Tim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week, I had the privilege of setting sail with the youth crew of the Young Endeavour after they had docked at Seaworks in my electorate of Williamstown during its circumnavigation of Australia.

Since it was gifted to the youth of Australia in 1988, the Young Endeavour has sailed on 558 voyages and has been crewed by 13,509 16- to 23-year-old Australians at sea for around 11 days a stretch. A partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is focused on increasing self awareness, developing teamwork and leadership skills and creating a strong sense of community responsibility amongst the members of the youth crew.

I was certainly impressed at the extraordinary capability that young Australians had shown and developed over just a 10-day period at sea. I spent some time on the day hauling ropes on the deck so that we could set sail, and I can say that it was not easy work and nor was it simple work.

I want to thank Martin Radunz for his help in organising a fantastic day, and also a big thank you to Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe, or 'Captain Gav'; Stephen Moss, the Executive Director of the Young Endeavour, and all the brilliant Young Endeavour crew who showed me the ropes, like Deborah from Melbourne and Lisa from Tasmania.

Despite the difficult physical and mental challenges of the trip—seasickness is an obligatory part of the trip, I am told—neither Deborah, Lisa nor any of the Young Endeavour crew wanted their voyages to end. This is a sentiment that I can completely understand after having spent such an enjoyable day in their company. I hope that the Young Endeavour continues to sail around Australia for many thousands of voyages to come.