Beltana in 1853 with the benefit of the aborigines of South Australia particularly in view. The Smith of Dunesk mission was something of a diversion from Mrs Smith's intention as the main focus was on white settlers. The first Presbyterian manse was purchased in 1898, having been rented by Rev Robert Mitchell for four years before that, and served as the manse subsequent missioners including for Reverend John Flynn, later of the Australian Inland Mission and the Flying Doctor Service, in 1911. It became the Beltana Australian Inland Mission nursing home in 1919. The nursing home continued until hospital facilities became
Thomas Flynn (Columban priest) Thomas Flynn (Columban priest) Rev. Thomas Flynn SSC, was an Irish missionary priest, who was killed by Hukbalahap communist rebels in 1950 in the Philippines. Thomas Flynn was born on 5 November 1908 in Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland. In 1928 Flynn went to Clonliffe College, Dublin to be educated for priesthood, moving in 1931 to St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. He was ordained a priest for the Dublin diocese in 1935. From 1941, he served as chaplain to the Gurkhas in the British Army. He joined the Missionary Society of St. Columban Mission to China in 1947, and was posted to