Australia’s shipping industry gathered at NSW Parliament House last week, ahead of the international Day of the Seafarer, to celebrate the work of seafarers.
Clayton Strong, CEO of the Mission, opened the event, acknowledging country, welcoming all and thanking the sponsors – GAC, Daily Cargo News, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, CSL Australia and Svitzer.
He read out a statement from Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and he thanked the Governor for her support.
Reverend Retchie Salvador, a chaplain with the Mission to Seafarers Sydney, said grace, and Robert Dunn, chair of the Mission to Seafarers Sydney, introduced guest speaker Capt. Philip Holliday.
Capt. Holliday acknowledged the dignitaries in attendance and discussed the various problems such as mental health and isolation that seafarers experience. He also noted that seafarers miss many important family occasions, such as births, deaths, marriages, and baby’s first steps.
As the sea is the most efficient and environmentally friendly form of transport, it is essential to invest in seafarers and the supply chain for a sustainable future, he told luncheon guests.
An announcement was also made about a substantial financial donation to the Mission to Seafarers (for further details, see today’s story “Ports create new AUD$2.5m Seafarers’ Welfare Fund”).
