wfn.org | ACNS3637 Bali honours for Chaplains

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3637     |     AUSTRALIA	  |	17 OCTOBER 2003 

Bali honours for Chaplains

[ACNS source: Religious Media Agency] On Friday 17 October, Bali Honours
were announced for 199 recipients, arising out of the Bali tragedy on 12
October 2002.

The official statement reads: "These awards recognise the range of
service undertaken by community members to help those in distress.

"In addition to honours awarded to many at the scene who acted without
hesitation in such grave circumstances, others recognised include those
who in the immediate aftermath and in the weeks that followed performed
in outstanding capacities to assist survivors and their families."

We acknowledge there could be many with church connections amongst the
recipients but there was no indication of this information in the
background material received. Sincerest congratulations go to such
people.

However, amongst those honoured were two Chaplains, who received the
Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM).

Senior Chaplain Richard Thompson RAN (of the Catholic denomination),
based at the Command Chaplains Office, Garden Island Navy Base, New
South Wales, "for outstanding service in the provision of pastoral and
administrative support to the relief effort in support of Operation BALI
ASSIST, directly after the bombings in October 2002". His care of the
families of the bereaved, survivors, consular staff and other chaplains,
along with his subsequent careful and detailed analysis of the incident,
demonstrated the finest qualities of chaplaincy.

(Army) Chaplain Haydn Michele Swinbourn (of the Anglican denomination),
based at Durack, Northern Territory "for outstanding service in the
provision of pastoral support to families and friends of missing and
deceased, assistance to next-of-kin in the identification of loved ones,
and pastoral support to deployed members of Operation BALI ASSIST,
October 2002". His tireless efforts fostered the emotional and spiritual
healing of the many victims he became associated with during the Bali
tragedy.

The Chair of the Council for the Order of Australia, the Honourable Sir
James Gobbo AC CVO, commented, "There can be nothing but the highest
praise and sincere thanks for those who are recognised today for their
extraordinary and unstinting service to assist and support those
affected by the tragedy."

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