Geoff Dalgliesh, Secretary of of Shipping Australia’s Queensland Committee writes:
“When reviewing a full twelve-month period for the huge State of Queensland and its numerous and very different ports, it can be difficult to know where to start.
However, we decided we would start with the events that SAL Qld hold each year, as the profits go to the Mission to Seafarers organisation. This organisation is vital to our Shipping Industry and run by volunteers who put uge amounts of their time to help Seaman whilst they are in Port and being far away from their family and friends. Hence a huge thanks to the supporters and sponsors of these events that help make a wonderful contribution to the people on our ships.
Firstly, our Annual Golf Day which due to very wet weather conditions finally got underway on the 25th June 2025. Due to these cancellations the number of players was down to just 80. This lower number did not dim the enthusiasm of all that attended the day. The eventual winners of the SAL Cup were Blue Water Shipping. Runners up for the OOCL Dennis Briant Cup and finally the Chairmans Trophy went to ES Randle sponsored by PBPL.
Many thanks to MCC Group and Smit Lamnalco as major sponsors. Also, thanks go to all the other sponsors that made for a great day. We managed to donate $1,600 for the Mission to Seafarers in Brisbane. Then in October the SAL Gala Industry Dinner was held with a very healthy attendance of 300 people and held in the new Brisbane Casino. A great night for all organised by the State Chairman, Mr Ajaz Mir, who ensured that it would be very special. Our major sponsor DP World ensured that the night all went as according to plan.
In addition, many thanks to our other major sponsors which were ACFS, MCC Group, Qube, The Star, PBPL, AAT, Smit Lamnalco, Svitzer, JBS and ES Randle. Not to mention all the additional tables with attendees at them. It all contributed to the whole event. Ajaz indicates we may try for 350 people next year and says he may also add a new twist to the event!
The one thing that can be said in favour of these events is that they bring people out from behind their desks, computer screens and their own set of circumstances. The physical presence of people from all the links in the chain of our industry mingling, laughing, talking and catching up with old acquaintances makes a wonderful spectacle.
Let’s never lose that aspect of our Industry!
