Ports’ COVID-19 efforts showcased

PORTS Australia has recently showcased ways ports have adapted to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of Ports Australia’s campaign was to show how ports have adapted in ways other than just implementing more stringent physical safety and hygiene measures.

The campaign showed how ports were focused on the mental wellbeing of staff, as well as keeping their workforce and communities socially connected.

Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher said he was proud to represent an industry which cared for its workforce and surrounding communities.  

“With the Australian supply chain being so complex and integral to Australian life, it can be easy to focus too much on how we keep it running instead of focusing on the people keeping it running,” Mr Gallacher said.

“These innovative projects are the ports’ way of saying ‘if you can’t bring the workers to the port, take the port to the workers’.

“We’re incredibly proud to represent the Australian ports as they go above and beyond while continuing their essential role despite the challenges of COVID-19.”

Key projects and campaigns:

• Pilbara Ports Authority supports the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre by preparing hampers for seafarers whose shore leave had been cancelled
• Port of Melbourne holds virtual town halls fortnightly for staff
• Port of Newcastle initiative focusing on mental health and mindfulness.
• Port of Townsville holds an all-staff virtual lunch.
• NQBP Cribs, an awesome addition to their ‘Weekly Dispatch’ newsletter.
• Fremantle Ports supports ‘Doorstep Dinners’ program, designed to support the growing food relief emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Maritime Safety Queensland helps package gift packs for seafarers.
• Lyttelton Port Company with its social media campaign #EssentialWorker selfies
• Flinders Port Holdings focuses on employees’ mental health.
• Port of Portland helps The Mission to Seafarers – Portland prepare care-packs for seafarers.