Les Nixon, one of the pioneers of outback missionary work in Australia, dies
Leslie Nixon, who flew his own plane to some of the most remote outback areas to spread the word of God, has died, aged 87.
- Bankstown fire chief up for another gong
- How water refilling stations are saving the environment
- God's mission took them to tough areas
Leslie George Nixon, who traversed some of the most remote outback places in Australia for his Christian missionary work in his own plane, has died peacefully in his sleep.
Mr Nixon, 87,and his wife Martha, who celebrated 64 years together last month, flew their own plane to reach remote areas of Australia for more than half a century.
Mr Nixon, born on January 17, 1932, died at 10.45pm on Sunday, June 30, having been in palliative care for two weeks.
The Georges Hall resident and his wife founded Outback Patrol to reach out to remote communities.
“The goal of Outback Patrol is to try to meet some of the human, emotional, and spiritual needs of families who live in 55 of the most remote and isolated townships inland,” was Mr Nixon’s belief and ministry.
“These are the people who struggle against the ravages of floods, drought and isolation and the disadvantages of remoteness.”
Mr Nixon, who published a book, The Words of Jesus, the Master Teacher, leaves behind Martha and sons David, Jonathan and Daniel, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
“It is with both joy and sadness that we share the news that Leslie George Nixon graduated to Heaven at 10.45pm on Sunday, June 30th, 2019,” his family said in a statement.
“Les Nixon spent his entire life serving the God he loved from early evangelical ministry on the streets of Sydney with open air campaigners in the 1950s, to Bible training in the USA at Bob Jones University, to tent ministry in Australia, and touring for the 1959 Billy Graham Crusades in New Zealand and Australia.
“Of course, his commitment over the past 60 years as founder of Australia’s Outback Patrol, continued right through the last months of his life, and while the founder has graduated — the ministry shall continue for years to come.
“Les Nixon had a strong presence and will be missed dearly by many, his family most of all.”
Mr Nixon, who had a lovely sense of humour, told The Express in an interview last year that the vast outback had many challenges to their ministry but they were undaunted.
“For more than 50 years we spoke about the word of God to many people, who lived godless lives and also visited several schools on each visit,” Mr Nixon said.
IN OTHER NEWS
“There was different reactions to our message with many zealous supporters and also some who were arrogant and didn’t like to hear the truth about the Gospel.
“We were verbally abused but not physically harmed.
“Around 90 per cent of people were met were white and the thing about the outback is that it is so immense, it is physically impossible to have a church on the ground.
“There is a very small population in this very large area.”
His first trip was from Bankstown Airport in 1961 when the couple had what they said was “a divine calling from God to spread the message of Christianity”.
Their commitment featured at least 10 trips each year — until five years ago, when they officially retired.
The Nixons had strong Christian roots before they embarked on their spiritual and physical journey to many parts of Australians most people may not have heard of.
“Martha was a travelling gospel singer and that’s how we met,” said Mr Nixon, who studied theology at university after initially working as a cabinet maker.
“Martha was invited by the Anglican Church to undertake TV shows and also appear as a speaker, which she did for 30 years.”
LESLIE GEORGE NIXON
January 17, 1932 — June 30, 2019.
■ There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 20, at 11am, at Narwee Baptist Church, 33/39 Baumans Rd., Peakhurst. All are welcome.
Meet the talented young artists from ARTEXPRESS 2025
The annual art exhibition which shows some of the most outstanding and exemplary artworks across NSW by HSC visual arts students has opened. Meet the students and see their amazing works.
$350m hospital revamp first in almost three decades
A southwest Sydney hospital is set for its first major upgrade in 27 years and will include an expanded emergency department and intensive care unit. Read more.