From Narrabri to the outback, bush chaplain supporting people in need

Traversing the state between Narrabri and the outback, and all areas in between, is all in a day’s work for Frontier Services bush chaplain Noel Williams.

Mr Williams, who previously served as a chaplain in the Royal Australian Air Force, has based himself in Narrabri to support people in some of the most remote areas of the state.

“I’ve always had an affinity with the bush,” Mr Williams said.

“I could get called out to a farming family in crisis and I do what I can for people.

“That is to provide emotional support to people.”

During his travels which span the Queensland border boundary and south to Dubbo and then the western regions of NSW, Mr Williams always ensures he has a few tools handy ready to pitch in and help farmers.

“I always keep my welding helmet and gear in the car, at all times,” he said.

Mr Williams served as a Navy chaplain for 40 years and at the end of his tenure, he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his hat.

“I’ve always enjoyed spending time in rural areas and working with people in the bush,” he said.

“People might call out to Frontier Services for volunteers.

Mr Williams said sometimes this support could be as simple as needing extra hands for fencing or building a shed.

“Sometimes it’s just being there to bring a bit of encouragement,” he said.

When major flooding was experienced in Narrabri Shire last year and an evacuation centre was established at The Crossing Theatre, Mr Williams was there ready to provide support.

The nature of his chaplaincy work means he often comes across people facing tragic circumstances in life.

Adversity in life is something familiar for Mr Williams who was 17-years-old when his father died suddenly.

“There was never any grief counselling then,” he said.

Now, helping people with grief is front and centre with his role as a bush chaplain.

Running a sheep farm has also meant Mr Williams knows too well the struggles experienced by people on the land when it comes to floods, fires and droughts.

“I know what it’s like,” he said.

His experience in the Navy has also involved trying situations.

Mr Williams conducted a service at Gallipoli during a time of tension in the Dardenelles with Syria and Turkey.

“There were gunshots in the background. It was quite scary,” he said.

“We had to sleep on Anzac Cove that night. It was quite intense.

“Long range sniping is not unexpected.

“It was quite tense politically.

“It took me a little while to get over that.”

Despite the intense situation, Mr Williams appreciates the different perspective he has from his time at Gallipoli.

“Walking through the trenches … it does give you another perspective,” he said.

“The Turkish are so friendly to Australians.

“It is a heart-wrenching but beautiful experience.”

So, what is in a day’s work for Mr Williams as a Frontier Services bush chaplain?

“I generally have a lot of people that I will see,” he said.

“I could be calling in to speak to owners of rural shops.

“It might be meeting with farming type industries.

“Or I could be talking to schools at places like Hermidale or Gulargambone.”

The long distances between towns and villages in remote areas has meant that in the space of several months, Mr Williams has already clocked up 28,000 kilometres.

“I’m on the road every week,” he said.

“I do try to be here in Narrabri at least one week in the month.

“I like Narrabri, it’s a lovely place. I feel like I’m home here.

“People are friendly and accepting here.

“When I go from Narrabri to other areas, I feel like the Narrabri community is behind me.”

His chaplaincy aside, Mr Williams works with the Uniting Church presbytery and synod.

“I do love the teaching side of things,” he said.

“The support out in the bush when people understand what the bush chaplain does, something just appeals to people.”