News

Vicki Walker, Chaplain to women in Sydney & NSW Provincial racing, was as busy as ever throughout the state’s June to October Covid lockdown.  Unable to attend racedays or visit stables, Vicki says “much of my time was spent just being there when people needed someone to talk to, even though I wasn’t with them in person”. Vicki’s role has been…

During recent barrier trials, the Australian Turf Club, assisted by ARCC Chaplains and volunteers, provided some Christmas cheer in the form of breakfast. These gestures are always warmly appreciated by stable staff, many of whom start work at 4am. DECEMBER 21, 2021

Marina Mossman was recently affiliated as a new volunteer racing chaplain in Darwin, NT. She enjoys attending race meetings and is particularly keen to serve the needs of the female jockeys. Marina also serves as chaplain to Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals, as part of the wider health team that responds to referrals from patients, staff, clergy and community members for specific  pastoral care needs….

Following the retirement of Brother Dan Stafford, Father Tom Stevens was formally appointed by Archbishop Anthony Fisher as the new Catholic chaplain to the Australian Turf Club. Fr Tom is parish priest at Mortlake. He is a keen racegoer and ATC Member, and looks forward to serving the people of Sydney racing through ARCC. He…

After more than 20 years of service to the racing industry, Brother Dan Stafford has retired as Catholic chaplain to Sydney racing. Brother Dan is a much-loved and well-known figure, having served for decades as chaplain to people at all levels of the industry – from owners, to jockeys, track staff, trainers and stablehands.  He…

Chaplaincy, at its heart, is a ministry of presence. Of literally ‘being there’ for people during times of need. Meeting with people at the track, in cafes, in hospitals or in their homes. During the Covid-19 restrictions, we have been limited to mostly being ‘present’ with people by non-physical means, such as intensive telephone and…

ARCC welcomes its newest Committee Member, Rev David Tyndall. David is one if the founder of Sports Ministry in Australia.  He was director of the Archbishop of Sydney’s Olympic Games Taskforce.  He was also secretary of the original committee to establish chaplaincy to the Horse Racing industry in 1994. We also acknowledge the wonderful contribution…

ARCC National Chaplain, Rev Colin Watts, this month celebrates 10 years of support to the racing industry. “When I first started, the most frequent comment I heard was ‘I never knew we had a chaplain’.  But I almost never hear that now. People are very much aware of the chaplains wherever I go.” “Chaplaincy is best…

Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy is sad to announce the recent death of Perth-based ARCC chaplain Wayne Trompp following a sudden illness.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, especially his wife Tammy and their children Joshua, Kahlia, Caris, Shania and Mitchell. OCTOBER 31, 2018

Riharna Thomson was a dedicated track rider and stable hand at Thoroughbred Park racecourse. She was a popular, friendly, young woman – who loved horses and was a keen student of politics. She passed away this morning in Canberra hospital, surrounded by her family and friends, following a tragic accident during trackwork at the racecourse…