FORMER Port Authority of NSW chair and Pacific National director Robert Dunn has been appointed chair of Mission to Seafarers Sydney.
MtS Sydney said Mr Dunn’s maritime leadership and charity experience would help the organisation serve more seafarers as they recover from the challenges of Covid-19.
Mr Dunn was also the CEO and a director of charity Opportunity International Australia and held directorships at Sydney Ports Corporation, Virgin Blue Holdings and Jet Turbine Services.
During the handover at MtS Sydney’s recent annual general meeting, retiring chair Peter Janssen lauded Mr Dunn’s three decades of board-level service, industry experience and compassion for seafarers.
“I cannot think of a person in the whole country who is better placed to lead this fine organisation,” Mr Janssen said.
Mr Dunn said the strength of the existing board, the mission’s work and his own experience in Covid lockdowns inspired him to take the role.
“For the past three years, many seafarers worked long shifts for between 12 to 24 months without shore leave,” Mr Dunn said.
“Although they were more isolated from home, family and friends than ever before, they continued to get the work done. That brief taste of lockdown in Sydney reminded me of how much seafarers sacrifice.
“I decided this role was a good opportunity to give something back to these people in need, especially through this organisation that really showed its skill and compassion during that difficult time.”
MtS Sydney said its mission centre has welcomed more than 1600 seafarers from more than 70 countries since it reopened last April after closure during Covid.
It said the team visited more than 235 ships last year, delivered more than $75,000 in goods and helped vaccinate more than 1130 seafarers.
“Seafaring is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world,” Mr Dunn said.
“Mission to Seafarers in Sydney has been helping seafarers to maintain their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health since 1881, but seafarers have never seen a time such as this.
“As the mission and seafarers continue to recover from lockdown challenges, I look forward to helping the Mission to grow.
“The mission’s support can help ensure that more seafarers can be recharged and return safely to their families, knowing they have done a tough job well.”
