Not only did we get to share the news of how we have helped over 5,500 seafarers who visited our Centre in 2023, but we were able to personally thank the people who made it all possible – our donors and volunteers.
Especially delighted to see the seafarers was David Colliss, Director Global HSEQ at The CSL Group Inc. who discovered several of the 19 crew were from CSL Kondili (Cement vessel) and Tawaki (Gypsum vessel) both CSL Ships berthed at Glebe Island this weekend. He joined them at their table in a wonderful celebration of the Christmas spirit! Mr Colliss also presented a donation of $2750 from CSL to boost our welfare services for all seafarers.
Mr Colliss said CSL Australia were proud to continue their support for The Mission to Seafarers in four ports around Australia where their ships regularly visited, including Sydney.
“MTS provide such a valuable service that certainly came to the fore during the COVID Pandemic by helping to kick start the vaccination of foreign seafarers plus visiting crews in quarantine hotels,” he said. “Post-Pandemic, their vital support continues in helping crews to maximise their brief time ashore.”
On our behalf, the seafarers also happily thanked Lindsay Reed, Publisher of the DCN – Daily Cargo News, for their support throughout the year and for choosing to donate the proceeds of the DCN Awards Night raffle to our Christmas Appeal – $3800!
Ms Reed said The Daily Cargo News is proud of their long running partnership with the Mission to Seafarers. “As the independent voice of the Shipping & Maritime Industry, we are delighted to be able to share the news of The Mission to Seafarers’ excellent work through our magazine, website and event platforms,” she said.
The seafarers also met Rudolph Coelho who joined us from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Rev Tay also thanked representatives of SBU, Merchant Navy, Swire, WISTA, The Nautical Institute and current and retired MTS Sydney Board members and chaplains for coming along and for their support during 2023.
The seafarers said it was great to meet some of the people who had helped to make it possible for them to have free mini-bus transport and a welcoming place to relax with local SIM cards, great exchange rates and free Wi-Fi!
Thank you also to the Port Authority of New South Wales who donated our 2023 Christmas Raffle Prize – a trip for four on Sydney Harbour on their brand new fire fighting vessel. It’s not too late to enter – click here for more details and tickets – it will be drawn on Monday, December 18:
“Thank you very much again Father Tay, this event has been a one in a million chances for us to be part of and it is really heartwarming to know how much the Mission has given importance to the lives and struggles that we face as seafarers. Again, thank you very much for this opportunity and praying for you and your team to continue to have the passion and strength in supporting each and every seafarer that visits the MtS, Sydney. May God Bless us always!”
– Sent via WhatsApp by the Chief Mate, Kondili
Collage: Thank you to Abby Williams, DCN for providing most of these Christmas collage images. Contact Nadja at MtS if you would like any of these photos or wish to see others from the day.
