Top End to host anniversary weekend
- deansimpson7
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
The Salvation Army Australia will soon celebrate 80 years of the Flying Padre Service, which has provided aerial assistance and pastoral care to those living in remote and isolated parts of the country since its beginnings in 1945.
For 80 years, The Salvation Army Flying Padre Service has been a steadfast source of support and care for remote communities across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication of the many chaplains who have taken to the skies to ensure that even the most isolated individuals receive wraparound care during some of the most challenging and important moments of their lives.
To mark the occasion, The Salvation Army is hosting a series of events in Darwin and Katherine, Northern Territory, in September.
On 20 September, The Salvation Army is hosting a private function for VIPs, media and guests at the Heritage Aviation Museum, which contains a replica of the aircraft used by Brigadier Vic Pedersen, who began the Flying Padre Service. This event is invitation-only.
On 21 September, The Salvation Army will conduct a Commemorative Service at Darwin Corps, featuring a speech by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas.
On 22 September, The Salvation Army will be hosting an invitation-only Open Day at Wally’s in Katherine, where supporters will be publicly thanked and refreshments provided by the Red Shield Defence Services truck.
Key Dates
• Saturday 20 September: private function ‘invitation only’ event for VIPs, media and guests in Darwin
Lunchtime – 11:30am, 30-minute ceremony for a half lunch
• Sunday 21 September: Commemorative Service at Darwin Corps
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas to speak
• Monday 22 September: Invitation Only/Open Day at Wally’s in Katherine
Thank-you event for supporters
Thank-you speech from Major Paul Hateley
Morning tea/lunchtime refreshments provided by the RSDS truck
