Young leaders finish voyage across Bass Strait on Young Endeavour

Three graduates of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Leadership Program today completed a 10-day sailing journey across Bass Strait on the Young Endeavour.

The graduates joined 24 other young people and ten crew as they sailed from George Town, Tasmania, to Williamstown, Victoria.

The first-time sailors learnt valuable life skills on the voyage including teamwork, leadership skills and a strong sense of community responsibility.

The voyage is more than learning to set the sails and navigate; it helps build self-esteem, memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

The three Indigenous women, Arlene McInherny, Dianna Wright and Rebecca Richards all won Australian Government-funded scholarships to take this trip on the Young Endeavour.

• Ms McInherny from the Port Macquarie/Biripi tribal group in New South Wales works at Macquarie University and is a committee member of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
• Ms Wright from the Karrajarri people of the Bidyadangol community in Western Australia was a finalist in the environment category of the WA Youth Awards.
• Ms Richards from the Adnyamathana Nepabunna community in South Australia is completing her internship with the National Museum of Australia and is studying at Adelaide University.

All 27 young people now join the 10,000 other young Australians who have sailed Australian and international waters as part of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.

The Indigenous Leadership Program has been running since 2004 and assists Indigenous Australians by offering opportunities to emerging and potential leaders.

The UK Government gave the Young Endeavour to the people of Australia as a Bicentennial gift in 1988. It is operated, maintained and staffed by the Royal Australian Navy.

Applications are currently being accepted by ballot until 1 March 2009. Applications can be made online at Young Endeavour or by phoning 1800 020 444.