Mission to Seafarers Victoria

To be a preeminent maritime centre responding to the unique circumstances of the seafaring community and exemplary place of maritime heritage that encourages community, connectivity and social engagement at all levels.

The Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne operates daily from 10am – 10pm providing a range of services for some 60,000 merchant seafarers who visit the port of Melbourne annually. As an island nation Australia relies on seafarers and seafarers rely on the Mission to Seafarers when their ship is in port.

As custodians of a significant heritage building and heritage collection of State and National significance, the Mission to Seafarers has developed a scope of work to conserve and make available for public access the collection for research and education.

Seafarers and The people of Victoria

717 Flinders Street, Building Restoration & Development Project

The Mission to Seafarers Victoria (MtSV) has operated from the now heritage listed building complex at 717 Flinders Street, Docklands since 1917. The building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Registry (VHR No: H1496) and is renowned for its outstanding architectural, aesthetic, social and historical significance as well as its perpetual service to the seafaring community.

Soon the MtSV will launch a Capital Building Fund  to raise funds to restore and conserve the building for short and long term future as the Melbourne Seafarers Center.

In 2019 our Mission is to increase the amount of time spent ship visiting.  Due to the quick turnaround of ships, seafarers are less likely to have time ashore for rest and relaxation.  Ship Visitors provide seafarers with another person to talk to, someone who can help them to connect with love ones at home, and be a vital connection if they are in distress. We are raising funds for training, and another full time Chaplain.

• Chairman- Neil Edwards
• Vice Chair -Nigel Porteous
• Treasurer – Ian Scott
• Secretary – Bilal Khan
• Tony Correll
• Walter Dewe
• Max Hall
• Alan Knot
• Ian Fletcher
• Ex-Officio Member – Sue Dight
• Ex-Officio Member – Rv’d Onofre Punnay

A Bequest or Legacy is a gift left in your Will. The Mission to Seafarers is one of Australia’s oldest charitable institutions dating back to 1857. A public appeal regarding the exploitation of seafarers, reflects poorly on the shipping industry, therefore raising funds is difficult. Please consider leaving a bequest to ensure the sustainable future of this charitable work supporting the seafaring community, and the preservation of the significant history of the organisation.

ShareGift Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that provides shareholders with the opportunity to sell their shares and donate the proceeds to the Mission to Seafarers Victoria.
Donating through ShareGift Australia means you don’t have to engage a stockbroker, there are no brokerage fees and if the proceeds of your share sale exceed $100, you can even nominate Mission to Seafarers Victoria  to benefit from ShareGift Australia’s funding.

All you have to do is complete and sign the share sale donation form available here [link to ShareGift Australia’s website]and remember to nominate Mission to Seafarers Victoria.

The Mission to Seafarers relies on Volunteers.

Only 4 hours a week or fortnight can make a difference.  If you like chatting to people from all over the world, helping people discover the great place Melbourne is, get in touch for a rewarding experience. 

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Club Hosts

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ship Visitors

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Drivers

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Heritage and Arts team

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fundraising