Glad TidingsThe Mission to Seafarers’ national conference held over four days in Rockingham WA, September last was a great success. Nearly all of our twenty five centres were represented.

Our special guest from the UK was the Revd Tom Heffer, recently appointed as the Society’s new Secretary General. A number of our MtS family from New Zealand and other Pacific Islands joined us as well.

The conference programme was challenging and most beneficial- with a series of

ELECTION OF A NEW AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL

knowledgeable and stimulating presenters.

It was noted that almost fifty percent of the Rockingham participants were new to the MtS since our last conference at Katoomba in 2007- demonstrating the ever changing face of our ministry; and our desire to be prepared to provide the best possible care for the many overseas crews that

visit our ports.

A special “thank you” is extended to Revd Dennis Claughton and MtS Fremantle Flying Angel manager Anne Robinson, for your tremendous welcome and hospitality.

It seems more than likely that the next national conference will be held in Hobart in October 2011 but this is yet to be confirmed.

Participants in 2009 National Conference

Newsletter No.6 April 2010

NATIONAL CONFERENCE A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Pictured are the members of the Mission to Seafarers Australian Council elected to serve until the next national conference in 2011.

From left to right-

Back row- Graham Miller (Townsville), Adrian Willes (Brisbane), Ian Porter (Sydney), Bishop Garry (Chairman), Colin Brown (National Coordinator) and Tom Heffer (Secretary General London)

Front row- Arthur Hinsley (Hobart), Ian McGilvray (Dampier) & David Masters (Port Kembla).

Tim Hopwood- on piano- sets the mood for

The Travelling Bunburys

Immediately following the conclusion of the national conference the Revd Tom Heffer travelled to Bunbury. Tom led the opening and blessing of the recently completed building extensions to the Bunbury Seafaring Centre. To meet Tom on this great occasion was Bunbury’s Bishop David McCall, Chairman Brian

SECRETARY GENERAL AT MTS BUNBURY’S CELEBRATIONS

During some free time at our national conference the Revd Dennis Claughton and Michael Kitafuna from MtS Fremantle, took Tom Heffer and Col Brown ship visiting on a wild, freezing and gloomy September afternoon at Kwinana.

SHIP VISITING AT KWINANA

One of the ways we are are acknowledging the International Year of the Seafarer is by running workshops around the nation on the Maritime Labour Convention- which we hope will be ratified by the Australian Government in 2011.

We were extremely fortunate to have the Revd Canon Ken Peters travel from the UK to lead our workshops. Ken is Director of the Mission to Seafarers Justice & Welfare desk based in our central office London.

Ken is one of the world’s leading experts on this United Nation’s Convention (known as the

KEN PETERS’ MLC WORKSHOPS AROUND AUSTRALIA

Price and Tim Hopwood (Centre Manager) and his team of loyal and enthusiastic volunteers.

This joyous Saturday afternoon saw the mingling of many MtS friends and supporters. Two visiting crews arriving at the Centre during the festivities could not believe their luck when

they were invited to join in the celebrations and sample the generous proportions of scrumptious hot and cold foods and refreshing drink! It was a most memorable day for the people of our Bunbury mission who have strived so hard to rise above the tragedy and sadness of 2008.

Although the elements tested us, the wonderful way Michael and Dennis went about greeting and caring for the weather-beaten crew warmed our hearts. Very clearly, they had put into action St. Matthew’s call “to welcome the stranger” - this time, to WA.

Our Fremantle centre is kept very busy, running seven buses between the Fremantle and Kwinana ports, to meet and look after overseas seafarers during their ever shortening precious shore leave- before returning to work on the vast Indian Ocean.

“Seafarers Bill of Rights”) and has had input into the drafting of the document since the year 2000.

In his one day workshops held in Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Fremantle, Dampier and Port Hedland, Ken explained the contents of the MLC and how it is expected to impact on the welfare work that the Mission to Seafarers family carries out around the globe- with particular focus on the Australian scene.

The workshops were very well attended by many Mission to Seafarers chaplains, managers, ship visitors and volunteers around the Australian coastline. Also joining us were many key people

from other welfare agencies, unions, ports, shipping, maritime colleges and government departments.

Also travelling with Ken and presenting at the gatherings was AMSA’s Paul MacGillivary. Paul heads a new government committee called the AMSA Port Welfare Advisory Committee which has been convened to promote the introduction of the MLC and encourage the creation of regional port welfare committees around Australia.

MtS’ national coordinator Col Brown represents MtS on this advisory body, and invited Paul to present at Ken’s workshops.

Michael Kitafuna preparing to ship visit at Kwinana WA

Ken Peters at Flying Angel Club Fremantle workshop

Ken’s five power point presentations and Paul’s one can be found on this website.

A special “thank you” is extended to the good people of the AMWS that generously funded Ken Peters' MLC workshops, and enabled us to take the presentation to our more remote seafaring centres in the Pilbara.

THANK YOU TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARINERS WELFARE SOCIETY

Late last year the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) established an Advisory Committee in response to Regulation 4.4 of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).

AMSA NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Captain Alan Tait at Sydney MLC workshop

It was terrific to see Captain Alan Tait at the Sussex Street Sydney Mission to Seafarers workshop making such a strong contribution & most ably representing his charitable organisation.

The initial meeting of the Advisory Committee took place in Sydney on 28 October 2009, with representatives from the Mission to Seafarers (Col Brown), Australian Ship Owners Association, AoS, Ports Australia, Shipping

Australia, ITF, AMWS and Dept of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations.

Some will remember the establishment of NSWAC some years ago which helped establish a number

ESTABLISHING PORT WELFARE COMMITTEES LOCALLYAll ports are now encouraged to form their own local port welfare committees (PWC) and the new AMSA Advisory Committee has the task of supporting PWCs to

achieve this- and provide ongoing support thereafter.

AMSA’s Canberra based Paul MacGillivary chairs the Committee.

A power point presentation by Paul on this topic can be found on this website.

For more information visit http://www.amsa.gov.au/Seafarers_Welfare/index.asp

AMSA FORUM TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE SEAFARER The AMSA Port Welfare Advisory Committee is presently in the process of planning for a two day Forum, in Melbourne, that will highlight the International Year of the Seafarer and the need

for ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention.

It is most likely that the Forum will be held over 29-30 September 2010 and that attendance will be by invitation.

of local port welfare committees. NSWAC ceased operating in 2006 but some port welfare committees (PWC) continue to meet including Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Newcastle.

Following the Australian national conference, Col Brown and Tom Heffer attended the MtS Oceania conference held at the MtS centre in Tauranga Port New Zealand, in September 2009. Those others attending came from Fiji, Tuvalu, Kirabati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Port Vila and five NZ ports from both Islands. Maori Bishop John Gray convened the Aotearoa conference.

ITF & AMWS FUNDING PROTOCOLS ARE IMPORTANT

Just a reminder that all MtS Centres wishing to seek funding assistance from either the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) or the Australian Mariners Welfare Society (AMWS) need to send their completed applications to- Secretary of the Australian of the Mission to Seafarers, PO Box 729, Townsville Qld 4810.

Both Viti Whippy (MtS Oceania’s secretary) and the Revd Jim Pether (Wellington) had attended the Australian Council the previous week. The Pacific Islanders shared similar stories, concerns and hopes that were also evident at the Australian conference. Emerging from the Oceania conference was the strong sentiment that both conferences should try

and meet more often to foster a keener sense of solidarity and more efficiently share resources and ideas. We look forward to seeing as many Pacific Islanders as possible at our next conference.

Please do not try and by-pass the Australian Council as the funding organisations will only return it to us for endorsement, and cause time loss.

The Australian Council reviews each application,

and, if appropriate , endorses same for sending to the respective funding body. If in doubt about the completion of the form or the actual process please contact Graham Miller on 07 4772 2774.

MTS OCEANIA CONFERENCE IN TAURANGA (NZ)

Flying Angel Club Fremantle

A few months back the Revd Dennis Claughton was invited to the ICMA conference held at the Mariners Club in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The workshop drew together ten very different but high achieving seafaring centres from around the world. It was great to hear that MtS Fremantle had been recognised and invited to work with representatives from Halifax Canada, Hamburg Germany, New York USA, Barcelona Spain, Venice Italy, Odessa Ukraine, Liverpool UK, Richards

Late last year the Revd Ken Cahill (formerly Melbourne’s chaplain) held a well attended ICSW ship visiting course for welfare workers in Bunbury. Participants travelled from far and

TWO SHIP VISITING COURSES IN THE WEST- BUNBURY & HEDLAND

Either Adelaide or Port Pirie will be the venue for the next ship visiting training course. It is hoped that Arthur Hinsley will be

NEXT SHIP VISITING COURSE PLANNED FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Bay South Africa, Singapore and Brazil.

The concept for the gathering was to present a management plan of how to assist seafarers around the world- by drafting some practical guides for implementation by new personnel to the ministry- responsible for the day to day operations of the seafaring centre.

Dennis found the experience inspirational and no doubt flew the Aussie flag proudly. On his return he commented

that ICMA “had presented a remarkable workshop which had stretched the capabilities of many to come up with a ‘nuts and bolts’ operational plan to assist other seafarers’ centres in future planning, mission, ministry and management”. He went on to say that “ the Christian ministry to seafarers is a unique network across all denominational barriers. The call to ministry in this area is recognised as vital to the men and women of the sea.”

wide. Ken himself came from Melbourne while others journeyed from Albany and Perth.

Early this year Dampier’s Revd Ian McGilvray ran a similar course at Port

Hedland Seafarers Centre. Ian reports that some five attended the two day course. Finding long term volunteers in the Pilbara region is not easy- in this area it is about “quality not quantity”.

able to come from Hobart to offer the course. When dates and venue are finalised we shall let you know.

Bunbury MtS ship visiting training course

Port Hedland iron ore ship

MTS FREMANTLE FLYS THE AUSSIE FLAG HIGH IN HONG KONG

Burnie’s Doug Couzins recently alerted us to this hidden treasure. Doug, during a holiday in Victoria visited the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool on Victoria’s “shipwreck coast”. This amazing reconstructed historical maritime complex has attracted over 2 million visitors since 1974- and has won numerous Victorian State Tourism Awards.Situated within the village is the Chapel of St Nicholas and a centre dedicated to the work of

MtS CHAPEL AT MARITIME VILLAGE- WARRNAMBOOL

SEA SUNDAY IS FAST APPROACHING

the Mission to Seafarers. Parts of the chapel and exhibition are from the original MtS chapel and seafaring centre that once operated in Frankston in days gone by. Doug donated a MtS flag that now flutters above the chapel. So if you are travelling the Great Ocean Road, take time to visit Warrnambool’s major tourist attraction.

The kids will be thrilled by the night time laser show simulating the story of a nearby shipwreck and its two survivors.

Visit www.flagstaffhill.com for a pleasant surprise.

This year, Sea Sunday will be officially celebrated on the 11 July 2010. But of course, Centres may prefer to celebrate on another date that better suits the local needs.

As usual, MtS central office has produced some quality materials for use on Sea Sunday that can be downloaded by visiting www.missiontoseafarers.org/

CAROL & PETER MORGAN’S WELL EARNED AWARDMany Port Hedland people were thrilled to hear that their former manager Carol Morgan was acknowledged at last year’s Lloyds List Awards function in Sydney.

Carol, with husband Peter toiled faithfully for many years to keep the Port Hedland Seafaring Centre a happy and safe “home away from home” for the many crews working the huge iron ships visiting Hedland.

Carol and Peter have

recently retired for a well deserved rest to live on a property at the foothills of the Grampians in Victoria. It is hoped that both of them will feel “the itch” to return to the seafaring action sooner than later. We need their skills and experience…perhaps Darwin calls?

Congratulations also goes to the Sydney Bethel Union that won first prize in the AMSA sponsored “Seafarers Welfare“Award”. Without the support of the SBU our NSW centres would be much poorer indeed.

Some may want to do some creative amending and put an Aussie spin on the UK materials.

Enjoy the big day.

The monthly reports sent to the National Coordinator from our Centres around Australia are always full of inspiring stories concerning our looking after the needs of the many seafarers we are so privileged to welcome albeit for such a brief time.

Such a one was reported by Ian McGilvray from Dampier last December. Ian wrote:

I am pleased to report that a busy festive season

A SEAFARER’S LIFE INVOLVES GREAT SACRIFICE

A NEW LEVY ON CENTRES TO HELP US EXPAND OUR MINISTRY

At the national conference and the subsequent meeting of the Australian Council it was decided that it would be necessary to increase station levies and also introduce a new mid year levy - to help support our desire to create new services to seafarers in remote ports where there is great and immediate need. It was also decided that some money needed to be held in trust for the purpose of emergency assistance for some of our poorer and struggling centres.

been at sea for 12 years and this would be the first Christmas he would have had at home in that time! Roberto was concerned about his pay and repatriation benefit. However, after I had spoken to his Captain, I was able to give him peace of mind on that issue.”

A belated “happy Christmas” to a courageous Roberto and his long suffering family- may they have many more together.

Bishop Garry Weatherill, on behalf of the Australian Council, has sent a letter of explanation to all Centres and it is hoped that your committees

will accept the news in good faith and with a willingness to contribute and support the ministry of the MtS family Australia wide.

was enjoyed by all the staff and volunteers at the Centre as we cared for the needs of the many seafarers who visited us in December. The month was extremely busy with extra services and hospital visits…

They say that every cloud has a silver lining- earlier in the month I visited a Filipino seafarer called Roberto who had been admitted to hospital with a back injury. His injury meant, that after initial treatment, he would be flown home. Roberto was rejoicing because he had

Rebuilding of part of Geraldton Centre

Our Geraldton centre continues to strive to improve its services and ministry to the visiting seafarers in the West. Since the closure of the centre in 2008 due to power loss and an unsafe building, the Geraldton volunteers have worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and modern Centre. The opening and

GERALDTON CENTRE ON THE WAY UP

In September last year, Doug Couzins who is chair of MtS Burnie went into some serious physical training prior to travelling to Africa with a few friends. Doug audaciously climbed Africa’s highest mountain Mt Kilamanjaro- with a Mission to

BURNIE’S DOUG COUZINS KNOCKS ON HEAVEN’S DOOR

Albany

It was good to see Norm Stevens make the long trip from Albany to Fremantle to join us for the MLC workshop. Norm is now well briefed on the need for Albany port to form its own Port Welfare Committee.

We were very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Dave Lomas. Dave was the AoS manager at Albany and a great friend to visiting seafarers. He will be sorely missed.

Brisbane

A big “ thank you” to Adrian Willes and Dave Ellis (Brisbane’s chairman) for organizing the Brisbane MLC

BRIEF NEWS FROM AROUND THE PORTS

rededication celebrations of the inside improvements last year was a great boost for the loyal volunteers.

The Revd Phillip Knife, after doing a fine job getting the ministry back on its feet, has returned to Perth. The Revd Bill Ross has recently taken up the

role as chaplain to Geraldton Centre. We wish Bill a happy and fruitful stay in Geraldton and God’s speed with the building work and next phase improvements.

Thank you to the Geraldton Port Authority for its generosity and constant support.

Seafarers flag in his back pocket. On reaching the summit he effortlessly planted the flag on top of Africa! Quite a feat indeed Doug- it has been rumoured that he is now preparing for Everest! Then what- the planet Jupiter?

workshop and hosting the March Australian Council meeting.

Thanks also Dave for showing Ken Peters around Brisbane. Ken was thrilled to feed some emus and kangaroos at a nearby conservation park but was horrified to hear Dave’s remark that “Australian’s are the only nation to actually eat what’s on their national coat of arms”!

By the time Ken had reached Port Hedland it was clear that he had recovered from Dave’s comment (and was quickly acclimatizing) as Ken purchased two unusual looking bottle openers mounted on kangaroo testicles. Ken explained

that these were presents for central office!

Bell Bay

Garry Jones and some of his team made the big drive from Bell Bay to Hobart for the MLC workshop there. Garry commented that both the national conference and the Hobart workshop were invaluable experiences, and that he was very appreciative.

Burnie

The Burnie folk were also well represented at the Hobart MLC workshop. Doug Couzins’ remarkable climb of Mt Kilimanjaro (with MtS flag in his back bottom is mentioned in another part of this newsletter).

Mount Kilimanjaro Doug on summit of Mt Kilimanjaro

Cape Lambert

It was unfortunate that Ken Peters and Col missed meeting the Revd Richard Goscombe (resident of Wickham) when they travelled to Cape Lambert during the workshop tour. Richard was in Sydney at the time - bad timing all round!

However, Ken and Col did spend some quality time talking with two of the Cape Lambert pilots and were very pleased to hear that the pilots are trying, in difficult circumstances, to help the seafarers stranded at Lambert.

We are very much dependent on the goodwill of Rio Tinto, the port owners to support us in setting up a greatly needed seafaring ministry there.

Dampier

The Dampier centre kindly played host to one of our MLC workshops. It was good to see that Ian is recovering from his hip operation and becoming more mobile daily.

Esperance

Col has finally made it to beautiful but far-from-every-else Esperance. He received a very warm welcome from the Revd Frank Roe and manager Fred Lochowicz of the Esperance MtS centre.

Many volunteers attended a meal and presentation night following Col’s arrival. He was able to give a presentation on the work of the MtS family

BRIEF NEWS FROM AROUND THE PORTS (continued)around Australia that was much appreciated by all. Some excellent and lively discussion flowed after the presentation.

Frank attended the MtS workshop in Fremantle a few days before. He took the bus from Esperance to Perth- some 12 hours each way. That’s dedication! Frank reckons so valuable was Ken’s workshop that it was worth the aches, cramps and pains (nevertheless consider flying next time Frank).

Fremantle

Again, a big “thank you” to Dennis and Anne for making us all so welcome last September. And congratulations on hosting a very successful and “house full” MLC workshop. Ken Peters was thrilled at the large numbers and response from the very “switched on” participants.

Geelong

Thank you Noah for the hospitality your Geelong team extended me on my last visit there. Noah maintains a very engaging website and is always looking for new ways and ideas to entertain and care for seafarers visiting Geelong. To get an idea of his talents - click here to read “Noah’s Chatter”- the latest Newsletter for Geelong’s volunteers.

[Download=1.13MB]

Gladstone

Congratulation to Trevor Phillips and his volunteers

for making the big trip to Brisbane MtS Centre for Ken’s MLC workshop. Their contribution and enthusiasm were much appreciated. Now to put it all into practice back in Gladstone! Trevor has as a priority initiating the formation of a local port welfare committee- which should be of significant benefit to his Centre further down the track.

Hastings

It was wonderful to see Hasting’s ship visitor Peter Coulthurst join us at the Rockingham conference. Peter with his seafaring background and all round maritime experience made a great contribution at our national conference. Col hopes to visit Hastings Centre later this year and meet the committee and supporters.

Hobart

Well done Arthur and Bruce for hosting such an enjoyable and informative MLC workshop at the Mercure Hotel Hobart. A number of people made a big effort to be there - including the volunteers from Burnie and Bell Bay and the long distance travellers from Portland (Neville Manson) and Port Pirie (Ian Pole). All agreed it was very much worth the effort.

Melbourne

It is sad to hear that the Revd Ken Cahill has left his position with the MtS Melbourne. We wish Ken good fortune in his next ministry. Much of the good work Ken was doing at 717 Flinders Street has

Kewa. John is very well credentialed and experienced to take on the responsibility. For some years he gave outstanding service to Stella Maris Melbourne, and the Flying Angel Melbourne is fortunate to have John on their team. You are in our prayers John.

Newcastle

The donation of a new bus from Port Waratah Coal was gratefully accepted by our Newcastle Centre. Garry Dodd - chaplain to the Port of Newcastle was recently married and we wish him and Paula all the happiness and joy that marriage can bring. Paula who has qualifications in welfare, counselling and psychology is a great “catch” for MtS Newcastle. It should be mentioned that Paula was born and bred in Wollongong- little wonder she oozes so much talent, style and class!

Port Hedland

Shelley and Andrew Gillie are doing a terrific job managing the very busy Hedland Centre. They generously hosted one of the Ken Peter’s Pilbara port workshops. Many key maritime people from the region attended Ken’s session. Hedland is a rapidly expanding port presenting the Centre and its committee with many challenges. Our prayers and best wishes (and practical support) go out to them.

Port Kembla

It was good to see a group from Port Kembla MtS travelling from the “Gong” to attend the Sydney MLC workshop. Dave Masters and his team are in the planning stages for much needed building extensions. On some nights with increasing ship visits the mission is “bursting at the seams”. Let’s hope that Port Kembla can find the money from somewhere to proceed with the necessary extensions and improvements

Portland

In December, Col met the Portland volunteers and gave a presentation on MtS’ work around the nation. It was a delightful evening and was a chance to see Jo Moyle again who represented Portland at the Rockingham national conference. Col was also able to spend some valuable time with Neville Manson discussing the vicissitudes of running a modern day centre and future needs of the Portland MtS. Portland are fortunate to be located within the Portland Port precincts and are well served by their chairman Peter Gracias who holds a senior management position with the Port.

Finally, a very well done to Neville and wife Julie for getting to the Tassie MLC workshop - giving the gathering an interstate flavour.

BRIEF NEWS FROM AROUND THE PORTS (continued)Port Lincoln

The Revd Susan Straub who is chaplain to Port Lincoln and our main ship visitor is soon to retire. Government announcements in recent times inform of plans for a major expansion of Port Lincoln - to facilitate the export of iron ore. In addition another new port is planned north of Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsular - again to facilitate the export of iron ore. No doubt Bishop Garry will have these shipping expansion plans in mind when Port Lincoln seeks out a new chaplain.

Port Pirie

Ian Pole, Pirie’s manager and chaplain was able to attend the Hobart MLC workshop - giving the gathering some “value added” interstate flavour. Ian has kindly offered to act as mentor to those setting up the new MtS ministry at Wallaroo Port. He should prove a great source of knowledge and support for the Wallaroo volunteers.

Sydney

The Revd Ian Porter kindly hosted, at the Sussex Street Centre, Ken Peters’ very first workshop in Australia. The workshop was attended by many travelling long distances - Revd Chris Barnes from NZ, ITF’s Matt Purcell from Melbourne, government people from Canberra, Graham Bragg ITF

representative from Townsville, Martyn Robinson from Wallaroo SA, Garry Dodd from Newcastle and Dave Masters’ team from Port Kembla.

Of course Ian’s Sydney chaplains - Un, Jong, Toshi, Jack and George also took part in the day’s workshop and made an important contribution.

The day’s work was rounded off with a wonderful meal in a Chinese restaurant directly across the Street from the Flying Angel and all agreed that the event was a memorable one.

Townsville

At the first meeting of the new Australian Council, Graham Miller (whose first name is really “Douglas”) was yet again elected honorary secretary. You cannot keep a good man down! We all know that Graham performed a herculean task organizing the Rockingham national conference - from over 3,500 kilometres away.

Both Graham and his assistant Alan Berry travelled 1000 klms south to be at the Brisbane MLC workshop, and both were inspired by the power and clarity of Ken’s presentation. Graham has started the wheels in motion to set up a local port welfare committee in Townsville. Keep on rolling Dougie.

Wallaroo

Our fearless leader Bishop Garry and the Revd Prue O’Donovan (Kadina parish) have been instrumental in setting up our new ministry at Wallaroo Port - on Spencer Gulf. Although not a busy port, the ship visit statistics for last year, and the expected increased amounts of grain to be exported this year, certainly justify an MtS presence there.

Martyn Robinson who has lived as a religious brother in community at St Barnabas & St Cecilia, Peterborough SA will take residence in Wallaroo to serve as chaplain to the Seafaring Centre and Port. He is ideally suited to this ministry, as Martyn served in the merchant navy for many years in his younger days (not that he is all that old now!). A salty and foamy blessing Martyn - enjoy the challenge and the sea change.

GOODBYE FROM COL BROWN … UNTIL THE NEXT EDITION