News 2019
Chairman Alan Tait represents AMWS at Unveiling of upgraded Merchant Navy war memorial. Canberra - 20th October 2019
Chairman Captain Alan Tait OAM was our proud representative at the 30th Annual Commemoration and Unveiling of New and Remedial works by Senator Linda Reynolds Minister for Defence at the National Merchant Navy War Memorial Canberra on the 20th October 2019.
AMWS provides $20,000 grant to Portland MTS - October 2019
Using an Australian Mariners Welfare Society $20,000 grant, the Portland Mission to Seafarers has been able to purchase a new bus and transfer their existing vehicle to Hastings MTS.
A dedication service was held in Hastings to celebrate the arrival of the ex-Portland bus (see picture at left).
AMWS AMC Scholarship winner thanks the Society for the assistance. Sydney - October 2019
Rohan, one of two recent recipients of an AMWS AMC scholarship, has written to the Society expressing his thanks for the assistance.
Rohan is using the support to further his studies in marine engineering.
AMWS Councillors wish him  all the best as he continues his career at sea.
AMWS provides 2 more AMC Scholarships Second Semester - September 2019
AMWS has confirmed two scholarships for students studying at the Australian Maritime College in the second semester 2019.
The AMWS Council wishes both of these students, Aarron and Rohan, all the best with their ongoing studies in nautical science and engineering.
This brings the total number of scholarships provided by AMWS at the Australian Maritime College during 2019 to four.
Former Sydney Sailors Home resident Jock Auld crossed the Bar Sydney - 1st September 2019
Jock Auld, one of the last surviving sea-going residents of the Sydney Sailors' Home passed away on the 1st September 2019. There will be a memorial service at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on Thursday next.
Jock first took up residence at the SSH in 1948
Further details of Jock's life during his period as a resident can be found on pages 50 & 51 of the AMWS publication "Sydney Sailors' Home, 1859 - 2009" by Jan Bowen.
AMWS receives Letter of Thanks from MTS Newcastle Chaplain
The Chaplain at MTS Newcastle has passed on his thanks to AMWS for providing free internet services to visiting seafarers.
Chaplain Andy Lund said
"We're please to report the internet here at the Mission is one of the most enjoyed features at the Newcastle centre. The most common use for the internet is by Seafarers to connect with family and friends back home, which is always heartening. The free Internet/WIFI is certainly beneficial for Seafarer's welfare and is certainly appreciated by them"
Loss of MV Noogah off Smoky Cape - 50 years ago today.
On 25 August 1969, the Australian Coastal Ship MV Noongah foundered off Smoky Cape, New South Wales carrying a cargo of steel bound for Townsville. Of the 26 crew members, 21 of them were lost. 
AMWS donates an additional $10,000 to the ISWAN Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Fund (MPHRF) - August 2019.
As part of its ongoing commitment to support international seafarers and families affected by piracy, the AMWS Council has committed an additional $10,000 to the ISWAN managed MPHR Fund.
This continuing AMWS financial support reflects similar grants provided to victims of piracy is past years.
Two AMWS sponsored high school students complete voyage on STS One & All - June 2019
Following the successful completion of their voyage on the One & All in April, both girls reported that their experiences on board were fantastic.
Amber said "her best experiences included climbing the fore mast and bonding with the Port Watch"
Jena said her highlights included "watching the shooting stars and the Milky Way on the midnight to 0400 watch.

​Well done to both girls.
AMWS's first recipient of the Jim Israel Tall Ship Sail Training Award completes voyage. 27th June 2019
Ti-Anna on this day became the first recipient of this award following the successful completion of her voyage on the STS Young Endeavour.
She was presented with her award by the long serving AMWS Councillor and former Deputy Chairman, Mr Graham Lightfoot.
During his remarks, Graham confirmed that the Jim Israel Tall Ship Sail Training Award will now be an annual  part of the overall AMWS sponsorship and scholarship programme.

Well done Ti-Anna and thank you Graham.

​
AMWS Deputy Chairman Mr Graham Lightfoot stands down. Sydney: AMWS Annual General Meeting, 21st May 2019.
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society, Deputy Chairman Mr Graham Lightfoot advised that he would be stepping down from this position immediately. Graham advised however that he was happy to continue in the role as an AMWS Councillor going forward.
In acknowledging Graham's extensive service to AMWS as Deputy Chair, the Chairman, Captain Alain Tait, said
"Graham Lightfoot is one of those very special contributors that we have been fortunate enough to claim as a key ingredient to what we are all about"
With Graham stepping down, the Chairman said that he was delighted to confirm that Mr David Parmeter had accepted the now vacant AMWS Deputy Chairman role. 
"Jim Israel Tall Ship Sail Training Scholarship" - STS Young Endeavour. Newcastle: Anzac Day 25th April 2019
After ten days on board, Ti-Anna successfully completed her voyage. She described her experience as a wonderful opportunity for a young person.
Ti-Anna was presented with her certificate by the Captain Young Endeavour. Also pictured right , is Christine Pegram of the Salvation Army, Youthlink programme. ​
Departure STV Young Endeavour. AMWS Chair and Deputy Chair farewell first recipient of Jim Israel Award
As the first recipient of the recently established annual "Jim Israel Tall Ship Sail Training Scholarship" , a very excited Ti-Anna commenced her voyage on the STV Young Endeavour today.
The vessel sailed with a full compliment of 27 trainees on board. As part of the programme, the trainees will celebrate ANZAC Day with an arrival into Newcastle.
Ti-Anna was farewelled on her voyage by the AMWS Chairman Alan Tait and Deputy Chair Graham Lightfoot
AMWS offers two further sponsorships for young trainees on the "One & All" : April 2019
In association with the South Australian based Sail Training Vessel (STV) "One & All", AMWS is pleased to announce full funding for another two sponsorships for April 2019.
Both young high school students will begin their voyage mid month.
AMWS wishes both young ladies all the best. Members also look forward to hearing about their on-board experiences when they return. 
AMWS confirms two further scholarships for maritime students studying engineering at AMC : March 2019
AMWS has confirmed the provision of two further scholarships for students studying at the Australian Maritime College in the first semester 2019. 
The Council of AMWS wishes these marine engineering students, Vanessa and Nicola, all the best with their ongoing studies.
​
AMWS Jim Israel Annual Sail Training Programme Established - February 2019.
To recognise Jim Israel's more than 25 years of service as both a Councillor and Chairman of AMWS, the current Council has established a new fully sponsored annual sail training opportunity on board STS "Young Endeavour". Working together in the selection process with the Salvation Army's Youth Link programme, the first candidate has already been chosen. She begins her exciting voyage on the Young Endeavour in early April 2019.
AMWS Councillor visits Hobart based "Windeward Bound" at Hobarts Wooden Boat Show - February 2019
​During the recent Wooden Boat Show in Hobart, AMWS Councillor Tony Cousins had an opportunity to meet with representatives of several sail training vessels including those associated with "Windeward Bound" and "One and All". AMWS regularly provides sail training opportunities to young people who meet the Societies selection criteria on both vessels.   
​If you meet the criteria and are interested, please contact the AMWS Secretary for further details.
AMWS Chairman gives presentation at MTS Sydney Conference : 11th to 15th February 2019
At the Building Stronger Communities Joint Maritime Welfare Conference organised by the Mission to Seafarers and the Apostleship of the Sea the AMWS Chairman, Captain Alan Tait gave a presentation outlining the current activities of the Society.
The picture (left) shows some of the attendees at the conference (Alan on the right).
AMWS thanked for providing AMC based scholarship. Launceston: 24th January 2019
Recent Australian Mariners Welfare Society scholarship recipient and new AMWS member Denise has passed on her thanks for the assistance provided as follows;
Thank you for your kindness and support. 
I’ve just completed my first few days flying solo at the helm of the Lady Launceston! (See pic)
It feels good to be back at the helm of a boat!
I will advocate for the AMWS at every chance I get.
With gratitude,
Denise
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