Changes announced in Chaplains’ branch

Navy’s first female chaplain Deborah Dunn will be doing Reserve work at HMAS Stirling.

The Naval chaplaincy branch has undergone some big changes recently with the announcement of its first female chaplain and the promotion of two senior chaplains.

CHAP Deborah Dunn, who will be found undertaking Reserve work at HMAS Stirling, was ordained as an Anglican minister in 1999.

Raised in Kwinana, south of Perth, CHAP Dunn has had a career as a mother, computer business partner as well as priest. With a degree in Information Science and a particular interest in mental health and spirituality, she hopes to bring her experiences and a new perspective to this important branch.

A sailor who began his career in 1968 as an ABETC, has just been named to head the RAN’s chaplains.

He is father of four, DGCHAP Eric Burton.

In addition to being appointed the Director General of Navy Chaplains, DGCHAP is also promoted to the rank of Principal Chaplain.

He moves from the position of Command Chaplain to take up the role and will relocate from Sydney to Canberra.

DGCHAP Burton is expected to be elevated further in the Anglican Church when he will be made an Archdeacon in March.

There was also a promotion and change of role for the SYSCOM Chaplain, Monsignor Brian.

PCHAP Rayner is promoted to Principal Chaplain and becomes the Command Chaplain.

• By LEUT Tom Lewis & LSCISSM Rachel Irving

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