2026 Winter Master Mariners Newsletter
Discover how to win one of two Svitzer Tug Boat experiences, how to warm the hearts – and feet – of seafarers through our Father’s Day Appeal, see the winning images from our seafarers’ Life@Sea Photography competition and catch up on even more of what’s been happening at our Mission!
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.
Welcome Rev Simon – an Architect Who Now Rebuilds Lives
Welcome to Rev Simon who has a clear passion for supporting people of all cultures, and especially those far from home. Seafarers speaking Mandarin, Cantonese and Henan dialects, who usually have very limited English, are especially delighted when they meet Rev Simon and he greets them in their own languages.
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.
Chaplain Rev Retchie Highly Commended Award
Congratulations to our Chaplain Rev Retchie Salvador on being highly commended for the Seafarers Welfare Award at the DCN Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards 2025. His unwavering compassion, leadership, and steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of our seafarers have made a profound difference!
2025 Spring Master’s Mariner
Christmas volunteer opportunities, a terrific raffle prize for our Christmas Appeal, who has been nominated in the DCN awards and how to win a free Family Pass to Taronga Zoo! See our latest newsletter to learn about all that and more!
‘Sea Carers’ featured in Southern Cross Magazine
Our Chaplain Retchie beautifully shows the heart and soul of our work in “Sea Carers” – the cover story of Southern Cross Magazine August-September 2025 – out now.
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!
