Young Endeavour
Youth crew formally farewelled by Pat Comben and Margaret Powell His Excellency Major General Peter Arnison, AC, CVO, Governor of Queensland, on board to farewell the youth crew The Governor spent time chatting with youth crew members Young Endeavour coming into Gladstone Harbour on Thursday 1 August Family welcoming them home Tied up Sue Buzer, resident Flinders expert Last descent from the mast Time to say goodbye The whole team	In 1802 Matthew Flinders sailed in the Investigator along the Queensland coast as part of his circumnavigation of Australia. In 2002 Queensland youth shared in this experience in the tall ship Young Endeavour sailing from Brisbane to Gladstone. This special voyage of the Young Endeavour began on 22 July with unusual formalities at Dockside in Brisbane. His Excellency Major General Peter Arnison, AC, CVO, Governor of Queensland, came on board to farewell the youth crew. With him were members of the Flinders 2002 Queensland Committee, including the Chair, Mr Pat Comben, and Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Executive Director, Mrs Margaret Powell. Sponsors for this special voyage included: Queensland Dept of Premier and Cabinet through the Flinders 2002 Queensland Committee, Dalrymple and Paroo Shire Councils, Mackay City Council and the Environment Protection Agency. Dr Sue Buzer, a whirl of energy and information from Queensland University of Technology, kindly joined the voyage to provide a Flinders link for the youth crew as they sailed up the coast in the wake of Matthew Flinders 200 years ago. When the Young Endeavour arrived in Gladstone on 1 August we heard reports of never-to-be-forgotten experiences, friendships made, hard work, lack of sleep, seasickness and lots of fun. I'm sure they'll tell their friends and family of the challenge of 90 second showers and perhaps the Lady Nelson. Many had found a new commitment, fresh goals for their future. Some crew members headed off quickly with families who had travelled from as far away as Cunnamulla, Townsville, Millmerran and Caboolture while others had a few hours to wait for trains, planes and buses. Many took time out to visit Clinton State School and share their experiences with students there. These are the words of Sue Buzer near the end of the voyage: "We sailed into Gladstone this morning, and it is hard not to wonder what Flinders would have made of it all, 200 years along the track. He would recognise the distinctive landmark Mount Larcom, with its castle like rock formation on the summit, and Facing Island would still be recognisable, except for a few houses on the southern end. The sandbar at the entrance still causes sailors some concern, but the marked channels are probably the type of feature he dreamed of. "But as for the township itself, I wonder if Flinders ever imagined in his wildest dreams that an important industrial centre would be developed at this place. His log sometimes evaluates places in terms of their suitability as a base for the whaling industry that was developing in the early 19th century, so perhaps he did have visions about the coastline's longer term future. "History is a series of linked and interrelated events, and those events are made possible by characters with exceptional qualities, who are in turn supported and facilitated by those around them. Sailing in Flinders' path has brought history to life for us aboard Young Endeavour, giving us a far more intimate understanding of the day to day experiences of life aboard a tall sailing ship. Some parts of that experience remain as they were 200 years ago aboard the Investigator, a human legacy we need to cherish. "We are all looking forward to sharing this beautiful ship with the Gladstone people tomorrow, but our experiences, as with Flinders and his people, will remain within our memories. " Congratulations to all of you for such a successful voyage and your individual contributions to this. Youth Crew Kristy Baker, Edmonton Maria Barker, McDowall Daniel Bauer, Donnybrook Nicholas Brockhurst, Miles Marnie Crossman, Gracemere James Dwyer, Mackay Hew Elcock, Rochdale Garry Goodwill, Millmerran Vicki Hall, Cunnamulla Bronwyn Hickey, Black River Kylie Howe, Mt Isa Bob Hoyes, Upper Kedron Darren Hughes, Millmerran Matthew Jacob, Tinaroo Natalee Johannessen, Agnes Waters Sara Johnson, Brisbane Nicole Kingston, Auchenflower Shane Lacey, Millmerran Katie-Lee Laffin, Charters Towers Neil Shields, Gladstone Jonathon Regan, Camp Hill Kieran Smith, Tanawha Cassie White, Cunnamulla Caroline Widgell, Cunnamulla Youth crew handing in harness Captain awarding Matthew Jacob achiever of the voyage Captain Cowan's final words of wisdom
Last updated 20 October 2006. For more information email admin@rgsq.org.au   Return to home