The windy weather tried to scupper the best laid plans, but thanks to the hard work of the port community, the International Day of the Seafarers in port BBQs 2025 were a great success.
Visiting seafarers joined staff and volunteers from NSW Ports, Port Authority of New South Wales, The Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris to mark the important occasion, which recognises the enormous contribution seafarers make to the global economy every day. Thank you to our volunteers who came out to Port Botany to help!
Port Authority pilots did a great job distributing flyers to the captains of vessels inviting all seafarers who were in port to join the BBQs at Port Botany and Port Kembla. The more than 30 seafarers who attended in Sydney were delighted at both the free food and the friendly Aussie faces and appreciated the Mission to Seafarers buses providing transport to and from the venues. Many more were keen to come along but couldn’t due to requirements to stay on board so deliveries to as many vessels as possible were also arranged.
MtS CEO Clayton Strong said it was such a good initiative from NSW Ports who co-ordinated the events. “It was uplifting to see all the Port Community combine to care for the seafarers in such a demonstrable way.” He also thanked Stella Maris volunteer and pilot Michael Kelly who took Krispy Kremes onto vessels earlier in the day whose crew could not leave to join in the BBQ. “He took the lead to ensure every seafarer had a treat! Thanks Michael!”
Clayton said those involved were already discussing how to build on this for next year.
Thank you NSW Ports for this terrific initiative to show seafarers that Aussies care – and that we know how to feed a crowd in a fun and friendly way!
“Great job and organisation NSW Ports team! You brought a smile to a lot of faces” – Sharad Bhasin, Harbour Master – Port Kembla
