Southern Ports’ staff put on festive face for seafarers

Southern Ports staff donned their best festive grins as they played Santa to help bring Christmas cheer to seafarers at the end of last year.

Staff across the Albany, Bunbury and Esperance Southern Ports sites donated gifts to make festive hampers for seafarers at the ports near Christmas Day.

Mission to Seafarers, Monson Shipping Company and South 32 joined forces with Southern Ports to contribute hundreds of gifts for the hampers as a way to say thank you.

This was just a small way we could give thanks to our seafarers, and they were very grateful for their Christmas gifts.

Southern Ports chief operations officer Keith Wilks said the tumultuous year that was had been a particularly challenging time for seafarers.

“While 2020 was a tough year for most people, it was exceptionally difficult for ship’s crew, many of whom have found themselves stranded onboard for over 12 months,” Mr Wilks said.

“Our workforce recognised this and wanted to provide a little Christmas cheer to seafarers, to thank them for the vital role they play in our industry.”

Mr Wilks thanked the other agencies for coming on board and supporting the initiative.

“It was great to see other organisations so willing to be part of this project,” he said.

“This was just a small way we could give thanks to our seafarers, and they were very grateful for their Christmas gifts.”