Mission To Seafarers Townsville in Townsville, Queensland | Non-profit organisation

Mission To Seafarers Townsville

Locality: Townsville, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4772 2774

Address: Berth 9 Port of Townsville 4810 Townsville, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.mts.org.au

Likes: 541

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Non-profit organisation

25.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10225030115518192/

25.01.2022 The Mission is using the open air markets in Townsville to chat to the locals about our work, to spread some good news about what we are doing, and to seek some new volunteers for post pandemic times. Many thanks to Bev and John for their interest and willingness to set up and take down the stall, their smiling faces to welcome strangers, and to sell a few items.

25.01.2022 A short one tonight I think...not...A day of tidying up bits and pieces, making a few plans, and remembering a great priest. The area behind the work canteen was once used by the large numbers of stevedores around the port. In the time I have been working there, the numbers have dwindled leaving a decent space for recreational use. With pool table, table tennis, library, seating and bathroom facilities, it is open 24 hours every day. The canteen might be a 12 hour a day opera...tion, but this hub of activity is always open. The present stevedores us a crib room within the area and make use of the equipment and facilities regularly.We are thankful to both the workers and the Port for allowing us to 'grow' into this space. Its not uncommon to have crew rexaling here and chatting to families overseas, right through the night, as different time zones mean crew are talking to loved ones when they are available back home. The library is a take away system and we suggest that when books are read, they pass them on to another centre overseas. Recently, we have added a DVD section thanks to 'Kate's Campaign for Change' here in Townsville...where seafarers can take a few movies to share on board with their companions....especially helpful during the extra time many are dealing with on board during this pandemic. Thanks to Kate Pemberton, many crews are able to have something extra to take their minds off the difficulties they encounter, unable to gave shore leave. As I said, its been a bits and pieces sort of day...and its impossible for me to sign off tonight without asking those of you who pray, to say one for the repose of the soul of Canon Ken Peters, longtime Director of Welfare and Justice at the Mission to Seafarers International Headquarters. He was a giant, not in height, but in every other way...a man who loved his work as advocate for seafarer rights on the international scene. His melifluous Welsh voice and smile hid his passion for his vocation. We have lost a friend, and seafarers have lost a powerful voice. RIP Ken.

24.01.2022 We are being asked for more photos of items on our online shopping list. Please see some extra things here that are popular with seafarers families...especially gifts for children and partners.

24.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10225042828316004/

21.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1112572634/posts/10223998094836184/

21.01.2022 https://splash247.com/manila-creates-dedicated-green-lane-/

20.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10225022373404644/

20.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10224927772919691/

19.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10224934631771158/

17.01.2022 Several onsigning crew arrived today to allow some seafarers to be repatriated after a lengthy extension of their contracts on board the 'Wushan'. As much as we would have loved to see a bigger group changed, it is a start for a regional port. Some existing crew have been on board for 18 months and now that some new faces are appearing, we trust more changes are on the way. The problem is complex with long distance transportation, lack of domestic and international flights, ...and bureaucratic tangles. But we need to also understand that shipping also needs to continue moving cargo, and for that, adequate crew levels must be maintained. Some days there seems no way forward, but seeing these new faces today has given us in the provinces some hope. Blessings on everyone working to make the crew tranfers possible, and please, for the well being of seafarers and the industry...keep up the work. See more

17.01.2022 For years the Mission has been collecting some of the bottles and cans around the berth and donating them to the Leprosy Mission. But two new volunteers have taken this a step, in fact, a huge leap forward by installing our own Mission bin on the berth. These great folk scour local areas for bottles and cans to raise money. With the new system of refundable containers, we are taking a different approach to the term 'mission' This venture assists us to provide more things f...or our own visiting seafarers as well as supporting our traditional outreach to the Leprosy Mission. We can now make a decent donation to their work without them having to physically collect the containers themselves. This is a 'win win' situation as others are now bringing bottles and containers to our recycling bin at work. Prayers please for this wonderful way of assisting others and for helping keep our community cleaner. It just takes one or two people to help us see things afresh, to support our work and involve others. If anyone comes to visit us at the Port, or other volunteers wish to join in, just bring along your containers...the large bin is taken away by the recycling company weekly and money is deposited into the work account. It's not a glamorous job, but another way we remind ourselves of the fragility of our world, of how wasteful we have become, of how much of these bottles and cans could be floating out at sea... and yet, by taking action, we are cleaning up our waste and using the funds to help others; a 'win win' situation. Every volunteer brings to our Mission centres, their very special gifts and abilities, insights and reasons for volunteering. This is just one story...Blessing to all of you out there who give of your time and talents to make this country great and for the welfare of our part of Creation.

17.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10224942411845655/

17.01.2022 The Mission to Seafarers, here in Townsville, Australia; and throughout the world, would like to wish HRH The Princess Royal a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. The Princess Anne remains a wonderful ambassador for the MtS as its President. Ma'am, may you long remain with this wonderful organisation and we wish you every Blessing and Warm Wishes on the occasion of your birthday. Thank you!

17.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10224904034766252/

15.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10224919357949322/

15.01.2022 Peace and goodwill to our Muslim Seafaring Brothers on Eid al-Adha: Eid Mubarak!Peace and goodwill to our Muslim Seafaring Brothers on Eid al-Adha: Eid Mubarak!

15.01.2022 Today, I am reminded of the feeding of the 5,000 in the Parable of the Loaves and Fishes. It was something I heard from a sermon today that hit me as being the work of seafaring missions, especially in this time of strife. It's not a reference to the two fish in the story...although it's a good segue. I refer to the symbolism of sharing. In the sermon from Christ Church St Laurence today, I have taken some very important points to reflect upon.... This parable is important in that it is the culmination ot the earlier stories in Matthew's Gospel...teaching the theory of God's Kingdom. The Feeding of the Multitude is the 'practical application' of the previous lessons. We in the seafaring ministries are called to share 'the extravagant and inexhaustible gifts of God' with everyone we meet. This is so important at a time when many seafaring centres are closed, or working with diminished ability. As so many seafarers are trapped on board ships at end of contracts, unable to travel, and in varying stages of uncertainty and even despair; we are struggling to share the 'bread' which is offered to all. We are concerned that centres and ministries may be unable to keep going. But it is at this point that we look to those inexhastible gifts offered to us to continue the work. These men and women are our connection with the rest of the world in a physical sense, bringing and carrying on the trade that keeps our economies alive. Our volunteers, chaplains and supporters are there to share their gifts...and as I listened to those words..'if the Love of God is shared wastefully, it doesn't run out - it Multiplies', I gained even more confidence to continue. The sermon finished with an invitation... that the theory of God's Kingdom is still in place, and its never too late to put it into practice. May our caring and sharing among those whom we are called to serve, never run out! My thanks to Fr Daniel for a powerful sermon on how sharing God's love multiplies over and over and over.

15.01.2022 Care packs from the Mission for the two crew of the 'Globe Electra' who are at present in Townsville Hospital after being diagnosed with Covid 19 symptoms. Volunteer John Smith Trim with two of the nursing staff at the hospital. The ships' agents have organised with the Mission to send another 18 care packs with data cards to the remaining seafarers at anchor off the coast. With dedicated and smiling people such as these caring hospital staff, we are assured that the two crew will be very well looked after as they recuperate.

14.01.2022 We had the pleasure of visiting the MV Kyowa Rose berthed here in Townsville and deliver a Care Package and number of bags of crew online shopping. It's always a pleasure to have the chance to chat with members of the crew. Last night, the Master, Capt. Enrico Revuelta came down to meet us as some of the crew were transferring bags up the gangway. Thank you all for using our online shopping and taking time to have a talk on the berth.

14.01.2022 Here at MtS Townsville we have received a note from the MV 'GLOBE ELECTRA' following its Covid-19 episode while in Townsville waters. The ill crew were treated here, and eventually repatriated home...care packs were sent by launch to those stuck at anchorage while in quarantine..and finally on-signers joined the vessel to finally restart their journey. So many agencies worked together to produce a successful outcome for this ships crew. From the Master, we received the following words... "We thank all those persons who have extended assistance and care for our colleagues during these times..Our thanks to the staff,nurses,doctors..Mission to seafarers staff..People of Townsville, Queensland Authorities for Helping us weather these times...THANK YOU!"

14.01.2022 Sea Sunday on Sunday 12th July is focusing on seafarers and how they are coping during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Gospel reading for the day telling the story of sowing seeds, the following are some reflections on seafarers, the Mission and the relevance of the gospel story in real life.

14.01.2022 Part of today was spent at the Townsville Hospital with a cadet with a foot injury. Staff were fantastic and the cadet is now back on the vessel. Because of transport regulations we need to make a second trip to collect medications...so its back out to the ship later today. A great resolution after finding bones were not broken. One happy patient (although he was covid swabbed as a precaution).. and one very ppe geared up driver.

13.01.2022 Great news today...some vessels are allowing crew who have been practising correct quarantine protocols to visit with us at the Miision. This is a big breakthough after some weeks of border closures at the ports. The crews in today have been collecting our Care Packages for their ships...niw includung games and jigsaw puzzles to help stave off some of the boredom while waiting for shore leave. As can be seen, they are spaced out...(in a geographical sense) and entering and le...aving, there is hand sanitizer and masks to wear. I dont think I have ever heard more enthusiastic playing of billiards and table tennis than today when the guys really got atuxk back into having fun. Perhaps its the absence of laughter that I have missed the most...even if its a bit muffled behind rhe masks. Its been an interesting day as more ships checked out our online items...and even tonight have been texting and emailing orders for ships crews arriving over the long weekend. My expertise in finding obscure items is gradually getting better, and I ask slightly less stupid questions each week...but I really do wonder at some consumer items requested. I am grateful to the great people of the port community who are keeping rhe Masters of vessels up to date with what we can offer the crews. And to hear from seafarers the stories of how port workers are helping facilitate movement to the Mission, or by giving advice to how to cobtact us, is humbling. Working seemingly in 'isolation' we sometimes forget that we are part of the Port Community.. but at times like this, I am strongly reminded of the sense of community here. So as I close off on a fairly late Friday, I am thrilled that we actually have seen seafarers in the Club for two days now. The previoys entry in the Visitors Book was on 26th March. And I was happy to meet uo with a volunteer or two over the past day at supermarkets arond town...looking very refreshed. May the days ahead see sensible actions and decisions taken by the governments, to keep things moving forward, carefully.

12.01.2022 Four ships in port today sounded their horns for a minute at 12.00 to mark the 75th Anniversary of the ending of WW II in the Pacific. HMAS Canberra and African Falcon, shown here were among the vessels. Church bells and horns sounded through the City of Townsville to mark the event...even a train carrying sugar to the port joined the cacophany!! well done everyone! And thanks to the POTL, Harbour Master and Port Security for the great input.

11.01.2022 Please see the prices for the month of April 2020 for Canteen items at the Townsville Mission to Seafarers.

10.01.2022 Wow, this is a wonderful trend...two ships in two days being allowed access the MtS Club here at Berth 9. The first hurdle is having Government / Maritime Security permission to come ashore. The second hurdle is to have the overseas shipping companies agree to ships crew having shore leave. Once again, the Mission here is blessed by its proximity to the berths and the goodwill of all the stakeholders. ... Having had crew visiting this week who have not stepped ashore in over 5 months; it has been a delight to entertain those who have been in the club. In fact, I think its been the crew who have been entertaining us. The laughter and warming effects of the beanies (and perhaps glasses of cabernet shiraz), continue to give us hope that, at least for some seafarers, life is moving towards some normality. I am grateful to the crewmembers who allowed their photos to be taken. As you can see, there are variations in the garb worn when visiting us. Today, I was confronted by what appeared to be a beekeeper, but who was actually the Master of a vessel alongside. Equipped with cap, face shield, face mask and gloves, I felt distinctly under-dressed. (I was assured of both my safety and theirs by Quarantine...we were careful to move quickly back to our respective social positions following the photo shoot)...1.5m. We have been delivering care packages and personal shopping until quite late in the evenings, as it seems that once a colleague spies a good deal, we get a call from the crew..."Hello, seaman's club?....can we order some more things from your shop?" My policy of saying no...lasted about a day. With what they have been going through these past four months, and the short distances to the berths, we have relented on several occasions to date. So my little glimpse of heaven today came in the form of 60 beanies from two local ladies, one of whom is battling cancer. How wonderful to see the love and spirit of beautiful souls, mixed with the gratitude of the crew as they are told the headgear has been knitted especially for them...its just heaven.

10.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/257993904703103/posts/996910490811437/

10.01.2022 Two great seafarers who were declared safe to travel home after final check ups while in hospital which showed that they were totally clear of Covid 19. They were in our care after their release from hospital until leaving to return home. Travel Blessings to them both. The media confused many locals about the whereabout of their vessel, showing it berthed at a port...but it was not this Port. So we wish all the best to these seafarers as they now recuperate, and hope that certain media outlets stick to reality rather than confound the population with false images and confusing information.

10.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10225036201230331/

10.01.2022 Today I awoke to a leaden sky and drizzle...I also woke late for work!..but thoroughly enjoyed for a short time, the feeling that cooler months may have arrived in the tropics. It makes the summer tolerable...nearly! The feeling that for the next 6 months, this stunning part of Paradise is just where I want to be. That is the segue to my topic tonight...sort of! I had my attention drawn twice today to the topic of beatification and sainthood...nothing specific mind you, just... from posts I read from friends. The day has in fact been spent purchasing items and products requested through our online shopping for ships crews. I have been working with volunteers to get orders ready for ships visiting here during this week. It has been a great idea, and although not the scale of the big supermarkets, it is reaching ships heading to our port and making a positive difference to both our centre and to the seafarers. So, the connection between beatification and online shopping is this. How does one classify a miracle? It seems to me that the individual who created this shopping concept has produced a 'miracle'. It may be a minor miracle, but in our loose usage of religious terminoligy today, this person has caused many centres to embrace change. Possibly for some, the ink may even turn from red to black in their accounts. We have a long way to go before we can declare a miracle here, but I am giving thanks that ships are noticing our posts, and connecting with us in new ways that may see more miracles in the future. Shipping will continue to evolve and our care of seafarers needs to reflect the changes; and where possible, be prophetic in how we approach future seafaring ministry. We can't all produce a miracle, but we must embrace the changes...that would in itself be miraculous. So today I give thanks for 'secular miracles' that give us hope for the future...and for the volunteers that help us achieve goals.

10.01.2022 It must be Wednesday because the Wednesday afternoon volunteer, Christine arrived early as usual to help get me organised...and then our wonderful book keeper Jenelle showed up...just to reinforce the fact it was indeed midweek. I confess that it has been a steady day since arriving this morning at 10am, and only now at 8pm am I alone in the canteen. That would usually jinx me and more crew will now wander in (also known as Murphy's Law)....its now 9pm...and more crew did arr...ive lol. So the seafarers have stripped many of the shelves of stock. One of the ships has come from China via a circuitous route and safely arrived here after quarantine...and their next port is in Korea. The guys havent set foot on land in many weeks and really enjoyed a few hours relief...albeit in coveralls and masks. It was great to give them the Care Package and games, and although I couldn't really see the smiles, you saw it in their eyes. Today we have been lucky that two of the four ships in port have had the ability to visit us here. I shall take care packages to the others in the morning before they sail. I have added a couple of images I took yesterday when checking out the seascape. The first is of the commmemorative paving around the plaque noting the Ports 150th anniversary back in 2014...and where the Missions tile sits close to the compass. Goodness me, it only seems like yesterday we were involved in this project. But we have been part of the place now since 1927 and its time to start asking the locals for any history or old photos they have on the Mission. Our last History booklet was published in 2010, and it's only 7 years to our Centenary; time to get people's memories going while many are still at home. My wish for today is for any local residents to please check out old boxes of photos...find old letters and...spread the news! If we don't record our rich local community history, so much is lost to future researchers, historians and the community.

10.01.2022 A fine crisp Sunday morning in Townsville as I took an on-signing seafarer and a number of shopping bags to the 'Kota Hidayah', recently arrived...and next port in Taiwan. The Master uses our online shopping when here and we are very grateful for the business. We hope the seafarers are happy with our products,souvenirs and care packs. The on-signer this morning had been working on a ship visiting Aussie ports. The poor guy has been moved from ship to ship, via Brisbane...wher...e he was in a hotel...and then a 17 hour drive to get here, and into another hotel before joining his ship here...all in order to eventually get repatriated home to China. What a journey!!! It's a shame he couldn't get to enjoy the drive, as he was pretty much restricted to the vehicle. The same is happening with off-signing crew moving south to fly home. However, he had nothing but praise for Australian seafarer centres and it was a pleasure to escort him today to his new ship. The only thing that concerned him was being noticed as Chinese and wearing a mask...it seems to draw attention...sometime unwanted attention during this pandemic. We continue to all work towards a resolution for easier crew movements...and regard every one of these men and women with the respect they deserve.

08.01.2022 I have shown this house image before, but it is a section of an Old Queenslander style house created by Ralph Knight some years ago for an exhibition in Townsville. Today I took some time out to give it a hose down, along with watering the plants outside the entrance to the Mission canteen. This past few weeks has been hectic with trying to keep up with restrictions and rules, but today more crews have been given access to our centre inside the Port. It seems that although l...egally free to go shopping in town, most crews are keeping close to the ship and inside the Port. I was once asked whether the Mission might be tempted to move outside the Port gates...and after this pandemic, my immediate answer is no. We have noted xenophobia in many communities where foreign seafarers are visiting. Some people have commented that they stick together in a group, but its due to lack of language skills or just because it feels safer and they are obviously foreign. Since 2001 when security was heightened dramatically, it has been on my mind as to future directions within seafaring organisations that have Centres in or around Ports. This present situation shows that it is so much safer, easier, and better for crew to have a safe place inside secure zones around the world. To ensure a friendly environment, it is healthy to bring some natural growth and beauty into the area. I didnt realise how dry it had become over the past week, so it was great to spend a couple of hours refreshing the plants, dusting off leaves and generally making it lively again. Apart from being eaten by sandflies or midges, (because I'm soo tasty), it's always peaceful hosing the plants...amid the noises of loaders, trucks, reversing beeps and general grinding, crashing sounds. I lose myself in the sound of water on the leaves saying 'thanks'. And, thanks to Ralph, we have a touch of old Townsville inside the Port, a place of refuge to those that see too little of natural vegetation. It even attracts birds and the odd port worker. Wrong word really, but I am so thankful to the girls and guys who support our work within the Port community. A happy Labour Day holiday tomorrow here in Queensland to all those who work to keep our economy alive...may we all learn from this pandemic about regional self-sufficiency.

08.01.2022 The Mission in Spring mode. Our valiant weekday gardiners, Wayne Ramett and Matt Cattana are turning the soil, literally and figuratively to create a colourful approach to the Mission. Some colour and life really adds to warmth of the greeting here. Thanks guys for your dedication to making a beautiful welcome to the ships alongside the Mission at Berths 8 and 9. The colour and appearance of real flowers, shrubs and palms creates a soothing cool oasis in an industrial environment. The few seafarers who currently are allowed shore leave appreciate the work done and many photos feature our small gardens.

07.01.2022 https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

07.01.2022 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3609674532379217&id=145986008748104

07.01.2022 Some of the Care Packs for the 'Globe Electra' sitting at anchor off Townsville. Two crew have contracted Covid19 and were safely transported to quarantine in hospital. We have separate care packs heading out to them tomorrow (Sunday). As per usual, the story and reality are somewhat different. We have had calls at the Mission by people concerned that the vessel is in port...as seen in the papers. Not true! The vessel is at anchor with the two seafarers brought in by the Police vessel. Please note that our care packs come with our own 'red tape'.

07.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1399999656/posts/10217803128335474/

07.01.2022 The Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady today. May the Mother of Christ and Star of the Sea, keep all seafarers in her care and prayers as they carry on the international trade around the world. We seek special prayers at this time of pandemic with the stress and anxiety of seafarers far from home and loved ones. In 2017 the Mission to Seafarers here in Townsville had this window of Mary installed in the Lady Chapel of St James Cathedral Townsville. It shows Our Lady as Star of the Sea, surrounded by symbols of the sea and navigation, below the Southern Cross., and above Castle Hill and our Port. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen

07.01.2022 Happy Mother Day to all mums, would be mums, and those who 'mother' us at work. We give thanks for our mothers past and present who have given us life and love. We care for those whose mothers were not all that they could have been; and for those mothers whose children were taken from them through racial or social regulations. Working with seafarers I am acutely aware that the vast majority on the world's crews are away from their girlfriends, wives and mothers in places wher...e they also have Mother's Day. In this time when we might complain about a year in which we cannot see or perhaps hug our mum's due to social distancing; spare a thought for all those who are far, far away from their mums for a long time....our seafarers, our military serving overseas, those working in medical centres keeping safe distance from vulnerable mothers and grandma's. I took the first photo with Sr Mary Leahy at a Seafarers Conference in Kaohsiung Taiwan last year...the hotel hadn't removed the floral decorations from an earlier wedding. I thought it made a great posie photo for Mother's Day...as well as being a great memory. The second is of an icon of Our Lady and Jesus in our chapel at work..'Mary in May'...a very special mum in my estimation.

07.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10225056507537976/

05.01.2022 On this International Day of the Seafarer we are particularly aware in 2020 of the difficulties faced by the worlds hard working seafarers, coping with stresses caused by the present Covid-19 pandemic. We assure every one of these great workers that their concerns are our concerns, as we urge companies and governments to facilitate crew transfers to and from vessels and their homes. The worlds economy depends on the ability to move cargo over the seas and oceans and to do this efficiently and safely, we must maintain best practice in having seafarers working in a safe, healthy and happy environment. Thank you to those who keep the world working, bringing our needs to us and taking our exports to the world.

05.01.2022 More souvenirs...

05.01.2022 I got organised today as the opportunity arose to prepare the canteen for a group of European research personnel arriving Friday. Primarily, we restocked...in the hope that good souvenirs, Aussie chocolates and basic necessities would be among items needed by our visitors. The fact that they have only recently spent a day here only spurred me on to to recall everything they asked for...hoping they want more to take home, or to use on the next leg of their research voyage. No... time for artistic shots of the Coral Sea or dramatic images of maritime structures here...just sensible pics of consumables for a hopefully hungry few dozen foreigners. Sadly, the language barrier will make it difficult to tell the joke about the difference between a boomerang and a stick...but I will still tell it, laugh and then move on; as they wonder about my sanity. With only one ship in today, and that being alongside now for a number of days, it gave time to ensure stock was displayed well and to get reports up to date. We also received the promised donation from the International Transport Federation Seafarers' Trust towards our Care Packages...the boost arrived in our account this afternoon. Thanks again to the ITF for this great help. So tonight was an early one...rare...but gratefully received, as I have moved onto a new fictional novel involving conspiracies within the military of one of our major allies. Who would have thought! So as I sign off tonight, my hero is escaping an assassination attempt on his life and entering the sub-continent on false papers...You all have a wonderful evening and blest sleep....while I read on...pausing to say Compline on Page 132...not easy, as the hero has just jumped from an exploding humvee. Must pray tonight giving thanks, that although we have politicians that sometimes drive us crazy...they still mainly live in the real world....while outside our corner of Creation, reality is as elusive as a successful coronavirus vaccine.

05.01.2022 The annual Mission Golf Day was held on Friday 24th at the Rowes Bay Golf Club. We had 64 players which is excellent during the pandemic, and social distancing and other Covid 19 protocols were in place. Some teams were unable to join us dur to company policy at this time. We are thankful to Glencore Port Operations as main Sponsor, and to Southern Cross Marine Supplies and Townsville Shipping Agencies as the other sponsors. Individuals and companies contributed other raffle ...prizes; and we held a breakfast and Presentation Barbeque on the day. The main aim is to enjoy some corporate fun time with Port users and some of our supporters, and to make people aware of why we do what we do. The Mission also benefits through the profit from the day...this year supporting Care Packages for visiting crews during the pandemic. To the golf day profits, we have also just received on Monday another 450 hundred hand knitted beanies and 60 extra Cadet toiletry packs from 'Kate's Campaign for Change' here in Townsville. That will hopefully bring a smile to our seafaring visitors in coming weeks.

04.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/1176641557/posts/10225049183034868/

03.01.2022 https://www.abc.net.au//sailors-shore-leave-afte/12530732

03.01.2022 'Another beautiful day in Paradise'...we hear this often in Townsville at this time of the year. I have often wondered at the reasons I continue to stay so long here at the Mission...some are pretty obvious. I happen to love my job and believe we can make a positive difference to the lives of the seafarers we meet every day of the year. It is work that is not funded by anyone in the majority of ports around our coastline, but is supported by some ports allowing us a presenc...e on the berths, like here in Townsville. We welcome Church, Industry and Community support in the daily work of caring for seafarers well-being... physically, mentally and spiritually; and are grateful when donations are made. We are the eyes and ears of Government agencies seeking to guard and protect our people, our country and our environment. So I guess I think we do a good job in the main as essentially volunteer front liners. But on top of these things, and the beautiful people I have worked with over the years, there is.... the drive to work. Over the past 21 years, no matter how I wake, how I feel.... by the time I get to the Port; there is a great feeling of calm. Whatever road I take, within a few minutes, I am greeted with one of these two pictures I took today. Whether its the tranquility of the images on a calm day or raining and windy; the seascape refreshes and invigorates by being just by being there. I am privileged to do what we do here, and although I fear I am developing the 'grumpy old man' syndrome, I give thanks every day for the drive that refreshes me to start again. Close your eyes, and picture something of beauty on your way to work, or to the shops....something that gladens your heart...a flowering tree, an artistic shop front, a rustic bridge or a beautiful building...and give thanks.