Setting sail on a leadership journey

Kilmore firefighter Stephanie Calderwood, 20, was one of 24 young CFA volunteers from Victoria to swap the fire truck for a sailboat for an 11-day voyage across the Tasman Sea.

The participants were picked for the challenge following a rigorous application process for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.

The scheme aims to bring together young leaders to build skills and attributes to develop each participant into a better team player, a more effective communicator and a leader.

The CFA volunteers boarded the STS Young Endeavour in Sydney on November 15 and crewed her for 24 hours a day in all types of conditions during the journey to Melbourne.

Stephanie was recognised for her contribution and commitment to the pursuit of excellence during the voyage, and received the Young Endeavour Voyage Award.

“I was elected with one other to be the navigator for 24 hours — it was the first time in my life when I really had everyone rely on me and my decisions,” she said.

“It really took me out of my comfort zone, and I had to work hard to overcome the initial stress and panic of the big role.

“We all worked very well together in team challenges and learned a lot about each other. The bond that we created made anything we did together exciting.

“I learned that no matter who you are or what role you have in the team, communication makes a great team work well.”

The trip was supported by Coles who after the 2019-20 summer fires donated money to provide young CFA volunteers with an opportunity to build their leadership skills.

Story courtesy of: McPherson Media Group

AUTHOR: Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

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Government House Open Day Young Endeavour representatives – Saturday 16 March

⚓Ahoy team! Young Endeavour representatives will be at the Government House Open Day on Saturday 16 March 2024 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Folks in Canberra on the day can come along and ask the team all the burning questions you might have! Applications for 2024 voyages remain open to youth aged between 16-23 who are looking for a life-changing adventure. A voyage on STS Young Endeavour is a unique opportunity for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills through an internationally recognised youth development program. Check out our website to apply. ➡️https://youngendeavour.gov.au/

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Join Our Team – Marketing Manager

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STS Young Endeavour Sydney to Hobart 2023/24

On Boxing Day 2023, the 79th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race commenced with STS Young Endeavour dutifully following the fleet of competitors down to Hobart as a Radio Relay Vessel. Young Endeavour has played a supporting role in the race biennially since 1993, and 2023 was no exception. Acting as a Radio Relay and Safety Vessel to help the vessels competing in the race report their positions whilst transiting through low-signal areas like the Bass Strait and far offshore in the Tasman Sea. To ensure communications remain clear at all times, radio relay ships are placed near the front and rear of the competitor pack to monitor race communications and retransmit signals when required. This ensures that the race is monitored at all times, so officials and fans can follow all the action and, that any emergencies will be heard and responded to in good time. Young Endeavour departed HMAS Waterhen in the morning of 26 December and took up prime viewing position in the Harbour in vicinity of North Head. After witnessing the commencement of the race at 1300, sails were set and the ship followed the fleet from Sydney Harbour and proceeded south, aiming to remain around the back third of the dispersed racers. For the five-day voyage Young Endeavour welcomed ‘Returnee’ crew (former Youth Crew who have participated in a voyage in the past) to assist in our transit south. Unfortunately, for the Returnee crew, the swell was unforgiving and many spent half the voyage battling seasickness. However, through 40-knot winds and 4-metre southerly swells, the Young Endeavour pushed on, with Returnees working lines to set and furl sails. LSCIS-C Sara Turnbull described the experience “It was awesome, being among a fleet of sailors and yachts fearlessly setting sail in truly awful conditions really inspired me. I have a lot of respect for the mariners who continue to race year after year.” After persevering through the arduous conditions, in the early hours of the morning of 31 December, Young Endeavour was able to tack to the west, rounding Tasman Island and finally placing the wind on our beam. Once we were able to use our fore and aft sails with effect, it was a quick trip up Storm Bay into the sheltered safety of the Derwent River. Once alongside Hobart on New Year’s Eve, the crew of the Young Endeavour gave a fond farewell to the Returnee crew and joined in the post-race celebrations. With Commanding Officer LCDR Libby Newman accepting a Meritorious Service Recognition on behalf of the ship, for Young Endeavour’s “generous, professional and enduring contribution to the race”. With all the official duties done, the crew were then free to enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities in the beautiful Salamanca Place and Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival.

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