Chaplains

51 FNQR Chaplain

51 FNQR Chaplain

My Role

The current chaplain to 51 FNQR is CHAP Jim Pearson. I am an ordained minister of the Uniting Church in Australia, and currently serve in a part time capacity with the battalion. My full time job is at Cairns Base Hospital, where I both work as a chaplain and co-ordinate the pastoral care services provided by other denominations in that facility and in Cairns Private Hospital. Prior to coming to Cairns I served with the Regular Army for six years, and before that was a parish minister in New South Wales and Queensland.

The Chaplain or ‘Padre' has a number of functions including;

• attending to the religious needs of defence personnel and their families,
• the conduct of services,
• counselling,
• pastoral care,
• moral and ethical advice, and
• character development and leadership training.

The Chaplain is available for assistance to both serving members and their families, and may refer people on to a number of specialist services when appropriate. In a sense the chaplain is ‘in the system' and yet, if necessary, can stand ‘outside the system.' Of course all discussion is bound by the strict rules of confidentiality that are extended to priests and clergy.

How to contact the Padre:

Phone: 0408 756 364
email: jim.pearson1@defence.gov.au

I share an office with the unit psychologist; it is located on the top floor of the battalion's headquarters building, adjacent to the conference room.

Sally Man

RED SHIELD DEFENCE SERVICES

Supporting Australia's Defence Forces

The Salvation Army Red Shield Defence Services aims to provide practical support with Christian influence to members and families of the Australian Defence Forces.

Mission Statement

• Our role is to provide the Australian Defence Forces with a Christian based ministry of service, in practical, emotional, moral terms.
• To support members and their families in any way we can.
• To be available to support Units and members at all levels both on base, in the field, overseas in peacetime and during hostilities.

Other Services Offered to Soldiers Include:

• Peer support ministry, especially on major exercises or overseas deployment. RSDS officers provide a listening ear, a constant defusing point.
• Interflora service. Officers send flowers on behalf of soldiers to fmaily members at home.
• Support to families/spouses back at the base.
• Access to network of Salvation Army services in towns and cities.
• Preparedness to deploy, overseas if necessary, when requested.
• Visitation to hospitals, giving support to members and staff.
• While RSDS representatives have the privilege of wearing the military uniform, which they do with pride, their philanthropic work is distinct from that of military chaplains