MNWMF History

Prior to the MNWMF formation, several prominent citizens conducted an appeal for funds known as the Merchant Navy War Memorial Appeal with first meeting on 19 July 1944. The appeal was launched at the Sydney Town Hall on 19 July 1945 with the Lord Mayor presiding. As a result, several thousands of pounds were raised, and the company known as The Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund Limited (MNWMF) (Referred to as ‘the Fund’) was formed. At the instigation of the Senior Chaplain, Rev. C.A. Goodwin, of the Mission to Seamen in Sydney, the first meeting of Directors was held on 22 March 1946. In the years following WWII numerous fund-raising activities were organised.

Activities

Since inception the Fund has actively pursued its primary objectives, consistent with its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 22nd March 1946. Successive Board of Directors have had the responsibility, to ensure that they appropriately react to ‘fine tune’ its activities to meet both changing times and the present-day aspirations of its numerous stakeholders.

NOTE: This section is presently being re-developed to expand on the above brief history.