A record 230 maritime industry leaders, Members of Parliament, supporters and Mission to Seafarers teams from across NSW gathered at NSW Parliament House for Mission to Seafarers Sydney’s annual Seafarers Welfare Luncheon.
The event recognised the essential contribution of seafarers and the need to strengthen practical support for those who arrive in NSW ports after months at sea. Speakers shared how seafarers are essential to our economy and daily lives, yet many face isolation, fatigue, restricted shore leave, long hours and serious mental and physical strain to keep global trade moving.
It was a chance to remember that shipping is human-powered.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, reflected on Mission to Seafarers Sydney’s 145 years of service and the organisation’s continuing relevance in a changing world.
“To get to 145 years and still survive in this world, not only survive, but have continuing relevance, which to me is one of the most significant things about old organisations, is how they maintain their relevance and their vibrancy, and you have been able to do it,” Her Excellency said.
The Governor also spoke about the often unseen lives of seafarers, whose work supports the goods, comforts and services many Australians rely on every day.
“Always be curious, always think about how it is that we have the life that we have, because in so many ways, the life we have is thanks to the seafarers of the world,” she said. “It’s a most unique organisation. It’s an organisation which really gives the most precious service.”
The luncheon also recognised the valuable contribution of the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund, established by the Port Authority of New South Wales, NSW Ports and Port of Newcastle which is in its third year of providing reliable support to frontline seafarer welfare organisations in NSW.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas AM said seafarers were central to Australia’s economy and way of life. She said the challenges faced by seafarers had intensified over recent years, from COVID-19 restrictions to current conflict and uncertainty in global shipping routes.
“We do need organisations like Mission to Seafarers, and we need the support of industry and others to help them and support them during these times,” she said.
Ms Calfas also praised the practical and pastoral care that made “seafarers feel welcome and valued.”
Port of Newcastle’s Glen Hayward reminded guests that every vessel entering NSW ports represents individual seafarers who have been away from their families for long periods.
“We talk a lot in our industry about cargo, about trade, about supply chain, but none of this moves without seafarers,” Mr Hayward said. “Our industry depends on them. The question is, can they depend on us?”
Mr Hayward shared the story of a seafarer who became seriously ill in Newcastle and was supported by MtS volunteers while far from home. Months later, the Filipino seafarer named his newborn son “Stephen Dave” after the volunteers who had cared for him.
“You don’t do that because someone gave you a lift to the hospital,” Mr Hayward said. “You do that because someone changed your life. That is what this fund is supporting. Not programs, not paperwork, people.”
Port Authority of New South Wales CEO John McKenna led by example by announcing Round 3 of the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund grants for seven seafarer welfare organisations across the state.
“The fund supports wellbeing of seafarers, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s essential to shipping and our economy,” Mr McKenna said.
He encouraged more industry organisations to contribute to the Fund, noting that sustainable funding helps welfare organisations plan ahead and remain present when seafarers need urgent support.
“Supporting our seafarers is like an insurance policy or a smart investment for your business,” he said.
Mr McKenna thanked Mission to Seafarers Sydney’s leadership, “for hosting us today and helping to make the invisible more visible to us all.”
The Hon John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for Transport, also recognised the importance of seafarers to NSW and the need to care for them. He said recent international conflict had been a stark reminder of the vulnerability of shipping and the people who keep it moving.
“The stakes are high in a world where the global supply chains are so interlinked and vulnerable to disruption, but that makes it even more important to look after the hardworking humans who are at the centre of that system and that’s the work you do,” he said. “Without those humans, it simply doesn’t function.”
Minister Graham warmly acknowledged Mission to Seafarers Sydney’s work.
“In the transport space, I couldn’t think of any organisation that’s doing work that’s more important, that’s more critical, and that is so focused than what this organisation is doing,” he said.
He thanked the Mission, port operators, volunteers and advocates for providing seafarers with “dignity, with respect, and with the compassion they deserve.”
Closing the luncheon, Mission to Seafarers Sydney CEO Clayton Strong reminded guests that behind the statistics are real people in need of practical care, safety and connection.
He said: “To sustain this work, we need funding that’s reliable, plannable and renewable year after year,” he said. “The work is trusted, the need is clear, the result is visible. Thank you for standing with seafarers.”
Mission to Seafarers Sydney thanks everyone who attended, donated, volunteered and helped make the luncheon such a strong show of support for seafarers.
We are especially grateful to our sponsors: Platinum Sponsor Boluda Towage Australasia, and sponsors GAC Group, The MCC Group, CSL Australia, Squadron Energy and Daily Cargo News.
We also thank the many organisations that purchased tables and stood with seafarers, including Australasian Marine Pilots Institute, DP World, Svitzer, Cruise Lines International, Sparke Helmore, Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Dan-Bunkering Australia, and the Tas Bull Foundation and Stella Maris.
Thank you also to the MPs who attended: the Hon Paul Scully, Minister for Planning, Public Spaces, and Member for Wollongong, the Hon Yasmin Catley, Police Minister, Minister for the Hunter, and from a seafaring family and Ms. Alison Byrne MP, Member for Cunningham, a friend of the Wollongong Ports.
For 145 years, Mission to Seafarers Sydney has provided practical, compassionate and holistic care to seafarers visiting our ports. As this year’s luncheon made clear, that care remains as important as ever.
Find out more about the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund at:
https://www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/around-ports/our-community/seafarer-welfare
Or you can still support our welfare work by purchasing tickets in our Sea Sunday Raffle for a trip on Tugboat escorting a cruise ship out of Sydney Heads – closes on day after Sea Sunday July 12 – tickets at: https://missiontoseafarerssydney.supporterhub.net.au/raffles/2026-tugraffle
