Garma Festival 2023 and a ‘tremendous thanks to Sea Swift’
The Garma Festival is an important cultural celebration on the Indigenous Australian calendar. It is Australia’s largest and most influential first-nations event, a four-day celebration of Yolngu culture, held in remote Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. In 2023, the Gove Peninsula once again became home to a vibrant celebration of country for what was an unforgettable 4 days in the Territory from 4 to 7 August … and Sea Swift was there. Sea Swift has been a proud contributor to the Garma Festival since 2013. The four days come together through intricate planning and Sea Swift teams on the ground to ensure all facilities, supplies, catering and comforts are safely brought to the Arnhem Land site for the festivities. The Gove Depot, a gateway into Arnhem Land, is a hive of activity before the annual event. “Given the remoteness of the event… I don’t feel as if we can deliver this event unless there is solid support behind it,” said Denise Bowden, Chief Executive of the Yothu Yindi Foundation. “[Sea Swift] understands the significance of Garma on a national level [and] go out of their way, above and beyond!” Delivering freight up to Garma is one part of Sea Swift’s long-running agreement with the Yothu Yindi Foundation and something the company is delighted to partake in. Since expanding into the Northern Territory, Sea Swift has gone from strength-to-strength in keeping Northern Australia connected. Denise relayed at the 2023 Garma Festival just how important partnerships like these are for a successful outcome. “[We are] very grateful that Sea Swift have been great friends of ours for many years”, she said. Sea Swift acknowledges the Gumatj people and the tireless work from Yunupinju to make Garma the incredible celebration we enjoy today. Sea Swift supports Australia’s Indigenous communities and strives to create opportunities for all young Australians in the workplace. Sea Swift services some of Northern Australia’s most remote communities, enabling ease in movement of freight and essential services to and from remote islands and mainland Australia. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift to suspend mothershipping services
Northern Australia’s largest shipping company Sea Swift has announced it will suspend its mothershipping operations ahead of the upcoming prawn season. “Sea Swift has been an industry participant in mothershipping since 1987, however with Queensland’s prawn fishing industry facing multiple industry challenges over the past few years, Sea Swift has confirmed the sector is not currently commercially viable to service,” said Sea Swift Chief Executive Officer Mr Dwayne Freeman. “A recent contributor to industry change has seen a major mothershipping customer modify its operating model and introduce its own vessel, and as a consequence the organisation has no further need for our services. “This change has had a significant impact on the overall commercial viability of our mothershipping service. We are continuing to work with the industry to identify any alternative options for servicing the upcoming prawn season. “Like most businesses, our costs have also escalated and supply chain delays have added operating constraints. “Our key priority continues to be servicing our core linehaul customers, particularly communities across the Cape, the Gulf and the Torres Strait.” Mr Freeman said that he had informed mothershipping customers and staff of the decision, with a reassurance to staff around job security. “I have assured all of our employees that there will be no forced job losses due to this action,” he said. Mr Freeman said Sea Swift was proud to continue to keep Northern Australia connected into the future. “I would like to thank all our hard-working employees, both past and present, as well as our valued mothershipping customers for their ongoing support,” he said. “We will continue to support Queensland’s export and fishery industries, and remain one of Northern Australia’s most dominant and longest service shipping companies.” Our Other Stories
Sea Swift Customer Survey – Queensland Market
Sea Swift is undertaking our first customer survey for our customers within the Queensland market. This survey will allow our customers to provide feedback on our services throughout the Northern Queensland region which we serve. The survey will be undertaken between 12-23 April 2023. Customers will begin to see invitation emails from the marketing@seaswift.com.au email address. The survey is being undertaken on our behalf by The Evolved Group. This survey will allow Sea Swift to better tailor our services to the communities and businesses we serve. Our Northern Territory-based customers will have an opportunity to provide their feedback in the coming weeks when a dedicated survey is released into that market. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Sea Swift customer service team on (07) 4035 1234. Our Other Stories