MtS Melbourne lunching in the Paddy Field

THE MISSION to Seafarers in Melbourne is holding its inaugural Seafarer Session on 28 May, the first in what will be a series of periodic lunches, featuring guest speakers and topics of interest to the maritime and logistics sectors, as well as providing a networking opportunity for attendees across the industry.

The special guest speaker for the first session will be the inimitable Paddy Crumlin, recently retired as national secretary of the MUA and still president of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, who’s promised insights into the union’s and federation’s current concerns and future focus.

Mr Crumlin will also introduce his successor as MUA national secretary, Jake Field, in what will be an early opportunity for the maritime community to meet and hear from the man with big shoes to fill.

MtS Victoria board member Steve Duniam told DCN the Mission hopes to establish the Seafarer Sessions as professionally and socially valuable events, while raising funds to support the crucial work of caring for and supporting seafarers.

“As you probably know the Mission is almost solely reliant on donations and sponsorships from the corporate sector, and we hope that these events will also raise the profile of the Mission and its works, and assist in our funding efforts,” Mr Duniam said.

“At our four centres in Victoria — Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings — work is carried out by a small number of staff, chaplains and volunteers who give freely of their time 365 days of the year. Each centre houses the ‘Flying Angel Club’ where seafarers are welcomed by a friendly face and can contact their families by phone or internet, and receive counselling during times of injustice or distress.

The MtSV ship visiting program supports crew who do not receive shore leave and is a vital service to ensure these crew have the provisions and support they require, and is a vital component in promoting seafarer well-being which has a direct and positive impact on safe operations at sea.

“While most seafarers are well treated, some are still abandoned in ports far from their homes, or remain unpaid or forced to work in unsafe or unacceptable conditions. In such situations, the Mission plays a vital role in providing practical care and moral support.

“The Mission provides care and support for seafarers, both domestic and international. More than 10,000 seafarers annually visit the mission, and we physically attend around 30% of all vessels calling the Port of Melbourne,” Mr Duniam said.

The 28 May luncheon will run from 12-2.30 at the MtS Main Hall, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands, Melbourne and includes two courses and drinks.

Tickets are $150 per person, or tables of 10 are available for $1,250 and there’s special pricing available for larger groups. $50 from every ticket will go to MtS. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

For enquiries and tickets please contact: impact@missiontoseafarers.com.au