January 2002 Volume 83 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
Chaplaincy Going home
By David Marr

T here are times when it just feels good to be going home. Perhaps you have been out all day, battling the odds at work, or it’s late at night and you are tired. What you want most is just to get home, sit down and put your feet up. Maybe you have been travelling or on holidays, but now what you want is to turn into your driveway at home and finally stop. I know the feeling well. There must be a thousand reasons why we like to go home, including the fact we don’t need to pretend and we feel safe and free.

We have been in our home for almost two years now. Over Christmas, my wife suggested we visit our long-time neighbours and friends, Gus and Floss. We both admitted to feeling quite strange as we wandered watchfully up to their front door. They saw us coming and gleefully had us halfway through the door before I had the chance to ring the bell.

“It is wonderful to see you both,” Floss commented as she sliced the fruitcake to accompany the coffee. As soon as the coffee was poured, Gus grabbed his cup and cake and we headed for the shed, the site of so many memories and so much fun.

“We’ve missed you, you know,” Gus said as he gave most of his cake to Mate, his blue healer. “Having you here is just like old times. It’s like you’ve come home.”

Entering the shed, I was surprised to find some of my old neighbourhood mates inside. We soon were discussing true Aussies and mateship. Gus has the view there aren’t many true Aussies left. “I mean the old Aussies,” he said as he settled back into his lounge.

“They are people who fought in the wars, toiled and paid taxes to keep the place afloat. These boat people and the beach bums who spend their time surfing on the East Coast, some of these people haven’t fought for anything other than their first breath, or to gratify their own wants and wishes. They aren’t true Aussies,” said Gus strongly.

“What about me?” asked Ted, a resolute Scottish immigrant. “Do you think I’ll ever qualify as an Aussie?”

“Not likely,” replied Mick. “We Irish have been part of this country since the early days. The true Aussie spirit came out with our first settlers.”

“All convicts, of course,” chipped Ted. “And when have you known any Irishmen to be a team player?” They were beginning to shape up, so Gus offered them each another drink.

I saw an opportunity, so, interrupting, I said: “It was like old times when we came today. It was like coming home. It must be difficult for people who arrive feeling unwelcome. Jesus didn’t mind if people were Irish, Samaritans or Jews, he was accepting of them whatever their background or station in life. I think every nationality making Australia it’s home has contributed to the culture and lifestyle enjoyed by us all.”

“Well, everyone is included here,” said Gus. “It is great to have you home. Home is where you are welcome and where you can go even when you are in trouble. Floss says there is nothing like sleeping in her own bed and being in our own garden. You know, where we feel wanted and cared about.”

Just then my wife appeared at the door. “I’m ready love,” she said, “Let’s head for home.”

Gus and Floss accompanied us to the gate and, with promises of a return visit, we headed for home at the beach.

I hope you are welcome at home.

SA Police Chaplains

Welfare Section 58	David Marr	8364 3567
	Senior Police Chaplain.
Academy 8	Brenton Daulby	8272 8324
Adelaide: Angas Street 158	Bruce Grindlay	8295 2220
Adelaide: Hindley Street 62	Bruce Grindlay	8295 2220
Adelaide Hills Division 54	Adrian Stephens	8398 2510
		Office: 8398 2517
Ceduna 214	Sybil Peacock	8625 3505
Christies Beach 20	Peter Coote	8381 3039
		0412 818 995
Clare 202	Michael Dutschke	8842 3681
Communications 172	David Hand	8376 5612
Elizabeth 52	Lindsay Mayes	8281 8088
Far North 210	John Folkman	8672 5011
Firearms/Records	Dianna Bartlett	8337 8552
Gawler 52	Brian Tscharke	8522 2288
Glenelg 22	Malcolm Thomas	8377 0772
Henley Beach 18	Tim Kowald	8449 6868
Holden Hill 44	Rod Dyson	8365 1170
Kadina 71	Vacant
Kingston 208
Mount Gambier 208	Brian Ashworth	(w) 8723 1353
		(h) 8725 2537
Murray Bridge 200	Malcolm Bottrill	8532 5536
Naracoorte 208	Bruce Cliff	8737 2457
		0417 811 702
Norwood 60	Lynton Wade	8362 2227
		0418 831 703
Nuriootpa 204	Andy Kowald	8562 1011
Port Adelaide 6	Jeff Oake	8341 5930
Port Pirie 206	Steve Ardill	8632 3977
Prosecution Services 176	Vacant
Port Augusta PS 210	Mark Thomas	8642 2487
		0401 671 850
Port Lincoln 214	Peter King	8682 3725
Riverland 212	Robin Zadow	8588 1540
Salisbury 53	Vacant
South East	Terry Natt	8571 1114
Sturt 12	Chris Beal	8278 9578
	Ian Dempsey	8296 7292
Tea Tree Gully 48	Bob George	8395 9363
Thebarton Barracks 32	Vacant
Transit Division	Rob Packer	8332 9155
Whyalla 218	Tony Redden	8649 3593

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