Leeuwin commemorates Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust 50th Anniversary with voyage sponsorship opportunity

The Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust was established in 1971 by the late Frank Ledger, a Perth-born engineer, industrialist, and philanthropist, who wanted to help the people of Western Australia with the potential to achieve success through education. This year marks the Trust’s 50th Anniversary, which is a remarkable achievement and one worth celebrating.

The charitable trust was established as a way for Sir Frank to support people needing a ‘leg up’ – including people developing the management and leadership skills needed in our society. He wanted to offer his leadership skills and talents to give back to the Perth community he cared so deeply for. Frank placed high importance on technology, education, and training opportunities and valued building connections through sport and associations in developing human potential and social capital.

Pictured: Kynan Spencer and Riley McDowell, recipients of the Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust sponsorship

With a shared passion for youth development, the Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust are a longstanding supporter of Leeuwin’s programs and recognises the lifechanging impact our voyages have on young people aged 14-25, providing key life skills that they will take into their studies, careers, and community.

The Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust Voyage Sponsorship awards up to $1500 of the voyage fare (voyages of 6+ days) with the balance payable by the voyage applicant. This sponsorship allows WA youth who may not be otherwise able to fund their full fare, access to Leeuwin’s powerful development programs. Since 2014, the Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust (SFLT) has sponsored 124 students across both regional and metropolitan WA to participate in a development program with Leeuwin Ocean Adventure, on board Australia’s largest sail training tall ship, STS Leeuwin II.

Pictured: Kurtis Tanner, recipient of the Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust sponsorship

The Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust has sponsored young men and women onto Youth Explorer Voyages, Ultimate Challenge Voyage (the only tall ship sail training adventure for people with disability), and Future Connect (a voyage program bringing together Western Australian Culturally and Linguistically Diverse youth to develop cultural awareness and competency to strengthen cross-cultural ties in our community).

Sir Frank believed that a key attribute for leaders is to “understand the needs of others”, which aligns with the foundation of Leeuwin’s youth development programs – to build self-confidence and teamwork skills that shape strong leadership. Through the Trust’s generous support, the legacy of Sir Frank Ledger lives on through the young men and women around the state who have the opportunity for personal growth, education, and training. The recipients of the scholarship to date have commented on their experiences, which highlight the symmetry of The Trust and Leeuwin Ocean Adventure’s values.

“The voyage has been amazing and I learnt many valuable life lessons like leadership, building my confidence and making new friends.” (Male, 16)

“This voyage has made me more comfortable talking to other people and working alongside them. Thank you again, you have changed my life and helped me.” (Male, 14)

“I’m happy to say that I’ll forever carry what I’ve learnt from this experience and that I’ll forever benefit from it in the future – both myself and those around me. Thank you so much.” (Female, 17)

Pictured: Riley McDowell, recipient of the Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust sponsorship

This scholarship, in addition to the many others that the Trust offer, continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young recipients embarking on their journey with Leeuwin Ocean Adventure. The Sir Frank Ledger Charitable Trust hopes that recipients will be inspired to give back to the community of Western Australia when the opportunity arises in the future.

To apply for the Sir Frank Ledge Charitable Trust sponsorship, visit www.sailleeuwin.com/support/sponsorships