The second round of funding recipients from the Seafarer Welfare Fund has been announced with the International Day of the Seafarer occurring on 25 June.
The announcement was made at the annual Mission to Seafarers Parliamentary Lunch on Friday, celebrating continued investment in frontline services that assist visiting seafarers. The five-year, $2.5 million initiative is jointly supported by Port Authority of NSW, NSW Ports, and Port of Newcastle.
This year’s recipients include Mission to Seafarers Eden, Port Kembla, Sydney and Newcastle, Apostleship of the Sea Sydney/Stella Maris, the Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, and the Hunter Workers Rehabilitation and Counselling Service.
Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna, who announced the recipients on behalf of the fund, said the program had already demonstrated a significant impact.
“Our first year has shown the enormous difference this fund makes to seafarers, who face some of the toughest working conditions in the world,” he said.
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“Last year’s funding helped organisations increase staffing and expand vital services including mental health support, emergency care, transport, and communication access. These seafarers are the backbone of our global supply chain and deserve our full support.”
The program’s first year saw major improvements across recipient organisations.
Mission to Seafarers Sydney more than doubled its ship visits, Newcastle resumed seven-day operations, and Port Kembla expanded transport services – adding an initiative with Lake Illawarra Cricket Club to support seafarers’ mental wellbeing.
Stella Maris Sydney continued to provide essential items, hospitality, and transport services.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said the fund unites the port community around a shared commitment. “We are proud to once again support these initiatives, which ensure seafarers visiting our ports are welcomed and well cared for,” she said.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody agreed, emphasising the fund’s role in setting industry standards.
“Our economy relies on the hard work of visiting seafarers, and this fund ensures they receive the support they need. By coming together as an industry, we’ve created a sustainable model that reflects the value and dignity these workers deserve,” he said.