McGowan Government helps regional youth set sail

The McGowan Government has awarded a $140,000 grant to Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation to help build the resilience and skills of young people living in regional Western Australia.

The funding will enable regional youth to take part in a Leeuwin Youth Explorer Voyage – a weeklong adventure focusing on communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, planning, initiative, and reliability. The diverse elements of tall ship sailing give rise to skill development that is clearly transferrable into participants’ lives back on land.

Regional Development Minister Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC said, “this program offers young people living and working in the regions the chance to learn new skills that they can bring back to their workplaces and communities.

“Investing in and encouraging the development and training of our youth is vital to the future growth and sustainability of regional Western Australia.”

“Programs run by the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation provide young people with a unique experience and a sense of achievement when they reach the end of a voyage.”

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure CEO, Carol Shannon thanked the State Government for progressing this fantastic initiative.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, contributions through grants, donations and sponsorships have enabled us to continue to welcome young men and women on board for almost 34 years.

“This program will ensure that the unique experience of tall ship sailing and Leeuwin’s youth development programs is available and accessible to a large number of young people from the regions.”

To be eligible for nomination for a funded position, trainees must be currently employed by a Community Resource Centre or be a trainee selected by the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Goldfields-Esperance Development Commissions. Eligible organisations will be contacted directly by the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation in the near future.