sydney, Newcastle and northern NSW.

"There is nothing really in the way of treatment in north-western NSW.

"I would love to see a treatment facility established in Dubbo. The need is massive."