Community effort sees Leeuwin lifted from water

In a true show of community spirit, 26 local businesses have come together to support Fremantle icon, STS Leeuwin II this winter.

Each year, this impressive tall ship – Australia’s largest sail training tall ship – docks during the winter months for a period of maintenance and repair. Every two years, the ship is pulled from the water completely, which is an incredibly resource-hungry exercise.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation relies on the support of community, industry and government partners to complete the required maintenance. This year, an impressive collective of 26 local businesses came together to support the refit. Robert O’Connell, Director of RMD Industrial Services and member of the Rockingham-Kwinana Chamber of Commerce explains his involvement.

“RMD Industrial Services has been proud to support Leeuwin for a number of years,” said Robert O’Connell, Director of RMD Industrial Services.

“Through our strong relationship with Leeuwin, we’ve been able to sponsor young people from our local area to embark on a voyage of a lifetime. The experience they have on board has made a big difference to them as individuals and has undoubtedly positively shaped their future.”

“Leeuwin gives a good grounding for young people, and we look forward to our partnership continuing.”

STS Leeuwin II was conceived by Western Australians, built with Western Australian expertise and has been maintained and improved through the commitment and support of Western Australians ever since.

Operations Manager at Leeuwin Ocean Adventure, Alf Green said this year’s refit was historic.

“The ship’s arrival at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in June was a significant milestone as it was the first time that the Sail Training Ship Leeuwin II, captained by 33-year-old Angela Lewis, was brought into the floating dock,” said Alf Green, Operations Manager.

“In fact, it was the first time any tall ship has docked at AMC. This was only possible with the support of the WA State Government, Development WA and the staff at AMC providing our crew with what they needed on the ground to get the job done.”

“Dozens of other sponsors have also contributed to the docking and maintenance that’s yet to come – donating labour, tools and equipment that are essential to our operations. It takes a community effort to maintain and restore this iconic Western Australian asset. To all our sponsors and partners – we thank you.”

A full list of Leeuwin’s refit sponsors for 2020 is included below. For more information on Leeuwin’s partners and sponsors, click here.

Leeuwin’s refit sponsors
• AMC Management – Henderson
• Boat Spray – Henderson
• Burwell Technologies – Henderson
• Chivers Marine – Bibra Lake
• Cullys – Henderson
• DBC Waste Management – Rockingham
• Endeavour Sailmaking and Rigging
• Franmarine – Henderson
• Fremantle Foundry – Henderson
• GBL Systems – Naval Base
• Global Hire Heavy Lifting Solutions – Henderson
• Hamilton Engineering – Henderson
• Henderson Hose & Fittings – Henderson
• International Paint – Henderson
• JP Corrosion Control – Naval Base
• Kennards Hire – Myaree
• Marine Technicians Australia – Henderson
• Mr Scaffold – Henderson
• North Port Marine Services – North Fremantle
• Rent A Fence – Perth
• RMD Industrial Services – Rockingham
• Robin Hicks Sailmaker – Maddington
• Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce
• Skippers Technology – Willetton
• Sunburnt Films – Duncraig
• Tutt Bryant Hire – Kwinana

Caption: STS Leeuwin II dry docked at the Australian Marine Complex.