THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Thursday, 10 December 2009
125/2009
YOUNG ENDEAVOUR COMPLETES AUSTRALIAN
CIRCUMNAVIGATION
Australia’s national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour arrived at Sydney today,
completing a six month circumnavigation of Australia.
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, congratulated the
Royal Australian Navy crew and the young Australians, who sailed the ship more than
6000 nautical miles along the Australian coast.
“A voyage on Young Endeavour is a wonderful experience for the young people on board
and a fantastic opportunity for personal development,” Minister Combet said.
“During the circumnavigation more than 300 young Australians have undertaken a
voyage on Young Endeavour. During this time they have developed their teamwork,
communication and leadership skills, and also imparted their new found knowledge to
almost 200 youth with disabilities.
“They have also explored remote areas along the coastline, and learned a great deal
about Australia’s maritime and cultural history.
“I congratulate them on their achievements, and thank the Royal Australian Navy crew for
their continued dedication to developing Australian youth”.
During the circumnavigation – the ship’s first since 2001 – the Young Endeavour visited
ports in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria
and New South Wales. The theme of the circumnavigation was Banyandah, which means
‘home on the water’.
The Young Endeavour undertook 14 voyages, hosted eight community day sails for
young people with disabilities, invited local communities to six open days around
Australia, and provided unique opportunities for youth in the north and west of Australia,
particularly regional and indigenous youth, to undertake a voyage.
Since 1988, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in partnership with the Royal
Australian Navy, has provided challenging training voyages for over 11,000 young
Australians in the tall ship Young Endeavour. Voyages are open to all Australians aged
16-23.
Media Note:
Imagery of the Young Endeavour is available at:
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
