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The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is managed by a dedicated team based in the office at Garden Island, Sydney. The largely civilian team is supported by members of the Navy Reserve.
The shore based team is responsible for organising and administering the youth development program delivered aboard STS Young Endeavour.
Whether you’re looking for more information or ready for your next adventure, our team will ensure you have everything you need to set sail on the voyage of a lifetime.
- Our Patron
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
We are grateful for the support of Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Patron of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.
Jennifer Reilly was appointed Executive Director in early 2023. Jennifer has previously worked as Deputy Executive Director and Marketing Communication Manager for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. She has twenty years experience in communication strategy and corporate affairs, including roles with the Australian Defence Force Academy and College, Royal Australian Navy and University of Canberra. Jennifer holds Bachelors of Communication and Applied Economics, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has sailed STS Young Endeavour in Australia and in Europe, participating in the Sail Training International Tall Ships Races, and is a Director of the TANZ Foundation and past President of the Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand Management Committee.
- Deputy Director
MR GARY BIGG
Gary Bigg joined the team in 2025, following a career as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and roles in the community and non-profit sector. He manages commercial operations, contracting and procurement, and leads the Young Endeavour commercial and customer service teams.
- Marketing Communication Manager
We’re Hiring
A new Marketing Manager will be joining us soon (check out APS Jobs if you’re keen to apply!).
- Youth Development Coordinator
LEUT Charles O’Toole
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, has joined the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme as our Voyage Coordinator. He oversees the application system and ballot, plans the voyages, and works with the staff crew to ensure the program delivered on board STS Young Endeavour remains an exceptional development opportunity for Australian youth.
A former member of the STS Young Endeavour Staff Crew, Charlie is a Maritime Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy.
- Business Manager
We’re Hiring
A new Business Manager will be joining the team soon (check out APS Jobs if you’re keen to apply – applications close 15 Jan 26!).
Our Business Manager administers finance, contracts and other commercial requirements, including oversight of the Souvenir Locker and financial reporting for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Public Fund Trust.
Best wishes to long term team member George Plellis as he pursues new opportunities in retirement.
- Community Engagement
Ms Yara Bloom
Yara Bloom joined the team in 2025, and brings a wealth of expertise in event management and program delivery in the community sector. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Yara is our first point of contact for our corporate and community scholarship partners, coordinates the ambassador and alumni programs, and organises community engagement activities in ports around Australia.
- Social Media and Branding
LEUT Peta Binns
Peta Binns joined the team in 2023, and brings a wealth of expertise in public affairs, branding and engagement. She assists the marketing manager, manages our website and social media pages, and and works closely with the Young Endeavour crew to write our news stories.
- Youth Coordinator
CPO Greg Bray
Chief Petty Officer Greg Bray looks after voyage and youth crew administration, facilitating invoices, health checks, kit bags and other requirements before you join a voyage!
- Office Manager
CPO John Raffo
John Raffo is our office and building manager, and keeps the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme office running smoothly.
- PROJECT OFFICER
CMDR Gavin Dawe
A former Commanding Officer of STS Young Endeavour, Commander Gavin Dawe OAM is our project officer, focused on the future of the Young Endeavour Program. Gav first joined the Young Endeavour crew as bosun during the ship’s first World Voyage in 1992, returned as Captain from 2008-2010, then returned again as Captain for the ship’s second World Voyage in 2015. From time to time he rejoins the ship as relief Captain, continuing a lifetime of service with the Royal Australian Navy.
- NURSE
PO Samantha Kershaw
Samantha works part-time with the Young Endeavour team, providing expert advice and liaising with youth crew and with Navy’s medical team to ensure best practise and support safe participation in our youth development voyages.
- Shore Administrator
LS Tomas Stewart
Tom grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and joined Navy at 17 years old. After 15 years of service he transferred to the Navy Reserve, joining the Young Endeavour team in 2018 as our Shore Administrator – working in the background to ensure the ship is well crewed and the crew are kept happy!
- Customer Service
SMN Abigail Jakobsen
Abigail joined the Young Endeavour team in 2023 as part of the Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program. After transferring to the Navy Reserve, Abi rejoined the team part-time in 2024 and is our first point of contact for youth crew and stakeholder enquiries.
- Executive Director
MS JENNIFER REILLY
- Deputy Director
Mr Gary Bigg
- Marketing Manager
We’re Hiring!
Jennifer Reilly was appointed Executive Director in early 2023. Prior to this appointment, Jennifer was the Deputy Executive Director and Marketing Communication Manager for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. She has twenty years experience in communication strategy and corporate affairs, including previous roles with the Australian Defence Force Academy, Royal Australian Navy and University of Canberra. Jennifer holds Bachelors of Communication and Applied Economics, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has sailed STS Young Endeavour in Australia and in Europe, participating in the Sail Training International Tall Ships Races, and is a Director of the TANZ Foundation and past President of the Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand Management Committee.
Gary Bigg joined the team in mid-2025, following a career as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and roles in the community and non-profit sector. He manages commercial operations, contracting and procurement, and leads the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme commercial and customer service teams.
A new Marketing Manager will be joining us soon (check out APS Jobs if you’re keen to apply!).
- VOYAGE Coordinator
LEUT Charles O’Toole
- BUSINESS MANAGER
We’re hiring!
- Community ENGAGEMENT
Ms Yara Bloom
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, has joined the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme as our Voyage Coordinator. He oversees the application system and ballot, plans the voyages, and works with the staff crew to ensure the program delivered on board STS Young Endeavour remains an exceptional development opportunity for Australian youth. A former member of the STS Young Endeavour Staff Crew, Charlie is a Maritime Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy.
A new Business Manager will be joining the team soon (check out APS Jobs if you’re keen to apply – applications close 15 January 2026!).
Our Business Manager administers finance, contracts and other commercial requirements, including oversight of the Souvenir Locker and financial reporting for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Public Fund Trust.
Yara Bloom joined the team in 2025, and brings a wealth of expertise in event management and program delivery in the community sector. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Yara is our first point of contact for our corporate and community scholarship partners, coordinates the ambassador and alumni programs, and organises community engagement activities in ports around Australia.
- VOYAGE ADMINISTRATION
CPO Greg Bray
- OFFICE MANAGER
RESERVE OPPORTUNITY
- PROJECT OFFICER
CMDR Gavin Dawe
Greg Bray looks after voyage and youth crew administration, facilitating invoices, health checks, kit bags and other requirements before you join a voyage!
We’re currently recruiting for a new ADF Reserve Office Manager based in Sydney! Check out ForceNet for details
A former Commanding Officer of STS Young Endeavour, Commander Gavin Dawe OAM is our project officer, focused on the future of the Young Endeavour Program. Gav first joined the Young Endeavour crew as bosun during the ship’s first World Voyage in 1992, returned as Captain from 2008-2010, then returned again as Captain for the ship’s second World Voyage in 2015. From time to time he rejoins the ship as relief Captain, continuing a lifetime of service with the Royal Australian Navy.
- SHORE ADMINISTRATION
LS Tomas Stewart
- Customer Service
SMN Abigail Jakobsen
- Nurse
PO Samantha Kershaw
Tom grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and joined Navy at 17 years old. After 15 years of service he transferred to the Navy Reserve, joining the Young Endeavour team in 2018 as our Shore Administrator – working in the background to ensure the ship is well crewed and the crew are kept happy!
Abigail joined the Young Endeavour team in 2023 as part of the Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program. After transferring to the Navy Reserve, Abi rejoined the team part-time in 2024 and is our first point of contact for youth crew and stakeholder enquiries.
Samantha works part-time with the Young Endeavour team, providing expert advice and liaising with youth crew and with Navy’s medical team to ensure best practise and support safe participation in our youth development voyages.
