Leeuwin II is thrown a lifeline

by BW Media on 6 Oct 2009 The West Australian State Government has provided a $500,000 financial lifeline to help keep the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation afloat.

The Foundation exists to keep the Leeuwin II operating as a sail training ship, offering adventure to a huge range of sail trainees over the years.

The ship is a three masted barquentine with over 810 square metres of sail and an overall length of 55 metres, its been used as a youth growth and learning platform for more than 19 years. Adults may also enjoy weekenders and longer environmental voyages of discovery.

The ship is owned and operated by the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation Ltd, a private not for profit organisation based in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron and Youth Minster Donna Faragher made the announcement of the financial solution in Fremantle yesterday

Mr Waldron said the money, to come from the Gaming Community Trust, would be administered by the Department for Communities Office for Youth on behalf of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.

Leeuwin or lioness in the Dutch language is the ship’s figurehead and reflects a strong link with Western Australia’s maritime heritage. The southwest corner of Australia (Cape Leeuwin) was named after the Dutch vessel Leeuwin that rounded the cape in 1622.

Participants in the Leeuwin's adventures are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of operating the ship. However, Leeuwin does have a policy of 'challenge by choice' - so climbing to the top of the main mast is optional, but only those who have been to the 'top' know the words written on the small plaque…

A consulting group funded by the Office for Youth and Lotterywest was appointed in August to undertake an independent review of the foundation’s viability and social benefits.

Mr Waldron said the Gaming Community Trust funds would be used to implement the recommendations of the report, primarily retiring the Leeuwin’s outstanding debts.

'The Gaming Community Trust is funded by unclaimed winnings from authorised gaming events,' he said.

Mrs Faragher said the two-decade old Leeuwin had been an institution that has provided thousands of young Western Australians with an opportunity to test and develop themselves in a unique environment.

'The Office for Youth will continue to work closely with the Leeuwin and will receive regular reports on the foundation’s progress in implementing the financial consultants recommendations,' Mrs Faragher said.

'Since its inception in 1986, more than 23,000 young people have participated in the program which gives them invaluable experience