George Stack

George Stack is a veteran of the Australian Regular Army and an ordained Associate Chaplain. After serving as a Platoon Commander with the 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8RAR), he dedicated his later career to crisis counselling, mediation, and mission work. A father of four, his life is anchored by his Christian faith and a commitment to pro bono community service.

Born in post-war Brisbane, George was the second of six children. His early years were spent in a household dominated by his father, an environment that was at times physically challenging. He attended Nundah State School, where he recalls Mr Barnard as a particularly formative influence during his primary education. Upon entering young adulthood, George completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship. At the age of 21, during the Vietnam conflict, he was conscripted into the Australian Regular Army as part of National Service. He rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, serving as a Platoon Commander within Charlie Company, 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. His military service involved rigorous training in parachuting, blind demolition, and jungle warfare instruction. However, his military career was cut short following an 'ammunition incident' that resulted in intensive care hospitalisation and an early discharge. It was not until 33 years after his service that Veterans’ Affairs formally accepted the injuries related to this period, including PTSD. Following his discharge, George experienced a spiritual turning point after his sister introduced him to a Christian camp near Toowoomba, where he was baptised. Supported by repatriation funding, he returned to his studies to complete Adult Matriculation. This began a long-term academic and spiritual journey that eventually led to his ordination and a focus on mediation and counselling. In his later life, he self-funded a mission to Thailand to serve with the Overseas Mission Fellowship, continuing a life of service that transitioned from the martial to the ministerial.

George has pursued a diverse range of professional and academic qualifications throughout his life: * **Trade Qualification:** Completed a four-year Electrical Apprenticeship in early adulthood. * **Military Commission:** Served as a Second Lieutenant and Platoon Commander with Charlie Company, 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8RAR). * **Specialist Military Training:** Qualified as a Paratrooper, in Blind Demolition, and as a Jungle Warfare Instructor. * **Academic Studies:** Completed Adult Matriculation via Repatriation funding. * **Ministerial Ordination:** Qualified as an Associate Chaplain. * **Postgraduate Education:** Earned a Graduate Diploma in Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution (Counsellor).

While George’s primary focus has been on service, he was formally recognised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs 33 years post-service for injuries sustained during his military career. He considers his self-funded mission to Thailand with the Overseas Mission Fellowship as a significant milestone in his ministerial journey.

George has maintained a consistent presence in pro bono and volunteer sectors: * **Lifeline:** Served as a qualified Telephone Counsellor. * **Salvation Army:** Volunteered as a Crisis Counsellor. * **Queensland Fire and Emergency Services:** Served as an Associate Chaplain. * **Catholic Church:** Served as a Special Minister. * **Overseas Mission:** Conducted self-funded missionary work in Thailand with the Overseas Mission Fellowship.

George is the father of four adult children: Mike, Katie, Andrew, and Marcus. His personal philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief in the Passion of Jesus Christ. He views life’s journey as a choice between faith and fear, believing that each individual determines their own spiritual path.