Funeral Service for Bishop Alistair Arthur Malcolm was held in seaside community of Yarrabah in North Queensland this week. The moving service attended by 2002 mourners gathered around the St Albans Church to say their farewell.
Australia’s first Aboriginal Bishop and an outstanding leader and pastor in the Australian church. Bishop Arthur retired from his episcopal role in 2001 but has continued to inspire and encourage from his home in Yarrabah, North Queensland. Bishop Malcolm was born at Yarrabah (Queensland) and began training as a Church Army Officer in Stockton (New South Wales) where he completed a Certificate course in Evangelism in 1959.
During his time as a Captain in the Church Army he served at Lake Tyers (Victoria) and Brewarrina (New South Wales). People from Victoria and New South Wales express great affection for their beloved “Captain”.
He returned to Yarrabah in 1974 as Chaplain and was ordained by the Bishop of North Queensland in 1978.
As well as ministering to his people at Yarrabah he had responsibility for Anglican people at Palm Island. He was made a Canon of St James’ Cathedral, Townsville in 1984 and consecrated Bishop with special responsibility to Aboriginal people in 1985. During this time, he developed an outstanding leadership amongst Aboriginal people and encouraged them in their education, community life and in the many struggles which Indigenous people in Australia encounter. Bishop Malcolm was called to rest on July 28, 2022, aged 87 years.
Most dearly loved husband of Coleen, loved father & father in law of Andrew & Joy, Ruth & Cleveland & Rosemary, loved grandfather of Francis & Holly, Zenitta & Dylon, Crystal & Kyle, Phillip, Patrick, Clevanna, Zane & Sara, loved great grandfather of Elisha, Oliver, Selina, Skye, Hunter & Kassidy.