On Monday, July 14, participants in the Seafarers’ Welfare Conference, organized by The Mission to Seafarers Australia region, had the opportunity to visit the Bunbury Mission to Seafarers. This visit was not only an opportunity to see another center but also to enjoy an insightful port tour and a delicious lunch.
Bunbury, located 175 km south of Perth, Western Australia, is home to over 70,000 inhabitants. The port of Bunbury is part of Southern Ports, which manages the three ‘gateway’ ports of Albany, Bunbury, and Esperance.
The Very Rev’d Darryl Cotton, Chaplain and Manager of the seafarers’ center, welcomed more than 20 visiting guests from missions around Australia. After the visit, Cotton commented, “It doesn’t matter which center we are from, The Mission to Seafarers is a big family worldwide. It was nice to welcome other family members into our home and our center and share some of the work we are doing.”
The port tour was led by Lee Smith, Regional Manager of Bunbury, Southern Ports. It was great to get an inside look at the port from the person driving much of its growth. According to the Port, “Today the Port of Bunbury has the largest land holding of any port in Australia and the capacity for significant organic growth. Exports include alumina, woodchips, mineral sands, spodumene, and silica sand, while imports include caustic soda and mineral sands.”
Smith explained that the port had a lot of land and was just using a small part. Exciting projects include one focused on energy transition. Alumina is exported to the UAE, while grain is sent to various destinations in Southeast Asia.
Smith also emphasized the importance of the partnership with the Mission to Seafarers, stating that seafarers ensure trade flows freely. As a member of the port welfare committee, Smith wants to encourage the Mission significantly. He believes the Bunbury community should know the Mission better, as it supports the seafarers who, in turn, support the local economy.
Darryl Cotton noted the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the Port. “The better our relationship with port users – most notably the Port Authority – the better we are able to provide the welfare work we do.”
This visit provided a beautiful perspective on a thriving port with a dynamic mission.
Take a tour of the Bunbury Mission to Seafarers:
