Else aims high with Leeuwin

Elsemieke Marren (21) first joined a Leeuwin voyage in October 2016 and hasn’t looked back since! From trainee, to volunteer, to Woodside Cadet, Else found her passion with Leeuwin Ocean Adventure and is now pursuing a career in the maritime industry.

A former Bunbury Cathedral Grammar student, Else first joined a Youth Explorer Voyage thanks to a Bunbury Rotary Club sponsorship.

“I remember my first voyage – I was shy, quiet and immediately pushed out of my comfort zone. I didn’t know anyone on board, but was soon making new friends and, to my surprise, stepping into leadership roles,” said Else.

After completing Year 12, Else took a gap year and moved up to Perth. She reconnected with Leeuwin and began volunteering – first on day sails, and then on week-long voyages.

“I had never considered a maritime career previously, but when I started volunteering with Leeuwin, I could really see myself working in the industry.”

In 2018, Else was awarded a Woodside Cadetship. The sponsorship includes a unique combination of fully funded study, on-the-job training and opportunities for work-experience with maritime operators in Fremantle.

Following in her footsteps, Else’s family are also getting involved with Leeuwin.

“My Dad recently joined Leeuwin’s Board after seeing what a positive impact Leeuwin had on my life. My sister Anouk (19) sailed on her first Youth Explorer Voyage earlier this year and absolutely loved it, and my brother Timo (15) is looking to join his first week-long voyage later this year too!”