Illawarra local recognised for seafarer welfare work

Illawarra local and Port Authority of New South Wales Head of Regional Ports Peter Ernst has been jointly awarded the Seafarer Welfare Award at the prestigious national DCN Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday said Mr Ernst had been behind a number of initiatives to support seafarers, particularly throughout the pandemic.

“While Peter will probably say this is part of his role, he really has gone above and beyond from supporting the push to provide Wi-Fi for international seafarers at Port Kembla and Newcastle, in conjunction with the Tas Bull organisation,” Mr Holliday said.

“Peter has also been working closely with NSW Health and NSW Ports to enable seafarers to be vaccinated while visiting our ports.”

Mr Ernst said the award came as a surprise.

“I am incredibly humbled, and honoured, to have been even nominated for this award, let alone to win it,” Mr Ernst said.

“I feel there are so many people who have played a part, an essential part, in my being able to support seafarer welfare through the past two years during this pandemic.

“Playing our part in looking out for seafarers and improving their welfare in every way we can, is a core value of Port Authority of NSW.

“We see first-hand how tough life can be for them, away from family and friends and country, often with little or no ability to connect back home.  And this situation was only exacerbated through the pandemic.

“We all rely on seafarers.  We are an island continent and 99% of our goods arrive and leave by sea.

“I am extremely proud to have played a part in making their lives better and to work for an organisation like Port Authority.”

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