PORT of Townsville Limited employees have swung into action to help raise more than $3000 for visiting seafarers.

The fairways at Rowes Bay Golf Club hosted more than 50 golfing aficionados in early October for the Mission to Seafarers Charity Golf Day, held annually to raise money for the not-for-profit organisation.

Among the field were the Port’s Mel Marke, Rob Henaway, Peter Smith and Jaimen Brazzale.

The quartet, despite a golfing pedigree of just a handful of games, put in a sterling effort and battled man, ball, and beast across the 18 holes.

Mr Marke, General Manager Business Development, said the day was a great opportunity to reinforce the Port’s support of the Mission.

“Mission to Seafarers provides an invaluable service to crews visiting the Port of Townsville,” he said.

“For some crew members home is tens of thousands of kilometres away.

“So the opportunity to relax in the welcoming environment the Mission provides at Berth 9 and connect with loved ones via phone or the Internet is a true luxury.

“The Charity Golf Day is just a small way we can continue to support the efforts of this wonderful organisation.”

Mr Marke said there were other positives on the horizon for Mission to Seafarers, with the Port of Townsville Limited Board recently approving works to refurbish the Port Control Building, from which the Mission operates along with other port service providers.

A date for Port of Townsville Limited’s 2011 Charity Golf Day has also been set - so get practicing to hit the greens on 9 September.

Manager Business Development Mel Marke lines up a putt from the edge of the 16th green.

Manager Environment Peter Smith employs an unconventional style to get the job done.