Katherine Patrol

Katherine, Northern Territory

Late in 2003 the small, local Uniting Church voted to close with most saying they were 'worn out' from trying to look after themselves with limited wider pastoral support (they had not had a full time minister for some time). However the most recent census indicated that there were 792 people who identified themselves as nominally Uniting Church in the region.

This showed that there was potential for a faith community and the need to support the many Uniting Church families and individuals on surrounding stations and communities.

Rev Mitch Fialkowski was inducted into the Katherine Patrol in March 2006. He now visits stations and communities and is involved in chaplaincy, particularly with the Army Reserve.

Mitch is gradually growing a significant ministry to the people of this region.