AMWS News 2025
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AMWS Annual General Meeting. 27th May 2025
The Council considered many important issues, and significantly, formally adopted a Business Plan setting out Future Directions and Strategy for AMWS. This will be shared with members in due course. In addition to approving the financial reports for the last year, the AGM approved an amendment to the Constitution that will enable AMWS to appoint external experts to Committees. This will have the benefit of broadening our understanding of, and assist the Council in dealing with, complex issues. A function after the AGM has now become a regular event, and this year had special significance. It was the opportunity to say thank you and farewell to four individuals who have provided outstanding service to AMWS and the cause of seafarer welfare: Alan Tait, Llew Russell, Howard Clark and Stan Moriarty. As befitting the occasion the event was well attended. Many speeches were made acknowledging their selfless dedication and contribution to the industry. Unfortunately, Stan was unable to attend the event but Alan, Llew and Howard all took the opportunity to say a few words. Apart from AMWS Councillors, attendees included Sister Mary (Stella Maris), recently retired AMWS Councillor Graham Lightfoot, Sue Dight (MTS), Murray Doyle, Jennie Miles, Bill Little (Sydney Cove Rotary) and the Rev Un Tay (MTS). |
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The "Mariners' Lifeline". A Slice of Australian Maritime History. May 2025
In November 2024, the AMWS Council decided to discontinue the twice-yearly publication of its newsletter, The Mariners’ Lifeline, and shift its focus toward providing members and friends with regular monthly updates via the "AMWS E-News". The Mariners’ Lifeline has a proud history, having first been published in June/July 2006 and continuing through until December 2024. Over its 18-year run, 25 editions were released, addressing critical issues affecting the maritime industry in Australia and globally while showcasing AMWS's active involvement in supporting seafarer welfare. Throughout its history, The Mariners’ Lifeline served as a vital communication channel, keeping members and friends informed about developments impacting seafarers' welfare, raising awareness of emerging challenges, and celebrating the efforts of those working to support maritime communities. It fostered connections among its readership by sharing knowledge, personal stories, and expert insights, reinforcing the Society’s mission. As AMWS transitions to the monthly E-News format, it remains committed to maintaining this legacy; keeping members and friends engaged and informed about issues affecting seafarer welfare, now and into the future. |
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WiFi Boost for Pilbara Seafarers. DCN April 2025
Pilbara Ports is enhancing internet access for visiting seafarers by replacing individual SIM card recharge support with a new ship-wide mobile WiFi initiative. Beginning Monday, 12 May, participating vessels returning to the Port of Port Hedland will receive free data top-ups via a designated Ship WiFi Pack, which includes a Telstra-enabled mobile router and a Mesh WiFi extender. This system, managed by the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre, will provide broader connectivity for all crew members throughout their port or anchorage stay, promoting improved communication with families and supporting seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing. The initiative reflects Pilbara Ports' ongoing commitment to seafarer welfare and fostering an inclusive maritime community. |
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Lacey's Story on STS Young Endeavour as a Trevor Howarth Award Recipient. David Parmeter 9th May 2025
On 9th May, a function organised by the Sydney Cove Rotary Club provided an opportunity for members and AMWS representatives to meet Lacey, the latest recipient of the Trevor Howarth Award, and hear about her transformative experience with the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. Lacey, who has been supported by Stepping Stone House, embarked on an 11-day voyage aboard the Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour in November last year. Despite initial anxiety, she developed confidence and resilience, even conquering her fear of heights by climbing the mast on the final day of the voyage. Now pursuing a Diploma in Design at TAFE, she credits the program with helping her grow personally and academically. The Trevor Howarth Award, named in memory of a dedicated member of both Sydney Cove Rotary and AMWS, is jointly funded by the two organizations to cover the cost of the training voyage. It supports young individuals from challenging backgrounds, like Lacey, by partnering with organisations such as Stepping Stone House. Her inspiring story is a powerful reminder of the impact of youth training initiatives, highlighting the positive difference AMWS and its partners can make—helping to transform young lives, one individual at a time. DP |
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Attention AMWS Members. NOTICE of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. Tuesday 27th May 2025.
The meeting to be held at the Board Room of Shipping Australia (SAL), Suite 606, Level 6, 80 William Street Woolloomooloo, will commence at 12.00 pm and is scheduled to finish at 12.15 pm. As there is limited seating available in the SAL Boardroom, please advise on [email protected] prior to the meeting if you are planning to attend so we can ensure adequate arrangements are made. In the alternative if you are unable to attend in person there are video conference facilities available, so please advise if you need the link for joining the meeting remotely. This will be followed by light refreshments in the Stanley Room at The Sydney Boulevard Hotel, 90 William Street, where friends of AMWS will be invited to join the Council and Members, concluding at 2.30 pm. Beverages will be available for purchase from the bar. This will also be a special occasion recognising the retirement of three long-serving Councillors, Alan Tait, Llew Russell, and Howard Clark, together with our Company Secretary, Stan Moriarty. We hope you will join us in thanking Alan, Llew, Howard, and Stan for their many years of dedicated service to AMWS. Please confirm your attendance at this function to Stan Moriarty, AMWS secretary, before Monday 12th May on [email protected] or 0418 488 163. |
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Chairman's Update – April 2025
AMWS Chairman David Parmeter recently attended two separate functions focused on significant seafarer issues: one welcoming Father Tony Cox as the new National Director of Stella Maris Australia, and another reflecting on the 60th annual Merchant Navy Commemoration at Rockwood. David's full reports can be read in the April 2025 edition of the AMWS E-News. Link below. https://www.marinerswelfare.com/uploads/8/4/8/3/84830580/amws_e-news_april_2025.pdf |
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PhD Scholarship for Human Rights at Sea Research offered at UNSW. UNSW & HRaS February 2025
In an exciting development for the topic of human rights at sea, the UNSW Law & Justice faculty in Australia is offering a new scholarship opportunity. UNSW Law & Justice is offering a PhD Scholarship for an applicant with outstanding research potential and a demonstrated interest in international human rights law and the law of the sea. The scholarship is for a doctoral topic related to the Australian Research Council Discovery Project. The proposed thesis topic should broadly relate to the duties of non-State actors to protect human rights at sea, with a focus on either seafarers or fishers as the beneficiaries of those duties or the provision of humanitarian assistance by sea. |
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STS One & All. Two trainees complete 2 week voyage. February 2025
Thanks to the League of Ancient Mariners' 2024 donation to AMWS, two cadets recently completed a two-week sail training voyage aboard the STS One and All. One cadet later shared his gratitude in a heartfelt letter, calling the experience incredible and highlighting the valuable skills he learned from the crew. He described the voyage as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was deeply appreciative of the support that made it possible. The experience strengthened his passion for a maritime career, and he has since begun studying at the Australian Maritime College (AMC). He called the voyage one of the best experiences of his life and sincerely thanked everyone who helped make it happen. |
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AMWS Quarterly Councillor Meeting Report – 25th February 2025
The meeting covered a broad range of topics, reflecting the diverse priorities of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society (AMWS). Key agenda items included:
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Botany Bay, Big News at the AOS Humpy. 15th January 2025
This week Stella Maris Sydney welcomed Sister Anne-Marie to the Sydney waterfront AMWS wish Sister Anne-Marie many happy days within the Sydney Maritime Community as she generously supports seafarers. |
