The Queensland Resources Council has donated $2000 for care packages for seafarers, many of whom will not step off their vessels for several months to come due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the donation would fund 100 care packages with essential items to be distributed from seafarer centres in Brisbane, Gladstone, Mackay, and Townsville.
"Seafarers spend up to 9 months at sea away from their families and due to COVID-19 that time has increased," Mr Macfarlane said.
"The care packages include toiletries, reading materials, and clothing which will be left at the access to the ship and picked up by crew with a friendly wave from the centre volunteers from a safe distance."
Mission to Seafarers Brisbane Centre President Ross Nicholls said the pledge came at a time when seafarers needed it the most.
"The funds from the Queensland Resources Council to the centres and centres for Stella Maris seafarers across our State will allow us to fund purchases for our seafarers that will keep trade flowing through our ports while living in an advanced state of isolation," Mr Nicholls said.
Mr Macfarlane said the Queensland resources sector was committed to a 'people first' response to COVID-19 and was strictly following the advice from Queensland's Chief Health Officer and introducing additional measures to protect workers and the communities in which they operate.
