NSW Ports has donated $15,000 to Sydney’s Mission to Seafarers to support counselling, transport and services to mariners who help deliver essential goods to NSW each year.
NSW Ports Communications Manager Brooke Eggleton said the business was proud to continue its support for seafarers who perform an integral role in the supply chain on which we all rely.
“There are more than 1.6 million seafarers who work on merchant ships worldwide and it’s those visiting our state each day who ensure goods reach their destinations, to support the people and businesses of NSW,” Ms Eggleton said.
“Many of those seafarers were obliged to spend more than 12 months on ships during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mission to Seafarers’ staff provided them with essential services and contact with the outside world.
“NSW Ports is proud to support Sydney Mission to Seafarers and seafarers more broadly through our Covid-19 vaccination program – which has delivered almost 3000 vaccinations to seafarers across Port Botany and Port Kembla.”
Mission to Seafarers Principal Chaplain Reverend Un Tay said NSW Ports’ donation would help seafarers recover from the challenges of the pandemic.
“Mission to Seafarers is honoured to have been helping seafarers maintain their physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health since 1881 in Sydney. I’m pleased to report that we’ve welcomed about 1000 seafarers from 31 nations since our Sydney Mission Centre reopened in April,” Reverend Tay said.
“For the past three years, many seafarers have spent between 12 to 24 months on board ships without shore leave, often working up to 18 hours straight while away from friends and family.
“NSW Ports’ contribution will help us to restore our pre-lockdown services and continue new ones, like adding flu vaccinations to our ship-side vaccination program, delivering goods and care packs directly to seafarers unable to leave their vessels and to those visiting our Centre.
“The packs show seafarers that people in Sydney appreciate their work and resilience and genuinely care about them. Our vision is to provide a home away from home; a place of hospitality and a sanctuary of hope to all seafarers visiting our Mission.”
For media inquiries, contact:
Brooke.Eggleton@nswports.com.au | 0419 684 953