Mission to Seafarers Devonport, Tasmania

20/07/2025

12/06/2025

Taken only a few hours after it was moved, this photo shows the new, and permanent, location for our centre on the West Wharf.

Located just south of Berth One, the centre is orientated East-West so as to capture the warm Tassie sun. In the pic, taken facing north, we can see:

* The secure footbridge to Devonport CBD
* Part of the yellow barrier that creates a safe forecourt area, which will host tables, seating and sun shades.
* A portable building situated behind the centre - this will be removed and be replaced by some car parks. (Initially car parking will be on the forecourt)

Directly across Formby Road and the railway line from Tasports Devonport office, we can see a couple of nearby buildings, including the Antique Emporium (a real treasure trove).

22/05/2025

Last post we said ships move slowly - well six weeks later we can now report that our new site (directly opposite the Tasports office on Formby Road), is all ready for its "hot mix". In layman's terms that mean the asphalt is about to be laid.

Our image, taken yesterday, shows the gravel, the hot-mix truck, and digger and............. three bottles of hand sanitizer.

We have to 'fess up though - the sanitzer was a donation from a local volunteer who's all geared up to take the seafarers on local tours - the only thing missing is a bus..........

If you have a spare small bus (12 seats or less) that might be used occasionally for local tours with international seafarers, please let us know.

08/04/2025

Anyone who's travelled by ship knows that things move slowly. Care is taken that when things arrive, they arrive in the right place and arrive safely.

So it is tomorrow, Wednesday 9th April, four weeks after our last post, that we meet with Tasports to discuss the final siting of the Devonport unit and it's imminent move.

Our pic shows the choice that "was" considered, but, we believe it will be a little further south - by only metres.

We're excited - in the meantime we've partially furnished the centre - a couch/sofa bed, a cute small office desk and lockable filing cabinet. That's in addition to a round table (cards anyone?), a mini-table tennis table (though we're keen to swap for a mini- pool table - those TT balls flying everywhere will not work). A proper fold down card table as well as kitchen basics (kettle, cleaning buckets etc).

We still need:
An unbreakable water filter
A dish rack
A brochure rack (perhaps fitted to a wall)
A tall / small bookcase.
Some mirrors and local scenery artwork

I can't remember if we've mentioned it, but we have one volunteer who is kindly focussed on decorating our quiet/prayer space appropriately.

Oh, and also, we've begun visiting ships at berth - last one was the Elandra Fjord - a tanker delivering fuel for the state.

For one crewman it was his first visit to Australia, so pleased to make him welcome with a local map and suggestions where he might find the toys for his children he wanted. Another was keen to visit a local winery - and we located one that was open that day, within a ten minute drive - La Villa Wines in Spreyton. He wanted to compare with one in Georgia in Eastern Europe.

12/03/2025

What happens inside a Mission to Seafarers centre in Tasmania (and where are they)?

The Devonport unit is the smallest centre in Tasmania - it's a single container fitted out with windows, a small kitchen area with a lounge and office area. Cosy.

Like the centres in Burnie (which also services Port Latta) and Bell Bay (next to George Town), Devonport is within the secure Port area. The Hobart centre is across from Constitution Dock, on the edge of the Hobart CBD.

Each centre provides recreational space and activities, a 'convenience' store (snacks, souvenirs, phone cards & currency exchange), access to spiritual and emotional support and guidance. We aim to make seafarers welcomed and appreciated by our local communities.

After all, without Seafarers, Tasmania stops.

We're on the lookout for people who are able to help us continue and expand the work we do.

The pic shows our first interaction in recent times with a visiting crew @ Devonport.

What's in the gift box? Beanies, snacks, sun hats.

12/03/2025

Things are afoot. By the time we reopen our door to Seafarers visiting Devonport (after a sabattical of several years), we'll have moved.

Good for seafarers, good for the city of Devonport - as we'll be next to the secure footbridge that exits the West Wharf to the Devonport CBD.

We'll keep you informed of our progress.