Ambassador Story

19 October 2025

From delivery crew to lifelong advocate: Tiffanie Bulstrode’s Young Endeavour journey

When Tiffanie Bulstrode (née Cowan) heard a radio ad on her way to university in 1987, she had no idea it would change the course of her life.

Riding her bike through Adelaide with a Sony Walkman in her pocket, she caught the callout: ‘Do you want to be tired, uncomfortable and nauseous? Apply to sail a tall ship from England to Australia.’

For most, it might have sounded like a deterrent. For Tiffanie, it sounded like an adventure. “I thought, ‘Sounds better than studying,’ so I applied,” she said. That decision saw the then-19-year-old chosen as one of just 24 Australian and Brittish youth, selected from more than 8,000 applicants, to join the delivery crew of the brand-new Sail Training Ship (STS), Young Endeavour.

Together, the youth would sail the ‘14,000 mile journey’ from England to Australia, via the Canary Islands, Rio de Janeiro, Tristan da Cunha and Cape Town. A whirlwind beginning The months in the UK before departure were a whirlwind of preparations and social engagements, Tiffanie recalled.

“I remember bending on the squaresails, installing bunks, and running all the rigging.” “We attended garden parties at Buckingham Palace, manned the yardarms as we came alongside the Tower of London and Prince Phillip took the helm as we sailed from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight,” she said. “A particular highlight for me was meeting Sir David Attenborough,” Tiffanie said. Lessons at sea Life on board was not a holiday for the delivery crew. Seasickness was a constant companion for some members like Tiffanie.

But the hardships were exactly what made the voyage transformative.

“That voyage changed my life in so many ways,” said Tiffanie. “I learned that; I loved being out on the ocean, that I did not like the nausea, discomfort or lack of sleep, BUT, I also learned that I could overcome these challenges and push my perceived limits. “I gained great personal insight and created lifelong bonds with fellow crewmates. “My experience on Young Endeavour gave me the courage to set off on my own sailing adventure with my husband some 5 years later.”

A legacy of giving back

Today, nearly four decades on, Tiffanie continues to be deeply connected with Young Endeavour—not just as a former crew member, but as a benefactor. Through her family’s trust, The Cowan Grant, the family has helped fund 25 scholarships since 2008, giving other young Australians the chance to embark on their own life-changing voyage.

“My grandparents believed in the benefits of tertiary education,” Tiffanie explained. “My grandfather Head Librarian at the Barr-Smith Library (University of Adelaide) for 30 years and he struggled financially to put himself through uni. He and my grandmother (who was a teacher) lived frugally, invested wisely and set up The Cowan Grant.

“I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity of living the Young Endeavour experience; I am also grateful to be in a position to give back and enable other young Australians to do the same.”

For Tiffanie, sponsoring is about more than supporting a program—it’s about believing in youth.

“It’s a vote of confidence in our youth, and in our future,” she said.

Tiffanie explained that if you want to encourage young people to challenge themselves, grow their confidence and bond as a cohesive team, you should give them the gift of a Young Endeavour voyage.

“I would strongly encourage individuals and organisations to become a Young Endeavour sponsor,” Tiffanie said.

Full circle moments

There is always something special every time I reconnect with Young Endeavour – I relive all the experiences I had,” Tiffanie said. “And, I think about all the others who have had their own journeys onboard, and all those who will continue to do so.”

Her message to future “Youthies” is simple but heartfelt: “Well done for taking on the challenge. It will change your life.”

Thank you to Tiffanie, the Cowan Family and the University of South Australia for their support of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.

If you would like to become a partner of the scheme, you can learn more about our scholarship program here: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/for-organisations/scholarship

Or, you can apply to go on your very own voyage here: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/before-you-apply/voyages

AUTHOR: Peta Binns

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From delivery crew to lifelong advocate: Tiffanie Bulstrode’s Young Endeavour journey

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