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STS Young Endeavour is crewed by an amazing team of Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors, who are specially trained to sail a square-rigged tall ship and deliver our youth development program.
Our staff crew ensure the highest standards of safety and care and will teach you everything you need to know to sail the ship.
- COMMANDING OFFICER
Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Newman
James, also known as ‘Tomo’, hails from the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Although he loves his bushland home, he’s incredibly excited for many adventures on the high seas.Joining the Australian Defence Force in 2015, he’s served in many different ships before STS Young Endeavour and has been very lucky visiting many countries around the world.
When not in Young Endeavour, Tomo loves bushwalking, riding his motorbike, playing music and hanging out with his family and friends.
Trevor was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to Tasmania, Australia with his parents and sister in 2007. He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2016, attended the Australian Defence Force Academy, and has since enjoyed several sea postings in HMA Ships Adelaide, Launceston Choules. Trevor’s role on board Young Endeavour is one of the Navigating Officers where he enjoys teaching the youth of Australia the art of navigation.
Trevor lives with his wife and dog in Sydney. He loves all things sport, especially AFL and Cricket, and can usually be found on one of Sydney’s beaches or exploring the outdoors with his family. Trevor enjoys the unique work environment of Young Endeavour and hopes to inspire youth crew to seek adventure and challenges
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, was born in the United Kingdom. However, he really doesn’t like cold weather so he moved to sunny Australia when he was young, settling in Cairns.
He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2014 and has been fortunate enough to serve in a wide range of ships before joining STS Young Endeavour.
In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorbike, hiking, camping and spending time with his friends.
His favourite part about Young Endeavour is meeting the diverse range of people that come on voyages and learning about different walks of life.
Sebastian, better known as ‘Seb’, was born and raised in North Queensland, joining the Navy in 2018.
Before joining Young Endeavour, he has served on all types of ships, mostly in Western Australia.
Seb looks forward to the adventure that awaits onboard, as well as helping all Youth Crew learn and challenge themselves whilst on voyage.
Shaun was born and raised on Philip Island, Victoria, and enlisted in the Navy in 2003. Since enlisting he has experienced a diverse career which has seen him serve in several different classes of ship, as well as in representational roles within Defence, conducting technical youth development programs in schools around Australia.
This is Shaun’s second posting to Young Endeavour. He previously held the role of Engineer and Watch Leader during the 2015 World Voyage, when he was lucky enough to spend an entire year deployed with the ship visiting ports of call in nearly twenty countries. Shaun is most looking forward to sailing as part of the crew developing the next generation of youth within the Young Endeavour family.
Charlotte Menhinick
Matty grew up in Brisbane and a love for the coastline and ocean soon developed. Participating in Nippers from a young age and taking any opportunity to be on the water, it become evident that his attachment to the sea would steer his career path.
One evening watching television at home when he was 16, there was a documentary on STS Young Endeavour. It wasn’t long until he signed up and was on board rising to the experience, the adrenalin and feeling of the timber deck on the soles of his feet.
He decided then and there that Royal Australian Navy was his destiny and couldn’t start soon enough. On completing his final year at secondary school in 1995 he enlisted as a Boatswains Mate (BM), and has served in HMAS Perth, Cessnock, Geralton, Newcastle, Maryborough, Glenelg, Pirie, Bathurst and Adelaide.
He has been fortunate enough to previously receive posting to Defence Force Recruiting in Brisbane, where his wife Symone and two boys, Hugo and Felix reside. He is grateful for the opportunity to give back to where it all started, with a posting to Young Endeavour in 2011 and now again in 2022. Working alongside his comrades and the youth of Australia is one of the most rewarding jobs he has participated in.
Theresa was born in Katherine, NT – Jawoyn country – but grew up mainly in Pottsville Waters, NSW – Bundjalung country. She served in the Army for several years, including in Joint Logistics and Australia’s Federation Guard, and deployed to East Timor. Theresa transferred to Navy as a Hydrographic Surveyor and since then has served in surveying vessels mainly in Cairns QLD (Yirrganydji country), and joined many deployments and exercises in Australia and abroad.
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has always interested Theresa. Joining the Young Endeavour crew is an opportunity to work with Australian youth, and to experience the challenges and adventure that come with that role.
When not out on the high seas Theresa (having a genuine love for the sea) enjoys anything that entails water, as well as socialising with her family and friends.
Ash grew up in Goulburn NSW, she joined the Navy in 2010 as a Maritime Logistic Chef. In her 12 years of service she has worked on a variety of different ships and deployed on numerous operations and exercises around the world. Her time in the Navy has allowed her to pursue her dreams of travel and exposure her to new places, cultures, people and cuisines.
Ash joined STS Young Endeavour in January 2022 and is most excited to learn new skills, work with the youth of Australia and explore the coastal waters a little closer to home.
When Ash is not cooking for the Young Endeavour crew, you will find her utilising her skills as a pastry chef, baking cakes and desserts for her friends and family.
Christine was born and raised in Zimbabwe, immigrating to Toowoomba QLD with her family in 2006.
In 2017 she joined the Navy as a Maritime Personnel Operator with the hopes that it would provide both adventure and travel. In her short career, she has done two overseas deployments, visiting five countries with HMAS Hobart and whilst at RANC, HMAS Creswell, she saw over 1,000 new officers through their initial training.
Christine enjoys camping and exploring new parts of the Australian coastline with her partner, Chris, and his two daughters. She loves to help the girls discover the world around them, feed their curiosity, go with the flow and make the most of opportunities that come their way – she hopes to impart that to the youth crew whilst on board Young Endeavour.
Sara grew up in Campbelltown, NSW (Dharawal Country) with her two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Some of Sara’s fondest memories growing up are attending different types of camps throughout the year. The camps provided an opportunity for her and the people around her to grow and discover parts of themselves that they would not find in their day-to-day lives. Sara hopes to provide the same opportunities of growth to every Youth Crew member that conducts a voyage onboard Young Endeavour.
Seeking travel and a dynamic and active workplace, Sara joined the Navy in 2018 as a Communications and Information Systems Sailor. A major milestone in her career thus far has been her three-year posting as Commissioning Crew of HMAS Supply, and conducting two overseas deployments during that time.
Sara’s favourite thing about going to sea is watching the sunrises and sunsets from the best seat in the world. In her spare time, she enjoys bouldering, playing chess, and catching up with friends and family.
Staff Crew 11 description
James, also known as ‘Tomo’, hails from the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Although he loves his bushland home, he’s incredibly excited for many adventures on the high seas.Joining the Australian Defence Force in 2015, he’s served in many different ships before STS Young Endeavour and has been very lucky visiting many countries around the world.
When not on Young Endeavour, Tomo loves bushwalking, riding his motorbike, playing music and hanging out with his family and friends.
Charlie, also known as ‘Chucky’, was born in the United Kingdom. However, he really doesn’t like cold weather so he moved to sunny Australia when he was young, settling in Cairns.
He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2014 and has been fortunate enough to serve in a wide range of ships before joining STS Young Endeavour.
In his spare time he enjoys riding his motorbike, hiking, camping and spending time with his friends.
His favourite part about Young Endeavour is meeting the diverse range of people that come on voyages and learning about different walks of life.
Trevor was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to Tasmania, Australia with his parents and sister in 2007. He joined the Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2016, attended the Australian Defence Force Academy, and has since enjoyed several sea postings in HMA Ships Adelaide, Launceston Choules. Trevor’s role on board Young Endeavour is one of the Navigating Officers where he enjoys teaching the youth of Australia the art of navigation.
Trevor lives with his wife and dog in Sydney. He loves all things sport, especially AFL and Cricket, and can usually be found on one of Sydney’s beaches or exploring the outdoors with his family. Trevor enjoys the unique work environment of Young Endeavour and hopes to inspire youth crew to seek adventure and challenges
Sebastian, better known as ‘Seb’, was born and raised in North Queensland, joining the Navy in 2018.
Before joining Young Endeavour, he has served on all types of ships, mostly in Western Australia.
Seb looks forward to the adventure that awaits onboard, as well as helping all Youth Crew learn and challenge themselves whilst on voyage.
Shaun was born and raised on Philip Island, Victoria, and enlisted in the Navy in 2003. Since enlisting he has experienced a diverse career which has seen him serve in several different classes of ship, as well as in representational roles within Defence, conducting technical youth development programs in schools around Australia.
This is Shaun’s second posting to Young Endeavour. He previously held the role of Engineer and Watch Leader during the 2015 World Voyage, when he was lucky enough to spend an entire year deployed with the ship visiting ports of call in nearly twenty countries. Shaun is most looking forward to sailing as part of the crew developing the next generation of youth within the Young Endeavour family.
Matty grew up in Brisbane and a love for the coastline and ocean soon developed. Participating in Nippers from a young age and taking any opportunity to be on the water, it become evident that his attachment to the sea would steer his career path.
One evening watching television at home when he was 16, there was a documentary on STS Young Endeavour. It wasn’t long until he signed up and was on board rising to the experience, the adrenalin and feeling of the timber deck on the soles of his feet.
He decided then and there that Royal Australian Navy was his destiny and couldn’t start soon enough. On completing his final year at secondary school in 1995 he enlisted as a Boatswains Mate (BM), and has served in HMAS Perth, Cessnock, Geralton, Newcastle, Maryborough, Glenelg, Pirie, Bathurst and Adelaide.He has been fortunate enough to previously receive posting to Defence Force Recruiting in Brisbane, where his wife Symone and two boys, Hugo and Felix reside.
He is grateful for the opportunity to give back to where it all started, with a posting to Young Endeavour in 2011 and now again in 2022. Working alongside his comrades and the youth of Australia is one of the most rewarding jobs he has participated in.
Theresa was born in Katherine, NT (Jawoyn country) but grew up mainly in Pottsville Waters, NSW (Bundjalung country). She served in the Army for several years, including in Joint Logistics and Australia’s Federation Guard, and deployed to East Timor. Theresa transferred to Navy as a Hydrographic Surveyor and since then has served in surveying vessels mainly in Cairns QLD (Yirrganydji country), and joined many deployments and exercises in Australia and abroad.
The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has always interested Theresa. Joining the Young Endeavour crew is an opportunity to work with Australian youth, and to experience the challenges and adventure that come with that role.
When not out on the high seas Theresa (having a genuine love for the sea) enjoys anything that entails water, as well as socialising with her family and friends.
Charlotte Menhinick
Ash grew up in Goulburn NSW, and joined the Navy in 2010 as a Maritime Logistic Chef. In her 12 years of service she has worked on a variety of different ships and deployed on numerous operations and exercises around the world. Her time in the Navy has allowed her to pursue her dreams of travel and exposure to new places, cultures, people and cuisines.
Ash joined Young Endeavour in January 2022 and is most excited to learn new skills, work with the youth of Australia and explore the coastal waters a little closer to home. When Ash is not cooking for the Young Endeavour crew, you will find her utilising her skills as a pastry chef, baking cakes and desserts for her friends and family.
Christine was born and raised in Zimbabwe, immigrating to Toowoomba QLD with her family in 2006. In 2017 she joined the Navy as a Maritime Personnel Operator with the hopes that it would provide both adventure and travel. In her short career, she has done two overseas deployments, visiting five countries with HMAS Hobart and whilst at RANC, HMAS Creswell, she saw over 1,000 new officers through their initial training.
Christine enjoys camping and exploring new parts of the Australian coastline with her partner, Chris, and his two daughters. She loves to help the girls discover the world around them, feed their curiosity, go with the flow and make the most of opportunities that come their way – she hopes to impart that to the youth crew whilst on board Young Endeavour.
Sara grew up in Campbelltown, NSW (Dharawal Country) with her two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Some of Sara’s fondest memories growing up are attending different types of camps throughout the year. The camps provided an opportunity for her and the people around her to grow and discover parts of themselves that they would not find in their day-to-day lives. Sara hopes to provide the same opportunities of growth to every Youth Crew member that conducts a voyage onboard Young Endeavour.
Seeking travel and a dynamic and active workplace, Sara joined the Navy in 2018 as a Communications and Information Systems Sailor. A major milestone in her career thus far has been her three-year posting as Commissioning Crew of HMAS Supply, and conducting two overseas deployments during that time.
Sara’s favourite thing about going to sea is watching the sunrises and sunsets from the best seat in the world. In her spare time, she enjoys bouldering, playing chess, and catching up with friends and family.
Crew 12
