AMWS News 2024
|
Malcolm Longstaff Memorial Scholarship Scheme at AMC. August 2024
Via the AMWS Malcolm Longstaff Memorial Scholarship scheme, the AMC selection council has nominated Ethan as its recipient for Semester 2. As its recent meeting, the AMWS Council formally approved the nomination and took the opportunity to wish Ethan every success with his ongoing studies. At the same meeting, AMWS accepted a recommendation from members to increase the value of the scholarship on offer at AMC to $3500 per semester, commencing February 2025. Those studying at AMC nest year and who meet the Societie's selection criteria, are encouraged to apply. |
|
Merchant Navy Day Service. 11AM 3rd September 2024
A Remembrance Service will be held on Tuesday, 3 September 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Main Hall of the Mosman Art Gallery in NSW, adjacent to the War Memorial and Allan Border Oval. The service honors the Australian merchant seamen who played a critical role during the First and Second World Wars by manning ships that transported essential supplies and troops, often under dangerous conditions. Despite their crucial contributions, many of these seamen's sacrifices remain undocumented. The Australian War Memorial has recorded the names of 520 mariners who died in World War II. Attendees are invited to lay a wreath or tribute following the official ceremony, with prior notification to Merrill Barker, the M. N. Chapter Coordinator. |
|
AMWS Quarterly Meeting. 27th August 2024.
Chaired by David Parmeter and with the newly appointed AMWS Councillor Shane Hobday attending his first quarterly meeting, a broad agenda of issues was discussed. These included, AMWS "Future Directions & Strategy" policy, outcomes from the recent Dean Summers charity fundraiser, new membership applications, AMWS publications - "Mariners' Lifeline & AMWS E-News", AMWS Social Media issues, grants and donations to MTS & AOS, recent Australian Seafarer Welfare Council (ASWC) and Port Welfare Committee outcomes, scholarships at AMC via the Malcolm Longstaff Memorial Scholarship Programme, tall ship traineeships, financial reports and an update on the AMWS accommodation support programme. The meeting concluded with Councillors agreeing to endorse and sign the Safety4Sea Internet Connectivity Petition. |
|
Australian Seafarers Welfare Council (ASWC) Meeting. Fremantle 17th July 2024
The July 2024 ASWC Meeting was held in Fremantle to coincide with the Seafarers Welfare Conference. Issues on the agenda for discussion included; 1. An Overview of Seafarer Welfare Funding in Canada. 2. DITRDC Updates 3. MLC Complaints & Marine Incident Trends 4. Report on the Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group regarding Seafarer Issues and the Human Element 5. ASWC Member Updates 6. General Business AMWS Deputy Chairman Tony Cousins attended the meeting on behalf of the Society |
|
Day of the Seafarer. AMWS Chair Mr David Parmeter comments. 25th June 2024
A significant date in the Maritime Industry calendar is the Day of the Seafarer, celebrated on 25 June. Day of the Seafarer is an annual celebration organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to recognise the contribution that seafarers make to our everyday lives. To use the words of the IMO: “Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.” In 2024, the theme for the Day of the Seafarer is the contribution of seafarers' to making the maritime industry a safer workplace. This is a very appropriate as there is nothing more important than safety. Seafarers work in difficult, sometimes dangerous conditions and safety must always be priority number one. Safety at sea is everyone’s responsibility and best practices should be shared with all. Everyone deserves to get home safely. It is hoped that by holding the Day of the Seafarer, the general public will become more aware of the role that seafarers play in their lives and why they are so fundamental in determining the prosperity of the worldwide economy. |
|
The Mariners' Lifeline. June 2024 Edition Published.
Members and friends are reminded that AMWS publishes a newsletter in June and December of each year. The latest edition, June 2024, has just been published. With the exception of June and December, AMWS also publishes a Monthly E-News via email. Access to view both publications is straight forward and simple. You can also subscribe to receive regular copies. The Mariners' Lifeline - click the link immediately below https://www.marinerswelfare.com/mariners-lifeline.html The AMWS Monthly E-News - again click the link below https://www.marinerswelfare.com/amws-monthly-e-news.html |
|
Merchant Navy Memorial Service, Newcastle. 1st June 2024.
In wet conditions, with about 60 in attendance at the Mission to Seafarers, Mr Iain Steverson made the following heartfelt address Lest We Forget 
| ||
|
|
AMWS Annual General Meeting. Sydney, 28th May 2024
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the Australian Mariners Welfare Society (AMWS) experienced a significant change with the stepping down of two Council members: Captain Jeanine Drummond and Mr Graham Lightfoot. This event coincided with a Council meeting and the AMWS Annual General Meeting (AGM). Although Jeanine participated via Zoom, she received thanks for her service and support for seafarer welfare and Women in Maritime. Following the AGM, a function was held for members, supporters, and representatives of supported welfare organizations. During the event, the Chair read a speech by Alan Tait, acknowledging Graham's exceptional service to both the Sydney Sailors Home and AMWS. Graham modestly responded, expressing his enjoyment of his involvement with AMWS. His unique contributions will be missed. Both Graham's and Alan's comments are attached below.
| ||||
|
AMWS Quarterly Meeting. Sydney, 28th May 2024
Three Councillors attended the meeting via Zoom. Topics raised included: Cyber Security, Changes to grant request forms, Membership, Communications - Mariners' Lifeline & E-News, Grants for approval, Changes to AMWS grant policy, Emergency funding arrangements, ASWC and Port Welfare Reports, Scholarships, Traineeships, Financial Reports and Other business.. The meeting concluded with the Chairman noting that Councillors Mr Graham Lightfoot and Captain Jeanine Drummond would be standing down at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled to follow immediately. |
|
WISTA Australia Women in Maritime - AMSA
The Nautical Institute International Day for Women In Maritime event will be held in Perth this year on 16th May, with the event also available online to everyone else who can’t make it in person. Go to the following link for full details. https://www.facebook.com/share/SscBmxk98k1VLMrW/?mibextid=9l3rBW |
|
Lest We Forget
|
|
Maritime Community Commemorates Merchant Navy War Losses. Lindsay Reed DCN, 15th April 2024
On April 14th, during the 59th Annual Commemoration at the Merchant Navy War Memorial in Rookwood cemetery, newly installed stone plaques were unveiled. Representatives from naval and maritime organizations attended the event. Sister Mary Leahy initiated the ceremony with prayers, acknowledging the recent tragic events in Bondi Junction. Finola McMahon uplifted the atmosphere with a spirited rendition of "God is Our Strength and Refuge," accompanied by the Bankstown and Yagoona Brass. Captain Ted van Bronswijk delivered a gospel reading, followed by MNMWF Chairman-elect Sean Barret introducing NSW Governor Margaret Beazley as the guest of honor. Governor Beazley praised the enhancements made to the memorial, particularly the addition of four stone tablets containing the names and ships of 864 Australian Merchant Mariners who lost their lives in the World Wars. She highlighted the crucial role of merchant mariners, quoting Australian wartime Prime Minister John Curtin. The Governor emphasized the significance of their contributions and the sacrifices they made for Australia's well-being. |
|
Two AMWS Malcolm Longstaff Memorial Scholarships for Semester 1 2024 at AMC, have recently been awarded. April 2024
Both recipients, Tobias and Max fully met the Societies selection criteria and are now studying for Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) qualifications. All AMWS members wish both students every success as they move forward with their maritime careers. |
|
2024 International Women's Day. 8th March 2024
As we commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day, two central themes emerge: the United Nations' call to 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress' and the imperative of 'Inspire Inclusion'. These themes underscore the collective effort required within the maritime industry, where men comprise the majority, to advocate for gender equality. While women play a crucial role in fostering networks and driving progress, it's the unified voices of all genders that will truly advance women's representation and inclusion in maritime workplaces. Access to knowledge and resources, such as workshops and online information, facilitates this process. Link: Women in the Maritime Industry. |
|
STS Young Endeavour Voy 3/24. Reflections from the latest Jim Israel Award recipient: Hayden. March 2023
"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience I had aboard the Young Endeavour. The adventure was truly transformative, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable journey. From navigating the open seas to learning the ropes of sailing, every moment on the ship was filled with valuable lessons and unforgettable memories. The challenges we faced together as a team helped me grow, and I am so grateful for the guidance and support of the crew throughout the voyage. The skills and lessons I learned aboard the Young Endeavour will stay with me for a lifetime, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a remarkable program. Thank you for everything you do to inspire and empower young people like me to discover their full potential." |
|
ITF Seafarers, 25th February 2024
NEW RULES AND RIGHTS FOR SEAFARERS ON IBF COVERED SHIPS IN THE RED SEA Please share these important updated rules for Seafarers transiting the Red Sea. These new rules apply to all seafarers aboard ships covered by International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreements. The IBF consists of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) representing seafarers and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) representing ship managers and owners. Read the new rules in full at link below https://www.itfglobal.org/.../ibf-warlike-operations-area |
|
Departure STS Young Endeavour, Voyage 03/24. Sydney 30th January 2024
Hayden, the latest recipient of the AMWS Jim Israel Tall Ship Sail Training Scholarship, was farewelled at HMAS Waterhen by his Mum and Sister last Tuesday. Jayden, a recipient of the same Young Endeavour AMWS scholarship in 2022, Chris from the Salvation Army and AMWS Rep Chris Green were also in attendance to wish him well. STS Young Endeavour is scheduled to complete its voyage in Newcastle on the 9th February 2024 Photo Left: Hayden, now part of Red Watch ( back row, second from right) can be seen with his new mates as they approach the ship's first night anchorage. |
|
Safety4Sea - Petition "Make Internet Free for Seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)". 18th January 2024
Internet Connectivity to facilitate contact with families is an important basic seafarer need. It is at least equally important as food and drinking water for the wellness and wellbeing of seafarers. Via their petition, Safety4Sea is seeking regulatory change via the MLC to ensure that seafarers are provided with internet connectivity – free of charge during their period of engagement and of appropriate quality and bandwidth that adequately covers the requirements of the crew and takes into account their differing needs and cultural backgrounds. If you support this view and wish to sign the petition, please access the initiative by clicking the photo at left. |
|
Can You Help? 21st January 2024
AMWS are looking for a member volunteer social media coordinator. If you are not a member, we can happily help you join. We are keen to find someone passionate about mariners' welfare and the maritime industry here in Australia who has a creative flair with modern communications to update and increase interaction on AMWS’s social media platforms so as to increase awareness of AMWS’s work. We anticipate this to require no more than four hours per week. If you would like to learn more about the role or send an expression of interest, please email the AMWS Secretary at the following address [email protected] |
