AN OUTSTANDING contribution to the welfare of seafarers who visit Port Kembla saw John Kewa presented with the Seafarers Welfare Award.
Mr Kewa was honoured at the recent DCN 2019 Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards held in Melbourne.
He is the chaplain at The Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla and he has been for more than a decade of, according to one submission, “a strong and creative advocate for the many officers and crew that enter Port Kembla harbour”.
“John’s passion for the welfare of the Seafarers that visit the port of Port Kembla is very heart-warming,” wrote Timothy Hore of Bluescope in one submission.
“He has enabled these very seafarers the ability to find a home away from home in the sanctuary of the Mission.
“John’s warmth, kindness and compassion is constantly on display as the Mission’s chaplain.”
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kewa spoke passionately about the need to do everything possible for seafarers’ welfare.
The Seafarers Welfare Award was sponsored by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and presented by AMSA general manager operations, Allan Schwartz.
Highly Commended awards in this category went to Captain Nigel Porteous and the Fremantle Flying Angel Club.
