Meet Pastor Philip Wilyuka
Where is your congregation?
Titjikala, approximately 100km south of Alice Springs.
Tell us about your family.
I have a wife, Marcia, and two sons. One’s in his mid-30s and the other works at the Maryvale school. We have some pets. I also have about five dogs and a pig.
What is your favourite AFL team?
Hawks, always!
Do you have anything to do with your local football team?
I used to manage and coach the Titjikala Hawks, but now I’ve given it over to the young blokes. I still manage and organise football carnivals.
Where were you born?
In Maryvale (Titjikala)
What languages do you speak?
Yankunytjara, Pitjanytjara, Eastern and Western Arrernte and English.
Tell me about your schooling.
I went to Maryvale School, then to Kormilda College (Darwin) in Year 7. I finished Secondary school at Anzac High in Alice Springs.
When did you become a pastor?
I started as an evangelist in the 1980s and was ordained in 2009.
What’s the best thing about being a pastor?
My dad was a pastor and I’m following in his footsteps.
What’s the worst thing about being a pastor?
It takes a lot of weight on me. Many responsibilities. People look at me, a lot of temptation and other things happening.
What other work are you doing at the moment?
I’m supervisor for Remote Jobs Community Project run by Catholic Care.
What other jobs have you done in the past?
I was a teacher’s assistant at Maryvale School; worked for the Santa Teresa Progress Association in housing; and was a stockman for many years on Maryvale Station and other stations around the place.
What is your favourite Bible verse?
‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’
