The Palmerston Probus Club prides itself on the calibre of its guest speakers, and April’s meeting proved no exception. The club 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 Rural and Remote Chaplaincy Service—surely one of the largest “parishes” in Australia.
The story began with Victor Pedersen, who, during World War Two, served at RAAF Truscott. 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 Major Gibson explained, a call for help can see the chaplains airborne in short order—modern aircraft now replacing the Tiger Moth, but the mission unchanged. Their message is simple: no matter how remote, no one is beyond reach.
Just be sure to put the kettle on—because when the Flying Padre lands, a cup of tea is still very much part of the service.