Win a firefighting vessel trip for 4!
To kick off our Winter Appeal, the Port Authority of NSW have kindly donated a 90 minute trip for four on their new purpose-built fire-fighting vessel, The Burra!
This exciting trip is to be taken on a mutually-agreed Saturday after the draw on July 15. Money can’t buy this special trip – as a working vessel, the Burra rarely takes ‘landlubbers’ on board!
Our 2023 Raffle winner Jannion Kaufmann sent us this delightful note after she took the Burra trip with her son and two granddaughters:
“It was wonderful! We all loved every minute of the experience … The crew were amazing – so kind, helpful and lovely to be with. They told us so much about their work, the Burra and the sights we were seeing – they took us over just about the whole Harbour. Standing on deck as we ploughed through the water was magic. Tessa (11) and Macy (8) loved every minute – something we will all remember for a long time. I am so grateful that we were able to experience this amazing time together. I felt sad leaving the Burra – it was one of those days that you just want to keep on going forever … many, many thank yous to everyone involved.” From Jannion Kaufmann (shared with permission).
We also discovered that Jannion is the daughter of Bill Taylor, an extraordinary seafarer!
Macy (centre) is holding the certificate Bill received in 1995 admitting him as a Life Member of our Mission!
In 1972, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire and he was also an active member of the Company of Master Mariners.
Find out more about the extraordinary Bill Taylor in this tribute: https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-long-life-of-adventure-at-sea-for-bill-taylor-20151007-gk30i4.html
All funds raised will go towards our services including ensuring a warm welcome to our Centre for visiting seafarers this winter!
Experience the Burra in Action
Built by master shipbuilder Birdon in Port Macquarie, the Burra is one of two new vessels purpose-built for the Port Authority to respond to major on-water incidents, including firefighting, both on and from the water.
She can pump 16,000 litres of sea water per minute – equivalent to four large fire engines – and send water shooting almost the length of a standard soccer field. The Burra can turn 365 degrees in 60 metres, while travelling at 20 knots, making her extremely agile in the water. She also features 360-degree visibility from the wheelhouse and an open deck for ease of movement.
The Port Authority’s operations teams work 24/7, 365 days a year to protect our waterways and manage the safe movement of ships in the ports of NSW. Each year, Port Authority NSW responds to over 1000 incidents in Sydney ports alone, including vessel fires, oil pollution and water rescues.
How it Works: The riders will join the Burra at 4 Towns Place Millers Point, Sydney. Safety equipment and a briefing will be provided. BYO picnic if you wish – no alcohol allowed, this is an operational vessel. Closed toe shoes and sensible sunproof clothing to be worn. Trip may be delayed on the day if vessel is undertaking emergency firefighting. The online only raffle will be drawn at 2.05pm on July 15 using SupporterHub’s randomised technology. The winner will be notified via email and in our website news.
All funds raised will go towards ensuring a warm welcome to our Centre for visiting seafarers this winter. Raffle tickets aren’t tax deductible, so as the end of financial year approaches, if you prefer to give a tax-deductible gift, please visit our donations page
Please help us to support the seafarers who bring the goods we all need to our island nation!
