Anglican Bishop to the ADF, Dr Tom Frame, and Principal Naval Chaplain, Simon Hubbard, do the honours, 'pinning up' Bishop Freier. Photograph by WO Geoff Fox

Philip Freier, the Anglican Bishop of Darwin, was a little concerned about the level of pastoral care that might be available for the increasing numbers of Defence personnel in Darwin and RAAF Tindal near Katherine.

A quick call to RAAF Principal Chaplain Royce Thompson quickly found the solution. Philip Freier was 'pinned up' as the RAAF's newest Chaplain on 11 December, as a Special Reserve Squadron Leader attached to Darwin's 13 Squadron. 'As the youngest priest in the Dioceses I thought I'd better set the example,' he said after the simple ceremony.

Bishops are normally offered two-star rank but Bishop Freier said ministering to Defence members and their families was more important to him than worrying about status. Senior 'pinner upper' was Bishop Tom Frame, en route from East Timor via Darwin. Principal Naval Chaplain Simon Hubbard gave him a hand.

There are around 14,000 Defence personnel and their dependents in the Top End. They form around seven per cent of the Top End's population and around 14 per cent of Darwin's. Defence is now the Top End's second biggest industry after mining and before tourism. Defence salaries alone put some $300 million into the economy each year.

Story by Steve Ridgway