High seas beckon for budding adventurer

Masts, bows, and sterns are all unfamiliar terms to Mayfield’s Anna Gibson right now -- but they won’t be for long thanks to a City of Newcastle grant.

The 21-year-old University of Newcastle student, who will step aboard a ship for the first time to tackle the Young Endeavour Scheme this month, has been awarded a scholarship to represent the City on the 10-day sailing expedition from Sydney to Newcastle.

Anna Gibson receiving her scholarship certificate from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes

She’ll be joined by 26 other 16 to 23-year-olds who’ll literally be learning the ropes together.

“I’ve had a quite a few good friends go on the Young Endeavour who’ve said it’s changed their life,” Ms Gibson said.

“So, from hearing that, it’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do.”

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting a whole lot of new people from different walks of life. I think it’ll be interesting getting grouped together with other people and making friends, reading nautical charts and weather maps. I’ve never sailed before so it’ll be a big challenge.”

Ms Gibson was selected in a competitive expression of interest process in which she enthusiastically expressed her desire to really challenge herself.

When she noticed the City was offering supporting a young Novocastrian with a $4000 scholarship sea voyage, which tests the mental and physical stamina of all on board, she jumped at the chance.

She will depart Sydney aboard the STS Young Endeavour on Monday and arrive in Newcastle on Anzac Day.

The Young Endeavour Scheme, founded in 1988, is an internationally recognised youth development program. The British-built ship first sailed to Australia in 1986 with a crew of 12 young people as part of Australia’s Bicentenary.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s $4000 scholarship gives young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, have fun, and expand on their life experiences.

“This scholarship is aimed at providing a young Novocastrian with the opportunity to fulfil a fantastic experience and get out of their comfort zone with a group of other young, likeminded people, and develop personal and professional skills that enrich their education” the Lord Mayor said.

“I have no doubt that Anna will represent our City well and return with fantastic learnings and person development opportunities that I look forward to hearing about.”




Left: The STS Young Endeavour voyager