In 2024, the Broken Hill Patrol covered 25,000 km by road and 86 flying hours to serve remote communities through school lessons, church services, prison and police chaplaincy, gymkhanas, and fundraising events — all made possible by supporter generosity.
Children's author Andrew McDonough joined Flying Padre David Shrimpton for the "Three Wise Camels Tour," visiting six remote far west schools over seven days to share stories, run drawing workshops, and build life-size camels — with one Year 6 student declaring, "I don't like drawing, but this has been fun."
n this October 2024 update, Flying Padre David Shrimpton shares highlights from a busy year of ministry across the far west — from guest speaking at a Victorian church fellowship, teaching Scripture in remote schools, accompanying students on an excursion to Sovereign Hill, honouring ANZAC Day, and frying up donuts at outback gymkhanas.
As the Broken Hill Flying Patrol marks 10 years in the far west, Padre David reflects on a busy 2023 of end-of-year school celebrations, a new prison chaplaincy ministry, leading Advent worship, and giving thanks that the Patrol plane survived a 109 km/h windstorm that destroyed the hangar doors.
From police chaplain training in Dubbo to a 10-day CWCI safari across the far west, speaking to 200 at a Hunter Valley fellowship rally, cooking 60 dozen donuts at a School of the Air mini school, and celebrating weddings and baptisms on outback properties, Padre David's 2023 has been full of ministry, community, and connection.