Leeuwin launches Volunteer Intern Program

This March, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure launched the first Volunteer Internship Program with funding support through the State Government through the Department of Communities.

After a call for submission of applications, Leeuwin Chief Executive Officer Carol Shannon selected ten volunteers to enter the program, which will run from March 2018 – Feb 2019.

Nathan Xie (20, Maylands), Rykiel Gibb (17, Wagin), Francis Raven (23, Nollamarra), Descia Bailey (18, Serpentine), Ronan Maycock-Hansen (17, Roleystone), Jordie Martin (20, Duncraig), Natalie Wheble (17, Leeming), Austin Faulkner-Pearce (20, Porongurup), Hope Kleinfelder (20, Coolbinia) and Isabelle Lindsay (19, Waterford) were announced as the volunteer interns for 2018.

Leeuwin CEO Carol Shannon comments on how the program will run.

“The program was made available to individuals who have either already participated and successfully completed a Leeuwin voyage, or not sailed on the STS Leeuwin II before but who have an interest in developing their volunteering skills through a year-long committed program,” she said.

The program includes a series of programs and workshops including two week-long voyages, leadership and facilitation workshops as well as a presentation on the legal responsibilities and duty of care of being a volunteer.

“Leeuwin’s inaugural Volunteer Internship Program commenced in earnest last week. Ten young people, of whom seven have sailed on Leeuwin before, formally joined the program on 8th March,” said Carol.

“We’ll follow their progress through the year as they complete their voyage and module training and participate in other Leeuwin events and activities”.

The Leeuwin aims to enrich the lives of young people through adventure, participation and challenge onboard Western Australia’s very own tall ship, the STS Leeuwin II. Leeuwin Ocean Adventure is funded through a combination of grants, corporate sponsorships and donations by organisations and the general public.

It is an award winning provider of personal development and leadership programs that provide key life skills for young people aged 14-25 that they will take into their studies, careers and community.

Since 1986, the Leeuwin has provided exciting and life-changing programs to more than 40,000 young people across Australia.

Applications for our 2019 Volunteer Interns will open in February 2019.