Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla

28/08/2026

What an amazing Winter day for the Captain and young Cadets from MV Toreador to have some refreshing walk along beautiful Port Kembla Beach!!

21/07/2026

We are delighted to acknowledge GM3 taking a proud initiative by reaching out recently to see how they can be of any assistance in our daily efforts caring for seafarers who visit Port Kembla. Thanks to Lyndell and Sam for your visit. We look forward to GM3 establishing some meaningful partnership with the Mission for the greater benefit of seafarers. Such initiative from a corporate body gives us confidence in the long-term viability of the Mission's ability to offer relevant care for the most significant asset in the industry - its people! Thanks to Mark from PKCT for facilitating!

13/07/2026

Wonderful to attend the Seafarers Sunday service, marking 145 years of the Mission to Seafarers supporting seafarers arriving in NSW.

Yesterday’s service was a chance to thank the Mission's staff and volunteers for the work they do looking after seafarers coming into Port Kembla.

With around 90% of Australia's imports arriving by ship, these workers are essential to keeping our economy moving - and it’s great to see their contribution recognised.

12/07/2026

Lovely to join Alison Byrnes MP, Paul Scully MP and Lord Mayor of Wollongong Cr Tania Brown at the Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla annual Sea Sunday service today, alongside Chairman Tony Willis and Senior Chaplain John Kewa, and many others who attended today’s service.

The annual Sea Sunday Service gives thanks, honours and shares stories and concern for the seafarers of the world.

Incredibly, 800 vessels a year come to Port Kembla, which brings 20,000 seafarers to our port each year.

The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla, and the many volunteers who support their work, strive to promote an atmosphere of family, a sense of service and solidarity among those seafarers who come into Port Kembla, and aims to strengthen ties between Australian and international seafarers.

Seafarers sustain Australians with the goods we need and enjoy. As a worldwide charity, the Mission to Seafarers stands alongside the 1.9 million men and women seafarers in 200+ ports around the world.

12/07/2026

30/06/2026

We are delighted to host Margret from who is doing her Year 10 ‘workplace learning’ at the Mission to Seafarers. Margret is a keen learner and wishes to understand more about both the shipping/maritime industry and the welfare of workers (seafarers) who play such a significant role in the supply chain and what it means for our local businesses and the wider economy. All the best Margret!!

23/06/2026

'The TRUTH is that we depend on Merchant Seafarers to deliver the goods we need for business and daily personal use; and the QUESTION is: can seafarers depend on us for their welfare and wellbeing when visiting our local Ports as they deliver what we need and take our products to trading destinations?'
This was one of the key questions or rather messages shared during the 2026 Seafarers welfare Luncheon at Parliament House Sydney, Friday 19th June.
NSW Seafarers Welfare Fund, which remains to be an Australian-first initiative, established February 2024, through the collaborative effort of the State’s leading maritime bodies consisting of Port of Newcastle, NSW Ports and Port Authority of NSW, has once again announced at the Luncheon that seven charities and non-profits will receive $1.5 million amongst them for the year 2026. This funding model is widely considered to be a vital ‘investment’ in ensuring long-term support programs for maritime workers, including chaplaincy, Counselling & Pastoral Care, advocacy, transportation, WIFI, ship-visiting, emergency assistance and more…
We are also very grateful to Sponsors for the event that ultimately shows a collective goodwill effort in the State of NSW to answer the question 'Can Seafarers Depend on Us?' Amongst the 230+ guest attending were dignitaries, politicians, industry leaders and business & community reps, which only signifies an affirmative response to the question - that in NSW, visiting seafarers can depend on us - just as we depend on them. In delivering the keynote address, Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley acknowledged the attendees and noted, "Your presence today is a comforting sign that seafarers are recognised by us..." Well done, New South Wales!!!
We acknowledge and express our deep thanks to Mission to Seafarers - Sydney for organising a successful 2026 Seafarers Welfare Luncheon!!!

12/06/2026

09/06/2026

SEA SUNDAY, 12 July 2026: Wollongong/Port Kembla...

'Join us in thanks and prayer for these men & women who provide necessary service to the world with little recognition...in danger and with anxiety.'

02/06/2026

Hello from Bosun of MV Opal Leader!!