At the Seafarer Welfare Conference (Wellbeing at Sea) held in Adelaide from 17–18 February 2026, Flinders Port Holdings (FPH), together with the Mission to Seafarers, announced significant funding towards enhanced crew welfare initiatives.
The $200,000 funding, committed over a two-year period, will support the delivery of practical and holistic welfare services for seafarers across South Australia and beyond. The funding will be directed toward a range of initiatives including mental health and wellbeing support programs, improved access to communication services for crew, enhanced ship visiting services, transport and shore access assistance, emergency welfare support. Structured crew care programs will also be developed, which may lead to the future employment of a dedicated staff member to further expand and strengthen these initiatives.
"FPH are proud to be strengthening the vital work of Mission to Seafarers. This funding will enable more welfare initiatives to be implemented across ports, ensuring that this essential industry and its crews are further supported," said Carl Kavina, General Manager, Flinders Ports.
"We are deeply grateful for the commitment shown by Flinders Port Holdings," said Sue Dight, Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Australia and PNG. "This funding will make a tangible difference to the daily lives of seafarers, enabling us to expand our welfare services, reach more crew members, and respond more effectively to those experiencing isolation, hardship, or distress. Partnerships like this ensure that seafarers are not forgotten, but valued, supported, and cared for."