Revd. Gunnar Rippon was guest speaker, locum priest in residence Anglican Parish of Numurkah-Nathalia.
Gunnar explained the name Gunnar was not a nickname but a Swedish name from his father's side.
Born in 1943 in N.E. England, eldest of three boys. Educated locally, becoming a builder's laborer after finishing school. Joined the London Metropolitan Police Force and served for 2 years before returning to Northumberland to be married in 1965. Studied to be a mining surveyor. In 1968 flew to Australia. Taken around Australia in mining industry, Pine Creek, Cairns, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
Served a 3 year contract in Zambia. After serving in mining industry from 1968 to 1997 was retrenched.
Called to be a priest, priested on 3rd June 2001 in Bunbury. Priestly life took him from W.A. to S.A., QLD, Southern Victoria then Shepparton.
Serving in the Diocese of Wangaratta, assistant priest in Shepparton, locum priest, including Numurkah in 2018, them Beechworth before coming back to Numurkah for three years.
Many highlights including abseiling as a bonding exercise, gave a great adrenaline rush.
In Zambia copper mines working 6,000 feet underground, air so hot had to be refrigerated.
Policeman in London highlight was attending boxing match between Cassius Clay and Henry Cooper in Wembly Stadium.
Another highlight was crossing the Nullarbor towing a caravan and breaking down three times, each time stranded in Kalgoorlie, instead of trip taking days the trip took 2 1/2 weeks,
As a priest, privileged to be priested in Bunbury, then becoming Dean of the cathedral before moving to S.A. then caravaning around Australia as a locum priest.
Enjoy living in Numurkah.