Port of Call

Ben Carr

Wharfies' fundraiser

Brisbane wharfies presented Ben Carr, member of the Australian Down Syndrome swimming team, with a massive cheque for $3400 to help his team travel to Portugal for the next world championships in November.

Ben, aged 25, will join his 19 teammates at the world championships in Albufeira, Portugal.

Wharfies and seafarers from the Brisbane docks raised $1800 for Ben and the swimming team through a raffle, donations and minor fundraisers at work. DP World Brisbane donated Ben's $1600 airfare.

"Thank you to everyone who helped raise funds - the money means Ben and his swimming team can represent Australia at the next championships," said Joe Carr, Ben's father. Joe, a Vietnam vet, is a G6 foreman at Brisbane Wharf and has almost reached his 23rd year on the waterfront.

"It is fantastic to see the MUA continuing its tradition of supporting our local communities - it's as satisfying as it is important," said Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. "We hope this will also help encourage more funds for these special athletes to properly represent our country at the world championship."

Ben previously represented the Australian Down Syndrome swimming team in Taiwan and Ireland.

The Graduate

Brisbane wharfie Paul Fleming graduated from the University of Queensland with a BA majoring in industrial relations and political science last year. "I began the BA in 2002 covering areas of study including Australian industrial relations, politics and government policy, management, business and international politics and business studies," said Paul, who has since transferred to the Melbourne wharves. "I have learnt a tremendous amount and am thankful to the MUA for supporting me in being able to achieve this goal."

Hungry Mile blessed

As part of the papal tour centred on the site of the old Darling Harbour wharves, The Sydney Morning Herald and many other news outlets honoured wharfies in their reports.

"On the Hungry Mile, a feast of goodwill," the Herald headlined its report on the opening Mass that attracted more than 100,000 pilgrims to the former Patrick terminal.

"Just as the Pope had made a spectacular journey up the Rhine three years ago for the first World Youth Day of his papacy, he was brought to the Hungry Mile from Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour in a 13-boat flotilla," reported Linda Morris, religious affairs writer for The Canberra Times.

"At the Hungry Mile central stage, Jesus will speak to the women of Jerusalem before being stripped of his clothing and nailed to the cross." the Herald reported. "The Pope arrived at The Hungry Mile just after 3.30pm where he was formally welcomed to Sydney and Australia by Cardinal Pell."

"Faithful gather for 'il Papa': As the Pope set out on his "boat-a-cade" across Sydney Harbour, pilgrims streamed into the Hungry Mile eager to catch a glimpse of the pontiff," The Canberra Times reported.

"Kiwi churchgoers Rebecca Matheson and Naomi Postlewait, both 17, joined the hordes in the march to the Hungry Mile yesterday," said the Herald.

"From our perspective, it's a deeply spiritual place," National Secretary, Paddy Crumlin told the Australian. "From the indigenous history and the labour history it's an appropriate place for World Youth Day."

"The Maritime Union of Australia has chalked up a propaganda victory this week," wrote DCN Lloyds List. "Most media coverage of Pope Benedict's visit and World Youth Day in Sydney has referred to the dockland focus of the religious celebration as the Hungry Mile."

With the Pope's departure work will soon commence on the redevelopment of the site, which is to include signage, parkland, sculpture and a history walk commemorating labour struggles.

Under the City of Sydney Council proposal, which has since been adopted by the Geographical Names Board, the Hungry Mile is now a precinct or locality, like Kings Cross as the precinct name for the suburb of Potts Point.

Meanwhile MUA filmmaker Jamie McMechan has posted a short film on the union's dedication to the Hungry Mile during National Conference, which can be viewed on MUA YouTube. On that day the site was blessed by both state and national arts ministers (premier hopeful Frank Sartor, and ex rock star Peter Garrett) actor Jack Thompson and around 400 national and international guests.