Our Partners
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. Mission to Seafarers Sydney is honoured to have been chosen as a first round beneficiary in the new Seafarers Welfare Fund (SWF).
The SWF will boost the wellbeing of seafarers visiting all the state’s ports by funding a range of critical services and programs delivered by charities with a proven track record who specialise in serving seafarers.
Find out more: Thank You Seafarers Welfare Fund
Philip Holliday
Chief Executive Officer & Director
Port Authority of NSW
“The Mission to Seafarers is a compassionate and dedicated organisation… They have a very rich history … as a former seafarer myself I know the challenges that seafarers face with many arriving in ports suffering from isolation, fatigue, tough working conditions and physical and mental health issues in an environment where they can easily feel alone – And that’s where the mission steps in … it’s an essential element.”
– Philip Holliday speaking at the 2024 Mission to Seafarers Annual Luncheon
Marika Calfas
Chief Executive Officer
NSW Ports
“Seafarers have an essential role in transporting goods to and from our island nation, often in difficult conditions and away from family for long periods. Supporting them when they are on our shores is our way of showing them that we care about their wellbeing and appreciate them. We are proud to be able to join with our colleagues at Port Authority of NSW and Port of Newcastle to fund initiatives to look after seafarer wellbeing when visiting NSW.”
– Marika Calfas in Seafarer Welfare Fund Announcement June 2024
Image: Ms Calfas (left) with David Field, Immediate Past Chair of the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund, at MTS Sydney Annual Luncheon 2023
Craig Carmody
Chief Executive Officer
Port of Newcastle
“What it [the Seafarer Welfare Fund) means is that the seafarers mission no longer has to live hand to mouth. (…) It allows them to have stability in planning and provision of services.(…) it is an acknowledgement of the importance of the mission to seafarers to the ports and to our collective community…”
– Craig Carmody speaking at the 2024 Mission to Seafarers Annual Luncheon
Jonathan Lafforgue
General Manager Operations and Environment
NSW Ports
“I’ve worked in the ports and maritime industry for the past 25 years, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting seafarers from all over the world. (…) You’d be hard pressed to find a friendlier and more dedicated bunch of people have always been so appreciative of the initiatives and programmes they have access to. (…) it’s so important to shine light on not just the life of the seafarer but also the incredible work organisations like Mission to Seafarers do at ports throughout the state.”
– Jonathan Lafforgue speaking at the 2024 Mission to Seafarers Annual Luncheon
Our Sponsors
Thank you to all the organisations who have supported our Annual Luncheon at NSW Parliament House each June, particularly this year’s sponsors: Principal: Gulf Agency Company (Australia) Pty Ltd GAC Group, Bronze: CSL Australia, Svitzer, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and the Daily Cargo News.
Find out more about Our Events.
Our Supporters
Thank you to all the organisations throughout the year who support us in a variety of ways.
Thank you particularly to: The CSL Group Inc., Swire Shipping, Worklocker Leeton, Svitzer Tugs and Line Services, St Johns Anglican Church Dee Why and the APS Foundation.
Find out more at our Christmas Appeal Thank You.
We also acknowledge and thank the many other organisations who work with us to help seafarers in need, especially AMSA and the ITF.
Paddy Crumlin
President
International Transport Workers Federation
Mr Crumlin, who plays an international role in campaigning for maritime workers’ rights, was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Mission to Seafarers Annual Luncheon.
He shared his insights on their needs and solutions for a better future for all at the event. He praised the diverse gathering of Maritime industry leaders and workers, government and union representatives and the supporters, volunteers and staff of maritime charities, saying “this event was a celebration of unity for the sake of seafarers”.
“We’re here together today in celebration of the fact that we care … and we’re doing something about it,” he said.
Mr Crumlin highlighted that caring for seafarers today helped to protect our global economic, social and environmental future.
“Our global economy and the safety of our seas depends on their special skills and their overall health,” he said.
AMSA
Image – AMSA CEO Mick Kinley (right) with Rev Tay honouring the seamen of the Merchant Navy.
“Seafarers face many challenges and need continuing support …AMSA’s work monitoring and checking visiting ships and crew work conditions has made more international ship owners aware of the importance of seafarer health and safety… However much more could be done to assist seafarers…AMSA strongly supports the work of The Mission to Seafarers and works closely with the local Mission when it is necessary to solve and support crew with welfare issues.“
– Mr Kinley’s speech, MTS Luncheon 2022 (due to covid, he was represented by Michael Drake, Executive Director Operations
Thank you OPTUS
Image: Seafarers on our bus with gift bags donated by OPTUS (contents regularly donated from various sources)
Some corporations support us with practical gifts to help us meet seafarers’ needs.
“We appreciate the free SIM cards from OPTUS, the discounts on their recharge cards and the excellent service from their staff. Their support makes it much easier for us to help lonely seafarers to re-connect with loved ones back home during their brief stay in Sydney.” – Clayton Strong, MTS Sydney CEO
