CENTENARY OF THE HOBART MISSION TO SEAFARERS

Sunday 30th August marks 100 years since the Mission was founded in Hobart.

The old red brick church in Campbell Street was the site of the first Mission in Hobart, one of over 260 centres around the world at the present time.

The highlight of the Centenary Celebrations will be a special Service at St. George’s Church Battery Point at 10:00am on Sunday. The Secretary General of the Mission in London will be the guest preacher and greetings from the Princess Royal, World President of the Mission, will be read.

The core work of the Mission is to care for the physical, social and spiritual welfare of some of the 1.3 million men and women who bring much of our daily needs to us, regardless of race, creed or colour.

The Mission’s current Chaplain, the Reverend Bruce Mitchell said: “Over the century the Mission has responded to constant change in the shipping industry. While for the seafarer much has changed, much still remains the same. Many of the Missions activities are the same today as a hundred years ago.”

Isolation from family and friends has always been a major problem with seafarers being away from home for up to ten months at a time. When things go wrong at work or home, seafarers usually look to the Mission to help and support them. The Chaplain provides pastoral care and an ear to hear; responding and assisting where ever he can through the Mission’s worldwide network.

A modern aid to counter isolation has been the advent of smart phones, laptops and WiFi, which is provided free within the Mission. Simple things like soap, toothpaste, chocolate and chips, as well as a comfortable TV lounge and a chapel as a quiet place away from the steel box and noise that surrounds the day to day life of a seafarer, are appreciated.

“Globally, the Mission to Seafarers campaigned in support of an international code to improve the employment standards for seafarers. The adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 by many maritime countries, including Australia, is making a large and positive difference to the lives of seafarers.” the Chaplain said.

The busiest time for the Mission in Hobart is during the Cruise Ship season with the Morrison Street Centre sometimes open from 10:00am to 10:00 pm, regularly caring for over 100 seafarers a day. As well the Centre opens for crews of ships coming to Risdon, Self’s Point and Macquarie Point of an evening. All this places a great demand on volunteers who open the Centre. Of course there is always a need for more volunteers to care for those who come to us. Among the many people who have worked or volunteered in the Mission, Mr Jack Tomes OAM deserves a special mention. Jack has been a regular volunteer for 78 years.

A brief history of the Hobart Mission has been written by Mr Mark Hosking of the Maritime Museum for the Centenary and will be available after the Service on Sunday or later from the Maritime Museum of Tasmania or the Mission in Morrison Street.

“Donations and new volunteers are always welcome, particularly during the Cruise Ship Season” the Rev Mitchell said. He may be contacted through the Mission on 6234 6016

The Service is on Sunday 30th at St. George’s Church, Battery Point at 10.00am. The Service should conclude at 11:00 am.
Reverend Bruce Mitchell, Chaplain, Ms Pru Bonham