Image: MtS volunteers joined the port community at the NSW Ports Community day – capturing, listening and learning from those who serve at the heart of the port!
Thank You NSW Ports! Not only have they once again donated all the ticket costs – over $800 – 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.
Bernadette Bolo shares about the experience:
When I received the ticket to attend the Port Botany Community Boat Tours, it felt it was more than just an invitation – it felt like a quiet thank you. As a volunteer with the Mission to Seafarers, these moments of appreciation go a long way.
The day itself was clearly designed for community, bringing together friends, families, kids and even the child in us. There was face painting (which we gamely tried), the opportunity to steer the boat’s wheel and live music filled the space as we waited for the buses to take us to the boat. The whole atmosphere felt welcoming, relaxed and full of fun.
Once on the water, perspective shifted. The port revealed itself in a completely different way – vast, coordinated and constantly moving. Thanks to the insights shared by NSW Ports, it wasn’t just impressive – it was meaningful.
Watching the port up close, I was reminded of the seafarers behind each ship that delivers goods. It made our work at the Mission feel more tangible. These are the individuals we support – often unseen, yet essential to everyday life. The experience provided me with an opportunity to learn more and to become a better ambassador for Sydney’s ports and to seafarers.
Generosity was evident throughout the day – from the organisation of the tours to the thoughtful support packs provided to guests, including NSW Ports merchandise caps, sunblock, water, cookies and items contributed by DP World. More importantly, proceeds from the community boat tours are directed to supporting the Mission’s work with seafarers, helping sustain our outreach, ship visits and welfare services.
Image: We watched as ships were safely guided safely – each journey supported by many hands.
More than just a day out, the event was a reminder of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose – supporting seafarers, strengthening community connections, and offering a deeper appreciation of the ports that keep our world moving.
It was also a chance to pause and connect with fellow volunteers, network with other participants and feel part of something bigger.
I left feeling not only better informed but appreciated and energised. A simple gesture, thoughtfully given, can go a long way, not just in saying thank you but in reminding us why we do what we do.
Image – Our volunteer Jack Starmans attended and took his son Simon for a special birthday treat. He enjoyed reliving memories of his 15+ years of working and volunteering to help seafarers from Sydney’s ports at the Mission.
P“It was a great nautical day. Our only problem was getting there, without a car. The bus service had been cancelled from the nearest train station, Mascot. You can catch a bus from Redfern, a 48-minute trip. So, what did I do? I prayed about it. Trusting the Lord to make the trip easier – He answered. We were able to get a lift with the Mission’s volunteer driver on duty on Saturday, Avalon – to our rescue! The Port tour was well organised, with free coffee, free face painting, free biscuits, free coach to the cruise boat, and best of all, a forty-five-minute cruise around Botany Bay viewing the container ships and tankers. It was enjoyable watching people see the huge cargo ships up close for the first time. I take my hat off to the great organisation and hospitality of NSW Ports staff. Thank you.” – Jack.
Images from the day: (l) Back on the bus – Closing the day with a deeper appreciation of life and partnerships at the port; and a deeper connection with each other.
Below: (l) Ship and colourful containers from around the world.
(r) Port cranes reaching up like metal giant giraffes.
