Chair of the APCCB
The Chair of the APCCB is elected by the members of the Board. The Chair of the APCCB represents all the Denominational member groups on the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS). The current Chair is Rev. Ralph Estherby.
Ralph has a long history of Pastoral Ministry and Military Experience. He has been an ACC Pastor since 1988 and has over 35 years of Pastoral and Leadership Ministry Experience. He became the first Pentecostal Chaplain to the ADF in 2010 and served in various roles until he was appointed as Chair of the APCCB and became a member of RACS.
In 2025 he became the Chair of RACS, a role that involves leading the committee of all faith groups who provide Chaplains to the ADF.
Caring for our Chaplains and their Families
Our Journey Of Service
Trace the significant milestones in the evolution of the APCCB and its enduring commitment to the Defence Force.
1942
Foundation of APCCB
The APCCB was founded by 4 Protestant denominations (Baptist, Churches of Christ, Salvation Army and Congregational) to provide and support chaplains to the Australian Defence Force. It was originally known as the Federal United Churches Chaplaincy Board.
1962
Expansion of Services
The Lutheran Church joined the APCCB.
1981
Formation of RACS
The Religious Advisory Committee to the Services was formed with the Chair of the APCCB becoming the APCCB RACS Member.
2008
Further expansion
The Australian Christian Churches were added to the APCCB.
2018
Diverse growth
The Seventh-day Adventists joined the APCCB
2025
Broadening reach
The Christian and Missionary Alliance joined the APCCB
2026
Significant contribution
The APCCB has 115 Chaplains working across all three services in part-time and full-time roles. We are now the largest group of Chaplains supporting the ADF.
Meet Our Leadership
The APCCB is led by a dedicated team of representatives from six denominations, each bringing unique perspectives and a shared commitment to supporting the Australian Defence Force through chaplaincy services.
Denominational Representatives
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