Bishop Garry reflects on his experience at the Lambeth Conference in 2008 and meeting with bishops from around the world involved in the Mission to Seafarers. The newsletter provides updates on ship visiting training courses held in various Australian ports. It also discusses challenges faced by seafarers like fatigue, isolation from family, and depression. A new MTS presence is being explored for the ports of Cape Lambert, Darwin, and Weipa.

1. GLAD TIDINGS
Newsletter No. 3
BISHOP GARRY’S LAMBETH shared delight in the many and varied
REFLECTIONS ways in which we minister.
Mission to Seafarers
An important part of the Conference for
me was meeting up with liaison bishops
from around the world. Of course some
I had met before, like Richard Frith, the
Bishop of Hull, and Bishop David from
Southern India. However, there were
many new faces to meet. Our General
Secretary, Bill Christianson, hosted a
drinks’ party one evening during the
Conference and in the balmy, long,
Every 10 years the bishops of the English evening Mission to Seafarers’
Anglican Communion are summoned to bishops from all around the world
the Lambeth Conference by the gathered to share stories, a glass of good
Archbishop of Canterbury. 2008 was a wine and to hear something of the hopes
Lambeth Year and I was delighted to be and visions of our Central Office. It was
one of the nearly 700 bishops who made a great opportunity to recognize that we
the journey from around the world to be share many similar problems in spite of
part of the Lambeth Conference. our many different contexts. We are
always looking for good chaplains, for
Prayer Framed the Conference good committee members, to respond
We began with a three-day Retreat for more usefully to the needs of seafarers
the Bishops in Canterbury Cathedral and and to work with the many other
then the wonderful Opening Service agencies and organizations that have an
which was mirrored by a superb Closing interest in the life of those who work at
Service at the end of that Conference, sea. What a wonderful privilege it is to
put the whole experience in the context be part of this amazing organization that
of a prayerful response to God. In the reaches out to some of the loneliest, the
same way, each day was framed by a least, the lost and the last in our world
splendid Morning Eucharist in the ‘Big with the loving compassion of Jesus
Tent’ and a quiet, reflective evening Christ. The Conference highlighted for
there at the end of the day. In between me the importance of our work and the
there was a great deal of fun and a great need to offer support and encouragement
deal of laughter! Of course we dealt to every station, no matter how small.
with some serious matters, but my
overwhelming impression of the In spite of the amazing changes in the
Lambeth Conference 2008 would be a shipping industry over the last century
1

2. and in spite of the great changes that we Maggie Butcher, taking them
have undergone in security in the last through their paces. The course
few years, there is a greater need than was designed in the UK but has
ever for people in the Mission to offer been modified for Australian
support, encouragement and practical conditions. Congratulations to
care for the seafarers who are such an Ian and his four fearless pioneers
important part of our global economy. who all passed with flying
colours. We hope that your
It was great to have the opportunity to collective efforts will bear much
meet with Ken Peters from Central fruit in the Pilbara ports.
Office who works closely with the
International Transport Federation and
other seafaring unions. Tom Heffer
reviewed some new developments in
Mission to Seafarers world wide, and of
course, Bill Christianson was his usual
good-natured self, gently weaving
introductions with correction and advice
as we enjoyed some good old Mission to
Seafarers’ hospitality. It was indeed a
special and blessed time!
(Mel, Maggie, Carol & Bill at Port
Hedland Seafaring Centre)
• Melbourne MTS…. hosted the
second Australian ship visiting
course in September. The Revd
Ken Cahill presented the course
to eight enthusiastic participants
from our centres at Hastings,
Geelong and Melbourne. Ken
was thrilled with the positive
feedback from the group, and is
SHIP VISITING TRAINING girding his loins to offer further
COURSES SET SAIL courses in the new year.
• Port Hedland ….The Revd Ian
McGilvray ran the very first
Australian ship visiting course in
Port Hedland in August. Ian who
is chaplain to the Port of
Dampier made the long trip north
through the Pilbara to spend two
days with Carol Morgan, Revd
Bill Ross, Mel Butcher and
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3. • Burnie MTS…. recently hosted BUNBURY TRAGEDY
the latest ship visiting course.
Arthur Hinsley from Hobart
MTS traveled to Burnie to
present the course to participants
from Burnie, Devonport and Bell
Bay seafaring centres. Those
participating in the course
thoroughly enjoyed themselves,
and several new friendships were
forged. Arthur is looking forward
to running the same course in
Hobart early next year for the
Hobart faithful. We hope Hobart
has as much fun as Burnie did Most of us by now would be aware of
over the two training days. the tragic death of John Wong in
Bunbury, last July. John only a few
months before his death had undertaken
the ICSW ship visitor training course in
Melbourne with five other MTS
chaplains/ship visitors. John who passed
the course with flying colours was
planning to run training courses for our
Bunbury. Albany and Esperance centres.
It is hoped that the Revd Ken Cahill will
be able to fill in for John in the new
year.
John dedicated the last six years of his
life to welcoming all seafarers to the port
of Bunbury. He was particularly loved
by the many Chinese and Philipino
crews that he greeted and went out of his
way to ensure their short stay in
Bunbury was memorable. John’s very
sad death was not connected with the
seafaring world. The photo of John
included in this newsletter shows a brass
plaque above his head that reads, To the
glory of God we serve. And indeed John
lived out these words every day of his
(Doug, Arthur, Kirby, Garry and Tony life that he served as centre manager and
break world record for phone box ship visitor at his beloved Bunbury
cramming at Burnie Port) MTS. Rest in eternal peace John, and
may the Lord welcome you in the way
you welcomed so many lonely seafarers.
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4. SEAFARING IS A TOUGH GIG reasons why a seafarer might suffer
depression, the International Transport
Reproduced below is an article written Workers’ Federation commissioned a
by Melbourne MTS’ Andrea Fleming for study undertaken by the Cardiff
“Ship to Shore” magazine published by University Research Program. After six
the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. years of research, the results were
published in November 2006. Major
findings revealed:
• One in four seafarers said they
had fallen asleep while on watch.
• Almost 50% of seafarers taking
part in the study reported
working weeks of 85 hours or
more.
• Around half said their working
The lows of fatigue on the high seas hours had increased over the
past 10 years, despite new
In an article I read recently regarding legislation intended to combat
the effects of depression and the fatigue.
seafaring community, titled ‘Dogs Under • Almost 50% consider their
the Table, author Ruth Mercado wrote working hours present a danger
‘Death can take the agonizing process of to their personal safety.
healing for those left behind, but then • Some 37% said their working
depression is equally excruciating for hours sometimes posed a danger
Seafarer’. Far from the romantic to the safe operation of their
adventures of the Arabian Nights’ ship.
Sinbad the Sailor many seafarers
consider depression to be their biggest Many reported that they had worked to
storm at sea. the point of collapse and fallen asleep at
the wheel, and over half of the sample
A sailor once wrote ‘Life at sea is like believed that their personal safety and
living in an ageing world, a prisoner of the safety of others was at risk because
opportunity, convicted for survival! As of fatigue.
the sailor embraces the sea, he counts on
lonely nights, killed in forbearance, A recent example was featured in a
crying in silence. We seafarers are like report issued by the Australian
prisoners…deprived to be with our Transport Safety Bureau which found
families, friends and loved ones’. the master of the stranded Pasha Bulka
(photo above) was largely responsible
Weathering fatigue-induced depression for the bulk carrier’s grounding at
is like a battle with oneself. Although Newcastle. The report found the master
most seafarers are well provided for on of the ship may have acted irresponsibly,
board with recreational facilities, food causing the accident due to fatigue: he
and amenities, fatigue has an uncanny had only had two hours sleep in the 24
way of tearing the heart. There are many hours before the anchor was weighed.
4

5. NEW PORTS CALL US Weipa (Qld)
Cape Lambert (WA) The very remote port of Weipa located
on the west coast of the Gulf of
In the past few months Colin has Carpentaria is experiencing an
traveled to Cape Lambert, Darwin and increasing flow of visiting overseas
Weipa exploring the possibility of ships, loading mainly bauxite for export.
establishing a MTS presence in these Members from the Weipa parish are
locations. hoping, with the support of the MTS
Australia Council, to soon establish a
Ian McGilvray from his Dampier desk permanent seafaring ministry at their
has kept a close eye on the rapidly port. For some years Dave and Jan
increasing number of iron ore vessels Elliott (pictured below) residents of
visiting the remote region of Cape Weipa have caringly greeted as many
Lambert [Port Walcott]. We are seafarers as possible. Dave and Jan have
confident that sometime in 2009, MTS opened up their home to make the
will be able to provide an effective seafarers as comfortable as possible, and
seafaring ministry there. have helped them contact loved ones and
secure essential provisions. However, we
have reached a point where it would be
appropriate for MTS to establish a
formal seafaring ministry in Weipa to
build upon the wonderful work that the
Elliott’s have selflessly pioneered.
Darwin (NT)
In Darwin, Colin has been invited to join
the Darwin Port Welfare Committee and
has visited the East Arm facility to
gauge how MTS might establish a
presence to support the existing services
to seafarers. East Arm terminal is about GERALDTON….GREAT NEWS
30 klms around the bay from Darwin FROM THE WEST
city. East Arm needs a few solid and
reliable ship visitors and bus drivers. For much of this year MTS Geraldton
The search has begun, so if anyone out has been closed to visiting seafarers.
there has any bright ideas, please let us Father Time finally caught up with our
know. 1854 built centre and it has been
necessary to do a great deal of repair and
renovation work on the heritage building
to bring it up to par. The Geraldton team
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6. led by the Revd Jeremy Rice has done a Geraldton MTS are very fortunate to
terrific job in a difficult situation. have secured the services of Sue Happ
who will manager the centre, and
provide great support for Philip and
Kath. Sue will bring her many skills and
gifts to the role, and should enjoy the
challenge a great deal.
We all have our fingers crossed that the
centre will be in a position to reopen in
early December.
The sun broke through the Geraldton
clouds on Friday 10 October when the
Revd Philip Knife was commissioned as FREMANTLE….MICHAEL’S
chaplain to Geraldton MTS and its port, RICHLY DESERVED AWARD
in Holy Cross Cathedral Geraldton.
Philip who has rich experience as a Michael Kitafuna one of MTS’ most
former navy chaplain and his wife Kath dedicated ship visitors has received a
(photo on other side) will bring richly deserved honour- the Edyth
considerable skills and gifts to the Bishop Volunteer of the Year Award
Geraldton MTS team. 2007/8, for his untiring service to the
seafarers coming into Fremantle port.
Also taking place at Philip’s Congratulations to Michael. On a recent
commissioning was the bestowing upon visit to the Fremantle Flying Angel
Colin Jagger the retiring Geraldton Club, Colin was able to spend some time
chaplain, of the title “Emeritus with Michael and gave a presentation to
Chaplain” in recognition of his long and some of the Fremantle volunteers. The
devoted service to the seafarers visiting get-together organized by the Revd
Geraldton. The MTS Australia Council Denis Claughton proved a valuable and
wishes to acknowledge Colin’s faithful stimulating one- exploring the many
years of service and extends its heartfelt challenges facing the modern seafaring
thanks. Not forgotten is Betty Jagger’s centre and strategies needed to meet
contribution over the years as well. those challenges.
Thank you Betty.
Our Fremantle centre is a very busy
place with a range of ongoing demands
6

7. being made on its staff. The port of him for his warm welcome and empathy
Kwinana south of Fremantle continues for our work and plans for the future.
to expand and of course, adds further We have a good friend and supporter in
pressure on MTS Fremantle to look after Stephen.
the many seafarers visiting down south.
Denis has kindly offered to host our next
national council meeting in January and
we look forward to sampling that famous
Fremantle hospitality.
Our meeting in Fremantle will also
provide the opportunity for the council
members to visit Rockingham, which is
just south of Fremantle, the venue for the
2009 September national conference.
(Bishop Godfrey with Stephen Bradford
in Melbourne Port boardroom)
A CHAPLAIN’S THOUGHTS
ABOUT A SEAFARER’S LIFE
By Dave Masters (Lay Chaplain, Port
Kembla)
He was an AB on a Panamanian
registered bulk carrier of 77,000 tonnes
that was picking up coal for Korea. The
(Michael [white helmet] with seafarers) ship operated between Korea and
various ports around Australia. It had
MELBOURNE COUNCIL arrived in port after sitting at anchor for
MEETING six days, at 11.00am in the morning. It
was crewed by Philippinos with Korean
The MTS national council met in officers. When we had visited the ship
Melbourne over 7-9 October. Melbourne not long after it arrived, the crew asked
MTS were very generous in inviting the to be picked up at 1700hrs. When we
council to use their premises, duly picked them up at 1700, he asked if
accommodation and facilities over these we had Western Union facilities at the
days. On the final meeting day, Ken Mission, which unfortunately we do not.
Cahill arranged with the Melbourne Port He was a little agitated but didn't want to
Authority for the council to meet with explain. Anyway, we said that if he
Stephen Bradford the Port’s CEO [see could get time off the next day we would
photo with Bishop Godfrey seated near organise it for him.
Stephen]. It was a great opportunity to
explore with Stephen some ideas and We arranged to pick him up at 10.00am.
practical initiatives that we thought However, he would have to have A$
could benefit the seafarer visiting which we could change at the Mission
Melbourne’s ports. We wish to thank for him. He seemed to have the whole
7

8. world on his shoulders but didn't want to or about $27 per day. (That is for six
talk. Anyway, I picked him up the hours on, six hours off continuously
following morning, took him to the while at sea.) In the Philippines the
Mission, changed his US$1200 to A$ unskilled minimum rate in the Manila
and then went to the Western Union area is about $7 per day so you might
office. That done I took him back to the say, relatively speaking, he wasn't too
ship. badly off. But nevertheless it is very
On the way back, I asked him how work hard life for the seafarer. The fluctuation
was going on the ship. He said, “OK” in value of the US dollar and the rise in
but there were some general tensions on the cost of oil is pushing prices up
the ship. Cultural differences, by the dramatically in countries like the
sound of it, between the Filipinos and Philippines. The price of rice has
the Koreans. There was nothing that he doubled since February 2008, and the
wanted to complain about, but just not a price of petrol has risen by 35% in that
very happy ship. After he had mentioned time. At a guess, his rent is probably
this, some of his worries seemed to lift costing at least $200-$300 per month. A
and he opened up a little, although he Philippine’s travel guide earlier this year
didn't tell me about the immediate indicated that a single back packer
personal problem. would manage on around $900 per
month living outside Manila. So a family
He had been at sea for sixteen years; he is stretched to survive on $800 per
was married with one three year old month! If there is sickness, there is no
daughter. He lived in a rented house health system and hospital bills have to
about three hours drive north of Manila be paid up front.
and also was looking after his mother
who lived ten hours drive south of In addition to this, the shipping company
Manila. He asked about my family and our AB worked for, altered the currency
how many children I had. I told him in which the crew was paid, from Euros
three and three grandchildren. He to US$, last year. The Euro hasn't fallen
wistfully said he and his wife would like in value a great deal, but the US dollar in
more but just could not afford it. He told recent times fell about 20%, so our AB's
me, very proudly that he had bought a equivalent wage fell around 20% just on
very small block of land and in four or the exchange. Think also about the US
five years he hoped to build a house on $1200 he wanted to send home. He had
it. He said, however, that food prices, to change the money to A$; we changed
rent and transport cost were going up it for what the bank would give us- no
and up and he was very concerned for profit for us, but probably 3-5% for the
his family. Reading between the lines, I bank. Western Union then charged him
suspect that the money transfer was to $25 handling fee. When the money
help out in this respect. arrived at the other end, Western Union
would have charged him to convert back
This all started me thinking about the to US$. So all down the line he was
world wide money crisis and the effects losing out- maybe $100 or more.
on the seafarers.
This seaman was an AB. He was I cannot do anything about this drop in
probably paid around US$800 per month his living standards, and some people
8

9. cope better than others with changing members. The following night in Port
circumstances, but it is a very hard life Hedland he was able to meet many of
for these seafarers, particularly when Hedland’s volunteers, and attended a
they are often away from family for up farewell party for Dawn Millard
to a year. [Hedland’s retiring chaplain who was
returning to Portland Victoria] and Linda
Our work is indeed a great privilege and and Paul Harrison who were stepping
unique opportunity, to be able to help down from the co-manager’s role. The
and support them when they visit our Revd Bill Ross who had recently arrived
shores. And to remind ourselves that in in Hedland to take over the chaplaincy
helping the lone seafarer we are role was also there, to thank and farewell
indirectly giving peace of mind to their Dawn, Linda and Paul .
loved ones in a world of economic
uncertainty and injustice. Carol Morgan, one of the centre’s
managers and organiser extraordinaire,
Editor’s note: This article was written in August made Col feel very welcome and is
2008 and reflects the global economic situation doing a terrific job keeping the Hedland
at that time. The current situation [November
2008] is far more volatile and unpredictable for seafaring centre a smooth running,
those who work the world’s oceans. happy and most caring place. Thank you
very much for your hospitality Carol.
DAMPIER-HEDLAND We hope that Peter Morgan is feeling
VISIT…IRON ORE HEAVEN better health-wise as well.
At the end of September, Colin traveled
to the Pilbara at the invitation of MTS
Dampier and Port Hedland centres. It
was an opportunity for Col to witness
first hand the enormous tonnages of iron
ore being exported from Dampier and
Hedland Ports. Both centres are busy
beyond compare, looking after never
ending waves of visiting seafarers and
attending to their many and varied range (Three generations of McGilvray’s )
of wants and needs. Col made
presentations at both centres to help the
locals appreciate that although they work
tirelessly in a harsh and isolated
environment they were very much an
integral part of the MTS family- an
Australia wide family that took a keen
interest in their ministry, that cared for
them and prayed for them.
On one evening, Col was able to attend (In foreground – Paul, Linda and Dawn)
one of Dampier’s committee meetings
and meet some of the committee
9

10. SEA SUNDAY Over the years on this day we have
listened to gospel stories of Christ and
Sea Sunday seems almost like a distant his connection to the sea; doing expected
memory for this year, although many of Christlike activities such as calming
our centres celebrated the occasion with wind and waves, walking on water, and
great joy and gusto. Following is a even encouraging Peter to give it a go!
colourful report from our national We have heard sermons by learned
secretary Graham Miller on happenings bishops and chaplains past and not so
last Sea Sunday in balmy Townsville. past telling stories of the hey day of
shipping here in this port city of
• Report from Townsville Townsville; and the highs and lows of
Address given by Graham Miller at the Mission work over the decades and the
Thanksgiving Eucharist at St James’ decline in Anglo-Saxon crews in the
Anglican Cathedral, Townsville on 17th 1970’s.
August 2008. Nevertheless, despite the changes in
demographics, the work has continued to
grow for over eighty years, and from
industry statistics, we are busier than
ever.
And maybe, just maybe, the Gospel from
Matthew Chapter13 [vs 1-9. & 18-23],
the Parable of the Sower with its rural
examples has something to tell us about
the seafaring work of the Mission.
Certainly at first glance, you could be
forgiven for thinking it is a lesson for the
agriculturally challenged, but I’m certain
Christ’s audience knew exactly how to
sew their crops.
But what we are meant to get out of this
parable is not how to produce a decent
harvest of wheat or sugar cane; but an
I would like to thank Fr John for the understanding of faith and how to
opportunity to speak today on the work practise it.
of The Mission to Seafarers and to our One of the hardest lessons to learn in life
visitors and guests at this important is that we cannot be all things to all
commemoration of Sea Sunday. people, no matter how hard we try. And
After the repeated playing of the the parable of the sower helps me for
Australian National Anthem during the one, put things into perspective.
Olympic Games, it is refreshing to sing We can go around zealously sprinkling
Canon Sharwood’s more theological seeds of faith in our workplace,
version, a reminder that no matter how especially when we have 1.5 million
patriotic we may be, it is right to seafarers around the world, but we need
acknowledge that we are all children of to remember that are only one part of a
the one God. process.
10

11. In our ministry of hospitality down at the The first man had been in town
port, we try to present a ‘home away obviously for dinner and a few drinks.
from home’ for all visitors who call into He was Master of a vessel and needed
our centre. What happens after that we someone to talk to about his distress. He
must leave to the Holy Spirit. spoke of his very public trial on
Over nine years ago, when I responded European television, and how his
to a request to help out at the local company told him to plead ‘guilty’ to
Mission canteen, I had no idea that it save them from excessive fines; only to
would open a door to working with a abandon him when he pleaded ‘not
wonderful group of volunteers, guilty’. His sense of hurt travels the
welcoming tens of thousands of world with him; and he now looks
international seafarers to the port city of forward to shortly leaving the industry.
Townsville and to share in the The other crew member talked of his
hospitality of Christ’s love. home country of Honduras, of his home
Yet, although we constantly require sickness for his tiny island paradise in
more volunteers and the hours can be the Caribbean. He spoke of his family
long, every day has been worthwhile. history and their relationship with the
Part of the reason is that every day is famous pirate Captain Morgan. Both
different; and I believe the keyword to parents’ family names are stepped in the
working in the shipping industry is swashbuckling stories of privateers and
flexibility. I also suspect that everyone piracy. I spent some time later reading
involved in shipping would agree. their history on the internet.
As with everything else, the life of the These are but two of the hundreds of
port has changed radically over the last stories we hear.
decade and the Mission has had to As far as acts of piracy are concerned, it
change with it. is a mistake to think that the fantasy
No-one could foresee accurately the figures of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
dramatic changes to security that have are the only ones alive today. According
happened over the past few years; the to figures released in July this year, over
increased economic growth of this 200 seafarers have been taken hostage,
region, and changes in crew and of those, seven have been killed and
demographics, bringing 54 nationalities another seven missing presumed dead.
into our Flying Angel Club. We are so The scene has shifted from the
lucky to be within the secure precinct of Caribbean to other places; and today
the Port, thanks to the cooperation of the Africa is the hot spot with Somali and
Port of Townsville Corporation giving Nigerian pirates the worst offenders.
us access to all berths and ships. Our Regionally, the Malacca Straits is the
closest ships are only 50 metres away, most active pirate lair but thankfully
allowing us the chance to meet and greet most incidents have been low key.
right from the doors of our canteen. However, thanks to the regions
But, with changes have come new governments, this area is changing for
complexities as well as age old the better.
problems. This past week I was speaking Recently we heard news involving a ship
to two seafarers whose stories reflect recently departed from Townsville that
these. has been held to ransom by Somali
pirates. The MV Stella Maris was
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12. boarded in the Gulf of Aden en route At least in Australia we are treated with
from Townsville to Spain via the Suez dignity and I thank them for that. We
Canal on July 20 when it was boarded by should always be vigilant against
armed pirates and diverted to northern terrorists, but sometimes the security is
Somalia. In previous hijackings, pirates so restrictive, it makes life on board
have demanded a ransom for releasing ships lonelier because we have less time
the vessel and in most cases the crew are to spend ashore.
not harmed. The frightening thing is that So your selfless service provided is a
only a month ago the smiling faces of welcome relief to the stressful and lonely
the crew were sitting in their ‘home life of seafarers on board ship.”
away from home’ here at the Mission He then goes on to speak of piracy and
canteen here in Townsville. signs off with many thanks and best
Others have told of stories of being on regards.
board ship for over five months without With stories such as these, not many
leave, because of the strict security in among us would choose a job where our
countries forced to comply with the US lives were so exposed to danger – not
trade restrictions placed on them. Let me just from the whims of nature but from
share one example with you from a attacks while we are at work or asleep.
Master of a vessel who visited us. I have Jon Whitlow Secretary of the ITF’
paraphrased the letter to keep it short. Seafarers’ section, said recently, “we’re
“Thank you very much for your appalled that in the 21st Century piracy
transport services to and from the vessel is a continuing and growing problem –
to The Mission to Seafarers... without despite the efforts made in the last few
the selfless services you render to years to improve maritime security”.
seafarers, we cannot go out and make So what do we do to respond to the story
telephone calls to our families and loved of the sower in situations such as these?
ones. It’s organisation like the Mission – What does Jesus to ask of us in our
and the Stella Maris [Apostleship of the daily life here in the peace and safety of
Sea] who are helping seafarers all over Townsville?
the world to make our lives bearable on First he asks us to pray for these men
board. and for their concerned families. He asks
After the tragedy of 9/11, seafarers have us to talk to visiting crews about their
been more isolated, especially with the hazardous life, to let them see that we
stringent security measures being care. To offer them a gift at Christmas to
practised around the world and in show they are part of the human family,
private ports in Australia and the USA. to sit and listen as they speak about
In the USA before we berth, the United problems that they cannot share with
States Coast Guard personnel herd their mates on ship because of cultural
seafarers into the crew mess like sheep; taboos, or political dissent. These are not
to double check our passports even huge demands on our time or money –
though we already hold valid US visas. they are simple acts of hospitality and
Seafarers and ships are the so-called caring.
workhorses of the world trade, bringing Very simply, all we can do is to
goods and resources from one place to introduce them to our home away from
another. But in some countries we are home, in which they feel safe, welcome
not treated humanely. and cared for. This is the seed of the
12

13. sower! This is the grain from which may NOAH’S TIME CAPSULE &
spring a desire to take nourishment from REFLECTIONS
others down the track.
In turn, we are asked to care for those Forty people attended the Geelong Sea
who come to us with questions, with Sunday service with a difference.
problems and issues they feel hopeless to Following the service led by the ageless
act upon. Surely this is the ‘liturgia’ or Revd Noah Park, a new flagpole which
‘public work’ of the Church, of was a gift from Geelong Port was
Christians everywhere! dedicated, and David Kenwood the
In my daily interaction with the crews, I Property Manager for Geelong Port
perceive The Mission to Seafarers as a unveiled a commemorative plaque
microcosm of the world. Ours is a acknowledging the gift.
community taken from nearly every
nation on earth; some share our faith, Three long serving members of Geelong
some have others, some have none. MTS- Lynne Loth, Pat Hayes and
What is our particular situation is that Dereck Wright participated in the
we perform ‘an invisible ministry among ceremony which saw an Australian Flag,
an invisible community’. We cannot rely an Australian Red Ensign [both gifts
upon long term contact but instead upon from the Victorian regional Channels
continuing care from unseen volunteers Authority] and the Mission’s flag
and chaplains around the world – all of proudly raised on the new flagpole.
whom are called today to plant the seed
of faith, to water, to feed, to nurture and Now for the twist- a time capsule was
to care. Nor can we rely on handouts placed in a cavity in the flagpole base.
from governments or church, for at best Into the time capsule members from
they are piecemeal and infrequent. MTS Geelong placed coins, personal
If our world wide Mission has any gauge letters, copies of Glad Tidings, phone
by which to measure success, it is in the cards, photographs of the centre’s
reaction by people of good will who volunteers and Noah’s birth certificate.
respond to an inner desire to care for Those attending the celebration were
others by volunteering their time; it is in exhorted by Noah Park to return on Sea
the response by groups in the community Sunday July 8, 2018 to retrieve the
to support the work of hospitality we capsule, open the contents, examine his
offer; and most especially it is in the birth certificate and hear for the first
hearts of the intrepid seafarers, who time his actual true age!
come back to us time and time again,
smiling as they enter our doors in the
knowledge that they are welcomed as the
children of the one God.
The rest we confidently leave to the
Creator.
[Graham Miller is the Manager of The
Mission to Seafarers Port of Townsville
and Honorary Secretary of The
Australian Council of the MtS.]
13

14. I arrived at the Geelong mission with my for the odd postcard now and then. The
wife, Lydia and daughter, Grace on the much more preferred and popular way is
23rd of June, 1999 where I had moved sending emails through the speedy
from the Melbourne mission, having internet that allows these ‘electronic
worked there for about ten years. It is letters’ to be sent across the world in
unbelievable to think that already, we less than a minute. We now have five
have been here in this lovely Geelong computers installed with internet and
mission for over nine years. However, also chatting and webcam services that
when I recall all the different events and allow seafarers to have a ‘video
memorable times that we have had conversation’ with their family back at
together as one mission team, the list of home. We often see many seafarers talk
memories seems to be endless. with their friends, girlfriends, wives or
stare admiringly, as they point out their
In my early days here in Geelong, new born babies. It is sad to see that
seafarers’ communication with families they are not able to be with their
was solely through postage mail and children who grow up so much within
telephone. One of the big jobs for that six months or twelve months that
volunteers was organising the big they are away, often missing out special
waiting line for seafarers wanting to use times of the year such as Christmas.
one of our two telephones and also However, it is heart-warming and
looking out for the unit meter that was meaningful to see and know that in these
used to measure the duration of the little ways our work here at the Mission
calls. International calls were all direct to Seafarers does make a huge difference
and for example, seafarers from India or in seafarers’ lives.
China would call their family for rates
like $1 per minute, where usually they Despite the many developments of
would speak for 30 minutes but technology that makes everything so
sometimes over an hour as well. much more accessible and convenient,
Nowadays, a Chinese seafarer can call the situation of seafarers being away
and speak with their family for up to 20 from home and their family and friends
hours with a $10 calling card. This has for long periods of time is constant.
led to the instalment of two additional Problems such as homesickness and
phones due to the busy demand and loneliness still occur and hence, it seems
longer duration seafarers speak to their that the work of our mission will become
families. When I look back to this, it much more significant in the future
seems as though technology has excelled where with our changing technology and
astonishingly where new developments society, there is a growing need and
throughout the world have made opportunity to develop new services in
communication so much more easier and order to help the lives of seafarers as
accessible for seafarers. they continue to work at sea.
Also, the modern and ever-changing Our mission is constantly busy
technology allows such things that could throughout the year and with various
not have even been imagined ten years events such as various movie fundraiser
ago. Letters that were sent frequently by nights, Bunnings’ sausage sizzles,
the seafarers are now hard to see except Garage sale, the 150th dinner (that
14

15. celebrating the start of the Mission to remarkable ways that we will be able to
Seafarers in Victoria) that have help seafarers in ten years’ time. In ten
occurred in our mission, it has been years’ time, I hope and believe that our
rather exciting. Also, over the years, work at the Mission to Seafarers will be
from having done locum work in various as much of a positive and helpful
areas over Geelong, this has also been a influence on seafarers’ lives as it is now,
chance for sharing our ministry at the if not much more.
mission and making friendly links with
the Geelong community. I have also had Noah Park
the privilege of being an elected member
of the Mission to Seafarers National Sea Sunday July 13, 2008.
Council the last eight years. This has led
to many new opportunities where I was
able to start the publishing of yearly-
calendars for the Mission to Seafarers
for the first time, printing and delivering
them Australia-wide from Geelong.
Despite the busy days all year round,
from morning to evening, it is our team
of warm, generous and committed hearts
of our Ladies’ Auxiliary members,
House Committee members and
volunteers that allow the Mission to
Seafarers to help seafarers’ lives. It is BEANIES, BEANIES AND MORE
also seeing how our help makes such a BEANIES
By Revd. Bruce Mitchell
difference to the often rough life of
seafarers that makes the work of our
Seafarers visiting ‘The Flying Angel
mission so rewarding.
Centre’ of The Mission to Seafarers
Hobart Station welcome the opportunity
I could go on forever talking about all
of obtaining Beanies to help dispel the
the lovely memories that I have made
chill of cold weather at sea in the middle
during my time here in Geelong so far
of winter, or for that matter throughout
and can imagine that without a doubt,
the year. The Mission often has trouble
ten years on, there would be much more
keeping up the supply.
things to say. From reflecting on my
Thanks to Allan and Stella Burton of
years here at the mission so far, the
Midway Point and the people of Christ
ways in which we help seafarers has
Church Illawarra and Holy Trinity
increased where new services allow us
Strahan, we can usually manage to meet
to make that environment which we can
requests for Beanies. Allan and Stella
proudly call ‘home away from home’.
between them have knitted 126 this year
With such amazing developments and
while sitting and watching T.V. A great
changes that have occurred to this day, I
effort that is really appreciated by the
can only start to imagine the new
Mission and seafarers.
changes that will have occurred and am
We also regularly receive parcels from
curious to think in what new and
the good people of Illawarra and
15

16. Strahan; unfortunately I have not been NEWS FROM OUR CENTRES
able to keep track of the number of
Beanies received from these groups, but • Newcastle….The Revd John
they have also made a significant Crane is presently on sick leave.
contribution. To top this off, the people Our prayers are for John’s early
of Strahan also sent a sizeable cheque to recovery. There have been a
assist with our ministry to seafarers who number of changes at the
bring much of our daily needs to us. Newcastle centre for some part
I know from comments of seafarers that of this year and we hope that
they are very grateful that they can things will settle down in the new
obtain Beanies here and see them as a year. Bishop Garry and Col will
sign of the care and appreciation people be visiting Newcastle soon to
have for them as they work in their very meet with the committee and
isolated industry. As well, there is often lend a helping hand.
a ‘fashion parade’ to see who looks best
in the most fetching headwear! • Sydney…..The Revd Ian Porter
Many thanks to Allan and Stella, the has just released news that one of
people of Strahan and Illawarra and Sydney’s chaplains the Revd
many others who supply Beanies and Kyung Wan [Peter] Kim last
good quality magazines as a way of week died from a heart attack
expressing God’s love and care for while holidaying in Fiji. Sydney
seafarers who visit us. staff are still trying to come to
All Saints Day will have a greater grips with this shocking news.
significance for Hobart MtS. We will be Please remember Peter’s wife
holding our AGM that day and giving and his two daughters in your
thanks for ‘the Saints’ who care for prayers for some time to come.
seafarers who come to us and keep our Our deepest sympathy and
doors open! condolences are extended to
Peter’s loved ones. In the words
of Ian, “ Peter was a committed
servant of Jesus Christ and an
excellent chaplain”. He will be
sorely missed. (Peter is pictured
below in yellow helmet).
16

17. PORT LINCOLN’S FASCINATING
• Albany…..Alan Taylor reports HISTORY LESSON
that MTS Albany and Stella
Maris Albany are working much We were thrilled to hear from Margaret
more closely with each other in Vivian the archivist for MTS Port
order to help their respective ship Lincoln giving us a wonderful history
visiting and bus runs operate lesson on the role of MTS in the early
more effectively to benefit the days in Port Lincoln. Here are
seafarers. This sounds like Margaret’s words fresh from the
eminent good sense and both beautiful Boston Bay area on the tip of
organizations at Albany port are Yorke Peninsular, South Australia.
to be congratulated for this [Although this bit of information has
initiative. nothing at all to do with the mission
there, Port Lincoln is known as the
• Brisbane….Brisbane MTS has “seafood capital of Australia”]. Sounds
just announced that the Revd like a likely venue for a future MTS
Daniel Yun is to fill the role of national conference.
MTS and Port chaplain in
Brisbane. It is expected that Dear Colin,
Daniel will commence his
ministry at the Brisbane As a member of the Port Lincoln
Seafaring Centre beginning of Seafarers team I was interested to read a
February 2009. We will be able copy of Glad Tidings (No 2) recently,
to welcome and introduce the and I thought you might be interested in
new chaplain in our next a history project in which I have an
newsletter. ongoing involvement, and which is
concerned with the early days of
• Gladstone…..Bishop Godfrey hospitality to seafarers here, and to the
has announced that Trevor establishment of the mission in Port
Phillips has been appointed the Lincoln.
new full time “Pastoral Manager”
to Gladstone’s Seafaring Centre. MtS Port Lincoln recently received a
Trevor, Jenny and four of their grant from the South Australian History
six kids will be moving to Trust to photograph an old autograph
Gladstone over the school book, which belonged to Miss Helen
holidays. It is expected he will Louse Brougham MBE, the driving force
commence the job in January. behind the establishment of the Port
Trevor’s appointment is great Lincoln station in the early 1930’s.
news for Gladstone but sad news
for Brisbane where he is Miss Brougham’s grandfather, Henry,
currently their main ship visitor. who arrived in Port Lincoln in 1855,
His going will leave a big gap to began and maintained a tradition of
fill at the Brisbane end. Good friendship and hospitality to seafarers.
luck and best wishes to the Her parents Samuel and Mary, and then
Phillip’s family in their new Miss Louise and her younger sister
adventure north.
17

18. Elsie, continued that concern for or even three weeks. This gave the
seafarers until the late 1950’s. crews plenty of time to savour the
hospitality at the mission and,
Port Lincoln in 1855 was an isolated sometimes, to host a dance as a gesture
and very small outpost, which relied on of thanks.
coastal shipping for supplies, news, and
visitors. Whalers, ketches, and other Invitations to such events have been
small sailing craft were the only means entered in the book. A woman recently
of supply. The crews were appreciative recounted to me the story of a female
of the homely friendship extended. relative (at age 14) going on board with
her father to attend a dance, and her
In The Church and the Sailor (Oct 1954) astonishment and nervousness at being
Miss Brougham wrote an ‘account of the asked to dance by the captain.
welcome offered to seamen in Port
Lincoln’. Of her parents she wrote, Many pages are enhanced with artwork:
“Doubtless owing to their loneliness and exquisite pen and ink drawings of ships
homesickness, as there were very few and their company ensign, photos of
settlers, they felt urged to befriend new ships and/or crew. There are cartoons
arrivals and visiting seafarers ...... The and humorous sketches, poems, letters of
facilities must have been very meagre, thanks to the Mission and Miss Louise,
but they were doubtless very much verses and various pieces of philosophy,
appreciated. Grateful reminiscences and one entry which is a memorial to
were heard in later years.” Scott of the Antarctic
Helen Louise, born in 1885, was Now the digital recoding of the album
probably in her early teens when she has been completed and mounted into
received her autograph book for a folders for viewing and research. It is
birthday or Christmas gift. It was certain there are many stories yet to be
leather bound and has approximately extracted from its pages.
700 pages. Today there are entries on
over 500 of the pages, some from family I am not sure if in times past, Miss
members and friends, but by far the Brougham’s name was known to any
great majority from visiting seamen on other centres apart from Port Adelaide,
Australian ships and vessels from all but would be interested to hear from
over the world. The prime time of its use anyone who has information concerning
at the Mission covers the mid 1920’s to the Port Lincoln Mission.
the mid 1950’s when the ships of the
British merchant fleet were by far the Yours
most frequent visitors. sincerely,
Margaret
Page after page is devoted to expressing Vivian
the sailors’ delight at the warm and Archivist
generous hospitality they received, their Mission to
reluctance to leave port and the fond Seafarers,
memories they would treasure. In that Port
era most ships were in port for one, two Lincoln.
18

19. COMING EVENTS
• National conference Rockingham
[WA] September 7-11, 2009.
Graham Miller will be sending
out to all centres registration
forms and information brochures
in mid November- keep the
antennas tuned for this important
communication.
Dennis Claughton will look
after the members of the MtS
• More ship visiting courses Australian Council at the next
planned for Port Kembla 2-3 national meeting, to be held at
December 2008 and Townsville the legendary Flying Angel Club,
early in 2009. For more Fremantle.
information on the Port Kembla
course contact Dave Masters on
02 4274 6498.
• Newcastle’s Sea Sunday
celebrations at the Cathedral on
November 23, 2008. Editor: Colin Brown
• Next national council meeting National Liaison &
January 27-29, 2009 at the Support Officer
Fremantle Flying Angel. Mission to Seafarers
Australian Council
15th November, 2008
liaison@mts.org.au
19