Council Offers the Voyage of a Lifetime to Young Lake Macquarie Resident
A once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the Young Endeavour waits for one ambitious Lake Macquarie resident, with expressions of interest for the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme now open.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is a dynamic and challenging development opportunity for young people aged 16-23 that uses real-world challenges to build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
In June 2023, a crew will set sail from Newcastle for 10 days and work alongside nine specially-trained Royal Australian Navy Staff Crew as they travel north to Brisbane.
At last month’s Ordinary Meeting, Council supported a Mayoral Minute requesting funding to support a young Lake Macquarie resident to participant in the scheme.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Council’s support of the scheme reflects the city’s sailing heritage.
“Sailing is a core part of the Lake Mac lifestyle – our city is home to Gold medal-winning sailors, thriving sailing clubs and families who love nothing more than to get out on the lake on the weekend,” Cr Fraser said.
“Research shows that the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has a long-lasting, positive impact on participants, building social capital in the community by increasing trust, cooperation and tolerance. Young people reap enormous benefit and, in turn, local communities benefit as participants recognise their potential to give back to society”
Lake Macquarie local Rhiannon Howarth set sail on the Young Endeavour when she was 20 years old, and today is a senior leader in the financial sector.
Fourteen years on from her voyage, she remembers it as a life-changing experience.
“It was truly one of the best experiences of my life and one that I reflect on often,” Ms Howarth said.
“It gave me the opportunity to challenge myself and appreciate how rewarding it is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, try new things, meet incredible, diverse people, and not let the fear of failure or the unknown hold you back.
“I returned from the voyage with a profound appreciation for how fortunate my circumstances were and with a real drive to push myself. Within six months of the experience, I was promoted to a Branch Manager – the youngest in the state at the time – and bought my first home.”
The Lake Macquarie Youth Council will assess expressions of interest and select the successful applicant.
Youth Council Chairperson Dylan Shoesmith said he and his fellow Youth Councillors were excited to offer such a unique and exciting opportunity to a young Lake Macquarie resident.
“Providing opportunities for young people to engage and contribute to the Lake Macquarie community is really what the Youth Council is all about,” Mr Shoesmith said.
“I’m confident the successful candidate will seize this opportunity and expand their horizons while onboard the Young Endeavour. I’m excited to see how they’ll bring their newfound skills back to Lake Mac and put them into action for the benefit of our community.”
Expressions of interest are now open at lakemac.com.au and will close on Sunday 11 December.
