Somerville Welcomes Back Richard Telfer

Somerville welcomes Pastor Richard Telfer to the role of Somerville Chaplain.

Richard is the Pastor at Palmerston Uniting Church, as well as, the Deputy Chair of the Pilgrim Presbytery of Northern Australia. Richard has recently completed his studies and has been accepted for ordination in the Uniting Church of Australia.  

Richard grew up in Sydney where he completed a Bachelor of Theology and worked for many years with an inter-faith organisation. Before moving to Darwin in 2016, Richard spent time working with the Western Australian Presbytery of the Uniting Church. This work saw him working closely with second generation Tongan-Australians, journeying with them as they navigated being both Tongan and Australian. 

Richard is a member of the Fifteenth National Assembly of the Uniting Church, as well as an active member of the Northern Territory Council of Churches.

Richard previously worked in this role at Somerville some two years ago.

As Chaplain Richard will provide a non-judgemental, listening ear to all staff and works across different faith, traditions and cultures. 

Welcome Richard