Mission to Seafarers Port Hedland: Documenting Compassionate Support for Seafarers

In 2025, our lens turned to the heart of Port Hedland, Western Australia, to document the unwavering support provided by the Mission to Seafarers. Operating from the Port Hedland Peace Memorial Seafarers Centre, this vital service offers pastoral, practical, and spiritual welfare to seafarers of all nationalities and faiths.

Port Hedland, as Australia's busiest port, sees approximately 150,000 seafarers passing through annually. With many crew members spending extended periods at sea, the Centre becomes a sanctuary offering essential services such as ship-to-shore transfers, high-speed internet, foreign currency exchange, SIM cards, and recreation facilities. The Centre also provides a chapel for reflection and pastoral care, ensuring seafarers have a place to connect and find solace.

Our photographic work captures the essence of this mission, highlighting the compassionate interactions between chaplains, volunteers, and seafarers. From the bustling activities at the Centre to the serene moments of reflection in the chapel, these images tell the story of a community dedicated to the well-being of those who keep global trade afloat.

Through this visual documentation, we aim to raise awareness of the challenges faced by seafarers and the critical role played by the Mission to Seafarers in supporting their mental, physical, and spiritual health. These photographs serve as a testament to the importance of community, compassion, and the shared humanity that connects us all.