by Paul Davenport

International crews visiting Port Kembla have once again a place to come to relax in a Christian environment.

The Port Kembla Missions to Seafarers reopened last year, after it was closed for two years following the retirement of the previous Chaplain, Lance Puckeridge. The Rev Tudno Rees was commissioned as the new Chaplain by Wollongong’s Bishop, Reg Piper in April, 2002.

Visitors to the centre represent many nationalities, said Mr Rees. “ A lot of the communicating is done in broken English but somehow we manage.

“ I visit each ship when it arrives, extending a welcome and informing the crew about what the Mission has to offer them, such as the nightly bus pick-up services, the fair exchange rate for American dollars, the opportunity to phone their families or just relax away from their ships in the friendly atmosphere that the Mission provides.

“ Most of these men are working to support their families back home, they are contracted to the shipping companies for up to 18 months and are often at sea for long periods between ports.”

Mr Rees has been very encouraged by the support and acceptance in the wider community, particularly those involved in the maritime industry who see the worth of the Mission’s work.

“ Many of the stevedores are glad the Mission is open again and are only too pleased to tell crew members where they can be contacted,” he said.

The same is true of the shipping agents and the Port Kembla authorities. “Just before Christmas, the Port Corporation’s Managing Director, Phil McGavin informed me that the Corporation had decided to donate the budgeted cost for their annual Christmas party to the work of the Mission.” he said. “ A few days later, I received a cheque for $2,500.

“Again in January, the Gateway Shipping Agents, who control the number six jetty were having a very large sewerage pipe put through their property.” he said.

“When asked by the company undertaking the project what compensation would be required, they were informed ‘none ... but please make a donation to the Missions to Seafarers’, which came a short time later, amounting to $2,500.”

But he says the Mission needs more committed Christians to help with over 600 ships coming to Port Kembla every year from all over the world. “ To help us to be fully operational, we require a team of volunteers to drive the 22 seater bus, serve in the shop and help the seafarers in any way possible,”  he said.