Port of Newcastle has taken the precautionary step to withdraw its dedicated volunteers for the final four cruise visits in the 2019-20 cruise season.
The decision has not been made lightly and is in response to updated Australian Government advice in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) health issue.
The health, wellbeing and safety of all Port of Newcastle staff, including our volunteers, is the highest priority.
Whilst the advice is that the relative risk for Port of Newcastle is low, given the primarily domestic cruise ships visiting, the decision to withdraw volunteers has been made with the highest sense of caution and in the best interests of all volunteers.
Port of Newcastle
Port of Newcastle is a major Australian trade gateway handling 4,600 ship movements and 171 million tonnes of cargo each year. With its annual trade worth about $25 billion to the New South Wales economy, the Port enables businesses across the state to successfully compete in international markets. With a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50% of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national rail and road infrastructure, Port of Newcastle is positioned to further underpin the prosperity of the Hunter, NSW and Australia. As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible Port that realises its potential.