A FORMER regional Victorian couple who learned to fly planes before pursuing their God-sent calling in the outback, yesterday touched down at Bendigo Airport.
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David and Jennie Shrimpton, who both work with the Salvation Army, were posted to Darwin from Geelong two years ago.
Mr Shrimpton flies a four-seater 2000 model plane to visit people at cattle stations from the Queensland border to Broome, and south to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
As pastoral carer, he visits families, conducts weddings, funerals and memorial services.
Mrs Shrimpton works in administration and part-time in the air with her husband.Mr Shrimpton said he was always keen to learn to fly. "It's (flying) one of those things that I've always wanted to do," he said.
"I eventually learnt in South Australia before moving to Darwin. The best way to travel is by plane, " he said. Living on massive cattle stations, many families have limited social contact, Mr Shrimpton said. "Although you represent the Salvation Army, it's about getting out there and meeting people; they are so genuine and warm." The couple could not have children, but Mr Shrimpton said their work, and opportunity to fly together, offered some consolation.
Yesterday, the Shrimpton's landed at Bendigo Airport on their way home from the Australian International Airshow in Geelong at the weekend, where their plane was named Best Airport World Display. "We were shocked and amazed," Mrs Shrimpton said. Participants at the Salvation Army's shed program in Bendigo, yesterday gave the couple a wooden item they had made.