Pilbara Patrol

Tom Price, Western Australia

This patrol is based in Tom Price in Western Australia . The Patrol Minister is the Reverend Judy Knowling, who visits small communities such as Marble Bar and Nullagine. Judy also visits pastoral stations, some Aboriginal communities and the rangers in Karijini National Park .

There are also small mining operations working a range of mineral deposits in isolated areas and associated with the region are a few small but growing tourist attractions. It is a region of rugged beauty which tourists love.

Ministry commenced in the area in the early 1900's. A hospital was built in Port Hedland by the AIM in 1915 and it became the base both for a congregation and an extended patrol ministry. The first patrol ministry was commenced
by the Methodist Church in 1927 and covered Port Hedland to Marble Bar.

The weather is extreme in these areas. Summer temperatures are a constant 38 - 48 degrees with excessive humidity (almost 100%) and cyclones likely to occur between the months of November-March. These extreme climatic conditions add additional pressure and stress to people as they live in these remote areas.

The Patrol Minister supports those living in the more remote areas of the Pilbara and also offers ministry and leadership to those involved in a variety of community groups/activities in Tom Price. A Catholic sister and Judy had been the only people providing full-time ministry in the area for sometime, however. More recently, a Baptist minister has been appointed to Tom Price.