Image: At our AGM, Captain Christopher ‘Kit’ Rynd, Jane Fyffe and Mark Edmonds (l to r pictured) plus Captain John Bradley were re-elected to continue as volunteer Directors of the MtS Board.
Our Annual General Meeting on 26 May 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the work of the past year, give thanks for the people who made it possible, and set the scene for a new season of service to seafarers visiting our ports. It was marked by inspiring stories and a deep sense of gratitude and encouragement.
“Our reports and presentations were well received, and there was real appreciation for the clarity, heart and direction of the work being done,” said Principal Chaplain Rev Tay.
Our CEO Clayton Strong presented the 2025 results (left), sharing how the numbers only told a small part of the story of how we were helping to ease stress for seafarers.
He said Mental Health is the key risk for Seafarers. The Gard Insurance report identifies Shore leave as one of the most import things to help ease the stress of seafarers. “It’s a time to “escape”; time to letting off steam; time to relax. At various levels, our services help make this possible,” he said.
In 2025, MtS Sydney conducted 808 ship visits — up from 240 in 2022 to 808 in 2025. This growth is a direct result of NSW SWF investment enabling a culturally capable team, including our new Rev. Simon Pei. His contributions have been central to engaging Chinese seafarers, one of the main groups visiting Sydney ports, helping them to feel less isolated.
Our free transport is another service that is understood to avoid issues arising as it helps ease stress for seafarers. “Our seemingly simple act has significant benefits. Without our free bus it would be is a massive cost if you only earn $1000 a month as a cadet or $2000 in the lower ranks. To be able to arrive back on the vessel reset, refreshed is even more special as this is often not possible in ports like Singapore and China so Sydney is super important as we make it happen,” Mr Strong said.
Ship visits were also vital. “The Chaplains hear about safety issues about pay issues about broken hearts. This is a powerful example of the need and how we are blessed with some highly empathetic Chaplains who listen and want to make a difference. Coming beside a seafarer and hearing them, sharing their pain, possible getting agencies involved to change the situation. This is super powerful work”.
Mr Strong shared that this month we once again had a call from a shipping company for a mission Chaplain to visit a ship as the crew had just had a colleague die. “We are called because they know we will be there, we care, we will stand beside anyone as they deal with the hurt and need a hand on the shoulder a caring heart and often a prayer. This is what makes the Mission to Seafarers so important.”
“This has not changed since we began in 1881 as we prepare to celebrate 145 years of caring. The environment may have changed – the vessels are larger and faster, the crew smaller and the turnaround faster but we as humans have not changed, we still need care. I am proud to be part of this team making a difference every day.”
Image: “Our Life At Sea photo competition is another way for seafarers to tell their story; it makes their circumstances and work life more real. So many of the seafarers, including Captains, have embraced this.” – Clayton
Global Matters – Message from the Chair
MtS Chair Robert Dunn then addressed the global challenges facing seafarers. He said we are all aware of instability in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea region, attacks on commercial shipping, rerouting of vessels, longer voyages, uncertainty for crews, and the emotional strain of working in increasingly dangerous conditions.
“While we cannot influence global conflicts, we can determine how seafarers are received when they arrive in our port. Our chaplaincy, hospitality, transport, Wi-Fi, practical care, listening, friendship, and spiritual support elevates ordinary acts of care into something globally significant.
“In an anxious and fragmented world, simply being present matters. One of the quiet strengths of the Mission to Seafarers is that we are a ministry of presence. We meet people where they are — often tired, isolated, uncertain or simply longing to be seen.
It’s easy in the current context to feel sombre. Yet we have much to be grateful for and good reasons to be confident. We are grateful for volunteers, donors, funders, staff, chaplains and maritime partners. We are confident that small acts of faithfulness matter, and that Sydney continues to be known as a port where seafarers are treated with dignity.
In a world where much feels uncertain, kindness, welcome and human connection remain profoundly important. That is the contribution this Mission continues to make,” he said.
He also thanked the Sydney Bethel Union (SBU), the NSW Seafarer Welfare Fund including the Port Authority of NSW and NSW Ports, the Australian Mariners Welfare Society (AMWS) and all our individual donor supporters and volunteers.
Still Touching Hearts and Transforming Lives
Our principal Chaplain Rev Tay led a delightful presentation where he and Rev Retchie alternated like two TV presenters sharing two videos to open meaningful conversations and touched hearts in unexpected ways.
He said after the AGM that from these reflections, we drew precious lessons for our chaplaincy work and reaffirmed our commitment to see beyond the surface, recognising that every seafarer carries hidden burdens that may never be spoken unless someone cares enough to ask.
“We will continue to be present with dignity and professionalism, offering a safe, confidential space where seafarers can find strength, comfort, and hope,” he said. “We honour and value every seafarer’s humanity, treating each person not as a role or rank, but as a child of God deserving of respect, care, and understanding.”
“Every seafarer carries a story that deserves to be honoured & valued. We are all called to be kind to people. You have no idea what they are going through.
This is our calling. This is our commitment. This is our privilege.” – Rev Tay
Images – thank you to the Board members and supporters for attending our AGM and light luncheon.
