The ‘Flying Padre’ returns: Australia’s flying pastor delivers holiday cheer to remote communities

David Shrimpton is a pastor with a pilot’s licence, who goes by the nickname “Padre Dave”. During the Christmas season, he flies to remote communities in the Australian outback to spread holiday cheer. From farmers, church-goers to non-believers and schoolchildren, Shrimpton is welcomed by the people he meets. Last year, Shrimpton opted for phone catch-ups amid Australia’s strict Covid-19 restrictions. But this year, he is taking to the skies again.