Anchored in faith: Mission to Seafarers navigates calmer seas post-COVID as it rebuilds and reinvigorates

“Seafarers are now returning to the Brisbane Seafarers Centre after a challenging period of COVID restrictions, and it brings joy to our hearts to provide a warm welcome to those who desperately need a smiling face and a comforting connection to the outside world as they visit the Port of Brisbane,” says Mission to Seafarers President, Captain Ross Nicholls

Seafarer reunions, COVID-19 vaxing, a new partnership and centre and the passing of a beloved chaplain

“In late January, seafarer shore leave restrictions were lifted after 18 months. So our doors reopened, and a welcoming message was sent out to all agents and ships inviting seafarers back to visit, play pool, connect with families via Wi-Fi or just enjoy the gardens, the birds and the local shops. In conjunction with this, we have teamed up with a local pharmacy in Wynnum and Queensland Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program providers to facilitate vaccinations for seafarers,” says Mission To Seafarers President, Captain Ross Nicholls

Sea Sunday 2021

“Sea Sunday is more than a day to recognise and celebrate the role of the seafarer. It is an opportunity for us to recognise the significant dislocation seafarers have chosen to accept and acknowledge their sacrifices that enable us to live the life we do,” says Captain Ross Nicholls, as Sea Sunday approaches on Sunday 11 July

Tim Tams and TLC

“It didn’t take long for our team at the Brisbane Seafarers Centre to put together a ‘care package’ that addressed all of the quarantined seafarer’s material needs and even included a packet of Tim Tams! Our Sunshine Coast ‘disciples’ delivered this package to his door and watched the smile on his face as he opened the package,” says MTS Brisbane’s Captain Ross Nicholls

MTS Brisbane navigating uncharted waters

“As a result of current physical distancing measures and the need for many volunteers to stay in their homes, the human contact element of our role is marginalised, and our usual services curtailed. While this was initially perplexing, it has made us think more laterally and creatively, so our important ministry for seafarers may continue,” says Captain Ross Nicholls from Mission to Seafarers Brisbane

Sea Sunday

The Rev’d Canon Garry Dodd reflects on the work of Mission To Seafarers for Sea Sunday, which is celebrated on Sunday 14 July: “the over-riding theme for Sea Sunday 2019 is the call to act – to go beyond a simple act of charity – and move on to unconditional love for those in need in our community”