Patrick Brisbane facts for kids

Patrick Brisbane (1926 – 8 November 1974) was an important Aboriginal man who made history. In 1970, he became the first Aboriginal person to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia. Back then, the church was known as the Church of England in Australia.

Early Life and Beginnings

Patrick Brisbane was born in 1926. His birthplace was in the traditional lands of the Atampaya people. This was a bushland area. Later, his family and tribe moved to Injinoo. This place was then called Cowal Creek.

Patrick went to school in Cowal Creek. He studied up to Year 5. For 15 years, he worked as a pearl diver. This job involves diving into the ocean to collect pearls.

Becoming a Priest

Patrick Brisbane felt a strong desire to become a priest since he was a schoolboy. He trained for this special role at St Paul's Theological College, Moa. In 1969, he became a deacon. A deacon is a step before becoming a priest in the church.

Then, in 1970, he was ordained as a priest. This was done by the Bishop of Carpentaria, Eric Hawkey. This event was very significant. A journalist named Alan Gill called it a "momentous" event in Australian Anglican history.

Patrick Brisbane's achievement was very important. The Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Island Affairs, Nev Hewitt, even attended his ordination. This showed how special the event was.

It is good to know that the first Aboriginal Australian to become a deacon was Rev James Noble in 1925. However, he did not become a priest. The first Torres Strait Islanders to become priests were Rev Joseph Lui and Rev Poey Passi in 1925.

Serving the Church

After becoming a priest, Patrick Brisbane worked in different places. From 1969 to 1970, he was a curate at St Michael's Church. This church was in Agenehambo, near Popondetta, in Papua New Guinea.

Then, from 1971, he was a curate at Lockhart River. A curate is a priest who helps in a parish. The former Bishop of Carpentaria, Tony Hall-Matthews, said that Patrick taught him a lot about Aboriginal culture. This happened when they were in Normanton.

Later, Patrick Brisbane returned to his home community in Injinoo. There, he became the Priest in Charge. This meant he was the main priest looking after the church and its people.

Family and Legacy

Patrick Brisbane was married to Tuam. They had two children together. He passed away in 1974. He was buried in the church at Injinoo.

In 1977, a new church building was built. Patrick's remains were moved to this new church. A new tombstone was placed for him in 1992. His life and work are remembered as a significant part of Australian history.