New bus to transport Seafarers around the Illawarra

UPDATED: Port Authority of NSW Head of Regional Ports and Chair of The Port Welfare Committee of Port Kembla, Peter Ernst handed over the keys to a brand new 12-seater bus to The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla to support their invaluable welfare work with visiting seafarers.

Port Authority of NSW Head of Regional Ports and Chair of The Port Welfare Committee of Port Kembla Peter Ernst said the new bus for The Mission to Seafarers in Port Kembla was made a reality after generous donations from across the local port community including AAT, NSW Ports, Blue Scope Port Kembla, Squadron Energy and Port Kembla Coal Terminal.

 “I would like to congratulate and thank the Port Kembla port community who rallied together, digging deep to raise funds to support The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla in their vital work supporting seafarer welfare,” Mr Ernst said.

 “Life as a seafarer can often be very challenging and lonely, at sea for many months at a time, away from family and friends which is why supporting charities such as The Mission to Seafarers who support seafarers welfare by assisting with access to essential medical care or essential provisions or simply providing somebody to talk to when ships arrive in our ports is so important.

 “The new bus will be put to good use, enabling the continuation of the pick-up and drop off bus service to get visiting seafarers quickly to services and facilities they need 365 days per year.

“This may be their only opportunity to replenish their basic essential items through a visit to a grocery store or access medical specialists like dentists and doctors before taking to their ocean home for many months at a time.”

Local Member for Wollongong, Minister Paul Scully said seafarers are vital to our shipping industry and often are the forgotten heroes behind 98% of Australia’s trade which arrives and leaves by sea.

 “I’m so proud of the Port Kembla port community who were so generous in their donation of thousands of dollars for this new bus that will be put to great service for many years to come,” Mr Scully said.

 “This act of kindness reflects the spirit of people who call the Illawarra their home.”

 The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla’s Chaplain John Kewa said the port community of Port Kembla has shown courage and commitment in times of need, especially when it comes to advocacy and practical support for seafarers welfare.

“The recent fundraising initiative by the port community for the new bus is testimony to the growing spirit of goodwill and leadership. The new bus rightly belongs to the port community and the Mission will act as custodians while caring for our seafarers,” Chaplain Kewa said.

For more information on The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla visit Port Kembla — Mission to Seafarers Australia (mts.org.au)