The shortfall was attributed to not doorknocking as many homes as before said Major Dickson.
"Although we have not yet reached our total doorknock goal of $8 million, we are still very hopeful that when people send in their donations this week we will get close to our goal," said Major Dickson. "One of the reasons for the comparative shortfall, compared with this time last year, may rest with our inability to doorknock quite as many homes."
Major Dickson also said that the Salvation Army was grateful to the tens of thousand of volunteers who doorknock over the weekend. He said the Red Shield Appeal was vital in supporting the Salvation Army social program in assisting the less fortunate.
"We thank all Australians who contributed so generously to the Red Shield Appeal this year," said Major Dickson. "We do not take it for granted and without this support we would not able to continue with our wide range of social programmes and community services, assisting those less fortunate in our society."
This year's Red Shield Appeal advertising had featured Australian recording artist Ben Lee's hit song We're all in this together. Major Dickson supported the theme and the song choice saying it celebrates the sense of unity, generosity and support that Australians are famous for.