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Posted by David Sexton
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11 Nov, 2026
PILOTS, wharfies and linesmen are among those set to play Santa Claus later this month, wrapping presents as part of the Christmas Appeal for Seafarers.
Present wrapping is to occur at Stella Maris Seafarer Centre in Sydney (AKA Sister Mary’s Humpy) on Wednesday 25 November from 9am.
Marine pilot Michael Kelly said the idea dated from 2018 when he had the idea for Sydney pilots to chip in and buy Christmas presents for ships’ crews.
“It started with a few hundred bags in my garage but word got out and the pilot cutter crew, wharfies, Engage Marine and others wanted to chip in,” Captain Kelly said.
“For the last six years we all come together and pack at Sisters Mary's humpy in Port Botany. Svitzer put on a barbecue and it's a good time for industry to come together.
“Wharfies, linesman, VTS, pilots, tug crews and NSW Ports employees come to help pack with Christmas music playing.”
Around 2000 Christmas bags are handed out from 1 December up to Christmas.
Captain Kelly said some of the ships’ crews in port also joined in the wrapping, making for a special atmosphere.
“We know many of the ships’ crews wake up on Christmas day and have no gifts so this is special to them,” he said.
“The traditional koala will be part of the gifts and over 12,000 have homes around the world.”
Donations to the appeal can be made to:
BSB 659000
Account Number 500134557
A donation of $500 provides one ‘Santa Sack’ containing 25 individual gift packs.
