Port Authority and NSW Ports Donation for MTS’ Vaccination Program Work
The winners of DCN’s Seafarers Welfare Award 2021 have donated their $2900 prize money to Mission to Seafarer’s Sydney. The winners had been recognised for their work developing a state-wide, co-ordinated approach to vaccinating international seafarers across NSW ports, a model that was soon replicated in other states. The award recipients, who were from the Port Authority of New South Wales and NSW Ports, requested the prize money “be passed along to the charity they felt deserved the praise for the initiative”. Mission to Seafarers Sydney has been integral in the delivery of the program, vaccinating over 2000 seafarers in our bus which had been converted into a mobile vaccination station. See DCN 19th September for details.
NSW Ports on a mission to support Seafarers
NSW Ports has donated $15,000 to Mission to Seafarers Sydney to support counselling, transport and services to mariners who help deliver essential goods to NSW each year.
NSW Ports Communications Manager Brooke Eggleton said the business was proud to continue its support for seafarers who perform an integral role in the supply chain on which we all rely. “NSW Ports is proud to support Sydney Mission to Seafarers and seafarers,” she said.
Diving into soul support of workers at sea
Stop for just a moment and think about what it would take to stop our world. One way would be if all the people who work at sea went on strike. Global supply chains are heavily reliant upon seafarers. National economies and the arrival of your latest international parcel require water ways to work.
Reverend Un Tay, Principal Chaplain with Mission to Seafarers in Sydney, recently told Ben McEachen on radio Hope Mornings what it takes to support those who work at sea and how community support makes such a significant difference to seafarers wellbeing.
Giving Hope to Seafarers in Dark Times
At our Mission in Sydney, we recently welcomed a distressed seafarer who couldn’t bear to go back on board his vessel. He was feeling frustrated and helpless. His wife had suffered a miscarriage and then their pet dog died and he couldn’t be there for them. He sought our help. We explained the situation to Border Force and contacted the ship agent who was able to arrange a flight home so that he could be safely reunited with his wife and family.
SBU Celebrates 200 years of caring for Seafarers
Congratulations from Mission to Seafarers President HRH Princess Anne was one of the highlights when about 140 people gathered at the National Maritime Museum to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Sydney Bethel Union (SBU).
First Ever Christmas Appeal Online Raffle
Christmas can be a lonely time at sea. Buy a raffle ticket in the Mission to Seafarers Christmas Appeal to show seafarers they are not alone in our first ever online raffle. The raffle prize is 90 minutes patrolling Sydney Harbour on the famous Shirley Smith Operational Fire Fighting Tug Boat with her crew. The prize is for up to 4 adults or children aged over 8, to be used on a Saturday before March 31.
