The Salvos' Flying Padre celebrates 80 years of service to Australia's northern most remote communities

The Salvation Army’s Flying Padre service is celebrating 80 years of reaching outback families across the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia marking the milestone with community events in Katherine and Darwin.

Since 1945, the Flying Padre has been a vital link for people living in some of the most remote parts of the country, offering pastoral care, practical support, and a listening ear to those who often go weeks without face-to-face contact.

The anniversary event will bring together current and former Flying Padres who have taken to the skies over the decades, families supported by the service, sharing their stories of life in isolation, and local community members gathering to celebrate this unique piece of Australian history.

“For 80 years the Flying Padre has been more than a flight, it’s been a lifeline. We’re honoured to celebrate the families and communities who have welcomed us into their lives.” says Peter Sampson, the External Communications Manager for the Northern Territory.

“The Flying Padre embodies what the Salvos are about, going the extra mile, sometimes quite literally, to reach people where they are. This milestone is a moment to honour the past and look ahead to the future.” Sampson adds.

Darwin Event Details

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Welcome: 11:30am
Lunch: 12:30pm
Speakers: There will be a number of testimonial speakers, politicians and Salvos speaking during the event
Location: Darwin Aviation Museum

Katherine Event Details

Date: Monday 22nd September 2025
Start: 11:30am
Speakers: Honorable Jo Hersey will be speaking during the event
Location: Wally’s Airstrip, Katherine

Media are welcome to attend the event, there will be interview opportunities with Padres, families and community leaders as well as aircraft, community gathering, archive photo display vision.