Building bridges

Being on Docklands’ North Wharf one might say to “fill a gap, they built a bridge” and certainly from a lay person’s perspective the bridge architecture is something else – not just for “bridge enthusiasts” but for us all to enjoy.

Webb Bridge, Seafarers’ Bridge, and the more recently opened Jim Stynes Bridge truly are among the beautiful attractions of Docklands and all within a 600m walk from the Mission to Seafarers Victoria (MtSV) building at 717 Flinders St.

October is a busy time for the MtSV and we extend an invitation for you to draw a little nearer to the water and all things maritime with the ANL Maritime Art Exhibition opening from October 3 – 31, Wednesday to Sunday, 12noon - 7pm.  

Artists from around Australia have responded to the theme “The relationship between humanity and the sea.”  There are 70 paintings exhibited this year and artwork is for sale with 30 per cent of proceeds supporting the charitable work of MtSV in seafarers’ welfare.  Special thanks to Docklands’ community sponsors ANL and Bendigo Wealth, part of the Bendigo Adelaide Banking Group.

The common theme with the exhibition is ships and shipping. If you ever wondered what happens in the Port of Melbourne, who works there, why the cranes are so big, or how we developed the waterways, Mr John Bennett, general manager Bid Management, Port of Melbourne Corporation and myself are all making presentations during Melbourne Knowledge Week regarding the history, present and future of the value of the waterways.

The talk will be held at MtSV on October 28 at 6pm.   For further details visit the City of Melbourne’s website.  

Also in October The MtSV is participating in the Urban Life Together Forum on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, please visit the Urban Seed website or to secure your tickets go to http://www.urbanlifetogether2014.eventbrite.com.au  

Certainly urban life takes on a new feel as we emerge from winter into spring and by the end of October The Mission to Seafarers’ secret garden will be in full bloom so take time to visit and if you have not already visited Man Mo, make a reservation.

The exquisite Chinese and Malay cuisine is another good reason to come to North Wharf during October.  

Andrea Fleming,
CEO Mission to Seafarers Victoria