The Christmas spirit was in action at Port Botany when more than 50 volunteers from across the port community united to pack gift bags for seafarers who won’t be seeing their loved ones at this special time.
Staff from the Port Authority of NSW, NSW Ports, WISTA, Engage Marine, DCN, Ampol Kurnell Terminal and many others united for the annual event on 27 November to help boost seafarers’ mental health.
Stella Maris, Sr Mary Leahy and Mission to Seafarers CEO Clayton Strong thanked all the volunteers, Svitzer for donating the BBQ lunch and also the organisations behind the NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund (SWF) – the Port Authority of NSW and NSW Ports.
Strong said it was fitting that at the end of a year grants from these two organisations had helped seafarers, that some of their staff had personally stepped up to make a difference.
“For seafarers who often haven’t seen their families for up to nine months, a gift bag of care can be a meaningful boost to their mental health,” he said.
“The ship visits from Sr Mary and our Chaplains, partly funded by NSW SWF grants, are also a valuable support at this often difficult time, as well as throughout the year.”
Sr Mary Leahy said the simple gifts were a constant reminder for seafarers that Sydney’s port community cares.
“The community spirit today was really wonderful. We saw the flourishing of humanity, friendship, generosity and the spirit of Christmas in action. Thank you to everyone involved and especially our volunteer organiser Michael [Kelly].
“He’s been making this happen for seven years now. He’s a working-class hero – a good man to the core who brings out the best in others.”
Pilots will deliver the gift bags including a koala, Aussie fridge magnets, socks, something sweet, and a handwritten Christmas card to the ships during December.
The Port Authority of NSW has also helped support seafarers in need this Christmas by donating a Sydney Harbour trip for four people on their marine fire-fighting vessel. Tickets and details at https://tinyurl.com/25Burra.
Teanna Heta, Stevedore Shift Manager for Qube Ports, rallied 16 volunteers through WISTA.
“This is just a small way to show them we value their work,” she said.
Key organiser of the day, Port Authority Marine Pilot Michael Kelly said the port workers came back year after year because they could see the happiness it brings.
Port community members’ donations had also paid for the contents.
“It’s a small gesture on our part, but it can have a huge impact on someone’s welfare,” he said.
Strong said supporting seafarer welfare was more than just an expression of Christmas spirit.
“The 2024 Gard Crew Claims Report found that 11 per cent of over 400 deaths on insured vessels between 2019-2023 were due to suicide.
Investing in seafarer wellbeing is not just about caring for people – it’s fundamental to maritime safety,” he said.