Navy People: From Parks to preacher-man

26 November 2009

Five years ago Cairns man Ian Lindsay was the Director of the Parks and Recreation Services for the Cairns City Council, but then his life had a big sea-change.

Ian joined the Navy as a Reservist in 2005 and became a permanent naval officer in 2006. The Royal Navy Chaplain is now working at HMAS Creswell, on Jervis Bay in NSW, the same base where he graduated himself.

Apart from being Chaplain, he is also training and mentoring over 500 officer cadets, including several from Cairns, as they begin their naval careers.

“It is great to mentor and help a dedicated group of men and women who have a passion to serve their country,” Ian said.

“I also enjoy my ministry in the Navy. It gives me great diversity — and I love not knowing what tomorrow might bring.”

“On the 4th December 77 new officers graduated from the College. It was great seeing these junior officers go off to become future leaders of the Navy. I hope the graduates enjoy their careers as much as I have.”

Family man Ian says that the Navy has given him a great work-life balance.

“I am able to be at home with my family most nights and weekends. Work life balance is such an important aspect of family life, which the Navy is very conscious of.”

“There are times during deployments when separation is inevitable, yet with modern communications, home can be only a phone call away.”