Clayton Strong
CEO
A global citizen whose corporate career has included living in five nations, Clayton first became engaged with the needs of seafarers during his time in Japan in the 1990s.
He delights in empowering teams who can meet needs effectively and with gentle care. A servant leader, he is passionate both about building effective relationships and robust systems while helping out at all levels as needed.
Rev Un Tay
Principal Chaplain
Rev Tay has been passionately providing holistic care at the Mission since 2008. He has the gift of relating well to people at all levels and moves easily between public presentations to inspiring volunteers to liaising on behalf of seafarers with Captains, to translating seafarer’s medical needs during late night hospital visits.
Originally from Malaysia, he is fluent in six languages. Rev Tay is an active member of the Anglican Chinese Ministry and his home church is St Annes Anglican Church Ryde.
Jim Watt
Counsellor and Chaplain
Chaplain Jim runs his own business as a counsellor and has a Graduate Diploma of Counselling. He has been a pastor in two Sydney churches since graduating with a BTh from Moore College. He particularly values interdenominational practice and has worked with Prison Fellowship visiting many jails. He led the welfare arm of Newtown Mission Uniting Church for 10 years.
Retchie Salvador
Chaplain
Chaplain Retchie’s warmth, Filipino upbringing
and fluency in four native Filipino languages help
him to connect brilliantly with seafarers. He also
speaks Korean. Seafarers love it when he joins in
singalongs at the Centre and he drives for miles
to find their favourite snacks. They often
continue to ask for his advice long after they
have left Sydney. He worships at Life Anglican
Church Quakers Hill.
Jack Starmans
Chaplain
After many years of ministering to people in impoverished parts of NSW, Chaplain Jack joined the Mission team in 2008. Having experienced hard times himself, Jack is especially compassionate towards seafarers who need support and friendship. He also connects well with shy seafarers by giving free pool lessons. Jack enjoys exploring the deeper questions about life and faith with anyone who is keen and sharing messages of joy and hope whenever he has the opportunity.
Sarah Mercer
Team and Seafarers Service
Sarah enjoys using her many years of administration and reception experience to support our team and to welcome and help seafarers. Sarah loves that working at the mission makes it possible to help people from all over the world in a tangible and practical way. She is an active member of St Stephen’s, Normanhurst.
Nadja Leffler
Communication and Supporter Manager
A former newspaper journalist, Nadja delights in using stories to build bridges of understanding to help people in need. She has an MA in International Communication and experience in marketing for Christian aid agencies, politicians and higher education institutions. Nadja’s part-time at the Mission so also works freelance helping non-digital natives with their branding and marketing. Born in Slovenia, she has an ecumenical background and her home church is now St Andrews, Roseville.
