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Ambassador Story
18 June 2025
Youth Crew Testimonial – Typhoon
“As part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, I was searching for a unique and challenging residential experience — that’s when I discovered the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. During the summer holidays, I spent 10 days at sea learning to sail, navigating, and working as part of a crew. It was an incredible adventure that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.
The voyage taught me resilience, leadership, and how essential good communication and teamwork are when things get tough — like during BearEx, where our watches had to set sails we’d never used before under strict time pressure. I’ll never forget the thrill of swinging off the ship’s rope swing or diving into the open ocean — those were true moments of freedom.
My crewmates became close friends, and our shared challenges, like the Command Day elections, made the journey unforgettable. I’m especially grateful to the Beaudesert community and supporters across Australia who helped me raise the funds to get there, like the epic trivia night back home in Beaudesert — it wouldn’t have happened without them.
If you’re someone who wants to grow, lead, and experience something completely different, I highly recommend the Young Endeavour. It’s more than a voyage — it’s a life-changing experience.” – Typhoon
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Ambassador Story
20 June 2025
BROTHERS FROM KATHERINE SET SAIL FOR BIGGER HORIZONS NOW HOPE NT YOUTH WILL TOO
Growing up fishing on Katherine’s rivers and hearing stories of seamanship from their dad, brothers Iain and Ross Sutherland were always drawn to the water.
But it wasn’t until they joined the crew of Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour that they truly set sail – on the sea and in life.
Now living outside the Northern Territory, the brothers say their time on board the tall ship changed everything.
As the ship visits Darwin this month – for the first time in nearly a decade – the brothers are urging young Territorians to jump at the opportunity to experience this life-changing adventure.
Iain completed his first voyage in 2022 and returned the following year.
“Mum encouraged me to apply because she could see that I felt school was becoming boring,” he said.
“We wanted to get out of Katherine and see something different.”
Ross, who sailed from Sydney to Brisbane in early 2025, didn’t need much convincing.
“Iain’s stories sold it for me. As soon as I turned 15-and-a-half, I applied straight away,” Ross said.
“I couldn’t wait to get on board. It turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Iain said the opportunity broadened his horizons.
“When you’re from a small town like Katherine, life can feel pretty routine,” he said.
“Young Endeavour shakes that up completely – it shows you what else is out there.”
From climbing 30-metre masts to calling midnight tacks during command day, both brothers were pushed out of their comfort zones and embraced the challenges on board.
'You learn to trust people you’ve just met, and to live closely with people from completely different backgrounds.'
They learnt leadership, resilience and teamwork – often in conditions far removed from that of their outback hometown.
“You learn to trust people you’ve just met, and to live closely with people from completely different backgrounds,” Iain said.
Ross said it opened his eyes to understanding other people’s different strengths and how good communication was important for establishing friendships.
“It was confronting at first, but once I learnt how to work with others’ strengths, it made everything easier,” Ross said.
“Jumping in and speaking up from the start boosted others’ confidence and encouraged them to really get involved.
“Because of the environment on board, by day two or three, you’re already best mates with your fellow youth crew members. You speak like you have known them for several years.”
The pair have stayed in touch with their respective shipmates, highlighting their regular catch ups and future plans to travel together.
“I still talk to people from both my voyages almost every day. We’ve met up for hikes, concerts and a few other things,” Iain said.
Meanwhile Ross, who has only recently participated in the program, talked of future plans for his youth crew friends.
'It’s a chance for NT youth to put a face to the stories and realise it’s something they can actually do.'
“My crew are planning to travel together after we finish school,” he said.
Both brothers are now charting ambitious career paths.
Ross is eyeing a Navy Gap Year via an officer entry pathway, and Iain is studying electrical engineering at university.
But no matter where they go, for the brothers, the Top End remains home, and they’re thrilled Young Endeavour is returning there.
“It’s so good to see the ship coming to Darwin,” Ross said.
“It’s a chance for NT youth to put a face to the stories and realise it’s something they can actually do.”
Iain said a lot of people in the NT didn’t leave their communities, and some probably felt like they were stuck.
“This ship can be the door to something bigger. Once you step on board, everything changes,” Iain said.
Their advice to NT youth? Don’t wait.
“NT people are made for this sort of thing – they’re outdoorsy, active and up for a challenge,” Ross said.
“So, get out of your comfort zone and give it a go.”
Young Endeavour is visiting Darwin in June as part of its 2025 circumnavigation of Australia, before sailing to Western Australia.
To apply for an upcoming voyage or learn more, visit youngendeavour.gov.au.
Ambassador Story
19 June 2025
Across the Top: Navy Cadets Chart a Voyage of Discovery on the Young Endeavour
In a voyage marked by challenge, culture, courage, and connection, seven Australian Navy Cadets and one Navy staff member embarked on a life-changing journey from Thursday Island to Darwin aboard the Young Endeavour—covering over 900 nautical miles “across the top” of Northern Australia.
Sailing as part of the Young Endeavour’s final circumnavigation of Australia before the iconic vessel is decommissioned in 2026, Voyage 09/25 was no ordinary trip. Departing on May 26 and arriving in Darwin on June 7, this 13-day expedition unfolded not just as an adventure, but as a powerful rite of passage.
The voyage included 15 Youth Crew members—seven of whom were Navy Cadets—and 10 “Staffies,” experienced members of the Royal Australian Navy who guided, mentored, and challenged the crew throughout the journey.
Representing TS Carpentaria (Thursday Island) were CDTLS Kunio Sagigi, CDTLS Francis Billy-Whap, CDTAB William Solomon, and CDTSMN Thomas Barron. Joining them were CDTPO Christopher Hanslow and CDTSMN Caley Holt from TS Endeavour (Cairns), and CDTLS Kevin Varghese from TS Pioneer (Mackay). Accompanying the cadets was MIDN Kate Wilkes, staff member of TS Carpentaria and a teacher at Tagai State College.
From the very beginning—anchored between Goodes Island and Thursday Island—the voyage was steeped in significance. Departing during National Reconciliation Week, the journey invited reflection, learning, and connection to country. Cadet Leading Seaman Kunio Sagigi’s moving Acknowledgement of Country set the tone for deeper conversations on culture, history, and healing.
Over the following days, the cadets were tested by the sea—battling strong Gulf of Carpentaria winds, climbing towering masts, and pushing through seasickness to learn the ropes of tall ship sailing. With each challenge, resilience was forged.
By Day 5, the crew had crossed into calmer waters and anchored in Hopeful Bay, Cape Wessel, where the crisis phase of the journey gave way to confidence and connection. Days later, in South Goulburn Island, the cadets welcomed more than 40 local school children, Elders, and Mardbalk Rangers aboard for a ship tour and BBQ. The cultural exchange continued ashore, where the Youth Crew explored the local Arts Centre and Historic Church—deepening their understanding of Indigenous culture and community life.
One of the voyage highlights was Command Day, where the Youth Crew took full control of the Young Endeavour. From navigation and sail handling to leadership and teamwork, the cadets demonstrated their growth and cohesion as they successfully steered the ship toward Darwin, guided by their elected leaders.
By the time the Young Endeavour docked at HMAS Coonawarra, these young cadets were no longer novices. They were seafarers—more confident, connected, and capable than when they had set sail. As one journal entry reflected, “You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” These cadets not only adjusted; they thrived.
This unforgettable experience would not have been possible without the support of Tagai State College, which proudly allowed the four cadets from Thursday Island and MIDN Kate Wilkes to join the voyage. Deep appreciation also goes to the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) for offering this extraordinary opportunity to youth across the country.
If you’d like to follow the Young Endeavour’s final voyage around Australia—or apply to join a future voyage if you're aged between 16 and 23—visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au to track the journey, learn more, or set your own course for adventure, leadership, and discovery.
- Kate Wilkes, Vocational Education Teacher.
Ambassador Story
21 May 2025
Youth Crew Testimonial – Lucy (V05/25)
“I have not stopped raving about this experience; as a result, those whom I spoke to, as well as their family and friends, have now applied for a voyage. I sailed on the first voyage (Sydney to Brisbane leg) of the ship's last circumnavigation of Australia. The highlight? I have made friends for life! Even though our crew have only recently left the ship, we are already planning on meeting up again. I feel so proud to have completed a voyage on Young Endeavour. Because of this experience, I have gained a newfound confidence in myself. Since leaving the boat, I have used the teamwork skills and the communication skills that I learnt while on board and applied them throughout my work and in everyday activities.” – Lucy (V05/25)
