2024 Christmas Newsletter – Masters Mariner

Read our latest newsletter to find out about our Rescue of two fisherman from Slavery, Meet our New Chaplain, Prayer Points for suffering Seafarers, Chaplain Jim talks with a Ukrainian seafarer, Pool Comp Fun at the Mission with Mariam, Joining Stella Maris to bring gifts to Seafarers on Ships, and Rev Tay wins an international award and shares his Christmas Message.

Extraordinary Service Recognised at Thanksgiving Celebration

Rob Dunn, MTS; Phil Holliday, PANSW; Graham Lightfoot; and Clayton Strong, MTS at Christmas Thanksgiving celebration 2024. Image: David Minty

Mission to Seafarers Sydney has awarded Life Memberships to thank two champions of seafarer welfare: Graham Lightfoot AM and Captain Philip Holliday, CEO of Port Authority of NSW. Our Chair Robert Dunn made the presentation at our 2024 Thanksgiving and Christmas event paying tribute to those who had made it possible for us to serve over 10,000 seafarers in 2024. Mr Dunn also thanked the volunteers “who are the heart and soul of this organisation” and the donors who make it possible for us to continue and expand our work to reach more of the 400,000 seafarers who visit Sydney each year.

Port Community Unites to Brighten Seafarers’ Christmas

Port community unites to fill gift bags for seafarers

The Port Botany community united to fill 1800 Christmas gift bags for often lonely seafarers! Christmas can be a lonely time for many, but for seafarers who often haven’t seen their families for up to nine months, a gift bag of care can be a huge boost to their mental health. Over 40 volunteers gathered at Sr Mary’s cabin, including NSW Port CEO Marika Calfas, Chair Patricia McKenzie and Ports of NSW CEO Philip Holliday who visited to thank the volunteers for caring for seafarers.

THANK YOU SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND!

MtS Syd Rev Tay visiting sick seafarer

Thank you to The Port Authority of New South Wales, NSW Ports and Port of Newcastle for joining forces to provide funding security to seafarer welfare charities in NSW. We are honoured to have been chosen as first round beneficiaries in this Australian first, groundbreaking initiative! The new Seafarers Welfare Fund aims to boost the […]

Maritime Blessing for New Fire Fighting Vessels

Burra-and-Girawaa-Port Authority of NSW

The Port of Authority of New South Wales CEO Phil Holliday invited MtS Sydney Principal Chaplain Rev Tay, assisted by Chaplain Retchie, to bless their two new fire fighting vessels during a traditional naming ceremony at Walsh Bay recently. The new vessels were named ‘Burra’ and ‘Girawaa’.

2023 Thanksgiving and Christmas Celebration

Guests enjoying our 2023 Thanksgiving and Christmas Celebration

Thank you to the over 80 people – including seafarers – who joined us for the 2023 Mission to Seafarers Sydney Thanksgiving and Christmas Celebration. Photos and memories here!

Holiday Hours - regular except CLOSED on Dec 25, Dec 31 and Jan 1, 2024.​