Nearly 50 years in the West Pilbara
A STORY THAT BEGAN
IN A BRISTOL ESTUARY
The Mission to Seafarers has been caring for those who work at sea since 1835 — and in Dampier since 1976.
This is our story.
Most people don’t stop to think about where their goods come from.
The seafarers aboard the ships that carry them are among the world’s least visible essential workers.
Spending months away from family,
in all weathers, across every ocean.
The Mission to Seafarers has been walking alongside them since 1835.
the founding — 1835
In 1835, an Anglican clergyman named John Ashley was on holiday near the Bristol Channel in England when his young son asked him a simple question: how do the people on those ships go to church?
Struck by the isolation and hardship of the sailors he could see at anchor, Ashley changed his plans to join a comfortable parish and dedicated himself to their welfare instead. He established the Bristol Channel Mission in 1837 — visiting ships at anchor, offering conversation, prayer and care to seafarers who had previously had nobody to minister to them.
In 1839, he purchased a small sailing vessel, the Eirene, fitted its cabin out as a chapel for 100 people, and took his ministry directly out to the ships. Over the next 15 years, Ashley visited more than 14,000 ships and gave away over 5,000 Bibles.
How do the people on those ships go to church?
THE FLYING ANGEL — 1856
John Ashley’s work inspired Anglican ministers in ports across Britain. In 1856, it was decided these efforts should be formally unified under one name: The Missions to Seaman.
The new organisation adopted a flag that would become one of the most recognised symbols in the world’s ports — a white angel in flight, inspired by a verse from the Book of Revelation.
The Flying Angel flag has flown above Mission stations ever since — a signal to seafarers in any country, in any language, that they are welcome.
“Then I saw another angel flying overhead, sent to announce the good news of eternity to all who live on earth, every nation, race, language and tribe.”
Revelation 14:6
AUSTRALIA — 1858
As an island nation, Australia has always depended on seafarers. More than 90% of the goods Australians use everyday arrive by sea — and the Mission has been present in Australian ports almost since its founding.
The first Australian Mission centre opened in Melbourne in 1858, just two years after the organisation was formally established in England. As Australia’s ports and shipping trade grew, the Mission followed — establishing centres in Sydney (1881), Hobart (1895), Brisbane (1927), Fremantle (1947), and Port Hedland (1971).
Today, Mission to Seafarers Australia is a network of centres across the country’s major ports — supporting thousands of international crew who visit Australian shores each year.
DAMPIER — 1975
THE BEGINNING
In September 1975, a dedicated group of port stakeholders established the Dampier Seafarers Centre committee. Recognising that the crews arriving at this rapidly growing port needed more than operational support.
By 1976, the Reverend Ted Cousins had became the first Chaplain. In his first year alone he visited 84 vessels at Dampier and Port Walcott.
On 2 February 1977, the Centre opened a small shop in a temporary facility at Parker Point. It had been the old Post Office building within the Dampier town construction camp.
THE CENTRE IS BUILT
Formal incorporation of Dampier Seafarers Centre occurred in December 1978 and plans were made for a purpose built facility.
Funding was raised from the Mission to Seamen in London, the Parish of St John’s Middlesex, international welfare organisations, the local Dampier community, and the Centre shop. Land was secured through a peppercorn lease generously donated by Hamersley Iron (now Rio Tinto). Construction began in 1979.
On 15 November 1983, the new Centre was opened. Equipped with a chapel, shop, recreation area, a licensed bar for seafarers, and a takeaway restaurant open to the public.
TODAY
Nearly 50 years on, the Mission to Seafarers Dampier remains a focal point between visiting seafarers and the Karratha-Dampier community.
The faces and facilities have changed, but the purpose has not. We continue to offer care, compassion and connection to the men and women who keep our world supplied.
We represent our local community, Australian hospitality, and Christian care to those who are with us for short periods while their vessels are in port.
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Here I am. Send me”
Isaiah 6:8
Ready to get involved?
Whether you want to support our work, join a port tour or volunteer at the centre, we would love to hear from you.