Ports Australia has recently showcased the amazing ways our ports have adapted to life with COVID-19.
The purpose of Ports Australia’s campaign was to explore how the ports have adapted in ways other than implementing more stringent physical safety and hygiene measures. After all, health is more than just hygiene, Coronavirus or not. The campaign showed how ports were just as focused on the mental wellbeing of staff, as well as keeping their workforce and communities socially connected.
COVID-19 doesn’t just pose a threat to physical health and safety. It has kept scores of workers operating from home, it’s forced tough decisions to be made by governments to disallow shore leave for seafarers, it’s cancelled events ordinarily held by ports which foster strong relationships with surrounding communities. Thankfully, our ports value keeping their workforce and surrounding communities closely connected, even if it means having to get creative.
Ports Australia CEO, Mike Gallacher is proud to represent an industry which cares for its workforce and surrounding communities.
‘With the Australian supply chain being so complex and integral to Australian life, it can be easy to focus too much on how we keep it running instead of focusing on the people keeping it running,’ Mike said.
‘These innovative projects are the ports’ way of saying “if you can’t bring the workers to the port, take the port to the workers!”
‘We’re incredibly proud to represent the Australian ports as they go above and beyond while continuing their essential role despite the challenges of COVID-19,’ Mike said.
Check out the projects and campaigns below:
Pilbara Ports Authority supports the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre by preparing hampers for seafarers who's shore leave has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Port of Melbourne holds virtual town halls fortnightly for staff.
Rowen Winsor from Gladstone Ports Corporation reports some changes to business.
Port of Newcastle initiative focusing on mental health and mindfulness.
Port of Townsville holds an all-staff virtual lunch.
NQBP Cribs, an awesome addition to their ‘Weekly Dispatch’ newsletter.
Fremantle Ports supports ‘Doorstep Dinners’ program, designed to support the growing food relief emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maritime Safety Queensland helps package gift packs for seafarers.
Lyttelton Port Company #EssentialWorker selfies!
Flinders Port Holdings focuses on employees’ mental health.
Port of Portland assists The Mission to Seafarers – Portland prepare care-packs for seafarers.
