In North-West Australia, two seafarers’ centres at the Pilbara Ports have devised a novel idea to raise awareness of seafarers’ welfare and generate funding for their centres. The Seafarers’ Centres of Port Hedland and Port Dampier offer port tours for tourists. In Port Hedland, this is done via launch, while in Port Dampier, it is through a bus tour.
During the Mission to Seafarers Australia Seafarers’ Welfare Conference, The MARE Report caught up with the chaplains of both centres to understand this innovative approach. The Rev’d Garry Hamersley, Port Chaplain of The Port Hedland Seafarers Centre, and The Rev’d Steve Combe, Chaplain of The Dampier Seafarers Centre, shared their insights.
Hamersley explained, “Our tour started as part of a tourism promotion but also to help fund the seafarers centre because the only way you can get off the ship in Port Hedland is water side due to the big machinery.” Combe added that their port tour was developed on the invitation of Rio Tinto, which aimed to raise the profile of their work and provide the seafarers’ centre with a means to raise funds.
In Port Hedland, the two-hour tour begins at the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre with an informative background presentation before boarding the Seafarers launch for a lap around the bustling 24/7 harbour. The tour navigates among huge bulk carriers, powerful tugs, ore loaders, and constant activity, all while providing commentary and answering questions.
In Port Dampier, the three-hour tour starts at The Mission and includes a behind-the-scenes look at the iron ore operations at the Dampier ports, a visit to the Dampier Salt Mine lookout, and ends with spectacular views of the Dampier Harbour from East Intercourse Island lookout.
Both centres charge $65 per adult for the tour, and there is usually great uptake for the service. The tours not only bring in funds but also help raise awareness. Hamersley noted, “It is very helpful if you look on Trip Advisor. It is a way of sharing with the public what The Mission to Seafarers does.”
Addressing whether the tours are a distraction from their work, Combe said, “Some days it can be a drain because you’re thinking ‘well that was three hours that I could have spent on a ship,’ but most times it’s three hours that I got to spend with 10 people who knew nothing about seafarers. They now leave with memories they will share with others.”
Both chaplains agreed that the key to a successful program is the presenter. Hamersley remarked, “Be prepared to have a team that can present well and relate well to public speaking. It is very important to show that passion for caring for seafarers.” Most seafarers are at sea to provide financial assistance to their families, and it’s important to convey this to the tourists. Combe added, “The presenter’s passion is crucial. If their passion is not there, it will affect the tourists’ experience.”
Regarding additional benefits from the tours, Hamersley shared, “The thing we get out of a lot of tourists is beanies!” Combe mentioned they have received additional over-the-counter donations.
When asked about the tourists’ reaction to this work being done by a Christian mission, Hamersley explained that the first part of the tour begins in his chapel, making it fairly obvious. Combe noted that while people might not initially realize the tour includes a presentation about a Christian mission, “We have a big cross at the front of the centre, so they know what they are getting into.”
Find out more about these two programs and their impact on seafarers’ welfare by visiting their respective websites.
