New members elected to the MTS Australian Council for 2012-13

On the final day of our national biennial conference participants voted in a new Council to serve for the next two years. The new faces are Capt. Dave Ellis (Brisbane), Reverend Garry Dodd (Newcastle), Reverend Canon Dennis Claughton (Fremantle) and Reverend Noah Park (Geelong). Two not so new faces, the Reverend Ian Porter (Sydney) and Graham Miller (Townsville) have been returned for another two years. Graham will act as honorary secretary and is now the longest serving member. Council’s liaison bishops are Garry Weatherill (Ballarat) and Paul White (Melbourne). The Reverend Tom Heffer secretary

general of the Society worldwide is also a member. The national coordinator continues to serve on the Council as an ex- officio member.

GLAD TIDINGS No. 9 PART B

Hearty congratulations to all the hard working and dedicated staff and volunteers at Fremantle for being shortlisted as one of six seafarers centres from around the world for the ICSW’s International Seafarers Welfare Award 2011- ‘recognising excellence in the provision of welfare services and facilities to seafarers’. This is the second year running that our Fremantle Club has received such an honour - making

Flying Angel Fremantle’s work recognised at the ILO Geneva

it particularly special as the worlds’ seafarers themselves nominate the seafarers centres of their choice. MTS’ Dennis Claughton and Ann Robinson were both invited to the awards ceremony that took place on the opening night of the Maritime Labour Convention tripartite meeting on 12 December, 2011 at the ILO Geneva. Well done, Fremantle.

David Cockcroft of the ITF, Paddy Crumlin of the MUA/ITF and Dennis

Featured in Part B:

• Flying Angel

Fremantle’s work recognized by the ILO

• New members

elected to the MTS Australian Council

• MTS Sydney’s Lloyds list

DCN award in Melbourne

• Commissioning of

Chaplain Geoff Harrison at Port Giles

• Father Thomas goes

overboard for a stranded crew at Christmas

Father Thomas conducts service onboard. See story on page 2.

Page 2

now in his 75th year of serving as a volunteer for our Hobart mission also received a special award on the night for a “life long service to seafarers’. Jack intimated that he has no thoughts of retirement during his interview that can be found on the Lloyds List DCN website.

Commissioning of chaplain Geoff Harrison at Port Giles

Thomas ascending the ladder

See story below.

Sydney MTS were delighted to be awarded the Lloyds List DCN Annual Shipping & Maritime Industry Award 2011 “Seafarers Welfare Award” at a dinner in Melbourne in November. Ian Porter received the Award on behalf of his dedicated staff at the Sydney mission. Hobart’s 91 year old Jack Tomes,

MTS Sydney’s Lloyds List DCN award in Melbourne

Bishop Garry, June & Geoff & Father Thomas

Congratulations to Geoff Harrison our newly commissioned chaplain to Port Giles on the waters of the Gulf of St Vincent SA. Bishop Garry led the commissioning held at St Benedict’s Minlaton. There to cheer on Geoff were many local parishioners as well as Fr Thomas Karamas who has been a wonderful force in getting our newest ministry up and running. Geoff most ably supported by June has hit the ground (gangway) running/climbing with a radical increase in the number of ships visiting this isolated grain port. Greatwork Geoff, June, Thomas, Joan and the rest. And good luck with the opening of the new centre for seafarers in bustling Edithburgh.

Father Thomas is welcomed onboard.

GLAD TIDINGS No. 9 part B 2012

Fr Thomas goes overboard for a stranded crew at Christmas

Following an SOS call from the captain that his ship was anchored 10 kms off Port Giles and his crew were desperate to celebrate Christmas somehow the Port Giles volunteers swung into action. Hiring a launch Thomas, Geoff and June headed out to the ship. Only Thomas was crazy enough to ascend the 100 metre swaying rope ladder. The crew was thrilled for the visit, and very grateful that Thomas was able to bring blessings, lead the service and celebrate Christmas with them (and distribute phone cards as Christmas presents).