What is the Salvation army and what do they do?
The Salvation army (or Salvos as they are called in Australia) is a non-military Christian based charity and social services organization, the salvos started in the UK over a century ago and operates today in over 111 countries around the world, basically they fight poverty and try to provide food and shelter to the poor, the organisation is built on a semi-military order (with ranks and uniforms etc).
In the past the Salvos have helped in disaster reliefs such as earthquakes and tsunami's, launching national appeals to raise money for the poor especially around Christmas time, they also have seniors homes and childcare centres around Australia.
The Salvation Army is well-known for its network of thrift stores or charity shops, which raise money for its charitable and religious activities by selling donated (generally used) items such as clothing, housewares and toys. The Salvation Army has a history of free rehabilitation from alcohol and drug abuse.
Can I contact the Australian Salvation Army?
When you arrive to Australia you will most probably need to be very careful with how to spend your money and a good place to start might be the Salvos thrift shops, they offer anything and everything that is needed in a small home.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul's organisation is much smaller than the Salvation army in Australia although they provide the same main services, the main difference between the two of them is that the Salvation army is based on Protestant Christianity while St. Vincent de Paul is Catholic. However an important aspect about both organizations is that they rarely preach or talk about religions, in fact I personally know several non-Christians working within the Salvation army.
Members of volunteer organisations in Australia
Currently there are 40,000 members of St. Vincent de Pauls in Australia, both organisations encourage new comers to join their ranks to help the poor and anyone in need, I suggest it might be an excellent way to integrate into the Australian community while also doing good and making a better Australia.
Life in Australia 
