A big thank you to all schools involved Last year, Pegs Creek, Millar Well, St Pauls and Dampier Primary School, we know a great deal of organization goes into the ShoeBox Appeal, we would also like to thank the Teachers and Parents for your understanding and compassion. With out these wonderful shoe boxes the Seafarers would really have a bleak Christmas, to be away from your love ones on a vessel in a different country on Christmas Day would be quite devastating for anyone. We know the Seafarers really appreciated the efforts of the children and community, you can see it on their faces as they receive there shoeboxes on Christmas day, so on a huge thank you.

The Dampier Marine Services Facility Project would increase the capacity in the general cargo area.

It will involve the construction of a land-backed wharf, jetty, lay-down areas and associated infrastructure.

Port chief executive Steve Lewis says the Environmental Protection Authority has recommended the Environment Minister accept the proposal, subject to some conditions.

He says the private sector will pay for part of the upgrade but it also needs state funding.

“If a funding commitment was made in the next few weeks then we would expect to have construction on the ground in June, there would be some people here in May, but we would expect construction proper to start in June this year,” he said.

The centre funded by the International Transport Workers’ Federation and managed by Mark Armstrong, took out the coveted award, one of 14 celebrating excellence and achievement in the maritime industry.

“There was intense competition from other wonderful organisations,” said Mark Armstrong. “However our Centre is unique in that three welfare providers, the ITF, Flying Angel run by the Anglican Church, and the Apostleship of the Sea run by the Catholic Church, all work together at the grassroots level. We present a new model of holistic welfare… caring for body and soul !!”

Mark Armstrong said that above all the centre demonstrated respect and tolerance for the rich traditions and inspiration of everyone involved.

“And we use this inspiration to move forward together, in order to respond to seafarers needs in the best possible way,” he said.

The awards were determined by the judging panel selected by Lloyd’s List DCN and sponsored by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

ITF National Coordinator for Australia Dean Summers said that the award was an appropriate recognition for the great work done by all of those at the centre and presents unique model for the delivery of welfare across the world.

“The SSC showcases the best way to provide welfare services to international seafarers visiting all of Sydney’s ports,” he said. “It is a centre which recognises all religions, nationalities and cultural diversities under one roof.”

The Centre was nominated for the award by Sister Mary.

In his letter supporting the nomination Paddy Crumlin, MUA national Secretary and ITF President said the SSC had received more than 2000 visitors this year and been an effective conduit for the delivery of all aspects of welfare including spiritual, industrial, medical, communication and personal.

“The centre is the first in Australia to become a central hub for the provision of welfare for all cultural, class and religious denominations. Under the one roof the centre engenders an unrivalled level of collaboration between the church groups and community volunteers,” he said.

The centre is close to the Port Botany terminals with buses scheduled for regular pick ups and drop offs.

“It is difficult for us living ashore to appreciate just how important this short respite is for workers away from home for extended periods,” said Dean Summers.

In 2009/ 2010 the ITF granted more than $550,000 for Australian initiatives which directly support seafarer’s welfare in our ports and port communities.

“In this special year of the IMO International Year of the Seafarer” there is one outstanding example of the way we believe port communities should come together to support visiting international seafarers.,” Dean Summers wrote in support of the nomination.

The other 7 nominees were Adrian Willd, Mission to Seafarers, Brisbane, Australian Mariners Welfare Society, ANL, Flying Angel Club, Fremantle, Jim Beggs ( Melbourne Port Welfare Association), Port of Townsville, Stella Maris, Melbourne.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was former Australian cricketer-turned television personality, Mike Whitney.

“It was a good night, and a first for us to be present at such an event and to be recognised as the centre of excellence the Sydney Seafarers’ Centre continues to strive for,” said Mark Armstrong.

Those present on the night were Roger Williams (Chair of the SSC Board), Mary Luce ( Treasurer), Jack Starmans (Flying Angel), Sr Mary ( Stella Maris), Sr Marie Biddle Franc Pazmino (Assistant manager) and Mark Armstrong.

The upgrade will take the mining giant’s total Pilbara capacity to 230mtpa by the first quarter of 2012.

Rio said the investment was in addition to the US$91 million ($95.9 million) approved in early 2010 for a first 5mtpa expansion to 225mtpa capacity.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Sam Walsh said the company would manage the incremental expansion to maintain production schedules.

“These additional tonnes will come from our existing west Pilbara operations at Nammuldi and Brockman 2, and without any additional investment in the mines,” he said.

Mr Walsh said the company was finalising plans to move to a 330mtpa plus capacity at the port.

The upgrade will increase the Parker Point facility’s shiploading capacity, with associated increases in rail stock.

The company is targeting capacity of 280mtpa by the end of the second half of 2013 and 330mtpa by the end of the second half of 2015.
Rio shares were down 46 cents to $75.58 at 8.40am.