African-Australian Leadership Challenge seeks Young Endeavour sailors

Gellibrand MP Tim Watts MP and Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe with young members of the African-Australian community.

A search is under way for two young people to join a 10-day voyage on the Young Endeavour tall ship as part of the African-Australian Leadership Challenge.

The challenge has been designed to identify and invest in emerging leaders from the African-Australian community in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Gellibrand MP Tim Watts said the search is on for a male and a female aged 16-23 to join him on the voyage later this year.

Mr Watts said the Young Endeavour is no stranger to Melbourne’s west, regularly docking at Seaworks in Williamstown.

“The Young Endeavour is a symbol of the potential of young Australians that is well known around the country,” he said.

“I’ve never sailed on a ship, so it will be as much of a challenge for me as the young leaders.”

The two young leaders will then join Mr Watts in Canberra to see Parliament and meet political leaders from all sides of politics.

John Kuot from South Sudanese Australian Youth United said the challenge will help open a gateway for people in Melbourne’s west.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, which is not often afforded to the many great young people within our African community.”

Applications close April 30, via www.timwatts.net.au or mail to Tim Watts MP, 97 Geelong Road, Footscray, 3011.