by Barry de Silva
For those who regularly watch the Diocese of Lismore’s weekly online Mass, Deacon Graeme Davis is a familiar face, assisting Bishop Greg Homeming with the service at St Mary’s Chapel. Away from the weekly mass, Graeme’s life is synonymous with a dedication to service that spans from battlefields to hospital rooms and the general public.
Army first responder
Graeme’s life of service began in 1963 when he enlisted in the Australian Regular Army, embarking on a military career that would span almost 40 years. As a company medic in the Vietnam War, (1963-1975) Graeme was part of the operational field combat medical support party during the Battle of Long Tan. “We were principally the first responders,” he recalls, reflecting on the critical role he played in providing medical support under dire circumstances and enemy fire.
When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, Graeme witnessed the mass exodus from the Australian Army and transitioned to a part-time role within the Army Reserve, having been wounded in action during his deployment. He soon took up a civilian position with the Lismore City Council, where he managed council public property and Crown land parks and reserves.
Being called to the Church
In 2000, a calling led him to study theology at the Australian Catholic University, setting him on the path towards Holy Orders and his ordination as a Permanent Deacon. This change provided opportunities in ministry and chaplaincy roles that have allowed him to extend his compassion and care into new settings.
“During my formation and study in Brisbane, I volunteered for the Rescue Helicopter Service, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Gold Coast General Hospital in Southport and later St Vincent’s Hospital in Lismore – completing a degree in Theology and a Certificate IV in Clinical Pastoral Education,” Graeme says.
Following his ordination in 2007, Graeme became a volunteer pastoral care practitioner for a range of organisations, that act as first responders in varying contexts.
“As a trauma officer and pastoral practitioner, I find that work most rewarding. I am still actively involved with NSW Surf Life Saving, Northern Rivers Rescue Helicopter Service, NSW Ambulance Service, NSW Fire and Rescue Service and most ex-service groupings. They all seem to dovetail, because if there’s an incident, one or more of the agencies will be involved in some way,” he explained.
Supporting families
For the past 22 years, Graeme has served as a non-stipend hospital chaplain at St Vincent’s and Lismore Base Hospitals, providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and families. He often finds himself serving as an advocate for families, assisting with communication between them and medical practitioners and various other allied medical support services.
“Sometimes the next of kin would ask me if I can help organise for the doctor to speak to them. Often, they are too embarrassed to ask themselves, so I’ve been that envoy for them many times.”
Graeme’s dedication to his vocation in diaconate ministry within the Diocese is unwavering, extending well beyond typical business hours. “Being able to minister to people is a privilege,” he says. “But it doesn’t always happen 9-5. It takes place at all hours, day and night, even on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.”
His calling also extends to supporting first responders who experience trauma and frustration on the job. Graeme recalls a recent incident involving a young police officer who had been traumatised by a harrowing accident he had witnessed within the Lismore LGA.
“The young police officer was on traffic control duty, comparatively new in the job and city, was on his own and in the dark for hours without any support food or water. I was able to get him something to eat and drink, and I stayed with him [for mutual support] for several hours – what I offered was in essence Psychological First aid, which is just part of the pastoral ministry.”
Project Compassion
In addition to his pastoral work, Graeme serves as the Diocesan Director for Caritas Australia, the overseas aid and development agency of the Catholic Church. Through his efforts, he supports on behalf of the Bishop, Caritas’ mission and response to emergencies that deliver critical aid globally.
In 2023-24, Caritas reached over 1.5 million people through emergency appeals, helping vulnerable communities in places like Samoa, Vietnam, and Congo. Caritas’ major campaign, Project Compassion, invites parishes and schools to contribute to aid programs during Lent.
“It’s a chance to support those who are most vulnerable in different parts of the world,” Graeme explains.
Through his many roles, Graeme exemplifies a life of selfless service, humility, and faith. Whether he is offering comfort to patients and families, supporting first responders, or advocating on behalf of Caritas, he embodies the Church’s mission of compassionate service to others.
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