Record as 2026 Luncheon Celebrates Seafarers and MtS Sydney’s 145 Years of Service
More than 230 people, including maritime industry leaders, MPs and supporters, joined Mission to Seafarers teams from around NSW at NSW Parliament House for our annual Seafarers Welfare Luncheon, held this year as part of our 145th anniversary of caring for seafarers visiting Sydney. Speakers included Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for Transport, NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas, Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna and Glen Hayward from the Port of Newcastle.
Stats, Stories, Gratitude and Camaraderie at AGM
At our recent AGM, we shared that in 2025, we welcomed 7,015 seafarers to the Sydney Mission, helped transport 10,028 seafarers and visited 808 vessels. Our CEO Clayton reminded us that behind every number is a person, a crew, and a story. Find out more:
NSW Ports Provides Moments of Connection and Insight
Thank You NSW Ports! Not only have they once again donated all the ticket costs from their popular annual Port Botany Community Boat Tours towards our work at our Sydney Mission, but they also provided a meaningful way to thank some of our precious volunteers. Volunteer Bernadette Bolo shares about the experience.
A Year of Christmas Kindness – Thanks to You
Our community gathered at our 2025 Christmas Thanksgiving Celebration to give thanks for all who had helped us spread Christmas Joy throughout the Year. See images from the day and find out more about Chaplain Jim’s Christmas message of hope, our fellowship and stories that remind us why we serve.
Christmas Spirit Flourishes at Port Botany
The spirit of Christmas was abundantly present at Port Botany recently when more than 50 volunteers from across the port community united to pack 2000 gift bags for seafarers. Staff from the Port Authority of New South Wales, NSW Ports, WISTA, Svitzer, Engage Marine, DCN and others united for an annual event aimed at boosting seafarers’ mental health. Thank you also to the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund for supporting us and Stella Maris during the year.
2025 Winter Newsletter – Masters Mariner
Read our 2025 Winter Newsletter to find out more about our record 216 attendance at our annual Seafarers Welfare event, treats for seafarers on International Day of the Seafarer, Chaplain Jim’s special care for Ukrainian seafarers, how Chaplain Retchie helped seafarers deal with the loss of their shipmate, AGM highlights and more!
Sea Sunday 2025 – Prayers for Lost Seafarers
About 250 Sydneysiders and MtS supporters gathered at the beautiful St Andrews Cathedral, Sydney CBD, uniting with churches around the world to celebrate Sea Sunday, a global day of thanks and prayer for seafarers.
Warm Welcome at Windy BBQ!
Despite the windy weather, the 2025 International Day of the Seafarers BBQs were a resounding success—thanks to staff and volunteers from NSW Ports, Port Authority of NSW, Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris. Find out more about this fun Aussie way to celebrate!
Record Guests at 2025 MtS Seafarers Welfare Event
We are delighted that more than 210 people including industry leaders and MPs attended our Annual Parliamentary seafarers’ welfare function this year! They united to honour and support the vital contribution of the more than 110,000 seafarers who arrive on cargo vessels, and the around 360,000 more arriving on cruise ships, into NSW ports every year.
AMSA Visit Helps Protect Seafarers
Stress at sea can often be eased through a strategic conversation. Our Chaplains recently received an excellent briefing on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) from AMSA ensuring we can advocate for seafarers’ wellbeing with clarity. MtS Sydney Chaplains made 600+ ship visits last year, offering support and guidance.
