The Mission to Seafarers celebrates 150 years of serving the seagoing community in 2006. The Mission began in the UK but now ministers in ports all around the world. There are 23 Stations in Australia , most of which rely on the voluntary support of  ordinary men and women who understand something of the needs of seafarers and their families.

On July 9^th Sea Sunday is celebrated across the Anglican Communion, and this year the service in Port Pirie was held at 11.30am following the normal Parish Eucharist. The Mayor of Port Pirie, Mr Geoff Brock, Captain Ray Partington from the local Pilot service, and Bruce Thorpe, the immediate past Chaplain at Port Pirie were the special guests. We were also delighted to welcome the Administrator of the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Fr Jim Monaghan to the service. Bishop Garry preached and as well as the normal hymns and prayers, the service included a series of “vignettes” from the mission, ranging from a visit to an Aussie farm by Chinese sailors, to some serious advocacy work for a company of sailors abandoned by shipowners and not paid in Dubai.

The service was followed by a delightful “chicken and champagne” luncheon which included some warming chicken soup.