Seafarer Welfare Fund marks $1.5m milestone in third year
Seven NSW charities and not-for-profits have been named recipients of the Seafarer Welfare Fund, which has reached a $1.5 million milestone in its third year supporting frontline services for seafarers powering the State’s trade, with the announcement made today at the annual Mission to Seafarers Parliamentary Lunch.
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Seven NSW charities and not-for-profits have been named recipients of the Seafarer Welfare Fund, which has reached a $1.5 million milestone in its third year supporting frontline services for seafarers powering the State’s trade, with the announcement made today at the annual Mission to Seafarers Parliamentary Lunch.
Marking the halfway point of the five-year, $2.5 million agreement between Port Authority of NSW, NSW Ports and Port of Newcastle, the Seafarer Welfare Fund provides long-term support for services, projects and programs for the over 400,000 seafarers visiting NSW. This includes access to critical communication services, transport, accommodation, recreation, mental health and wellbeing support, and pastoral care.
The 2026 recipients are Mission to Seafarers Eden, Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla, Mission to Seafarers Sydney, Apostleship of the Sea Sydney (Stella Maris), Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, Hunter Workers Rehabilitation and Counselling Service, and Mission to Seafarers Newcastle.
Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said global conflicts are increasing pressure on seafarers, reinforcing the need for strong welfare support when they arrive in port.
“With 99% of NSW trade moved by sea, seafarers are the unseen engine of our economy -keeping goods flowing to and from businesses and homes every day,” Mr McKenna said.
“The conflict in the Middle East is adding further strain on seafarers and the shipping industry, making access to reliable care and support more important than ever.”
With little time in port and long periods at sea in tough conditions, seafarers rely on immediate support, which is what drove Port Authority to partner with NSW Ports and Port of Newcastle to fund critical services where and when they’re needed most.
“I congratulate this year’s recipients for securing the funding that will enable them to provide genuine care and connection, whether it’s helping to call loved ones, offering a safe place to rest, or taking the time to check in and provide support.”
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the Seafarer Welfare Fund is delivering practical support for seafarers.
“The strength of the maritime industry depends not only on efficient ports and supply chains, but also on the wellbeing of the people who work within them,” Mr Carmody said.
“Through the Seafarers Welfare Fund, we are ensuring seafarers have access to timely and trusted support, whether that means transport from the wharf and a place to rest, or assistance with more serious issues such as illness or underpayment.
“It’s a practical demonstration of how the industry can work together to set an appropriate standard for the way we care for seafarers when they dock in NSW.”
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas AM said supply chains rely on the essential contribution of seafarers, who keep goods moving across the world.
“In recognition of their role, we partner with organisations who make a difference to the wellbeing of seafarers when they arrive in port. These frontline teams and volunteers provide practical help and a sense of connection for seafarers who may have spent months at sea,” Ms Calfas said.
“We made a five-year commitment to the Seafarer Welfare Fund in 2024 to provide longer-term certainty of funding and resources to enable a number of organisations to deliver practical and essential services, from transport and communication to pastoral care and wellbeing support.
“Since the Seafarer Welfare Fund started in 2024, one of this year’s recipients, Mission to Seafarers Sydney, has reported an increase in the ship visits it conducts yearly – with more than 808 ship visits in 2025, which was up from over 600 in 2024 and 370 in 2023.”
Funding from the third round will support frontline services including operational expenses, transportation, chaplaincy and pastoral care, and telecommunications for seafarers including mobile SIM cards and WiFi units.