History
The Australian Inland Mission was established in 1912 by the Rev John Flynn (later founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service) of the Presbyterian Church. The initial focus of AIM was to provide medical services to those living in remote Outback areas.
In the 1930's the AIM relinquished its control over the RFDS. With the formation of the Uniting Church of Australia in 1977, the work of AIM was continued through the Presbyterian Inland Mission and Frontier Services.
Rev. Leonard Daniels
1891 - 1981 The Rev. Leonard Daniels, known as 'the flying padre', is the pioneer of the use of the aeroplane for religious work in Australia.
The Very Rev. Dr. John Flynn
1880 - 1951 John Flynn devoted his life to making Australia's vast inland safer and less isolated.
The Very Rev. Dr. J. Fred McKay
1907 - 2000 In 1934, Rev. Dr. Fred McKay, a newly ordained Presbyterian minister was hoping to pursue theological studies abroad ... but a visit from John Flynn changed the course of his life.
Rev. Neil Gough
1965 - 1966 Reverend Neil Gough volunteered to learn to fly in 1963 in Cobar in a Cessna 150.
Rev. Dr Frank Glen
1967 - 1969 Reverend Dr Frank Glen was from New Zealand and was supposedly 'headhunted' by the Methodist Church to conduct a survey on the viability of a Flying Patrol in the Far West of NSW.
Rev. Russell Thompson
1970 - 1978 In 1970, Reverend Russell Thompson began his service as a Flying Padre with the Far West Mission, based in Cobar.
Rev. Chris Sparks
1979 - 1983 Reverend Chris Sparks obtained his Private Pilot's Licence in the early-mid 1970s.
Rev. David Robinson
1984 - ? Reverend David Robinson and his wife Margaret ministered in the west on two occasions; in the 1970's doing a road patrol working out of Wilcannia in conjunction with the Flying Padre, and then in the 1980's with the Flying Patrol.
Rev. Rob Rutzou
? - 2001 If you have information regarding Reverend Rob Rutzou please contact us.
Rev. John Blair
2002 - 2010 Reverend John Blair was instrumental in securing and establishing the 'Flying Patrol Centre' at the Broken Hill Airport. The hangar is still used today to house the Cessna 182N 'IRM'.
Rev. Jorge Rebolledo
2011 - 2012 The Flying Patrol sponsorship was previously financed by the Methodist Church, and the Uniting Church Presbytery and Synod Board of Mission.
Ps. David Shrimpton
2014 - current Pastor David Shrimpton has held his Private Pilot’s Licence since 2002 and is now the ninth Flying Padre in the Far West.