New massage chairs providing relief for trade backbone

Three new massage chairs have been donated by the port authority to Mission to Seafarers in Bunbury and Esperance, as well as Stella Maris in Albany.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said during his own experiences as a seafarer he embraced every opportunity to relax during shore leave.

“After months at sea, I can fully understand the level of relief just ten or twenty minutes in a massage chair provides to the over 16,000 seafarers who visit our ports each year,” Mr Wilks said.

“The idea for the massage chairs was raised through local Port Welfare Committees, and it was one that we were immediately keen to throw our support behind.

“Seeing as seafarers are often referred to as the backbone of global trade, I think it’s fitting that we have provided these massage chairs.”

The chairs have been installed at Southern Ports’ local seafarer centres, which are often the first stop for visiting seafarers after disembarking from vessels for onshore leave.

The Chair of the Bunbury Mission to Seafarers Centre, the Very Revd Darryl Cotton, said the centre's new luxury massage chair had quickly become a favourite among visiting seafarers. 

"It's become one of the centre's most popular attractions, with seafarers often lining up for their turn," Dean Cotton said. 

"I may even have to shorten the default massage time so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy it." 

"Many seafarers spend months away from home, working long hours at sea and often enduring rough conditions. Having the opportunity to relax, even for a short time, makes a real difference to their wellbeing." 

"We are deeply grateful to Southern Ports for its ongoing partnership and support. This generosity helps us provide practical care and hospitality to the thousands of seafarers who visit Bunbury each year, and initiatives like this have a meaningful and lasting impact on the people we serve."

In recent years Southern Ports has also supported the provision of new buses, new bicycles, and extra wi-fi boxes for visiting seafarers. 

The port authority is also an integral part of Port Welfare Committees in Bunbury, Albany and Esperance which are focused on enhancing the wellbeing of seafarers visiting its three ports.

Southern Ports General Manager - Great Southern Paul McSweeneyand Stella Maris Albany Centre Manager Marilou Lomas with the chair donated to the Centre by Southern Ports.