Palmerston Probus prides itself on the calibre of its guest speakers, and April’s meeting proved no exception. Members welcomed the “Flying Padre”, Major Niall Gibson, who, alongside his wife Major Michelle Gibson, delivered a fascinating presentation on the work of the Salvation Army’s Rural & Remote Chaplaincy Service—surely one of the largest “parishes” in Australia.
The story began with Victor Pedersen, who, during World War II, served at RAAF Truscott in Western Australia. Recognising the vast isolation of northern communities, he purchased a surplus Tiger Moth aircraft and quite literally took ministry to the skies.
Today, that legacy continues across remote regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The service provides pastoral care, along with baptisms, weddings, funerals and practical support to those living on isolated stations and in far-flung communities.
As Niall explained, a call for help can see the chaplains airborne in short order—modern aircraft replacing the Tiger Moth, but the mission unchanged. Their message is simple: no matter how remote, no one is beyond reach.
And when the Flying Padre lands, a cuppa is still very much part of the service—just be sure to put the kettle on.