Seven NSW charities and not-for-profits have been named as recipients of the Seafarer Welfare Fund, which has reached a $1.5 million milestone in its third year.
The fund supports frontline services for seafarers visiting NSW ports, with the latest recipients announced at the annual Mission to Seafarers Parliamentary Lunch.
The funding marks the halfway point of a five-year, $2.5 million agreement between the Port Authority of NSW, NSW Ports and Port of Newcastle.
Why does seafarer welfare matter to trade?
Seafarers play a central role in NSW supply chains, with 99 per cent of the state’s trade moved by sea.
More than 400,000 seafarers visit NSW, supporting the flow of goods to and from businesses, ports, manufacturers, retailers and households.
Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said the people working at sea remained vital to the economy.
“With 99 per cent 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,” McKenna said.
The fund provides long-term support for services including communication, transport, accommodation, recreation, mental health and wellbeing support, and pastoral care.
Who will receive the 2026 funding?
The 2026 recipients are Mission to Seafarers Eden, Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla, Mission to Seafarers Sydney, Apostleship of the Sea Sydney, also known as Stella Maris, Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, Hunter Workers Rehabilitation and Counselling Service, and Mission to Seafarers Newcastle.
Funding from the third round will support operational expenses, transportation, chaplaincy and pastoral care.
It will also support telecommunications for seafarers, including mobile SIM cards and WiFi units.
These services are often delivered during short port calls, when seafarers may have limited time to contact family, access support, or leave the vessel.
How are global pressures affecting seafarers?
Port Authority of NSW said global conflicts are adding further pressure to seafarers and the shipping industry.
McKenna said the conflict in the Middle East had reinforced the need for reliable support when crews arrive in port.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
What support is being delivered at NSW ports?
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the fund was helping provide practical assistance to seafarers when they dock in NSW.
“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,” 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.”
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas AM said frontline organisations and volunteers play an important role in supporting crews who may have spent months at sea.
“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,” Calfas said.
Mission to Seafarers Sydney, one of this year’s recipients, reported more than 808 ship visits in 2025, up from more than 600 in 2024 and 370 in 2023.