ack Teepa, renowned as one of the most dedicated chaplains, is retiring after a chaplaincy career spanning nearly four decades. His remarkable journey, marked by unwavering service and heartfelt care, has earned him accolades from colleagues and community members alike.
Hailing from Springfield Lakes, Mr. Teepa has dedicated 37 years to pastoral care, a career distinguished by his profound impact on the lives of those he served. A significant chapter of his journey was his decade-long tenure at the Carinity Colthup Manor aged care community in Ipswich, where he became a cornerstone of the community’s spiritual and emotional support.
Mr. Teepa’s chaplaincy roots trace back to New Zealand, where he undertook roles in schools, prisons, and governmental departments, including the tax department and the territorial force. His work extended beyond borders, taking him on a two-year rotation to Bosnia in the mid-1990s with a United Nations peacekeeping force. This experience offered him a global perspective on pastoral care, deepening his understanding of human connection and resilience.
Relocating to Queensland, Mr. Teepa became the first chaplain at Staines Memorial College in Springfield. His innovative approach to chaplaincy set a high benchmark, fostering meaningful connections with students and staff. Over the last seven years, his contributions at Carinity Colthup Manor have been equally transformative. He led devotions, prayers, and church services, engaging with residents and their families while supporting staff through life’s challenges.
“All chaplaincy is important. Aged care chaplaincy, for me, is particularly important because older people need to be heard, listened to, acknowledged, respected, and valued,” Mr. Teepa shared. “The thing I most enjoy about the role is contributing to making Colthup Manor a happy and safe place.”
Mr. Teepa’s legacy lies in his ability to foster joy, safety, and a deep sense of community. His steadfast commitment will continue to inspire those in Springfield Lakes and beyond.
As Mr. Teepa steps into retirement, fellow chaplain Lynne Williams is also bidding farewell after a career spanning over two decades. Inspired to become a chaplain after visiting a friend with cancer in hospital, Ms. Williams devoted 30 years to supporting patients in Brisbane hospitals.
“My goal as a chaplain was to represent Jesus, to listen attentively and actively, and to be sensitive to the needs of patients,” she said. “People in hospital are often facing major decisions, coming to terms with bad news, or are in shock. We can be a listening ear, just allowing patients to offload.”
For Ms. Williams, the opportunity to hear patients’ life journeys and differing perspectives was a “real privilege.” “I have found the ministry wonderfully fulfilling. If you love people, are happy to listen, and care about the ‘souls’ of people, being a chaplain is wonderful,” she reflected.
Together, Mr. Teepa and Ms. Williams exemplify the heart of chaplaincy—selfless service, attentive listening, and compassionate care. Their legacies will live on through the countless lives they’ve touched, reminding us all of the profound impact of empathy and kindness.
